Just found your channel. I am an avid car camper. I sleep and camp in my SUV. I also have a Gazelle tent I sometimes sleep in. I just love stuff like this. Last year I managed to Camp 33 weekends. I’ve been doing this for 35 years but just recently in the last five or six years have really gotten into it much more since my son is grown up. Next year I’m planning a 10 day cross-country trip from Michigan to Utah and back. I’m super excited. Can’t wait to see more of your videos.
Very cool! Thanks for subscribing! I was surprised how easy it came for me to suv camp on the road. I already live small in my tiny RV but enjoyed the freedom of just winging it from an even smaller. Your trip sounds awesome!!
We have a ton of stuff in common in our set up. I try to keep my back driver's side seat as a seat too, though so far I've only been camping in the forest. My thought is it could be good to chill in if I ever have to do some urban stuff on my way to a forest. At night it's where my toilet lives, which is a collapsible bucket that can either be about 8 inches tall or 30 inches tall. In my top three comfort must haves, I must be able to pee in the middle of the night without leaving my car and that fits the bill. Commode liner, half an adult diaper, I'm set and it can go outside between the car doors during the day. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your step to get up to a roof bag! I am old and chunky, and that looks amazing. I have a cooler about the same size as yours under the head of my bed as well and it helps to support the head of my mattress at night too (Memory foam pillow on top of that for the gap). Being covered by the pillow and mattress also helps insulate the cooler. Made my own window covers as well, and you know what? They work FINE, especially compared to a $200 set from the pre-made outfit. I used reflectix, black fleece and 3M glue. Just looks like drug dealer tint from the outside lol Sorry for the long post...just loved this video! I'm headed up to a mountain close to home (live in WY) tomorrow morning. Keeping this setup all summer means I can bug out for a day or two with little to no work, which means I do it far more often.
I love this! I too have a tiny teardrop that has begun to feel like a bit of a burden. I see from your video that I'll be able to car camp comfortably in my Nissan Pathfinder. Thank you so much for this!
I’m so glad!! I think teardrops are so adorable by the way :-). I definitely have some future trips planned for the Pathfinder mixed in with my regular travel. Happy travels to you!
I think this is the best no build build I have seen, and I can say with all honesty that I have watched hundreds of videos to get ideas for car camping. I plan to start traveling next year and definitely going to use a lot of these ideas. thank you so much for sharing this!
One of the best no-build setups I've seen! Love the use of vertical space with the drawers and the organization looks great. Everything in view and easily accessible 👍
I love this video! I just got my trifold in today and it fits great. I have three crates that are full of camping stuff but I need to go through and take only what I really need. You helped me see that. I am used to cooking on the Coleman stove and have the jackery 260 for charging stuff. Can’t wait to go car camping with the dog as soon as the weather gets a bit warmer. I do have the weather tech window coverings which are great. So yea, getting there. Thank you for this ! Very encouraging!
Thank you for watching and commenting:-). NICE on the weather tech coverings!!! I wondered if they were worth the money. They are on my “someday” list 😉
@@TinyTexanAdventures Seems like yours fit perfectly too. So no need to spend the money I guess. Except the weather tech are for keeping the heat in or out depending on which side you use. In TX this would be something to consider I guess.
I like the "no build" simplicity of your set up. I, too, just camp from time to time and don't live in my van. I just completed my "no build" set in my Honda Odyssey van and plan to venture out soon. Just curious as to any safe places that you would park to sleep at night. New subscriber.
Thanks for watching and subscribing! I felt very safe in hotel parking lots (larger chain), Walmart, and some BLM where there were others parked as well. Have fun on your adventures in your Odyssey ❤️
Loved! You kept me engaged throughout the video. Nice finds ESPECIALLY that foot step up thingy. I Subscribed! I would love your support as well as I grow my channel. Maybe I'll see you in my comments soon. Safe travels!
Thanks so much for watching/subscribing and the positive comments:-). The car camping attempt was new for me but saved me a lot of time and money on my extended trip!
No comparison to Gidget. Think I will keep my Casita as long as I travel. Just the right size for us. Good luck but I think you will miss it in the long run.
I don’t live in the SUV, this was an old video for car camping. I did recently get a van though. Oh trust me, I LOVED LOVED my Gidget, but for the kind of travel I’ll be doing and moving every few days, the Van will be a better fit for me these next few years. I loved every minute of my 4 years in the Casita and may own another one someday down the road ♥️
This is great!! The Fed Ex truck is in the neighborhood and is bringing me 2 sets of the same gray drawers you have for my little camper van. The plan is to join them back to back with zip ties so one set faces front and the other to the back. The front ones will be my personal things and the back will serve as a kitchen. Then I'm planning to attach a large cutting board that covers the top of of both. Mine are only 24" tall so I'm thinking I'll still have my window view. I've already made my window covers but grew tired of looking at shiny reflectix so I covered the insides with pretty fabric and mod podge. This made them really sturdy and pretty to look at. Such a pain though. I'm switching to curtains like Foresty Forest (RU-vidr) made. He's got a great plan for them on his "sewing marathon" video. Love what you did and admire you getting out there covering so many miles. That had to be quite an adventure!! Shout out to all the ladies who solo camp!! Love it so much!!🥰👍🙋♀️
Hey thanks for watching and commenting!!! I LOVE the idea of putting a large cutting board on top of the drawers. Great idea for the space and no doubt multiple uses! I’ll have to check out the curtains for future travels :-). There are a lot more of us solo women travelers out there than I ever thought. I’ve met some of the strongest, most interested and down to earth women on my adventures!! Happy Adventures to you!!! Stay in touch.
www.amazon.com/dp/B08K3TP5TH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4SFCHN92EVQVRMJ3X7XQ. :-). Here you go. There are many choices that probably all work just fine, this is just the one that I chose.
Hi thanks for watching, I have the single and twin but this link is for the one pictured in the video :-). Safe travels out there. Milliard Tri Folding Mattress with Washable Cover Space Saver Single Size (75 inches x 25 inches x 4 inches) www.amazon.com/dp/B00W67PJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_ZDGPA210AQE84GNW75VN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I love, Love, LOVE IT 🥰 I have the same setup in my Highlander. I’m able to foldaway my bed and house my plastic cabinets in the 3rd row. My challenge is organization. I’m up for the challenge. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching and for the positive feedback:-) That arrangement worked well for me and I’m definitely game to try it again and tweak more for better efficiency. Safe travels to you!
Thank you :-). It worked great for me. Here is the front seat organizer FifthQuarter Car Organizer Front Seat: Portable Large Capacity Passenger Car Seat Organizer With Laptop Storage Adjustable Strap Trunk Organizer Universal For Police | Driver | Office | Travel www.amazon.com/dp/B095BHNRZN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_98WR75FB56ASSTSX4Y89?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 And this is the backseat table/tray AutoChoice Foldable Car Seat Back Portable Tray with Phone Mount for Food Dining Drink and Laptop, Hanging Car Steering Wheel Tray(Upgrade) www.amazon.com/dp/B097BRPZ74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V9JVB4VC1VDZX064WTHR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING:-)
Lovely set up, and, apart from the Jackery, very cheap which I like. I prefer to keep the front passenger area and the roof completely clear but that's just me. During the day, I even keep the back seats clear with everything hidden under the luggage cover in the boot/trunk, so I use suitcases not plastic drawers - dead give-away when you park somewhere in broad daylight.
Well your idea actually looks the best to me. I don't have any plans or desire to ever live in my vehicle. I'd just want something to mainly sleep in while I travel.
Wow love the simplicity!! Any tips on stealth sleeping? Walmart Cracker Barrel anything like that or did you stay at campgrounds? Thanks either way I won’t tell the cops you told me to stay somewhere 😂 🙏
Ha! Thank you 😊 On that trip I stayed in Walmart parking lots, hotel parking lots (larger chains), & a few nights on BLM land (not stealth). Safe travels:-)
Thanks for watching and commenting :-). I’ve seen too many stories of people who were more injured by the loose flying items in a car wreck than the wreck itself.
Great video. Maybe I missed it, but for your bed... do you lay flat? By that I mean is there a slight angle up the back of your folded down seats? If there is do you mind, or did you try and rig anything up so you can lay flat? Thanks.
Hi Steven, thanks for watching! There is a slight angle but I don’t mind it at all since it keeps my head a little elevated (provided I’m park in a level spot lol).
That’s a good idea. I keep this tri fold to use in my camper too and when having company too so it’s multipurpose for me, but if I didn’t already have that then I think I’d try an inflatable one :-)
I am not a car camper. I have been a tent camper my first 40 years, then got a Coleman pop up and FINALLY a Class C but I can not afford to get out the Ark-La-Miss/Ark-La-Tex area due to gas prices and the whole 6 mpg. My other vehicle is a Toyota RAV4and have been toying with the idea of going out west in it this summer for two weeks when the semester ends (I am a professor). Thank you for the video. Lots of great ideas. I still have my tent and lots of camping supplies from my camping and the boys' Scout days. I am concerned about the fact that I am 5'10" and my cargo area is limited. Did you do videos on the Oregon trip too? (I wish I still had my Dodge Grand Caravan from my baseball mom/hauling 4 kids around days every time I practice laying in my Toyota RAV4) Thanks again.
Thanks for watching and commenting! I do have some idea of the Oregon trip but that was early on in the RU-vid days so I didn’t capture it the same. It was a fantastic trip though!!! 5’10” might be pushing all your boundaries in the RAV4 (I used to have one too), but hopefully you will find a way to make it work and still have those tent nights to stretch out. :-). I’d love to hear about it if you decide to go :-)
I really appreciate the no build aspect of your conversion. I use my Highlander for lots of other things besides camping. The simplicity of your setup is great. I'm wondering how you get your bed flat? My 2008 has 3-4" difference in height between front and back. Even with a heavy foam pad, I'm always sliding to the back end and it's not that comfortable.
Thanks for the positive feedback:-). I too have to use mine as a regular vehicle when I’m not on a trip so nothing could be permanent for me. My slope is minimal but since you don’t want something permanent you could always double and triple up on the foam squares just under the end that is lower? Not sure if that would work in your situation but it’s what I’d try lol :-).
Thank you 😘so much. I came across this video of yours by chance. It gave me the idea how I would like to do the next long distance driving. 🙏God bless you ☺️
😲😳 WOW thanks for such a quick response. What time is it there? It's 7:55 am here now. I am in west Java island, planning to drive all the way to East Java, about 800 km. I am gonna carry out some of the ideas you gave. 🙏😘
I love love love your easy set up!! I love camping but my hubby not so much.. so I plan on doing this with my suv when I want to go camping with my friends!!! Do you know if you can car camp at campgrounds Using your suv rather than a camper, tent or popup!
Thank you so much! In Texas I’ve car camped at quite a few state parks without any issue. I’ve registered as a tent camper but there has been no requirement for a decoy tent to be set up. I know other car campers outside of Texas that buy a CHEAP tent (like an easy pop up) and set it up but don’t sleep in it. I hope you get to enjoy car camping with your friends! When it gets a little cooler I have a few trips I’d like to make like this again :-). Safe travels!
@@TinyTexanAdventures thank you that is an awesome idea to set up a simple tent as a decoy but not use it!!! I'm excited to camp more like this! I love camping my husband not so much.. he works a lot on weekends and it gives me opportunity to camp with my friends from church! I had thought about getting a popup but this way I don't have to pull anything g and set it up.. I'm only 4 ft 10 so SUV camping will be easy for me!! Thanks again for your helpful ideas!! Happy camping to you as well! Stay safe
Thanks for sharing! Watching SCORES of van & SUV camper vids, and your ideas are so useful and simple to implement! Can you provide a link to the carrier/organizer/backpack you have on your front passenger seat? I’ve been wondering what search term to use to find something exactly like that! Thanks again!💐💐💐
Thank you very much :-). Here ya go! FifthQuarter Car Organizer Front Seat: Portable Large Capacity Passenger Car Seat Organizer With Laptop Storage Adjustable Strap Trunk Organizer Universal For Police | Driver | Office | Travel www.amazon.com/dp/B095BHNRZN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_98WR75FB56ASSTSX4Y89?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
@@TinyTexanAdventures THANK YOU!! You’re amazing. Looking forward to seeing your channel grow enormously as more people are exposed to what you are offering, and the appealing, accessible way you are offering it. All the best to you! 🌹
Below is the link for for my Amazon store where you can find all the items shown and more : Please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate and may receive a small commission from anything purchased using the links below. www.amazon.com/shop/tinytexanadventures?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsfshop_aipsftinytexanadventures_G55PP4E2BJ1QPMYGDBM
Hi, love your channel ❤ Do you happen to have a list of your items in your SUV so that I may find them easier? I love your setup! It gives me hope that I could do this too without a lot of trouble. I've never car camped. Thank you! I want to travel around Michigan this summer ❤
Hi and thanks for tuning in! Exploring Michigan in summer sounds like the perfect opportunity for car camping ❤️. Here were the links to the most requested items. If I missed something you wanted, let me know and I’ll grab it for you :-) I hope you have amazing adventures! Front seat organizer: FifthQuarter Car Organizer Front - amzn.to/3M6XzqG Back seat foldable table: amzn.to/3rMN30r Rooftop carrier: amzn.to/3ObRGud Car door step: amzn.to/3vcUBu6 Jackery Portable Power Station: amzn.to/3KJV25M Trifold Mattress: amzn.to/3uFNyLv “ As an Amazon associate I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.”
Hiya, loved this vid - I’ve got a 2009 Sante Fe - will try this come August. Really TIRED of paying some else’s mortgage pymts!!!! 1300.00 . I’ve lived in my car b4 Toyota Camry in the early 2000’s - with my dog. So, I’m NOT totally new to this lifestyle. I did it - to GET OUT of an abusive marriage.... Can you please supply links to Amazon for your stuff : front seat backpack. Small jackery. Outside storage on your rack. AND THAT CUTE LIL STEP-THING!!!! (5’4= me!). And those blk foam sheets for the flooring...and the trifold mat. Thanks so much....from Illinois New subscriber as of today.....
Hi there, thanks for watching and subscribing!! Here are the links: SEAT ORGANIZER- FifthQuarter Car Organizer Front Seat: Portable Large Capacity Passenger Car Seat Organizer With Laptop Storage Adjustable Strap Trunk Organizer Universal For Police | Driver | Office | Travel www.amazon.com/dp/B095BHNRZN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_EGGZNGWG5437XH9M2KN7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 JACKERY- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160, 167Wh Lithium Battery Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) Backup Power Supply with 110V/100W(Peak 150W) AC Outlet for Outdoors Camping Fishing Emergency www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYJVFNK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_D5K6G86KPJ9HHG4APP07?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 ROOFTOP CARGO- Fivklemnz Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier, 15 Cubic Feet Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier with Anti-Slip Mat + 8 Reinforced Straps + 4 Door Hooks Suitable www.amazon.com/dp/B07XRP6ZDN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_zwnB4UrQUZ3Px ROOFTOP STEP- Tobfit Car Doorstep Vehicle Rooftop Folding Ladder Foot Pegs Hooked on U Shaped Latch with Safety Hammer, Easy Access to Car Rooftop for Jeep, SUV, Of www.amazon.com/dp/B07HNLS6NS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_mrbxa1hkFvMDb TRIFOLD MATTRESS-(single) Milliard Tri Folding Mattress with Washable Cover Space Saver Single Size (75 inches x 25 inches x 4 inches) www.amazon.com/dp/B00W67PJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_CSWCEFZ40GBB8GZXWD31?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 The foam squares I picked up at 5 Below here but you can find them on Amazon, Walmart, Academy. Most places that carry exercise equipment carry the squares to place under it. I hope this helps and best of luck/safe travels in your Santa Fe.
Did you bring a folding table and chair? If you didn’t use your camp stove, did you eat out everyday? How did you keep your deli meats cold...was your cooler plugged into your jackery?
Hi Lillian, thanks for watching! I did take along a folding chair and table which were stowed in the roof carrier on top. I only ate a few meals out so I just kept the ice chest topped off with ice for my cold foods. Someday I’d like to upgrade the size of my jackery so it would accommodate a small electric cooler but the ice works in the meantime. I took items to actually cook on the camp stove but just didn’t have the need to use it on that particular trip. (I will always keep it with me though in the event I do wish to cook, or ever need something even as small as boiling water.).
Just found your channel! Love your setup! I was curious....I've intended to buy a rooftop cargo box but since I'm likely to get a different vehicle sooner rather than later I have to be careful since, as it is, I will have to find the lowest possible box in order to get into my parking garage. I have a soft cargo box, though, and I was wondering what you do to secure it for safety and from potential thieves, and did you put anything underneath it (liner)? Thanks!! :)
Hi Linda, Thanks for watching:-) The cargo carrier came with a rubber mat to put under it. I didn’t add any security to mine. It has a long flap that velcros over the zippers all the way around making them harder to find an opening. Someone with a little time could get in to it but I’m not sure how I’d lock it down though.
In the very beginning of the video you can kinda see the bungee cords I used top to bottom when driving to keep the drawers closed. I loaded heavier items in the bottom drawers for the most part to prevent tipping but it also helped having the jackets and thick clothing wedged at the top. I didn’t tip one the entire trip :-)
I'm so happy I ran across your channel! I plan to do a large car camping trip this summer and Texas is one of the places I plan to hit. This was really helpful, I've never seen the car step before. That is ridiculously helpful. Is there anywhere in Texas you recommend as a must stop/must see/must eat place?
Thank you for watching and for your positive feedback. I’m so glad you got some ideas :-). I’m not much of a foodie so I’ll skip those referrals but what do you like to do? Are you a scenery person? An active, climbing, hiking, kayaking, etc person?
@@TinyTexanAdventures I am a scenery person, and definitely hiking, but I broke my back last June, so milder hikes for this trip for sure. I'm not sure if I am going to bring my dog yet, but that is still a possibilty, so dog friendly is always a plus. I'm also interesting in how you find BLM land in general. The BLM website map doesn't seem to work for me whenever I try to vist it. lol
Hello Karen, I have the single and twin but this link is for the one pictured in the video :-) Milliard Tri Folding Mattress with Washable Cover Space Saver Single Size (75 inches x 25 inches x 4 inches)
There are so many conflicting“expert” opinions on that one! I do crack my windows slightly for a little airflow (even when cold) but I see many people that live full time in theirs and do not open the windows while sleeping. I’m no expert, but cracking the windows is what I choose to do :-)
I had an emergency bucket with me just in case for overnight but I just visited wherever I was staying - Walmarts, food places, hotel lobbies etc. For showers there are fitness club chains nationwide that with some memberships allow you to visit ANY location which made it pretty convenient!
@@TinyTexanAdventures In that case, you might consider a carrier that fits in your 2" trailer hitch receiver instead of the roof rack carrier. Advantages would be better aerodynamics/fuel mileage, easier to load/unload, and less likely to damage the vehicle. Disadvantages would be more exposure to road spray and it could be more of a bother to open the rear lift gate. Of course this would not apply when towing the Casita.
Thank you for the info! I actually have considered that option if car camping is something I decide to pursue more often. Most of the time I am hauling my travel trailer though so I need that hitch. I do appreciate your input though :-)
@@TinyTexanAdventures I understand completely. Nothing to do with camping, but ultimately one devises systems to haul things that work best for one's situation. For example, I use a receiver mounted carrier for strapping down 5 gallon fuel containers for our tractor and outdoor equipment (this was after these fine rural Texas roads we live on knocked over a fuel container and spilled diesel in the bed of our pickup one too many times). :-/
It’s a car door step. There are quite a few choices but this is the one I have :-). Thanks for watching! THD Car Multi-Functional Latch Door Step, Glass Breaker Safety Hammer, Easy Roof Access, Compact and Foldable (Black) www.amazon.com/dp/B08K3TP5TH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4SFCHN92EVQVRMJ3X7XQ
Lol no I am not a full-time SUV dweller. I live in a tiny RV and have only recently attempted the car camping thing. After a 10 day trip and that set up I definitely see more traveling that way in the future. But as I said in the video and title it’s just a “camper” thing for me :-)
