10 Surprising Spots To Sleep When Living in Your Car

[@christopherrubacher6329]

I lived in cars for years. Major trick when parking later at night, I got all my sleeping stuff ready beforehand. I ate, hit bathroom, read, checked phone etc. and had everything ready like blankets, clothes, whatever done at gas station then when I parked I was 100% ready for sleep. Parked, jumped into sleep spot, then slept. People draw so much attention to themselves by parking, getting out, moving stuff around, eating, smoking, etc.. Then they sleep 2 hours later. Do all that elsewhere before pulling into late night place.

[@janchapman3746]

Yep. Like in parks getting ready. Then go to apts. Etc. I did the ssme thing to.

[@abemartinez9623]

Yeah some people are hanging out before bed. You gotta get to bed asap . Don’t draw attention to yourself get to bed an get outta there

[@jimnunya1253]

@@abemartinez9623 indeed I seal myself in the back of my van and keep my rather quiet. Perhaps in daytime at a large parking lot you can chill with your boombox and TV and talk loudly. Place and time as well as manners all involved. Mix it up, keep it moving but be cool. I'll go hide down a dead end road, unmarked train access road, forest access for trail or power line or unfinished off ramps. I been in my van for almost 2 years. Here's some inconveniences when you live in your car or van but as long as you can get a nice comfortable sleep in there every night you're not getting arrested all the time then you can make it home of it. The key It's definitely what's been written above and got to keep a low profile and move around more. Everybody that I know that gets kicked out of one place and kicked out of another place and kicked out of another place is because they're all doing the same crap where they're trying to be more comfortable in the vehicle by taking things out that they don't need in there and next thing you know it just doesn't look right. You look like a tweaker when you working in and out of your vehicle and making a mess all around it and then you leave it! And then you sleep in your car right there! That's called asking for it!!!! Got to be ready and do better. The guy parked behind me right now is in an ambulance with a motorcycle in it right now. It typically put the ramp out and take the motorcycle out and his miniature washing machine and then he's got like half the floor in there, But he's got issues and he doesn't really live all that clean so I do what I can for him. Mechanically he's smart though when it comes to vehicles cuz he's been a mechanic. 👍

[@acollins319]

I like to travel at night and sleep during the day sometimes. Less traffic and nobody bothers you during the day

[@nicole-uo9cd]

I am facing homelessness right now and to tell you the truth, I wish I had thought of moving out and just living in my car. I have to be out of my building by the end of July. Building was sold and the new owners have doubled the rent and I just can't afford to live there anymore. I'm also actively looking for work. Sadly, no offers. It's because of my age (60). I know this for a fact because when I was younger, I NEVER had a problem finding a job! Wish me luck.

[@Whereweattho]

Never too late. Also try to get you an rv. They are not expensive

[@nicole-uo9cd]

@@Whereweattho I don't know what "not expensive" means! Everything is much more expensive! I have been unemployed for over a year. Unemployment benefits ran out in November of 2023. My car is the only thing I own free and clear but I am paying over $400/month for car insurance because I don't have the best driving record, not to mention, the cost of car insurance has increased 30% since last year. It's hard to think positive when you are desperate to find a job. I would even settle for minimum wage at this point as long as it's full time, but NO ONE is interested in hiring older folks like me.

[@nancykohn5055]

I feel for you. I am a retired teacher and am soon to be in the same situation. I can no longer pay rent, car note and income taxes. I am 76 and have health issues.

[@nicole-uo9cd]

@@nancykohn5055 I am so sorry that you are in a similar situation. When one retires, the expectation is that you will be able to relax and enjoy what's left of one's existence on this planet after years and years of working to have all of the comforts of life - the most basic thing being a roof over our heads! I will keep you in my prayers. May the Lord protect and provide for you, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour! Amen!💟

[@Joseph-b2m8k]

I'm in same boat, we will survive.❤

[@PeterP_777]

Cool vid. I camped a couple nights in my Ford Transit Connect at a 24-hour hospital in Palm Springs recently. Worked out nicely.

[@HappyTailsandHappyTrails]

Also, some states have a conservation department with free campgrounds. I’m from MO and have camped at several free campgrounds. Usually never very busy because people don’t know about them. Also amenities vary. Another idea is a parking lot where the business went out of business. I couldn’t stay in the WM parking lot but connected to it was a shoe store that went out of business where I parked several nights.

[@lane-eq7ud]

where exactly are the free campgrounds in Missouri? I am from there also.

[@weekendnomad5038]

Hospitals . I would fall asleep in my car before or after my shift and no one ever bothered me : I would be passed out on my steering wheel 🤣🤣🤣🤣❤️

[@ginatulip8679]

when you were talking about places of work that are open 24/7. I thought of hospitals and also Fed ex business. They pack the packages in the trucks during the night, so they can get delivered during the day. And hospitals have lots of employees that work nights. Maybe 24 hour pharmacies too.

[@atthehousepublishing-glora5375]

Beautiful view, great information! Thanks!

[@omcincy7622]

Was part time and a little full time van living back in the 80's. But often staying in State parks, only about $6 a night back then. Caught some of that beautiful view then, first time coming from Prescott area and went through Jerome, amazing place back then. Then caught views of Sedona from there and then coming downhill on that road in that old camper van, one scary ass ride!

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Damn!! That’s awesome 👏

[@Laudon1228]

Oh yeah, I will never take 89A from Prescott going _to_ Sedona, or 89 south from Prescott into the Valley. Those are terrifying drives with what feels like the right side of my ass hanging off the mountain. I’ll deal with the extra miles and time going the long way around. I _really_don’t care for the drive down the rim on I-17, but in terms of time, it’s a better option than 89.

[@JeffMathias]

I usually just park on the street. Someplace with a tree stand or tall bldg immed east during summer since I like to sleep in. Loads of quiet streets.

[@plutoplatters]

Soundproof your rig.... work graveyards..... NO one thinks anyone's sleeping in their vehicle during the day !

[@Dbjjr26]

Tried that... almost died of heat stroke😅

[@RainyCityResident]

I do the latter but can you sound proof a sedan?

[@LivegoodWilliam]

Use ear plugs

[@jimnunya1253]

​@@LivegoodWilliamearplugs are no good. You're sleeping in your car, hot/cold, mosquitoes, and then you got lights to hide and noises or movements giving you away as you grunt, snoor, whine or bump around the car inside. Karens' like to just let so and so's store know that someone may be living out there. 😮 😂 I've noticed u-haul keeps their lots open for drop off all night. I could imagine renting one and chilling in it at apartments or really just park it in any street and chill, but that was off topic...😮😅, was saying you could pull in to u-haul after hours and chill, look legit and leave before they open up. A u-haul at u-haul will not be getting much attention! 😅 If used wisely! 😮😂 (I saw a 20/24ft box truck Izusu for $8k, says Ethan Allen on it,, by law in many places you do not need to change that marking. 😮 This means you could get away stealth camping most places near that store and none would bat an eye. Alleys and side streets in town wouldn't notice because many companies put unused vehicles out for free advertising. (Imagine they find out but the boss tells you to park it 'this way', then he sponsors you with a few items to set you up more comfy!! 😮😅😂✨😅) Then keep a note of the days/hours that security rolls by and try not to be on their radars! It's against the law now! You cannot camp in your car or tent in a non camping site. You cannot have visible; food, cooking paraphernalia, bottles of pee or other stuff, pillow, blanket, trash, front windows covered, solar, Internet, curtains, or trash outside or personal belongings like BBQ or chair.😡 It's a misdemeanor. 😢 It's difficult to stealth park with even low profile solar panels if the vehicle is ugly and your life from the back is up in the front window!!! 😮🤣 Just saying. Be safe people 🙏 💕 Know your rights because they are coming for them like never before!!😮😢

[@thisguy4063]

@@jimnunya1253 ya.. no one recommends ear plugs if they have worn them...

[@nicole-uo9cd]

The town I currently live in has a 24 hour laundromat, so you can do your laundry and catch a few z's at the same time. There is a supermarket that's not 24 hours BUT they have an overnight stocking shift so that's also a good parking lot option.

[@Joseph-b2m8k]

Hospitals often have parking decks, pull in, out of rain, public restrooms inside, $2 to exit.

[@tonyadoughty]

I'm not a nomad physically, but def am mentally (and would be physically in a heartbeat if I wasn't married and working.) But, I anticipate I will be eventually at some point, and I just wanted to say thanks for the video. I watch a lot of these so have heard most of the location ideas, but it is your attitude that is SO refreshing! Very positive and relaxed, which goes a long way in life. Gorgeous location and happy trails!

[@Whimsy3692]

I'm considering doing that sleeping trick as well where you nap for 4 hours during the day, (where it's mostly legal in most places, and within the parking time limit), and then napping again for only 4 hours at night. To me, it seems a bit safer to curb the time to keep criminals and police away as much as possible, and then you're free to roam around wherever you want when you're rested up.

[@JackiBigger]

I was tired and pulled over at a gas station along the interstate and I picked a bad one and had to leave too many sketchy people around.

[@plutoplatters]

" Hiding in plain sight" < always remember !!

[@kimthompson9194]

Wow awesome video and content thank you, love those views and your positive happy vibe! You inspire me to see things in a whole different way and I really appreciate that!

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Thanks for watching!!!!

[@leecowell8165]

Hospital visitor or ER parking. I mean people are always trying to hurt themselves or somebody else.. what's one more vehicle? Also industrial/commercial areas. Maybe a big mechanics shop. wherever it is be gone by sun up or even sooner.

[@abemartinez9623]

Yeah mechanic shops is a good option it’s large an on a main road. Leave before sunup an you’re good

[@Laudon1228]

I saw a video once that recommended church parking lots. The vidder suggested asking first, letting them know you can’t find a place that feels safe. Have you tried that? It would be interesting to hear more people’s experiences with that option. Sedona? If so, no wonder you live mobile. Housing costs, prices in general, are ridiculous there. (I’m the Prescott area.)

[@SilverDustCD]

One time outside of the Vegas strip I parked in the back of a church parking lot after 11pm, just to sleep until 7am, and the Pastor got in front of my van, I heard him walking around my van, taking pics of my plate and he refused to move so that I could pull out.!!! He called the police and wanted my dog and myself arrested. What an asshole! I told him, I am a travel nurse, I am tired, I dont drink or do drugs, I was just tired and needed 5-6 hours of sleep. I finally convinced him to get me some water and he moved, and I took off!!!!

[@juliebutler8241]

​nyerested to know what denomination

[@Laudon1228]

@@SilverDustCD what a disgraceful excuse for pastor.

[@girlee0303]

I slept by myself at least 12 years ago in a church lot. I had a small Honda and was never bothered bc at 4’11 no one could see me in the back covered in blankets 😂 and I would leave as soon as I saw the pastor getting there in the morning

[@ZenithE8]

Some towns as Ifounf the other day dont allow overnight parking so you might want to look.that jp too. ;)

[@ZenithE8]

⁰99

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

I was parked at work in a Class A. Local management was fine with it until corporate learned about it.

[@2000talon]

Sedona is on my bucket list.

[@Steven-re7xt]

If you can...buy a local news paper and have a radio. Sometimes a death unexplained happens. Everyone on "red alert" sets cops on edge. And verry inquisitive. 😮

[@morganlangille4739]

A few Ideas for a part 2 to this video... 1. All night casinos. Regular costumer parking not gold member parking(could be an issue). lol 2. Hospitals. Might have to pay, might not. 3. Parking lots at factories might be good for a night if there is space. 4. Schools in the summer. Ok during the year but would have to be gone before 7am.

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Thanks for the info!! Part 2 coming soon!!

[@MonkeyhammerTP]

@@ThatSubaruDude I was thinking any business that has an overnight shift such as an Amazon fulfillment center. In my area, Amazon has warehouses all over the place.

[@beanscollections2020]

I would advise against schools if you are sleeping with little clothes like in your underwear. God forbid you get the knock, and some cop wants to charge you in a school zone and have to register as a SO 😨I know, worst case scenario, but what if... that would be terible.

[@abemartinez9623]

Schools are a no go spot . Security an police hangout in those parking lots

[@KARW37]

I slept in truck stop parking lots when in a Uhaul truck, and also in my car, going across the country.

[@brandonmartin4044]

Amazing how much time it takes to make a decent video. Glad to have you back posting!

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Thanks man!!!

[@bygodsgracejourneytohealin8368]

You're pretty cool...thank you for sharing! ❤😊

[@laven111]

Have you tried 24 hour Fishing Marinas .

[@ThatSubaruDude]

No.. that’s one I’ve never heard

[@morganlangille4739]

Welcome back Jeff. Great Video!. I like the editing with all the scenery change ups too. Must have taken some time to film.👍👍

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Yeah it was so work!!

[@sharrose7594]

In front of homes for rent especially in tourist areas if looks like no lights on

[@sharrose7594]

If it's someone's home though, if they have a dog, they will bark knowing

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Good one

[@christiangammons9934]

I work 450pm to 150am so parkings no issue losin truck tomorrow due to job loss and job switch got behind being bomeless on streets is guna be horrible

[@beanscollections2020]

Praying for you brother. I hope you are doing well now and figured out your situation.

[@ololoololo9105]

You can clean hospitals you can clean colleges you can clean any business that needs a cleaner they hire right away

[@enhancedutility266]

Good idea 😊

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

If you can swing it, find someone that has a garage and can rent you a parking spot. You get a power cord would be nice.

[@ThatSubaruDude]

True

[@kevinwelsh7490]

Or buy a place with a garage

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

@@kevinwelsh7490 Yup buy a place with garage rent the house out till you owe nothing but taxes.

[@The_Novice]

Lol yeah. Just buy a house. Simple 😂

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

@@The_Novice My credit is 810 so buying a house would be easy with good money down.

[@vinegrafted]

Some hospitals have free parking

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Trueeeee

[@KARW37]

I have driven around Sedona, but need to return to hike.

[@CamperVan-K]

It would be great if you could video yourself parking in these spots. Perhaps make a combination video of you parking o'night in them.

[@SolracIRL]

Thanks for the tips!

[@plutoplatters]

One would be very likely to not be just say... paranoid parking at their work ..just due to familiarity

[@DESERTCYCLI5T]

I hired a guy who parked at our shop. I never noticed until someone on the crew told me. This was mid 80's for reference. Flats ? What are you riding? 😀

[@mhermit]

Playing dumb is low on the lie spectrum, but it's there. Pretending not to see the sign would make it harder for me to sleep.

[@jenlbirke]

I literally just turned down an apartment so I can live in my suv. I'm tired of drowning in debt and never getting ahead.

[@janchapman3746]

We have outlived our family and no friends. They moved on to better things. Lost contact. Commercial parking lots resturants truck stops apts. Is my favorite. Oh parks daytime.stay all day at any park. Til dark. In our town 9pm. Cur few hrs. In place. Will get a knock on the door to move elsewhere.

[@janchapman3746]

Oh. Before i forget. I live in dallas texas. Good jobs is scarce. 7.25. Hr. To 10 hr. Jobs is available. If you have computer experience you have a chance for some better pay. So again im in dallas texas No computer experience. Cant work. Im 76 yrs. Old. My hubby can work. Again. Nobody is hiring painters contracted. Jobs and everything hsa been bad since the pandemic hit everywhere. Hubby hasnt worked 2 mon. Before the pandrmic hit. My s.s. check only. Make a little bit over all limits for help of anything. Im on average low income. After the rent and bills get paid. We dont have much for food. I have health issues to. I.b.s. and gallstones. Medicare ins. Cant afford the out of pocket cost. Credit rating is not good at all. Prayers is with all nomad family and everyone to walking or traveling. May god bless you all. Jan from dallas texas.

[@thisguy4063]

I have been told by walmart personal that overnights are not allowed do to unsupervised kids in the store. So store closing hours include parking restrictions. So Personally.... Takes one idiot to ruin it for all campers. Watch the movie "Idiocracy" perfect example the direction this country going. At about 8:30 this video says it.

[@Daniel-d9d3z]

Me luv Jeff❤

[@AtypicalPaul]

Parking garage?

[@plutoplatters]

Re: # 10... funny... how we get all wound up between our ears about sleeping somewhere..... and NO one around you even knows you're there ! or cares

[@thomassvec3771]

A triple knock at 3 am is no fun.... anywhere ! 😮

[@serenityjewel]

Don’t park in parking lots that say “No overnight parking” unless you can blend in with employees. There’s nothing more terrifying than being sleep and having someone bang on your car. It feels like having a complete stranger come into your bedroom and scream in your ear. It takes a second to figure out what’s going on, you can barely think, and your heart is beating out of your chest. To go from that to jumping in the front seat and driving off with no idea where you’re going at 3 am when you’re exhausted and confused is not something you want to experience. People on KZbin give advice on stuff they’ve never experienced.

[@heinzbucksandcastle2053]

Casino!!

[@kleptodathief3946]

have u ever slept in car on the vegas strip?

[@leegoddard2618]

3:00 Getting woke up at 3am SUX. This is a Bad option.

[@plutoplatters]

but Graveyards suck beyond ! only problem

[@chasmaserati6968]

WE LOVE YOU JEFF!!!!!!!

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Lol thanks 😊

[@chasmaserati6968]

@@ThatSubaruDudeSo Glad to see You back on the Tube brother!!!!!!

[@ralphjerome2442]

From North Idaho, you must not be a native Idahoan, I live in North Idaho and there is plenty of dispersed camping here

[@gordongrigsby5172]

thats what I do Lol

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Sweeet

[@KARW37]

Woman got attacked recently in her van in Quartzsite, AZ.

[@kileNoe]

Yeah and there are 2.5 million home burglaries in America every year. The news doesn't want you to know that tho

[@theunaccompaniedsenior]

So what? Folks get attacked all the time. That she's a woman in a van at Quartzsite is dog whistle bullshit. You're just virtue signaling. Go away and stay there.

[@cindysegar1426]

The ekko is made by winebago. There crazy expensive. I looked into one. Definitely outta my price range. Lol

[@ThatSubaruDude]

Lol they look pricy

[@Leoa2]

#2 is a white man's option

[@gregorylatta8159]

It pays to minimize

[@cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739]

K.

[@ZenithE8]

Dont you get woken up constantly with people Hoooonkkkkk Locking their cars? Some are over 100 decibels.

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

7:49 it’s a Winnebago EKKO 🚐

[@dimokokilala8950]

That's gross you have your bicycle on your bed

[@waynelast1685]

Serial killers prowl places too

[@m.sandradhee998]

Used car lot

[@bethloomis8961]

Nothing to see here, keep moving. That's 17 minutes I wasted.

[@michelleevans9474]

Move on then.. nobody will notice.. very helpful video.

[@theunaccompaniedsenior]

Yep. None of these suggestions are novel in any way.