Over the years I've tried many different camping configurations inside my VW ID.4 SUV. I've come close to being comfortable sleeping inside the cabin, but my best night happened while testing the Hele Box Car Camping Platform.
Essentially, the Hele Box Solo is an adjustable-leg platform that fits inside the car. It's 6' long and 24" wide. I placed mine on the passenger side of the car, moving the front seat forward to allow for extra space. The platform has 6 adjustable legs, with the two front ones long enough to take advantage of the foot well. The shorter legs got atop the folded down back seat and in the rear boot. Since all legs are independently adjustable, I can configure a level sleeping surface.
The soft storage foot locker slides beneath the sleeping platform.
The case that the kit ships in becomes a storage foot locker that slides beneath the sleeping platform. I use this to stash my camp chairs, side table, foot stool, extra blanket, and more. The system is very efficient, allowing for more storage space along side the bed.
When it comes time to get into bed, however, the space alongside the Hele Box needs to be open. My approach was to slide in alongside the bed, then raise my bottom and slide up atop the platform. I'll be honest, this took a little practice.
It's quite pleasant once in bed. The wooden slats have a not-too-rigid feel to them, and my sleeping pads added plenty of cushion, allowing me to sleep on my sides or my back comfortably.
I have a panorama glass roof in the ID.4, and that big window certainly helped prevent feeling claustrophobic in the tight quarters. If you find that the roof is too close for your sleeping comfort, then you can purchase a set of "stubby" legs that lower the platform. Doing that, however, foregoes the storage space beneath the Hele Box.
Another advantage of the Hele Box is that it doesn't affect my EV range compared to the TentBox Go rooftop tent that I normally camp with. The TentBox Go is more comfortable for sleeping because of its extended width and voluminous headroom. But for long drives over 70 MPH, the TentBox reduces my efficiency from 3.3 miles per kWh to 2.7 miles per kWh. The Hele Box does not affect the car's range.
I like having both options. It's nice to know that I can get a good night's sleep inside the car for those situations when efficiency is most important.
The Hele Box Solo is well-designed, sturdy, and provides a good night's sleep with the right amount of padding. It's available online for $399.
No extra charge for the invigorating sense of freedom that comes with it.
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