Hanging in a car

**Hemlock** · 04-26-2019, 09:42

I've been wondering if it's possible to hang my hammock in my Dacia (Renault in the US) Duster small SUV. There are times when I'm not really "rural" enough to hang outside and sleeping in the car is the only option.
Well, the answer is yes. I've managed to hang my little Aldi basic hammock diagonally across the car with the straps arranged so the forces are pulling on the roof pillars rather than the door hinges.
It took a bit of adjustment of sling length to get the sag just right but I got there eventually.
The added bonus is that the courtesy light is in just the right place for reading and I can stow my keys and glasses in the overhead storage bin.

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**sidneyhornblower** · 04-26-2019, 10:08

Where there's a will, there's a dedicated hanger. I think there was a commercial product that allowed something similar, or maybe it was a proposed kickstarter or something along those lines. Your homemade solution proves it can be done without investing in somebody else's company, so congrats.

**TrailSlug** · 04-26-2019, 10:11

Wow. I can't imagine that is comfortable but I guess it depends on how tall you are. I also can't imagine how I would ever get in a hammock in a car, heck I sometimes have issues when hanging outside

I use an air mattress in my SUV but congrats on another place to hang the hammock.

**Countrybois** · 04-26-2019, 11:10

Gargoyle hangs in his vehicle regularly. I'm sure he would have some tips and tricks.

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**cougarmeat** · 04-26-2019, 11:58

It was an epiphany to realize I only needed one tree (that I can reach from my Jeep) at a drive in campsite. Now I may have a use for that short GrandTrunk nano. Have to see if I can get the span and still be off the seat. Thank you for the idea.

**W8lkinUSA** · 04-26-2019, 12:04

Wow! I wish I can do that with my VW Golf.

Maybe I can do the one tree method with my cargo rack though. However, a better comfortable solution for rest stops would be great though.

**Hemlock** · 04-26-2019, 13:26

Originally Posted by W8lkinUSA

Wow! I wish I can do that with my VW Golf.

Maybe I can do the one tree method with my cargo rack though. However, a better comfortable solution for rest stops would be great though.

Give it a try, your Golf is about the same size as a Duster.
If your hammock is to long you can leave some of it outside the door.

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**gunner76** · 04-26-2019, 13:42

Be careful. Those roof racks are designed to support about 150 lbs and that is with the load sitting on top of them. You are adding lots of pressure to the roof rack that it is not designed to handle by hanging the hammock that way. The screws used to go thru the roof are not than big and most times are only going thru sheet metal with out any reinforcement underneath.

**Hemlock** · 04-26-2019, 14:22

Originally Posted by gunner76

Be careful. Those roof racks are designed to support about 150 lbs and that is with the load sitting on top of them. You are adding lots of pressure to the roof rack that it is not designed to handle by hanging the hammock that way. The screws used to go thru the roof are not than big and most times are only going thru sheet metal with out any reinforcement underneath.

That was my main worry when I was planning the mounting points. A lot of the weight is taken by the hammock being squeezed by the door seal.
The remaining strain is applied longitudinally to the rear of the roof rail so all the mouning bolts are sharing the load.
What might not be clear from the picture is that the front strap isn't attached to the roof rail but is wedged in the opposite door. The rail just stops the strap from slipping in the door seal.

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**W8lkinUSA** · 04-26-2019, 16:33

Originally Posted by Hemlock

Give it a try, your Golf is about the same size as a Duster.
If your hammock is to long you can leave some of it outside the door.

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I'm 5' 11'' and can hardly imagine being comfortable with all the seats down and forward [much less in a car cabin hammock]..

Originally Posted by gunner76

Be careful. Those roof racks are designed to support about 150 lbs and that is with the load sitting on top of them. You are adding lots of pressure to the roof rack that it is not designed to handle by hanging the hammock that way. The screws used to go thru the roof are not than big and most times are only going thru sheet metal with out any reinforcement underneath.

Great point. My roof rack, cargo basket, and bike rack are all aftermarket. Guess I'll need a Jeep's roll bar for greater support.

Time to install an autocross roll bar for my hatchback! 😁 Only kidding of course..