Vehicle choice help

[Joshuak172]

Hey folks, I am new here but have kind of a unique situation and was hoping you guys could help me out. So, here is my situation:  my wife, kids and I live about 50 miles from a heavily congested urban area. I work in said urban area and some crazy hours at that (think 12-24 hour shifts. I have been sleeping in my car at night but it’s super small and uncomfortable for anything more than a night or two. I have been in looking into different vehicles to stay in for 3-4 nights per week. It has to be something that won’t stick out too much in the urban setting although where I am parking is pretty secure. Initially I was thinking about a truck and a cap As the solution because I could really use the truck on the weekends but im not so sure climbing in and out if the bed would be that incognito. I also considered a sprinter van which would be great for the room but think it would stick out quite a bit. Then I thought something like a Subaru Outback but thought that would be too small. How about a Chevy Tahoe? Seems like it would be big enough to sleep comfortably but won’t stick out too much. I would really appreciate your help.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

There are people living out of and sleeping in their Prius, Subaru Foresters and Honda Elements. There was a guy on this forum who setup sleeping in a Dodge Challenger in the rear and trunk which  was pretty amazing.

So why buy your solution? Adapt what you have.
Imho, if you search online and YouTube, you can find many ideas to setup sleeping in whatever your rig is.
And make it more comfortable. They have air mattresses for rear sedans, seat removal with homemade plywood platforms and foams, etc...

But if you need to justify buying something,
Any station wagon, minivan, van, pickup, etc...
Find what works for you.

 

[SoulRaven]

Have you watched Bob's youtube videos? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAj7O3LCDbkIR54hAn6Zz7A I would think that would be your best bet in viewing what different people are using and how they set them up.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Given your situation and preferences, you might look at 'cowboy' sleepers for pickup trucks. Also sometimes referred to as DOT sleepers. 

They can be accessed by crawling up and over the seatback (or between the seats) and you will still have some portion of the pickup cargo bed for stuff on the weekends.

If you are a large and/or heavy individual this might not work for you.



https://www.google.com/search?q=pic...8a3ZAhVq7oMKHZAxDa4Q_AUICygC&biw=1398&bih=692

 

[Annie W]

you might look at 'cowboy' sleepers for pickup trucks. Also sometimes referred to as DOT sleepers. 

They can be accessed by crawling up and over the seatback (or between the seats) and
you will still have some portion of the pickup cargo bed for stuff on the weekends.
https://www.google.com/search?q=pic...8a3ZAhVq7oMKHZAxDa4Q_AUICygC&biw=1398&bih=692

Another issue solved. Thank you for this suggestion, tx2sturgis

 

[RepublicOfTXPatriot]

Another issue solved. Thank you for this suggestion, tx2sturgis

Yes..Good idea. I used to have one. At 5ft 7 in tall and 140#'s it was pretty easy for me. On this idea I would also like to mention there used to be some hotshot rigs that had sleepers like they big 18 wheelers but in a miniature size. Of course I'm guessing that would take some fabrication of the truck to install.  If he goes with the sleeper/cowboy camper then I suggest a full rubber weather stripping boot from a camper top place. Stay away from the inflatable cab to camper tube. These will rub the paint off both the cab of the truck and the camper.

 

[user 423]

A minivan. There everywhere so lots to choose from.

A good compromise for MPG, adequate sleeping room and blending in.

Check for nearby 24hr. fitness centers. Good for showers or even overnighting. And if the job isn't physical, to burn off some energy and/or frustration.

 

[Joshuak172]

Thanks for all the good responses. Unfortunately I just don’t think my current vehicle is a good long term solution, it’s just too small and I’m 6’ 200 lbs. 

I like best the idea of the truck cap and if I remove the rear windows and put in one of those rubber gaskets between the cab and camper. Then if I am worried about who is around and watching I can just climb through the cab into the camper. 

Does anyone know how hard it is to remove the rear window in a modern truck and will this be a pretty much permanent thing?

Thanks again.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Does anyone know how hard it is to remove the rear window in a modern truck and will this be a pretty much permanent thing?

You can peel or cut out the rubber seal (some of them have a bead or clips or screws that make it easier) and save the glass, but quite often the seal will need to be replaced with a new one if you wish to re-install the window.

 

[Riverman]

A white van... although everyone can see it, every contractor and any business that delivers anything owns one in my state.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[M2Travels]

I used to have a Toyota Sienna Van that I used for art shows. I did take all the back seats out. the van drove great, had wonderful gas mileage, did not stick out at all and became my camper for short trips when I was not doing shows. I once spent a month in Yellowstone in it and loved every minute and still miss that van! Oh, I put a cot in the back with a foam pad and sleeping bag on it and placed plastic bins under the cot for storage.

 

[John61CT]

Yes minivan much stealthier and better mpg, if you're willing to give up some space.

 

[JD GUMBEE]

https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=2028761

Why not keep the one you have and get a small Harbor Freight trailer for 300-ish dollars?
(People often just put a mini-truck cap on them, bolt it down and use that.)

If you have a gym membership or park @ your place of work, the trailer is a non-issue.
It also has the benefit of being disconnected unless you need it...and transferring to the next vehicle.



Sure cheaper than buying another car/truck.

This one is a bit tall, but it basically shows you what I mean. Pretty tough to beat for versatility and could be pulled with a Focus or Corolla sized car.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/38/a0/46/38a0465cf1c39f81c67a7f12a2c1fbed.jpg

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

^That thing will stick out like a sore thumb. And he wanted to not be seen going from vehicle to the sleeping portion

 

[John61CT]

Yes IMO for urban / stealth scenarios, trailers really don't work.

 

[wagoneer]

They don't call me the wagoneer for nothing, i have always bought station wagons since 1966 and for sure ones long enough to sleep in Current is a 2005 Jetts TDI with factory dark tinted windows. Some of you younger people may not know what a station wagon is look it up on WIKI, Volvo makes a great example
and can be had cheap

 

[Ambrit]

I'm going to be converting my grey kia minivan to camp out of soon. Saw a great video on bob's videos that turned a Kia Minivan into a very comfortable travelling home. My van blends in anywhere. There is plenty of room for 1 person. Put a cot in there and a small chair, black out the windows, dark in color, it will be ignored in all parking lots. It's perfect for your needs. Minivans can be cheap to pick up too.