What is the Safest Way to Sleep on a Moving Vehicle ? ( for say overnight driving)

[Betik]

When I was a kid I was fascinated by sleeping trains and I am thinking of a way make that a reality on my vehicle. We often travel 13 hour trips and it will be great for the kids to actually get a good night sleep while I am driving.

The best solution I now off is Kia Carnival with a reclining captain chair, but the recline is not flat enough. Does anyone have any other ideas ?

 

[deubank1776]

I would not recommend sleeping in a horizontal position while a vehicle is underway. The safest way to sleep is in a seated upright position with the proper safety restrains. I would not want to endanger my self or any passenger's life in the event of an accident.
That being said you are not me. So if I were to do something like this, this is how I would.

1) There are inflatable mattresses that fit perfectly in the back seat that include support near the floor.

2) There are also inflatable mattresses that fit in the back of a minivan that still allow for some luggage space.

3) New F-150 and possibly other models have a fully recline able seat that turns into a makeshift bed. (High-End Models I Believe)

If you feel risky the whole family can sleep! Get a Tesla..... Don't do that, please for the love of all things holy xD

 

[Betik]

@deubank1776 thank you for the response. I am trying to find a way to incorporate a restrain system. I have slept plenty of time in a rest area with a thick mattress topper, but it is not something I would want my kids to do while the vehicle is moving at 75mph.

If I had to guess I would have that it will have to be a net harness similar to what there is navy bunks, but I am not entirely sure.

 

[deubank1776]

Do you know those avalanche devices that deploy when you have a hard fall? Strap those to them and that way its like a personal airbag. Probably the best safety device for sleeping while un restrained. I know in Ohio back seat passengers don't need a seatbelt. I'm unaware with TX but if they have the same law you could trust the state in their safety standards.

 

[Betik]

Do you know those avalanche devices that deploy when you have a hard fall? Strap those to them and that way its like a personal airbag. Probably the best safety device for sleeping while un restrained. I know in Ohio back seat passengers don't need a seatbelt. I'm unaware with TX but if they have the same law you could trust the state in their safety standards.

the avalanche bag is manually deployed though and design to be on the back

 

[deubank1776]

the avalanche bag is manually deployed though and design to be on the back

I've seen some that go around the waist and neck for when you fall.

 

[2kwik4u]

In a moving automobile.......There is no safe way to sleep laying flat. Too many options for which way you go if you crash to be well restrained. In a train or airplane there is little additional risk in laying flat. In an airplane; nothing to hit but the ground. In a train, the chances of a derailment or collision are so slim it's practically zero, because access to other vehicles is so low.

Kia Karnival is probably the best "middle row sleeper" you're going to find. Maybe an Audi A8L with the reclining rear seats and foot rests. Kids, in general, will sleep anywhere. Invest in some good pillows and comfy blankets for them. Maybe some sound deadening headphones as well. But, please, keep them strapped in.

With that said; I've put an air mattress in the back of a Suburban and slept while someone else drove. We had a couple quilts and some pillows back there. It was comfy and I slept just fine. However, it was super sketchy from a safety perspective and NOT something I would do with my kids. The risk isn't worth the reward here.

 

[Wayloncle]

I was looking up the side cushions the other day and saw the kid’s noggin holder

 

[Betik]

@2kwik4u I agree. Both me and my wife have slept while driving, but we willingly take the risk. For the kids it is different story though, so I am 100% on the same page as you.
I will keep searching though cause you never know what might be out there.

We do have the blankets and the nice pillow. I even installed heated seats on the CRv, so they are comfy there, but I want I really wish I could get the angle a bit lower.

 

[Betik]

@Wayloncle we have the headrests already. They do make a big difference in long drives. My wife uses them

 

[swatski]

@Wayloncle we have the headrests already. They do make a big difference in long drives. My wife uses them

I agree with @Wayloncle.
@Betik - you should always wear a helmet while driving a car.


Seriously though, many suvs can fold 2nd and 3rd row to give you a bed.

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[Betik]

I agree with @Wayloncle.
@Betik - you should always wear a helmet while driving a car.


Seriously though, many suvs can fold 2nd and 3rd row to give you a bed.

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it is for the kids and need them to be restrained ( literally and figuratively ) . I can actually put the seats down the prius and put a single mattress there. It works fine it is just me and Claire.

 

[2kwik4u]

@Betik We solved this problem in the 80's

Here's the solution in a slightly more modern form

Page not found - Classic Vans

2021 Chevrolet Express 2500 : 2021 Chevrolet Explorer Conversion Van: Black exterior paint, sport roof with skylights, LED lighting in roof and cupholders, diamond stitch seats, heated seats, USB ports, Onstar, side blind zone...

www.classicvans.com

 

[adrianp89]

Install these seats:

https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/jet-bus-service-nyc-washington-dc-1234644929/

 

[djetok]

the avalanche bag is manually deployed though and design to be on the back

Hey, you can roll with that too Bimini. Of course, if you fell off and deployed it, you would be face down. I rented a pack before, while cat skiing. The people that use those all the time are in shape. No way, I would want a long hike up with a pack. I am too out of shape; I'll ride the cat up and ski down thank you very much.

 

[Betik]

@adrianp89 do you know who manufaturs those seats ? The article calls them Hoverseats but google returns nothing useful.

 

[Betik]

@2kwik4u I grew up in the 80s so I am very familiar with those van. Familiar through movies that is. I have always loved them. And loved even more after George Constanca's parents gave me some new ideas

BTW, do you have happen to know who makes those seats ?

 

[Babin Farms]

Here’s the answer your looking for.

 

[Betik]

A good deal too for 6.95 lol

 

[2kwik4u]

@2kwik4u I grew up in the 80s so I am very familiar with those van. Familiar through movies that is. I have always loved them. And loved even more after George Constanca's parents gave me some new ideas

BTW, do you have happen to know who makes those seats ?

NO idea who makes the seats. I just googled "awesome 80's conversion van" and led myself down the bunny trail that ensued