Sleeping in ma car

naturals

Hi guys - I'm planning a trip out to the alps next year and plan on using my car to sleep in to save on dosh.

Before you say it - I know it'll be bloody cold but that really doesn't bother me one little bit.

What I am worried about is condensation freezing to the inside of the windows and being unable to drive anywhere for hours in the morning. Anyone know if there is an in-car heater available to stop this happening or any ways of reducing the amount of condensation?

hammy_the_hammer

how about it being unsafe

tomstickland

Unsafe? Why?
The alps are not cold in the summer.
Even if it was, use a thick sleeping bag.

Personally I'd prefer to sleep outside the car in a bivvy bag.

Even if you have a lot of condensation it will clear in a few minutes with car heaters blowing.

naturals

I'm 6ft3, fairly well built (male) and pretty healthy so I'm not too worried about the safety side of things to be honest!

It would be in the depths of winter though - hence my worries about the inside of the car icing up.

richardw

Have you done a search to see if it is legal in the countries you want to do it in? Also check the medical section of your travel insurance to see if you are covered and get a EHIC if you don't already have one.

albalad

would a tent not be preferable ? more space , more comfort(airbed) and you don't need to worry about the windows or yourself freezing - oh and tents are not very expensive

ariba10

I suggest you have a trial run in this country first if only to see how uncomfortable it can be. ( If you can find somewhere apart from your home patch)

naturals

I've already slept in the car a few times over here but it's just not cold enough at the minute to have a trial run that'll be anything like it will be over there.

On the legality - I know plenty of places that are used by camper vans so was planning on using one of those so that there is a loo / shower / etc on site.

With regard to sleeping in a tent - I figure being in the car will keep me off the ground so it'll be far warmer. I have a large estate so there is no issue with having an airbed in the back so that I can stretch out.

John_3:16

Just done it twice but here goes.

Thoughts about windows Cling film or some type of covering. Even some type of foil blanket? like the campers use.
Very good sleeping bag.
A good flask of warm liquid small gas stove.

Possible some form of hand warmer the ones you snap the metal tag to make the liquid warm and are reusable.

An extra blanket. Plenty of chocolate for energy something to wee in you don't want to get out in the middle of the night.
How about making some form of tent that will fit in the car? Possibe clip to the roof or trap in the windows?That may help keep the condensation inside better

What type of car are you talking about?
Also you can get car heaters running of the lighter socket. Make sure you start the engine first.

You may have a car with air con but don't think it will work to dry the air below freezing. However it will help to stop misting if it does work

steveo3002

in answer to your question ...yes theres 12v heater fans that plug into the cig lighter socket

im sure it would run the battery down fairly quick without the engine on

try ebay or the car accessory stores...theyre not expensive

if it were me i would take a few microfibe cloths and run the engine while your getting ready to leave and then wipe off any condensation , then leave the windows open a cracak while your driving around

naturals

Thanks for all the feedback guys. The car is a Mondeo Estate so pretty spacious. Might just find a youth hostel instead though. I'll see how adventurous I'm feeling...