You are getting very Sleepy

lowracer · 04-07-2008, 05:48 PM

Probably the biggest impediment to my enjoyment of camping is not getting proper sleep. Vehicle's got to be level or dang close to it, or I roll into a corner. Can't be any loud music or ruckus nearby from other campers or I'll lie awake entertaining thoughts of strangling them, and the area has to be free of monsters such as Yeti and Sasquatch, or shadowy shapes which resemble monsters when viewed through the screens without my eyeglasses on.

Which brings up the question...

How do you get a decent night's sleep in your SMB?

I've tried a sleeping bag on the un-covered SMB upholstery, getting in the bag and also using the bag as a blanket.

I've tried sleeping with no sleeping bag on the bare upholstery, and just try to regulate the temp using the furnace.

I've tried a standard mattress pad and fitted sheet, with a down comforter on top.

I've tried everything but sleeping on the top of the vehicle like Snoopy on his dog house.

Now add in that I have a wife and toddler, each with their own sleep requirements. Tried putting them downstairs and I get the penthouse. Toddler's too small to leave by himself since he'll either fall out of the penthouse or throw every switch and knob in the place if we leave him downstairs. Tried putting them both upstairs and I get the downstairs.

So far my favorite is I get the penthouse to myself, with a mattress pad and fitted sheet with a comforter on top. I hate being zipped up in a sleeping bag, it's just too confining. Wife and kid get the downstairs bunk.

What other options am I missing? I love to go camping but I hate it when I can't get to sleep. Kinda ruins the trip.

Jeffrey · 04-07-2008, 06:19 PM

I see it's completely different for family folks. I go solo or with one close friend.

I need quiet, too, so I never stay in campgrounds or near others. I find that by the time I'm ready to hit the foam, I've had a couple of adult beverages and a few tokes. The sheer joy of being where I am in my SMB helps a lot, too.

calclimber · 04-07-2008, 07:09 PM

EAR PLUGS !

patrick51 · 04-07-2008, 07:24 PM

I think this post will get lot's of reply's. Earplugs are worth the effort, and a big plus. Just gotta love a the "nightcap" ideas, and don't forget to get the exercise by lugging boulder's to place under the tire's for leveling the mattress.

jage · 04-07-2008, 08:09 PM

As long as my head is higher and towards the rear doors I'm golden. With my head the other way the bench seat is just too hard (50 layout). If your head is lower you get serious headache.

We just put down an old mattress cover and then full size sheet, throw another sheet and a quilt or two on top. There is plenty of room with my wife too, however she prefers her feet at the door because it feels like she has more room, so unless we sleep head to toe it usually depends on which end of the van is higher.

lactic · 04-07-2008, 09:23 PM

Me- upstairs in a 20 degree sleeping bag, 1 rear bench pillow, 1 down pillow.

Wife and 2 dogs- downstairs in a massive pile-on! She usually sleeps in a 20 degree bag as well but has the furnace occasionally running and 2 50+ dogs to keep her warm. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a 20+ degree temp difference between upstairs and down!