Box-beds, AKA sleeping boxes

[hocho]

I want to bring up the topic of box-beds, or sleeping under a platform or INSIDE a box. Yes, it's a thing. Taken from the 1900's and before, when heating spaces could be difficult. (Kinda like living in vans).

I've been using a sleeping box arrangement for several years (mostly during camping). The coldest I've been in is 10-20degF. The other reason to sleep under the platform is to stay stealth in urban areas.
 

From the picture above, I sleep under that wooden platform. I put a mattress underneath. And then I drape blankets over the sides and the top. That insulates the sleeping box / box bed area.

This is an insulation alternative, since you can insulate the box bed and not your whole van.

The basic idea is quite old.

More pictures and notes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box-bed


Basic Idea

• Build a box. It can be 6-sided with doors, 5-sided with side opening. Mine above is just 1-sided: it's just a table I sleep under.
• Use blankets to insulate the top, sides, and bottom of the van.
• Leave an air hole. two 1x1" holes will create a cross draft. Remember, hot air rises. You don't need much to allow you to have enough oxygen.
• Your sleeping box is small, so easy to keep heated with just body heat. This saves a lot of money. A hot water bottle also works wonders.

NOTE: In very cold situations, water will freeze. I will put some water inside the sleeping box so I have some that is not frozen.
TIPS: In a pinch, I use cardboard for the side walls.
If the humidity builds up too much in the box, that means you don't have enough ventilation. So, put a larger gap.

You can see more of my build here:
https://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=141164

 

[skyl4rk]

Thanks for the links, very cool. I like this idea. I have been mainly focusing on making sleeping quilts that keep me warm in severe cold weather, but a box bed would temper the breathing air a bit. I also like the idea of a box bed warm enough to keep water and shoes from freezing. Keeping water warm enough not to freeze is a big deal while winter camping. Putting on icy shoes really sucks.

In tents and bivy bags, condensation can be a problem during cold weather, but you have dealt with condensation through ventilation and using breathable blankets.

I also like the stealth aspect of sleeping under a "blanket fort". I'm sure your blanket fort will protect you from grizzly bears and other monsters (with assistance from the steel body panels of the van).

How do you get in and out of the box bed?

 

[user 423]

IDK. It's a pretty good idea for staying warm but when I'm sleeping in my van and I'm parked in a populated area, I want to be able to peek out the windows to see what may be going on around me. Actually, I'd want that even if I was in a remote location. In cold weather a second sleeping bag and/or extra warm clothing works fine for me. YMMV

 

[bagabum]

I want to bring up the topic of box-beds,

hocho......I like the way you think. Very innovative approach. That makes a lot of sense. A well insulated box to stay warm in Vs trying to heat up everything. If you insulate that box concept really really  well, your 200-300 Btu (depending on weight) will go  ALONG way, kind of like extending a sleeping bag outwards without being so confined and  wrapped up in it. Good luck! Oh, there are probably a few people in Texas right now wishing they had something similar, it's a mess in Texas right now.

 

[hocho]

In tents and bivy bags, condensation can be a problem during cold weather, but you have dealt with condensation through ventilation and using breathable blankets.

How do you get in and out of the box bed?

I don't seal up the bed box tight, so that deals with the condensation in the box. A small usb fan connected to a usb battery power bank will also run all night.

I do soft side wall. So I just slide in and clip a curtain. It requires maneuverability. You gotta crawl.

 

[hocho]

IDK. It's a pretty good idea for staying warm but when I'm sleeping in my van and I'm parked in a populated area, I want to be able to peek out the windows to see what may be going on around me. Actually, I'd want that even if I was in a remote location. In cold weather a second sleeping bag and/or extra warm clothing works fine for me. YMMV

I agree. It adds complexity and whatever works is good.

I am able to peak out without being seen. For mine, I have lots of soft sides that are just blankets. So I can move the blanket and literally peak through a hole.

I dislike sleeping on top because it's very easy to be seen. So the box gives some extra stealth. Agree that YMMV. It's not for everyone.

 

[user 423]

I dislike sleeping on top because it's very easy to be seen. So the box gives some extra stealth.

Good point there.

 

[MrNoodly]

I'd want to insulate the floor really well if I was going to sleep on it. And since cold air settles in low areas, I'd want to raise the box a little. That would also make it easier getting in and out to pee several times a night. Ah, old man's urinary life.

 

[user 423]

I am able to peak out without being seen. For mine, I have lots of soft sides that are just blankets. So I can move the blanket and literally peak through a hole.

If you're on the floor and peeked out between the blankets, wouldn't you just see the lower insides of the van?

 

[hocho]

I'd want to insulate the floor really well if I was going to sleep on it. And since cold air settles in low areas, I'd want to raise the box a little. That would also make it easier getting in and out to pee several times a night. Ah, old man's urinary life.

Yeah... The box doesn't have to be on the floor. Maybe build it up 10 inches so that you can out storage under.

A big plus is that the space above is table space.

I haven't found a need to insulate under the bed because my mattress is thick enough to keep that warm. And the sleeping bag also give another layer of warmth.

 

[hocho]

If you're on the floor and peeked out between the blankets, wouldn't you just see the lower insides of the van?

I peek through the too of the blanket, which let's me see if someone is right outside the window. Like if LEO is shining a flashlight. If I want more view, you are right that I have to poke my head up, like a gopher. Above the window level. That would allow me a full view.

 

[BelgianPup]

Periscope built into the table??

 

[maki2]

tester beds also have a roof with curtains around the sides but they are raised up off the floor. Of course the old box beds from Europe are also raised up off the floor, sometimes they were pieces of moveable furniture, other times they were built into the house against the walls. But none of those beds ever had the mattress down at floor level as not only is it too cold but it is also difficult to get in and out.

However it is a tradition in Japan to sleep on the floor on mats but I have not heard of them being built into a box. Of course that does not mean that it has never been done, it just means I have not seen any illustrations of it.

 

[crofter]

Periscope built into the table??

Then there would be 2 dwellers on here with a periscope. 

I can see the stealth advantages, and the claustrophobia disadvantages.

I just use expedition quality winter gear to keep from freezing. My mummy bag is my warm spot and if it is that bad I top it all off with a reflective survival blanket. Wear a hat and booties. I rarely run heat at night. Windows are blacked out with reflective shades that keep heat in, and provide privacy.

There was a great urban stealth dweller vid where the guy used hand warmers to keep the temperature up in his sleeping area, I think he used three.  Have not tried it.
-crofter

 

[wayne49]

Bivvy bags also come in breathable, reflective lined configurations. Add a silk inner liner for another five degrees. Both roll up into small bags when not in use.

 

[crofter]

My bivy bag made a big difference in warmth.
-crofter

 

[Uncle Todo]

Hey... I've seen that van!
I'm over on A/S too, I have a 97 Astro.

 

[Ramblin McPete]

Check out Fashy hot water bottles. These are super nice, have a comfy cloth cover and will stay warm all night long if kept under the covers. Just get a couple of them, fill with about 150 f water and you are good to go.

 

[hocho]

Hey... I've seen that van!
I'm over on A/S too, I have a 97 Astro.

Warms my heart to meet a fellow A/S driver. I'm in AZ right now, but will be all over this year.

 

[JasonMcD]

I like the idea for sure. A space within a space is definitely easier to maintain warmer temperatures.

I think i might use the same idea and perhaps try to design a canopy bed of sorts.