Overnighting in your car [Photo Trips]

monkeyleader

monkeyleader

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Nigel
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Morning all,

Okay so this isn't exactly photographic equipment as such but still very much related to my photography ..

We have been considering getting a camper van, to not only allow us to explore more of the UK, but also to allow a few days away for me with the camera. Our plans are currently on hold for the next 6-8 months while we jiggle some bits around (sell a house / buy a house / free up some capital for a better equipped van and ongoing travel fund)

So in the meantime I'm now looking at something to allow me to still spend a few nights on the road, albeit in slightly more modest surroundings ... Would be something that would be used for up to 12 months so not looking to spend big.

We currently own a Grand Vitara, and while this has its plus points (just about big enough for me to bed down for the night, plenty of camera kit room, 4 wheel drive) .. it's a complete monster when it comes to petrol consumption....

So my question is ... does anyone on here use their car for overnighting (say 3-4 nights max) and have recommendations on car type, especially in relation to something that's better on the fuel. Any other tips / tricks for those who spend a bit of time on the road with their camera using their car to cut down on hotel costs ..

cheers,

Nigel
 
You can buy a very good 2 person tent for £150, by far the cheapest option?
 
The problem (or one of the problems) of sleeping in a car is condensation. Unless it has been modified to have lots of insulation it is going to get damp inside overnight, even on mild nights. However, if you want to give it a go, and you've said it is a temporary measure and if it is, initially, just for you, how about a small/mediumish van? It will probably be cheaper to buy, alternatively hire a van for a couple of nights to try it out as an option.

Dave
 
Just about to go and look at a Citroen Berlingo as a utility runabout. Not sure how long the rear bed is but will report back when I do! Not much more expensive than a posh tent.
 
I have slept overnight in my Nissan xtrail a few times ,its not the widest of vehicles but long enough to lie down and sleep with my
Lamina Z Flame Sleeping Bag season 4 ,i wouldnt consider anything under than season 4 even in summer ,the car as a rear 12v output ideal for a small kettle and other bits .
Its fine for a weekend but i wouldnt like to do a full week .
 
I've been considering doing something like this too, but I think a van would be a better option than a car.

However if its just a cheap stop-gap vehicle (6-8-12mths?) to save on fuel before you buy a proper camper then you would probably lose more buy selling the Vitara to buy another vehicle to sell then to eventually buy a camper if I understand your plans. In other words I'd stick with the Vitara until you buy the camper.

I found vandog travellers blog good source of info for the DIY van camper, infact downloaded his ebook for a tenner and if you are like-minded would probably agree it is a tenner well spent.

http://vandogtraveller.com/converting-my-van/
 
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Not sure there be any left around but the TV ads for the old Austin Maxi showed a couple bedding down for the night on a mattress in the back.

https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?img...rzQAhUfOsAKHQolCW4QMwguKBMwEw&iact=mrc&uact=8

You never know there might be one around still. [emoji5]

I had the same problem which my 9old Volvo 240 didn't solve. The best (till I got the motorhome) was a Renault Savanna 5 seater (not the 7 seater which had a different floor pap) 2.1TD. The front seat were like 'lazy boy' armchairs and tilted back were very easy to sleep on. (mine was an M plate but I kept it for a long time as it was so good).

I will watch this thread but with modern cars being packed with safety kit, internal space is a bit compromised. My son's Ford Kuga is wide and long but that's a no go for your needs.

Steve
 
I must admit i wouldn't want to kip in a car.
seen some good cheap van conversions that might meet your needs.
 
Didn't get the Berlingo but I reckon it would be just about big enough to kip in the back with the rear seats down. Not ideal though! Many years ago, myself and 2 friends spent a weekend (Donnington Monsters of Rock IIRC) in the back of a Renault 4 van - even in summer it was wet with condensation each morning. We have kipped in a Daewoo Matiz for one night when we couldn't find accommodation in Crete one year (arrived late after a delayed flight and couldn't find any open hotels.) More than a bit cramped with the seats leant back against a suitcase!
 
I think your biggest two problems are going to be condensation and comfort. Your car is going to be very damp in the mornings and need a good airing out each day, so after 4 days it's not going to be pleasant. I'd hate to sleep in a car for more than one night personally, I've only done it once in a friends Seat Ibiza but it was the worst nights sleep I've ever had.

You can get a decent sized van for quite cheap if you don't want anything flashy. I have a 1998 VW T4 which I've partially converted. No sink or cooker etc, but it's insulated and has a big L shaped bench seat in the back which becomes a full sized double bed by moving the cushions and some panels about. The seats/bed are made of really good dense foam and it's just as comfy as my bed at home. I bought it for general camping and "photography holidays" and I stayed in it on my own for 4 nights in North Wales last weekend. The bed was comfy as anything, but it got very damp at night, even with the windows cracked open slightly. After 4 days and nights it was pretty honking inside! I think a car is going to be ten times worse as it's not insulated and is almost all glass.
 
6,273,971 video's on van conversions on YouTube if you want to check out that option.
 
Buy a ex rail mess van. they have diesel night heating, hot water, microwaves and dining area. Just knock up a bed in the rear and job done. Usually loads on eBay.
 
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rjbell said:
Buy a ex rail mess van. they have diesel night heating, hot water, microwaves and dining area. Just knock up a bed in the rear and job done. Usually loads on eBay.
Click to expand...

yeah but it will go on strike any time it wants and down tools on demand and want more money.
 
Nod said:
Didn't get the Berlingo but I reckon it would be just about big enough to kip in the back with the rear seats down.
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I've got the C3 Picasso and with the rear seats folding level with the boot and the folding front passenger seat I reckon there'll be more than enough room to lie out full length for a kip.

Modern a/c might help with drying the car out again in the morning.
 
rjbell said:
Buy a ex rail mess van. they have diesel night heating, hot water, microwaves and dining area. Just knock up a bed in the rear and job done. Usually loads on eBay.
Click to expand...

Watch out in autumn with all those falling leaves

How about one of the smaller two seater/berth motorcaravans, they used to be called Romahomes. Not wildly expensive, reasonably economical and can be used as an everyday vehicle
 
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