Camper Van Sleeping: Safe Or Risky?

Camper vans are a popular choice for travellers looking for a cost-effective way to explore new places. They offer both a means of transportation and a place to sleep. When travelling long distances, it's only natural to wonder if one person can drive while the other sleeps. However, in most places, passengers are not allowed to sleep in a moving camper van due to strict seat belt laws. These laws are in place to ensure the safety of both the driver and passengers in the event of a vehicular accident. While it may be tempting to keep driving while your travel companions sleep, it's important to prioritise safety and find a suitable parking spot to get some rest.

Seat belt laws

While sleeping in a camper van while driving is not recommended, it is not explicitly prohibited in some places. However, it is important to note that laws regarding this vary depending on the location. For instance, in the United States, each state has its own set of RV seat belt laws, and you must comply with the regulations of the state you are in, even if your RV is registered in a different state.

United States

In the US, only one state, New Hampshire, does not require adults over 18 to wear a seat belt. All other states mandate that adults in the front seats of vehicles, including RVs, wear seat belts. Many states also require adults and children in the back seats to buckle up. Therefore, if you are travelling in an RV across multiple states, it is crucial to check and follow the specific laws of each state you pass through.

Canada

In Canada, seat belts are required in Class A-Class C motorhomes across all ten provinces.

Staying in the back of a camper van while driving

If you're planning a road trip in a camper van, it's important to know the laws and safety guidelines around driving and sleeping arrangements. While camper vans offer a cost-effective way to travel and sleep on the road, there are some strict rules you need to follow.

Firstly, it is illegal to stay in the back of a moving camper van. This means that only the driver and front-seat passenger are allowed to be inside the vehicle while it is in motion. The law requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts, and in some states, this extends to adult passengers in the rear seats as well. While seat belt laws may vary across different states, it is always safest to ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are securely buckled up.

Camper vans, motorhomes, trailers, and recreational vehicles are not considered safe for passengers to occupy while in transit if they are not equipped with seating meant to be used while the vehicle is moving. This means that the back of these vehicles, where there are typically no seat belts, is off-limits during travel. Modified camper vans that have had their passenger seats removed are not permitted to carry passengers in the back at all.

The only exception to this rule is Class A, B, and C motorhomes, which are designed with seat belts in the back to withstand motor vehicle accidents. Camper vans fall under the Class B category, and while they offer sleeping accommodations, passengers cannot utilise them while the vehicle is in motion.

So, if you're thinking of taking turns driving and sleeping during a long-distance trip, it's important to plan ahead and find suitable overnight parking locations for your camper van. There are several options for safe and legal places to park your camper van, including RV campgrounds, Walmart car parks, truck stops, state and national parks, and casinos. Each of these locations offers varying levels of convenience and amenities, such as security, water and electricity hookups, bathrooms, and shower facilities.

In summary, while the flexibility of a camper van allows for both transportation and sleeping accommodations, staying in the back while driving is prohibited by law. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, be sure to plan your driving and sleeping arrangements in advance and take advantage of the designated parking locations available.

Where to park for a good night's sleep

While campervan living has become a popular choice in recent years, the laws surrounding where you can park up for the night are not always clear. In the UK, for example, it is illegal to camp on land in England and Wales, as most of the land is private property. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you cannot camp without the landowner's permission.

So, where can you park your campervan for a good night's sleep? Here are some suggestions:

• Truck stops: These are designed for large vehicles to stop and park overnight and usually have basic amenities like food and showers.
• Casinos: Many casinos allow free overnight parking, although some may charge a small fee for large events.
• Retail store parking lots: Stores like Walmart and Cracker Barrel are known for allowing motorhomes and RV travellers to park overnight. It is important to be courteous and park away from prime spots, and to be mindful of security and theft.
• Schools: Some schools may allow parking in their lots for a short period, especially outside of school hours. It is always good to check with administrators first.
• RV campgrounds: These are a common choice due to their convenience, security, and hookups, like water, electricity, and wifi.
• National and state parks: These can be great options for scenic views and nature-filled camping experiences. However, reservations are often required, and spots tend to fill up early, especially during warmer months.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas: BLM land offers dispersed camping, which means you can camp outside of designated campgrounds for free.
• Church parking lots: It is advisable to call ahead and ask for permission before parking overnight in a church lot.
• Apartment complexes: If an apartment complex does not require parking passes, it can be a good spot to blend in and go unnoticed.
• City parks, county parks, and wildlife management areas (WMA): These areas typically allow free parking, and remote locations may increase your chances of getting in for free.

When choosing a spot to park your campervan for the night, it is essential to consider safety, legality, and basic amenities. It is also a good idea to research local laws and regulations, as these can vary from place to place.

Making your bed

Platform Beds

Platform beds are a standard bed design that stays in a fixed position. This type of bed is always ready to use, with no assembly required. It provides ample storage space underneath, known as the "garage," where you can store items such as bikes, clothes, water containers, camping gear, or other equipment. However, platform beds may not leave much room for seating. When designing a platform bed, consider the following:

• Bed height: Strike a balance between bed height and comfort. A higher bed provides more storage space, but ensure it doesn't compromise headspace.
• Storage solutions: Utilize sliding drawers, storage cubes, or bins to maximize under-bed storage and make accessing items easier.
• Mattress type: Choose a mattress based on comfort and available space. Memory foam mattresses are popular as they are slim, breathable, and easy to cut to fit the bed frame.

Convertible Beds

Convertible beds, on the other hand, fold up or transform to create additional space for dinettes, sofas, or adventure equipment. They are convenient if you need a workspace or plan to host more than two people in your campervan. However, they require assembly each time you want to use them, which can be inconvenient, especially if you and your partner have different sleeping schedules. Here are some common types of convertible beds:

• Table bed: A table that can be lowered and converted into a spacious bed. It combines sleeping and seating in one unit but requires daily conversion.
• Folding campervan bed: A bench or sofa that folds out into a flat sleeping surface, providing both seating and sleeping space.
• Pull-out campervan bed: Also known as a Murphy bed, it is stored upright against the wall when not in use, saving space during the day.
• Rock and roll bed: A versatile seating and sleeping solution that serves as a bench seat during the day and a comfortable bed at night, making it ideal for maximizing space in smaller vans.
• Sliding campervan bed: A space-efficient design where the bed can be pushed against the back wall during travel and then slid out when parked, creating a flexible sleeping area.
• Bunk beds: A space-saving solution for families or groups, allowing multiple sleeping spots without compromising living space.
• Hammock bed: A simple, weight- and space-efficient option that is relatively easy to install.

Bed Frame Materials

When building a bed frame, consider using wood, aluminium, or steel. Each material has its advantages and trade-offs in terms of weight, strength, ease of installation, and cost.

• Wood is popular for DIY bed frames due to its accessibility, affordability, and ease of working with. However, it is heavier and more susceptible to moisture damage.
• Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable. It is a good choice for saving weight but requires specialized tools for cutting and welding.
• Steel is the strongest material, making it ideal for load-bearing capacity. However, it is heavy and prone to rust unless properly treated.

Additional Considerations

• Insulation and cladding: Account for the depth of insulation and cladding on the van walls, as they will reduce the dimensions of the bed.
• Sleeping direction: Choose whether to sleep length-ways or side-ways based on your height. If you are taller than 5'9", sleeping length-ways is usually more comfortable.
• Cut-outs or flares: To create more lateral volume and wiggle room, you can either reduce insulation at the head and toes of the bed (cut-outs) or install protruding panels (flares) on the van.

Safety tips for sleeping in a camper van

While sleeping in a camper van, it is illegal and unsafe to have the engine running. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when sleeping in a camper van:

• Regularly service your camper van: Ensure that your camper van is safe to travel and sleep in by staying on top of its regular maintenance.
• Store valuables safely: Keep your valuables stored away safely and lock your gear away so that you trust it will still be there in the morning.
• Avoid poorly lit, remote areas: When deciding where to park for the night, avoid poorly lit, remote areas. Take advantage of designated camping spots, which are generally very safe.
• Face the exit when parking: Park your camper van so that it is facing the exit. This way, if you feel unsafe and want to leave during the night, you can easily drive out without worrying about reversing or manoeuvring in the dark.
• Stay in holiday parks: Holiday parks usually have good security measures in place with cameras and staff on-site. They also offer low prices and good facilities.
• Maintain a comfortable temperature: Keep your camper van at a comfortable temperature. Being too hot or too cold can ruin your sleep.
• Keep your windows slightly open: Open your windows just wide enough to allow ventilation and prevent them from fogging up. However, ensure that they are not open enough for an animal or person to get in.
• Use a comfortable bed: Choose a sleeping bag system that fits the conditions and offers maximum comfort. Ensure that it is easy to stow away during the day.
• Choose the right location: In the UK, you cannot camp on land in England and Wales as it is mostly private. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you cannot camp without the landowner's permission.

Frequently asked questions