Hammock use/install

[desert_sailing]

Curious if anyone is using or has used a hammock in a van.

Most of the ones I've looked at want essentially 10 feet to string it up...I can get about 9 feet down the middle.

Would be great if I could also use it also as a chair of sorts with a much smaller span.

I've only ever lounged in one and not sure how to Jimmy rig one so it functions properly.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[B and C]

Put a piece of PVC over each of the end ropes and tie a knot. Open back drivers side door and put PVC on top and outside door, shut door. Open front passenger door and do the same. This is how I have heard it described here.

 

[desert_sailing]

Thanks B!
That's a good idea. I spent quite a while today researching...but not fully understanding/finding info on how long a hammock is needed and what height to set the hooks.

I think I have some good spots to anchor inside ..maybe eye hooks?
I have basically 9 feet in the back..and while I see many folks going at the diagonal I do have the ability to place the hooks front to back down my "hallway"..

So I'm not sure which is better.. length or height yet...but saw lots of videos of people singing the praises of hammocks.

I'm also wondering about my cabinets being in the way.... A breezy night and I'll come out blue and bruised.

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

Hammocks are pretty nice. Easy to setup and store when you need interior space for other things. But unfortunately they require some distance. I needed at least 11' to setup my hammock. Maybe they make smaller hammocks? Not sure, I used generic Eno type backpacking hammock.

 

[desert_sailing]

What I've been able to figure on the technicals has been.. hammock should be at least 2feet longer than the users height and should be hung at half that height.... I haven't seen or haven't understood... What length is needed.

I'm 6'1... So about an 8 foot long hammock and strung up at 4 ft... I read the ideal is a 30degree swag...
Anyone know the formula on that to get the length to string?

PoG do you use your hammock on the regular? Everything I've read speaks about the comfort level and various benefits when used properly... curious about your experience.

 

[desert_sailing]

Ok... Found. A calculator.

https://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/

Yaaa... I've got plenty of space!

 

[shadowmoss]

Don't hang higher than you are willing to fall. You will fall at some point.

 

[Lefty]

That also applies to life in general. 

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

Hmmm, well I've only rested in the van with the hammock. My only experience sleeping in a hammock is really tree camping, which I do frequently. If you have the sag and angles right, I find it as good or better than a regular bed. There are some cons though. It wraps you up tight, which I actually like, but, getting into it properly and settling in can be a time consuming. And it sucks to get out of it to go pee. Now we're not talking just jumping in and hanging out in it. We're talking pillows, blankets, all that jazz. Sleeping in a hammock is a comfortable labor of love.

 

[Sofisintown]

Since I like to sleep face down and shifting and turning a lot, a hammock probably wouldn't work for me.
Maybe take notice of how you sleep, and try it before you commit to a hammock as your only resting option.
Just my 2 c.

 

[desert_sailing]

So I went and did it!. Picked up the ENO doublenest. Local store had one for 10 bux less than website. Was hoping to get a bit of consult with store salesperson...but nobody had any input....can't even begin to understand having a job and sucking at it... but I digress...

Super excited to see how it goes. Getting late so I'll see about stringing it up tomorrow and give it nap tests!...
I have not yet done cabinets and such so this will be a good test and help with the rest of layout...maybe I will need a bed... Just hate to devote space to one.

My extended GMC fit a 6 foot bed no problem....but was only standard height....now I have this high top... But hardly any space for a long enough bed.
My budget is currently "either/or"....maybe one day I'll be fortunate to have the whole enchilada!

Kinda disappointed that the hammock doesn't come with instructions. Not sure how they get away with that and shampoo needs...but digressing again.

I went to the website.. it mentions something about a suspension kit..lol the tags say nothing about that and I'll be super annoyed if I have to go back for things. I did buy some eye hook kit thing that was next to the hammocks. I hope that's what passes for suspension kit?

Once I go live y'all can make bets for when I'll fall out....lol

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

Suspension kits, they may be talking about the straps that go from hammock to anchor. They sell adjustable ones, but you might not need any because you don't have the distance. Might have to mount the hammock right to the anchors.

 

[desert_sailing]

That's exactly what I had/have to do PoG. The very first part of the suspension strap. I hope that is fine. A bit more adjustment I need to make and of course understand how to position myself properly.
This double nest is huge and I can't imagine  falling out of it.. I think the single would have been plenty fine.
The first creaking noise from the mounts and that parachute fabric nose had me reaching for a wall and one hand towards the floor...lol but starting to feel more comfortable in it.

76 degrees and a light breeze and resting my eyes hasn't been so enjoyable. I may try to sleep in it tonight.

I'm kind of eager to see how the diesel heater vent will feel with all that great hot air rising up from under.

Hope none of ya took bets on when I'd fall out..lol I don't think it's going to happen.. I'm far more likely to get wrapped up and stuck hanging there.

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

Nice, perfect fit!

 

[Sofisintown]

Hope none of ya took bets on when I'd fall out..lol I

You look chill swinging up there
I hope you never fall down or get tied in.

 

[desert_sailing]

Well my first attempt to sleep in it was maybe a 2 out of 10.

It definitely needs some kind of adjustment and making those at midnight with a phone flash light is essentially impossible.

I plugged in an electric portable heater in case it got cold... Ohh I did enjoy the bun warmer effect. The warm area rising up from under was great!
I've got to find smaller and more light weight bedding. I grabbed the comforter off my cali king bed and was fighting it all night. Some kind of velcro pillow would be great so it doesn't slide down to my back.

I spent most of the time squirming around and finally at 530an after 6 hours of barely dozing I retreated into the house and collapsed onto my real bed.

Hoping to have better luck tonight.

 

[Low277]

I have a double nest hammock and have used it in a 6 x 12 cargo trailer. I mounted a piece of unistrut vertically, one near the back doors and the curb side and one about 11ft forward of the back doors on the street side. I then used a 3/8 eye bolt and twirl nut on each mounting point to hang a piece of chain maybe 16 inched long. This gave me the option of raising or lowering the mounting height as well as adjusting how tight it was strung. Seemed to work well as far as easy adjustment.

Things I figured out quickly......

They sleep cool - you will soon understand what the purpose of a under quilt is.

Make sure your mounting points are very secure!! - 3rd night of a week long trip one mount pulled out in the middle of the night! The banging and crashing woke a few neighbor campers.

I was nervous about sleeping in a more fixed position, as I normally switch sides a few times during the night. You get used to it quickly, and with some practice can sleep on your side.

The bathroom in the middle of the night is always a inconvenience.

Best of luck, it gets easier.

 

[CoyoteG]

Ok... Found. A calculator.

https://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/

Yaaa... I've got plenty of space!

That’s the one I use too.

 

[CoyoteG]

Hammock sleeping is a slight learning curve. It’s all I’ve slept in for a few years now and I hope not to go back to a bed. My ultimate goal is to have a cargo van and string up a hammock system in the back and be able to take it down with the snap of a carabiner. I have a small car now, so it’s outside. I have had a bed in a van and I had wished that I had something that weighed less and was smaller. A property hung hammock with the right gear, I have found the very best sleep.

 

[Sasnak]

I splurged and bought a hammock stand that goes into your hitch. Yes it’s pricey and someone can make it cheaper. Saying that I really like it and use it often. I added a front hitch to my van for it.




https://hammockgear.com/mclean-meta...iz_FuFqLDdKXKQOUaP8Huhfx_-jfK69gaAq0sEALw_wcB