Are Camper Vans Comfortable to Sleep In?

When you go on a trip, sleeping comfortably is essential to feel well-rested for each day’s adventures. If you’ve been considering renting a class V RV (also known as a camper van), your main concern might be how comfortable it is to sleep in one at night. 

When you rent from us at Escape Camper Vans, we want to help you make an educated decision. This guide will give you a breakdown of how comfortable sleeping in a camper van is compared to other travel arrangements and provide tips and tricks to make the sleeping space in your van more comfortable. 

Is Sleeping in a Campervan Comfortable?

While comfort is subjective, most of our Escape Camper Vans customers say they have a comfortable sleeping experience in our vehicles. We aim to outfit them to be comfortable and easily manageable for the average person. You might wonder „is there only room for just me?“ Our vans can fit queen-size beds, are equipped with bucket seats you don’t have to collapse to make your bed, and can comfortably fit up to 5 people. In other words, you can easily fit two kids comfortably if you want to make it a family trip!

While experiences can vary, many prefer sleeping in a camper van over tent camping. A van usually fits a more comfortable mattress, and you’ll feel more protected from the outside elements, such as rain or wind. 

For folks who need a bit more living space or storage space, a campervan might feel a little cramped.

Overview of Camper Van Sleeping Setups

When deciding if a camper van will provide enough sleep comfort for your needs, it’s important to consider some key features. That includes space, insulation, and different types of mattresses. 

• Space: The average camper van is about 17 to 19 feet long and 8 to 10 feet wide. Some vans, like most of our options available for rent at Escape, have pop-tops or rooftop sleepers to provide extra sleeping space if you have more people with you on your trip. 
• Insulation: Depending on the time of year you plan to travel, your van may need to be more insulated to keep warmth in. Different models will have varying insulation levels and types. You can also install insulation like Polysio foam board in your van to make it better for your needs. 
• Types of mattresses: The mattress you use can affect comfort while sleeping. Spring or foam mattresses are usually the best options for camper vans. 

Other Comfort Considerations like Sleeping Space and Air Conditioning

As we mentioned earlier, comfort is subjective. To that end, some people prefer certain comfort features versus others. For some, a roof tent, pop top, or upper bed is perfect. For others, it might be more conducive to a good night’s sleep to sleep „downstairs“ (inside the van).

Temperature is another major factor for sleeping comfort. Consider whether you might want a space heater, a little fan, extra blankets, etc. If you are a light sleeper, consider bringing a noise machine with you.

How Can I Sleep Better in My Camper Van?

One of the first issues some people encounter when sleeping in a camper van is light coming through the windows early in the morning. The solution is to install covers on the windows, which allows you to sleep longer in the morning. 

During hot times of the year, you may also have issues while sleeping since you can’t keep the van and AC running all night. Options like bringing along battery-powered fans can help keep your space cool. 

Lastly, you’ll want to consider how ventilated it is for different use cases. While camping in the winter, you’d want your van to be well-insulated. However, during the hot summer, you’d want more ventilation to keep it feeling cool. 

How Do I Make My Campervan Bed Comfortable?

As mentioned earlier, the best type of beds for camper vans are foam or spring options. Most people prefer foam mattresses, usually made with memory foam or polyfoam. These foam layers contour around your body and help you find a more natural sleeping position. 

That said, some people do prefer spring mattresses. Having springs in a mattress will provide a firmer sleeping surface for those who want extra support appreciate. 

You’ll also want to bring the right bedding for the weather conditions. When it’s warmer out, light sheets or blankets may feel like plenty. However, if it’s colder, heavy thermal blankets or a warm sleeping bag would be a better choice. 

Lastly, ensure your van is outfitted with the right storage solutions, so you have enough space to sleep. Features like the foldaway benches and tables in our vans at Escape and places on the sides where you can tuck away essential items will help you set up a roomier sleeping environment. 

Why Do People Sleep in Vans?

One of the primary reasons people choose camper vans for vacations is affordability. When you can get transportation and sleeping space all in one, you can save a lot of money compared to renting hotel rooms or looking for other accommodations. Find out more about the Pros and Cons of Camper Vans. 

There’s also an allure to van life. It provides more freedom and mobility, allowing you to embrace a lifestyle out on the road. You can travel wherever you want for an extended time with all the essentials you need right there with you. Plus, you’ll expand your community during your travels, connecting with new people and creating great memories along the way. 

Rent a Camper Van at Escape Camper Vans

Escape Camper Vans is a great option when you need an affordable camper van for your trip. We operate out of 11 locations across the U.S. and have over 600 vans available for rent. Some of the features our vans offer include:

• Queen-size beds
• Bucket seats that you don’t have to collapse to make your bed
• Propane stove
• Refrigerator
• Water tank and sink
• Foldaway tables and benches
• Extra storage
• Uniquely painted designs

Ready to plan your trip? You can reserve yours today or contact us with any other questions.