Advice on how to semicamper a normal car

[Javilotee]

Hello everyone!
I am new at this forum!
As the title suggests, I'm intending to transform my car into a more suitable overnight option. Especifically, I own a Peugeot 206 SW (picture below).
I have several ideas to make it more confortable in general but I am struggling to decide on the most basic one. I don't know what sort of mattress I should use...

I want the mattress to be removable, either by being a foldable mattress or just by being a japanese futon, so that I can use the trunk and back seats for other purposes when I am done resting. That discards regular, house-like mattresses because of how thick and bulky the are...

I want to know your ideas, how would you make this car (even though it's not easy) a bit more comfy to sleep in? Am I omitting better options? Please let me know!

It's meant to be for 1-2 nights each time (weekends most likely). I live near a great area of virgin, beautiful beaches and I'd love to sleep around there once in a while.

Thanks a lot! This forum looks fantastic!

 

[Spriddler]

Welcome.
I modified a car as a mini-campervan many years ago. The main issue was with condensation overnight so ventilation needed.
At night I left the hatchback door half up (i.e. horizontal) and modified a tent to drape over it and enclose the back end and could sit and cook under it.
I used an inflatable air bed. They're not great but o.k. for a few nights. The trick to make them more comfortable is to only inflate them enough to keep you off the floor.
I also used a (removable!) al fresco towbar mounted toilet like this.......

 

[phase3begins]

Full length self inflating mat.

Broken Link Removed

 

[Otter Spotter]

Be careful if you do leave the hatch open as the curtesy light may stay on and drain your battery.

 

[ChrisL]

I use a decent air mattress in my day van, it's really comfortable, I've slept on it for two weeks at a time whilst touring Europe.

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[Stollysmith]

Just having seen Nomadland film, Bob Wells has a YouTube channel CheapRVliving which has several interviews with carlifers.

 

[Riverbankannie]

We used an airbed in the back of our Volvo estate and it was very comfy, however we were used to it from tent camping. You can buy foam cut to size, so you could design your own so that it fits your space and is in sections to fold like a futon in the day.
You would need window blinds both for privacy and to stop your car getting too hot, particularly in the early mornings. Maybe that silver foil backed insulation stuff, cut to size and edged with sticky tape and with suckers attached.
As someone else said, ventilation also important but I guess in Spain you can just leave windows open if you are in a safe spot.

 

[Okeyjon]

Welcome.
I modified a car as a mini-campervan many years ago. The main issue was with condensation overnight so ventilation needed.
At night I left the hatchback door half up (i.e. horizontal) and modified a tent to drape over it and enclose the back end and could sit and cook under it.
I used an inflatable air bed. They're not great but o.k. for a few nights. The trick to make them more comfortable is to only inflate them enough to keep you off the floor.
I also used a (removable!) al fresco towbar mounted toilet like this.......

View attachment 498717

My first van was a Compass Navigator, Best Buy ever.

 

[MattR]

The OP hasn't been seen since this thread started but for those thinking of doing the same, we hsd some great tours in our estate car, sleeping in the back. It was easier to set up, quieter and more convenient than using a tent.

 

[Manic]

What about something like this

Berlingo boot jump Car to Camper Conversion unit Wales UK - Amdro Alternative Campervans

Turn your Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter, VW Transporter or Volkswagen Caddy into a camper with a boot jump or conversion kit from Amdro - 01286 650612.

www.amdro.co.uk

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[JJ]

My (very well off) former business partner often had jobs away from home and he decided to turn his VW Passat into an overnight bed rather than drive home tired.

He put a sleeping bag and pillow on the back seat.


JJ

 

[Jamesh]

Does the 206sw have a long enough load bay?!

I'd put down a memory foam, perhaps ply on a timber frame to level out the floor and provide some storage.

Cheers James

 

[pappajohn]

A 2" memory foam mattress topper would do the job. It will roll up quite small for storage. A single is around 3ft wide.