Do you have a chair or just sit on your bed?

[One Awesome Inch]

For those that are in a van, and do not swivel your passenger chair, do you have a chair/recliner or do you just sit on your bed?

For the longest while I planned on adding a small recliner (actually a used car seat off CL). However, after more thought I think the recliner will be a pain in the butt in terms of being in the way, taking up room etc. Ideally, I would have much more room by just sitting on the bed and skipping the chair.

What's your preference?

Ps I cannot put my front passenger seat on a swivel because I have a partition wall dividing the living area from the driving area.

 

[akrvbob]

I just sit on my bed. I use pillows and a back-rest to build it up so I get enough support. It works very well.
Bob

 

[NWShortyFord]

Sit in bed...removed swivel chair to install stove. Sitting on my bed right now.

 

[SternWake]

My third captain's chair get lots of use. I have it swivel freely. I can turn my Bed into a couch or a chair, but my third chair is a task chair. I can do pretty much any task from this third seat, and the freely swiveling feature, is Key.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I have a chair at the dining area but rarely use it, it is fairly straight works for eating and typing and good for a guest to sit in but for lounging reading  I am either on the bed\couch with pillows or in the hamac. I would like a nice reclining chair but I am not sure I can fit one in. It would take a very special chair if I could find one.

 

[ganchan]

I have a chair at the dining area but rarely use it, it is fairly straight works for eating and typing and good for a guest to sit in but for lounging reading  I am either on the bed\couch with pillows or in the hamac. I would like a nice reclining chair but I am not sure I can fit one in. It would take a very special chair if I could find one.

I'm thinking about getting a twin-size cot and then topping it with this:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1...g-backmax-plus-enhanced-wedge-system-tan.html

Instant, convertible reclining chair!

Or if I can't afford this particular option, I'll just buy a cheap head wedge and leg wedge separately.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I'm thinking about getting a twin-size cot and then topping it with this:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1...g-backmax-plus-enhanced-wedge-system-tan.html

Instant, convertible reclining chair!

Or if I can't afford this particular option, I'll just buy a cheap head wedge and leg wedge separately.

nice, looks real comfy, the only issue, is what do you do with it when you want to go to bed or just sit up, the issue with anything you bring in a small space like a van, you have to have a place for it, when you are not using it, I use pillows that are stuffed with my bedding, clothes or sleeping pillows everything has a few uses. 

 

[ganchan]

nice, looks real comfy, the only issue, is what do you do with it when you want to go to bed or just sit up, the issue with anything you bring in a small space like a van, you have to have a place for it, when you are not using it, I use pillows that are stuffed with my bedding, clothes or sleeping pillows everything has a few uses. 

It might be "sleepable," in which case it could just stay on the bed all the time.

For sitting upright at a reasonably low height, the simple, multi-purpose solution would be your 5-gallon poop bucket. If more mobility is desired, then one of those rolling library stools. Lean your back against the wall of the van.

 

[Iggy]

I mostly lay on my bed when reading or watching a dvd. If I'm boondocking, I have a nice camp chair to use. It must be nice for those who have the space for a chair inside. My bed is too large to allow that. If I was willing to be a monk, I would have a smaller bed.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

It might be "sleepable," in which case it could just stay on the bed all the time.

For sitting upright at a reasonably low height, the simple, multi-purpose solution would be your 5-gallon poop bucket. If more mobility is desired, then one of those rolling library stools. Lean your back against the wall of the van.

I have been experimenting with this also. You will find that sitting upright in a standard van you lose headroom very fast. I think 14 inches is the max height the chair/bucket/stool/ottoman can be before my head almost touches the ceiling (I am 6ft tall) in my E150 cargo van.... and I am still going to lose another 3/4 of an inch once I put my insulation in the ceiling.

I have also been experimenting with an ottoman that I put some one inch wheels on. On my lino floor I find it doesnt roll as smoothly as I was hoping for. Its also not that easy to maneuver. I have also noticed that it also does make a noticeable low rumbling noise as I move around on the wheels. I may ditch it altogether in favor of a stationary low stool in front of my sink/stove.

 

[SoulRaven]

My camper van is my home when I'm living in it. Like any other home, I want a chair that I can be comfortable in all day long if I choose to be sitting in it.

Sure, I have reclining captains seats in front that swivel, but they do not provide the comfort I want for everyday use. Likewise, sitting on the sofa/bed is not comfortable for long term sitting.

So just like in a house, I want my favorite chair. In this van it is an old executive style high back desk chair that rocks, swivels, and reclines. In my chair, I also have a 12v cushion that heats, cools, and massages. Within easy reach I also keep a 12v electric blanket, and I also have several items that I can prop my feet up on if I choose to.

Anything I need is within reach of my chair, I can watch TV, be on my laptop, cook & eat dinner, do my dishes, you name it, all without leaving the comfort of my chair.

This van is a low top, so everything must be done while seated anyway, but this chair makes the difference between me living very comfortably in my van, or just living in my van.

I also have two other camper vans, both of which you can stand up in. Even in those, my separate easy chair is what makes them comfortable. I spend most of my time at home seated, not standing up. I think this is probably true of most people. Sure it's nice to be able to stand up while getting dressed, maybe taking a shower, or cooking, but after all is said and done most of our time inside our van is spent either sitting or sleeping. Considering that fact, the comfort of my bed and my chair are very important to me.

Something that another van dweller said to me many years ago still rings true for me. He said "If my van wasn't more comfortable than a house or apartment, I wouldn't be living in it." I agree! I live in my van because it's the most comfortable place I can be, and the fact that it's also mobile and saves me money, is just an added bonus.

 

[Reducto]

I have an Ikea desk chair that I modified to be lower than normal. I spend a lot of time at my computer and comfort was not something I was willing to give up! It's not fixed in place - it just slides under the bed when it's extended.

 

[ganchan]

In my case I'll be staying at campgrounds most of the time, so my fair-weather days will actually be spent outside the van in a tent. I just need to make sure I get a cabin tent with a 6-foot roof height so I can have my designated "tall time." 

Foul-weather days? I'll either spend the day lying in bed (which I'm all too happy to do) or I'll brave the elements by driving to the nearest town and inhabiting a nice warm coffee shop. No survivalist here....

 

[gypsychic]

No survivalist here....

At least you know yourself well enough and are comfortable with that knowledge to make good decisions for YOU. Group think can be alive even in niche areas/margins of society. I always admire those who know themselves well [emoji3]

 

[marigold]

I like to sit on the floor. Always a floor sitter, since a kid. Good for the hips! More potential for stretching, lying, lounging, sprawling!

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

Hey. Off Grid 24/7, any chance of seeing a pic of that chair ? Or maybe it's measurements ? Also, do you use it in a hi-top or normal van and how tall are you ?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm wondering if a LaZBoy would fit in a standard van and still be able to sit in it without hitting one's head.
KinA

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Found a comfortable lawn chair that will work inside or outside.  Folds flat and stores out of the way.

-- Spiff

 

[BigT]

I don't have room for an extra chair in my Transit Connect, so I just sit on the bed. I installed a table that folds out of the wall across from the bed, so it's actually a very good place to sit when I need to get things done. If i want to lay back i just pile up some pillows and my sleeping bag against the wall the of the van, directly across from the table.
I also have the option, though I don't use it much, to simply sit in one of the front seats (not Captains Chairs). Being a commercial driver, I'm quite used to sitting in the front seat for hours, so it doesn't seem unpleasant or uncomfortable at all.

 

[SoulRaven]

Just a bed for me. If I want a chair I sit in the (non-swiveling) driver's seat.

Chosen for the sake of simplicity and space.

The two captain's chairs are in storage because I don't trust myself not to change my mind. :shy:

 

[SoulRaven]

Hey. Off Grid 24/7, any chance of seeing a pic of that chair ? Or maybe it's measurements ? Also, do you use it in a hi-top or normal van and how tall are you ?
Sorry for  all the questions but I'm wondering if a LaZBoy would fit in  a standard van and still be able to sit in it without hitting one's head.
KinA

I don't have a picture of mine, but I found this picture online that is close to identical.



I use it in my low top, it -IS- height adjustable too, but I think I have it about the same height as if it was in a house.  Just so if I'm leaned forward, my feet are comfortably on the floor, and my lap is basically flat to double as a work surface. 

I have a TV tray that I use for my laptop, and a table, but I also have a lap desk that I use quite a bit for working on small things.

This chair has a spring tension adjustment underneath to vary how easily it will recline.  I keep it fairly loose, so it acts as both a rocker and recliner.  It will also easily stay in the fully reclined position, which I like for watching TV or just lounging.