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How do I sleep in my car in the winter?
A friend in Denver wants me to drive out for a week to go skiing. I’ve never been on a solo road trip, and almost my entire budget is going toward skiing. What are some hacks to sleep in my car during a winter road trip?
Melanie Krieps Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sleeping in your car during winter is a bit trickier and requires more planning, but you could do it on your road trip. If you want to sleep in your car during winter, use these tips:
- Bring a sleeping bag. The sleeping bag should have a temperature rating that meets whatever the weather’s like on your road trip. For example, a sleeping bag rated at 0 degrees would be ideal for temperatures at 0 degrees or above.
- Throw in a wool blanket. Wool blankets pack in the heat and are an ideal choice if you’re too warm in the sleeping bag or the temperature is colder than you anticipated. To sleep safely and comfortably, insulate the windows and floor of your vehicle, too.
- Crack the front windows about half an inch to reduce stuffiness and promote airflow if temperatures allow. Just make sure that snow or rain isn’t in the forecast.
- Check local forecasts. No ski trip is worth a severe case of hypothermia. If temperatures are expected to be dangerously below freezing, consider crashing at a friend’s place or a hotel for the night instead.
- Blast your car’s heat while you’re getting ready for bed. This will heat the blankets and your body so you’re nice and toasty before you turn off the engine.
- Choose a safe place that’s decently lit. Parking lots and rest stops are often great choices.
- Wear warm pajamas. In some cases, the base layers below your skiing outerwear work splendidly. Throw on some wool socks and a winter hat for good measure. Remember, you can always take clothing off if you get too hot.
Finally, consider worst-case scenarios. Winter weather, especially between the Midwest and Colorado, is often unpredictable. A vehicle made of metal and glass won’t do much to keep your body heat contained.
Hypothermia can occur between 30 and 50°F with prolonged exposure, especially if you get wet. If your core temperature drops below 82°F, you’ll lose consciousness. If your core temp reaches 70°F, death is possible.
Pack a
winter emergency car kit
and make sure you have towing and labor coverage
in your car insurance
policy for emergencies.MORE: 8 ways to prepare your car for winter driving or storage
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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