Is a Ford Escape Big Enough to Sleep In?

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that has a powerful engine, and awesome handling that makes it feel like a smaller vehicle. The new Escape models have a new exterior design and also has an improved suspension which is great for all different kinds of needs.

Most people think about SUV’s and trucks as vehicles that pull an RV or a trailer that can help them spend the night in a comfortable way. However, others may be thinking about spending the night (or longer) inside of their Ford Escape. So is this even possible? Is it a good idea? And is this a one night solution or can you spend more time inside the interior of a Ford Escape? Find out the answers to all of this and more as you continue to read on!

Is a Ford Escape Big Enough to Sleep In?

The Ford Escape is big enough to sleep in for a night or two if you are looking to do a little stealth car camping. On top of that, there are multiple people who have rigged their Ford Escape to make sleeping arrangements for longer periods of time.

These people usually will put a wooden frame down after removing the seats and using some kind of mattress across the area that would be the back seats and the trunk space as well.

It should be noted that the Ford Escape is by no means the biggest vehicle on the marketplace being a compact SUV. There are other vehicles that probably would have more room if you were trying to find somewhere to go or simply wanted to rig this up for some kind of adventure vehicle.

At the end of the day though, it is something that you could make work. It just depends on whether the Ford Escape is the best option for you. Either way, it definitely can work if you want it to.

How Big is the Back of a Ford Escape With the Seats Down?

If you fold the seats in a Ford Escape, you will have 65 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. That’s a big amount of space for a compact SUV. The Escape does a great job of offering a lot of space while keeping the overall vehicle size down pretty low.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the different Ford Escape models that you may be interested in.

There are 5 trim levels when it comes to the Ford Escape. Starting with the baseline model, the S, you also have the SE, the SE Sport, the SEL, and the Titanium.

The S is the lowest level of Ford Escape and the Titanium is the highest trim package available. The S is not a bad vehicle by any means, it just may not have all of the comforts that some of the higher packages do, so you should try to find a trim package that fits with your needs as well as your budget.

The base S model has a turbocharged 1.5 liter engine that has just over 180 horsepower. The engine features an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Even though it is a baseline package, it’s got a lot of nice features with it. The touchscreen doesn’t have the size of some of the upper models and it can’t quite compare to the other Escapes, however, if your budget seems to indicate an S, you shouldn’t be too upset about it because the Ford Escape does a better job than some others do at the lowest level.

The next step up is an SE. The SE comes with a lot of awesome features including nicer wheels. One of the best things that we have seen with the SE is keyless ignition and keyless entry.

That’s a big convenience that not a lot of SUV’s can offer at a lower trim package. On top of that, you’ll get a driver’s seat that has power controls and an upgraded information touch-screen.

The SE Sport is similar to the SE, obviously, but it has a hybrid powertrain that improves the efficiency and power of your engine. It’s somewhat noticeable when driving in most situations.

At the same time, you’ll also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel which means that you have even more comfort and luxury when you’re behind the weird.

The SEL is yet another step up, although the engine goes back to having three cylinders. That doesn’t ruin the performance though, as you get a ton of other features as well.

The SEL has remote start, a heated steering wheel, and sport seats. Some people may think that the SEL doesn’t do enough to justify its place in the trim packages, and although it does offer a comfortable ride, you may feel the same. You would probably want to try this out as opposed to taking a recommendation on it.

At the top of the scale, we have the Titanium. The Titanium comes with a hybrid engine standard and an upgraded sound system among a lot of safety aids for the driver.

This really offers the entire experience when it comes to driving a Ford Escape because you have everything you would want as an individual or even for a family.

Safety aids can be great tools to keep your family safe, and whether you’re with the family or not, you will probably want a nice sound system to listen to tunes with.

Building a Sleeping Platform for your SUV

Obviously, you’ll want to start with your seats down and by removing everything from the back of your Ford Escape. You’ll also want to take the storage compartment out of the back as well.

You’re going to want to remove the back seats as well, so obviously this is going to become a 2-person vehicle if you are planning on building a sleeping platform.

After the seats are completely removed, you are going to want to deal with the seat belts and anything left over which should be able to be removed with an Allen wrench.

Anything that is still attached like brackets, seatbelts, or anything for the back seats can go completely. This includes nuts and bolts left over from the seats, although you will need to watch as there may be one or two that cannot be removed or may lead to holes in the car’s exterior.

Make sure to tape over any holes with heavy-duty tape to keep a secure cabin.

Next, you’ll want to build a frame for the sleeping platform. You could do this a hundred different ways, however we are going to walk you through one model today. The easiest way to build a sleeping platform is to use boards that are 8.5 in by 1.5 in.

You’ll need 2 boards that are 31 inches in length, 2 that are 17 and a half inches, and one that is 46 inches in length. You’ll lay these out in a bedframe fashion laying them down across the back of the vehicle to create a bedframe. You should also build some legs to keep this frame hoisted slightly.

Once your frame is done, you’ll want to create some drawers that also sit underneath the frame.

From there, you’re all set to find a mattress that works for your space. Most people who do these kind of projects or even those who live in an RV or camper will try to use memory foam mattresses, especially as they are easier to find these days.

Other Information About Sleeping In a Ford Escape

If you are thinking about sleeping in a Ford Escape in a pinch as opposed to making a big plan for a long road trip, you probably need some extra information that you may have not thought about yet.

Laying your seat backs flat is always going to be the best way to sleep in a vehicle. If you are planning far ahead, you’ll be able to set up a system with a mattress that works surprisingly well.

One thing you really shouldn’t try is laying across the back seats. Obviously, if you have no other options you will be kind of stuck… but this really isn’t comfortable and can’t be recommended in any way.

A useful tip that some people haven’t thought about would be that you could bring a lightweight fabric to act as a curtain. This is mostly cosmetic, but you could put these in the back window for some coverage. It may not change much, but it could help you feel more secure.

If you can crack a window, that will definitely help to make it easier to breathe and avoids the condensation build-up over those windows. There will be some environments where this isn’t possible, but it is a useful tip if you’re able to do it.

No matter what you do, you should definitely make layers. These layers provide you with an extra level of comfort and safety while keeping each of your surfaces clean. If you have tons of pillows and blankets, that should make your experience that much better.

Sleeping Quarters

If you put the chairs down and flatten everything out, you should have about 65 cubic feet of space in your vehicle. 

For a compact SUV, that’s a huge amount of space for certain.

That said, you may not actually have that much space if you’re on the go. 

If you’re sleeping in your car, there’s a high chance you’re either camping, enjoying the outdoors, or are living a nomadic lifestyle.

Because of this, you’ll rarely have that full 65 cubic feet to sleep in, as you have to have somewhere to put your stuff. 

If you can safely offload those belongings, you’ll have more room – but if you have somewhere to put your stuff, you probably don’t need to sleep in your car to begin with.

Organize your belongings as well as you can to maximize your space. 

Things like pillows, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, and the like are great to use for bedding material!

Chairs Work!

If you aren’t able to get your space organized fully, you can always just sleep in the chairs! The driver and passenger seats will both recline enough for a comfortable sleep, which also allows you to fit more people in.

Admittedly, you may not find this exceptionally comfortable. 

I’ve certainly had more than a few nights of waking up with back pain from tossing and turning in a passenger seat.

Still, in a pinch, this is a great way to get a night’s sleep in. 

Think of it as falling asleep in your favorite recliner back home.

Bring Padding

You’d be perfectly fine lying down in a chair or with the seats down in the back, but this isn’t always the most comfortable. 

If you want to stop any plastic or metal from digging into your back, you’ll want to soften up the place.

Using an air mattress is a good way to make a comfortable sleeping mattress immediately. Bedrolls and cots are also useful in this situation.

If you don’t have these, simply stuffing clothes or blankets where they’re the most comfortable works fine.

I’ve made plenty of makeshift sleeping beds in the back of my SUV, and spent some of my most comfortable nights in them as well!

Location, Location, Location

Now that you know how to sleep in your Ford Escape, where can you sleep in your Ford Escape? In my experience, the following is the most important information on where to sleep if you’re staying in your vehicle.

Rest Stops

If you’re sleeping in your vehicle for a road trip to avoid hotel prices, rest stops are a great place to go.

Many states and territories have downright nice rest stops that open early – or never close.

Staying here can give you a good place to grab breakfast and other supplies before you head out again. 

They’re also usually safe places to be, with security and highway officers frequenting them as well or staying on patrol.

Camping Grounds

Many camping grounds have areas for cars to park and rest for the night. 

While many charge a modest fee, some may allow you to do so for free.

Most won’t let you do this just in their parking lot, though, so look into what they offer. 

There are plenty of other amenities you may be able to take advantage of, like showers or stores.

You don’t need to have a tent to stay on a camping ground by any means.

Many roads also have free camping places carved across the side of the road. 

You can park and rest rather than drive dangerous roads at night, such as mountainous trails.

I’ve had some of my best nights camping by parking near a camping plot and setting a fire. 

I cook dinner, clean up, enjoy a shower, then bed down in my SUV before heading back out in the morning.

Parking Lots

In a pinch, parking lots are often safe places for you to sleep if you trust the area. 

If you go by most superstores, you’ll likely find a delivery truck or two idled in the back of the parking lot while the driver takes a quick nap.

That said, this is likely the least safe option, as it depends on the area that you’re in. 

Carjackers, thieves, and other people looking to stir up trouble will often look through late-night parking lots to find their latest target.

That isn’t to say you should fear needing to sleep in a parking lot, of course. 

You just need to make sure that you’re in as safe of an area as can be, and maybe park under a streetlight or near security cameras.

However, many businesses won’t allow you to do this. 

Be on the lookout for signs that warn against overnight parking, or expect some other sort of intervention.

Stay Safe!

Above all else, make sure that you’re safe wherever you’re going to sleep in your vehicle.

If you’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going to be.

Do your best to stay in a well-lit area if you’re sleeping in an urban environment. 

In rural campgrounds, practice every safety trick you know and be ready to pack up if you need to.

Camping Out

A Ford Escape is undoubtedly big enough for you to sleep in and stay comfortable. 

With the right improvements and preparation, you can likely spend several enjoyable, comfy nights in the back of your compact SUV.

For more information on camping and vehicles in the outdoors, feel free to contact us.

You can also browse our extensive blog to learn more.

Is a Ford Escape Big Enough to Sleep In?