I think that's a lot of time to be in a crate. Can you get an xpen, or give him one room of your place while you are away?
I think to get him used to the crate, you just need to leave it out for him to use, like his own personal cave. It makes sense that he would resist it more at night, when he would like to sleep with you. If it's only been a few nights, he will get used to it. Or, just let him sleep with you
. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about crating him so much. He'll get used to the crate if he sleeps in it at night, or even if he takes naps in it during the day. People usually only crate their dogs that much when they are potty training them.