Question about van driver's sleeping options

Hello and Welcome to the Site

 

My van has a bunk right behind the seats. It's basically a frame with a sheet of plywood laid on it. Mine is built for a twin size mattress. I've seen some that just use a futon cushion so they can move it out of the way if a load requires more room.

Some have a plywood wall that keeps the bunk separate from the cargo area, but I didn't like that. It felt way too much like being in a coffin.

 

I generally stay at truck stops, and you will see a lot of other expedite drivers there. If I'm not close to a T/S, I will usually find a WalMart and park in their lot, away from the closer spots, but usually under a light and in view of the cameras.

Being a woman out there by myself, I avoid rest areas simply because I don't feel safe in them. In small towns, where there aren't a lot of bigger business', I will stay in a gas station lot. In the small towns, I always go inside and tell them who I am, and ask if it is okay for me to stay in their lot overnight. I just see it as a courtesy, and I've always been treated well by these people. They will often let local law enforcement know I am there and they have told me it is okay, then law enforcement will make sure to drive by more often and make sure nobody is around to bother me.

As for food, I keep groceries in my van. I can't afford to eat out and I get tired of it. If I eat out, it's usually on a Sunday, and that is my treat for the week.

Mainly, make sure you have enough clothes to get you through a week or 2. I don't like having to spend the money at a laundry mat. Other than that, just take something to keep yourself entertained while sitting. It gets very boring sitting in a parking lot all day (or days at a time).

I hope this helps, and I'll try to help if I can. Good luck

 

You are quite welcome. I will try to take a photo of the back of my van so you can see how it is set up inside.

 

I can take 2 full size pallets in my van. I believe the available space has to be 48 X 48. I've attached a couple pics of the back/bunk area, but they may not show a lot of detail.

 

Another thing you may consider is staying at a campground where you can use all of the things you would need. Just a thought