I'd love to get some tips from you about how to deal with the cold. I've done a fair bit of car camping (and backpacking) but will soon start a build out of my '96 Isuzu Rodeo. I'm thinking of first putting down a floor of plywood and I've been wondering how to best insulate it.
Any SUV dwellers?
- Thread starter Johnny Utah
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I've done a bit of SUV camping, just sleeping on the floor of my '96 Isuzu Rodeo. I've been watching a ton of videos for gathering ideas, and will soon start a build out of my Isuzu Rodeo.
I was hoping that there would be a whole forum for the SUV dwellers, but there's not. I'm not sure where we would fall, under the Car or Truck forums.
I was hoping that there would be a whole forum for the SUV dwellers, but there's not. I'm not sure where we would fall, under the Car or Truck forums.
I think you are defending yourself. Not necessary. You put the question out here. I dont know what's going on here but if you have to then consider a top carrier and a back rack for storage. No you dont have the storage of a van. I also see a problem but if your finances are what you have then I agree with you. Make it work but I dont think you will be happy but we have to start where we can . If money is available now or later I think SUVs are great with 4wd but you dont say you will be aboondockers. I see suburbans being sold pretty cheap sometimes with low miles. They will pull a decent trailer. I also think if you trust your car that's half of it. I would be thinking about a low top 4x8 trailer my self with yout car. I've drove a pickup on the road and there's answers to all the problems . You just deal with it. I had a 3 car trailer behind a dually. I had to stay where i could do the things i needed like Walmarts and truck stops. But you dont have to do those things I think what another poster meant. You might have free choices I dont know. The point to this forum pretty much is to be free so that's the thinking you will receive here while they are trying to help you.
winterwanderer
Well-known member
I've lived out of my Ford Explorer for months at a time over the past six years.
Sleeping? Up until now I've used a "half-twin" memory foam mattress topper placed on top of the folded-down seats. Basically, a 2" topper cut in half lengthwise and stacked. As a side sleeper, I don't need a wide bed. This arrangement leaves plenty of room for storage, both in the seatwells and alongside the bed. Entry is from the driver's seat, over the center console.
Bathroom? Pooping inside a vehicle is [censored] disgusting! Unless you have a bowel disorder, you should be able to schedule your movements...for instance, if you go after breakfast, then cook breakfast near a public bathroom. When out in the boonies, a cathole works fine.
Shower? Public recreation centers are my favorite option...a day pass gets you a workout and a shower at most of them. Baby wipes will do in a pinch. Sneaking cheap or even free showers at campgrounds is a fun possibility. In warm weather, bathing in a creek is perfect. A solar shower bag is useful if you spent a lot of time boondocking. Let's face it; if going a couple days without a shower is unthinkable, the car life ain't for you!
Cooking? Propane stove in the passenger seat. Wait, what? Yes, it's perfectly safe, as long as you use common sense. 1) Place the stove on a level board. 2) Always open at least one window for ventilation. 3) Never, EVER leave food cooking unattended. 4) Close the valve tightly after use. 5) Let the stove cool before putting it away. 6) Have a small fire extinguisher on hand, just in case. I've cooked thousands of meals in my truck on a $20 campstove with no issues whatsoever. It's perfectly OK to leave the stove hooked up to the canister; however, after it has been connected for a prolonged period of time, don't disconnect it until it is empty!
Food storage? Humans lived for millennia without refrigerators. Many foods keep surprisingly well at ambient temperature, especially in cooler weather. Broccoli will last a few days before flowering. Cheeses (except cream cheese) will hold out for a couple days or more. Unopened butter is good below 85 F for upwards of a week. Apples and citrus handle room temperature well. Fresh asparagus will last a few days; if it's already slimy, you'd better eat it right away. Salad greens wilt within 24 hours, so eat them quickly. Farm fresh eggs are fine at room temperature. Jar alfredo sauce can last 24 hours opened, but heat the second half good just in case. Buy avocados at varying states of ripeness, in order to have one ready every day. Raw meat at ambient temperature is highly unsanitary; time to go vegetarian!
Water storage? Plastic gallon jugs are my favorite. A flip-top water bottle works great for both drinking and washing hands. Depending on your habits, you may need anywhere from two to seven jugs. Keep one full and unopened in storage for emergencies.
Dishwashing? Throw away your plastic dishes and utensils. Trying to clean grease off plastic (including so-called "nonstick" surfaces) is a nightmare. By contrast, even the coldest soapy water will leave a steel or aluminum surface squeaky clean. Wipe excess grease out with a paper towel (or a slice of bread) before washing. There is no need to wash the outside / bottom of your pot!
Sleeping? Up until now I've used a "half-twin" memory foam mattress topper placed on top of the folded-down seats. Basically, a 2" topper cut in half lengthwise and stacked. As a side sleeper, I don't need a wide bed. This arrangement leaves plenty of room for storage, both in the seatwells and alongside the bed. Entry is from the driver's seat, over the center console.
Bathroom? Pooping inside a vehicle is [censored] disgusting! Unless you have a bowel disorder, you should be able to schedule your movements...for instance, if you go after breakfast, then cook breakfast near a public bathroom. When out in the boonies, a cathole works fine.
Shower? Public recreation centers are my favorite option...a day pass gets you a workout and a shower at most of them. Baby wipes will do in a pinch. Sneaking cheap or even free showers at campgrounds is a fun possibility. In warm weather, bathing in a creek is perfect. A solar shower bag is useful if you spent a lot of time boondocking. Let's face it; if going a couple days without a shower is unthinkable, the car life ain't for you!
Cooking? Propane stove in the passenger seat. Wait, what? Yes, it's perfectly safe, as long as you use common sense. 1) Place the stove on a level board. 2) Always open at least one window for ventilation. 3) Never, EVER leave food cooking unattended. 4) Close the valve tightly after use. 5) Let the stove cool before putting it away. 6) Have a small fire extinguisher on hand, just in case. I've cooked thousands of meals in my truck on a $20 campstove with no issues whatsoever. It's perfectly OK to leave the stove hooked up to the canister; however, after it has been connected for a prolonged period of time, don't disconnect it until it is empty!
Food storage? Humans lived for millennia without refrigerators. Many foods keep surprisingly well at ambient temperature, especially in cooler weather. Broccoli will last a few days before flowering. Cheeses (except cream cheese) will hold out for a couple days or more. Unopened butter is good below 85 F for upwards of a week. Apples and citrus handle room temperature well. Fresh asparagus will last a few days; if it's already slimy, you'd better eat it right away. Salad greens wilt within 24 hours, so eat them quickly. Farm fresh eggs are fine at room temperature. Jar alfredo sauce can last 24 hours opened, but heat the second half good just in case. Buy avocados at varying states of ripeness, in order to have one ready every day. Raw meat at ambient temperature is highly unsanitary; time to go vegetarian!
Water storage? Plastic gallon jugs are my favorite. A flip-top water bottle works great for both drinking and washing hands. Depending on your habits, you may need anywhere from two to seven jugs. Keep one full and unopened in storage for emergencies.
Dishwashing? Throw away your plastic dishes and utensils. Trying to clean grease off plastic (including so-called "nonstick" surfaces) is a nightmare. By contrast, even the coldest soapy water will leave a steel or aluminum surface squeaky clean. Wipe excess grease out with a paper towel (or a slice of bread) before washing. There is no need to wash the outside / bottom of your pot!
WatusiLucy
Member
SUV here! Toyota. A few years ago I did two separate six month stints in a Honda Element. I prefer sleeping in the front seat with a bit of cut to size tempurpedic mattress topper. The element has a lot of stealthy storage. My current Toyota SUV is full of seats! I will consider taking out the seats when I reach my destination. But only for hauling stuff connected with work.
If anyone knows how to make a signature, feel free to tell me. I have hunted all over.
If anyone knows how to make a signature, feel free to tell me. I have hunted all over.
To make a signature click on User CP in the upper left corner. Scroll down to Your Profile. Click on Change Signature. That should do it!
Imeirish
Member
Hello Johnny Utah. Imeierish in AZ here.
I gotta say It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and might really enjoy this adventure you are preparing for.
YES - life in a SUV is entirely possible. I know because I do it every day. It takes a bit on finagling to get it set up, but I live pretty well out of mine.
I also have a 40 quart electric cooler, 2 full sized folding tables, one large portable 200 watt solar panel, a 1000 watt battery, a VERY comfy folding bed, plenty of GOOD food, a two burner stove, extra propane bottles, 2 six gallon water jugs, 2 cases of drinking water, a large tent that attaches to my vehicle, 2 totes with just about every kitchen gadget and camping items one could want, heavy duty sleeping bag and insulated blankets, electronics, and of course my personal items. (Its late and I'm sure I've forgotten half of what I have.)
Its my preference not to camp without the items I have. That said I spend most of my time out in the BLM areas and such. Seen quite a bit in my time out and love it. What works for me is spending 10-14 days in an area, pack up and move on. Id stay at truck stops or casino lots if I had to, but prefer to be at peace in nature. In a SUV I have to set it all up when I arrive somewhere and then 2 weeks later tear it all down.
As far as showers and toilet habits, that's not too bad. I have a pop up privacy tent which is fine to go around a bucket or large "cat hole". Depends where I am. And it can also shelter me for a shower. I have a rechargeable battery handheld shower wand and put it in a bucket to take a real shower every so many days in between town runs. So its all possible. Just different per vehicle and per person. I think the whole point of this is to find or continue on in happiness.
If I can be of any help with ideas for your setup Id be happy to. Be well.
I gotta say It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and might really enjoy this adventure you are preparing for.
YES - life in a SUV is entirely possible. I know because I do it every day. It takes a bit on finagling to get it set up, but I live pretty well out of mine.
I also have a 40 quart electric cooler, 2 full sized folding tables, one large portable 200 watt solar panel, a 1000 watt battery, a VERY comfy folding bed, plenty of GOOD food, a two burner stove, extra propane bottles, 2 six gallon water jugs, 2 cases of drinking water, a large tent that attaches to my vehicle, 2 totes with just about every kitchen gadget and camping items one could want, heavy duty sleeping bag and insulated blankets, electronics, and of course my personal items. (Its late and I'm sure I've forgotten half of what I have.)
Its my preference not to camp without the items I have. That said I spend most of my time out in the BLM areas and such. Seen quite a bit in my time out and love it. What works for me is spending 10-14 days in an area, pack up and move on. Id stay at truck stops or casino lots if I had to, but prefer to be at peace in nature. In a SUV I have to set it all up when I arrive somewhere and then 2 weeks later tear it all down.
As far as showers and toilet habits, that's not too bad. I have a pop up privacy tent which is fine to go around a bucket or large "cat hole". Depends where I am. And it can also shelter me for a shower. I have a rechargeable battery handheld shower wand and put it in a bucket to take a real shower every so many days in between town runs. So its all possible. Just different per vehicle and per person. I think the whole point of this is to find or continue on in happiness.
If I can be of any help with ideas for your setup Id be happy to. Be well.
highdesertranger
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Imeirish you are talking to someone who hasn't been on the forum for 6 years. I doubt they will see your reply. highdesertranger
Imeirish
Member
Guess I didn't see that. This thread is showing up at the top of the car forum as "important". so I thought it was new... ah well, didn't have anything else to do at that time-a-nite NEways. LOLhighdesertranger said:
highdesertranger
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hey there is no problem with resurrecting's old threads. I was just pointing out the person you were directing your response to would probably not see it. highdesertranger
Imeirish
Member
TY GypsyJan!GypsyJan said:
Imeirish
"YES - life in a SUV is entirely possible. I know because I do it every day."
Thanks for your sharing your enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge. I appreciate that you've been there, done it, and approve of the life style. Car inhabitants may be in the minority on this forum but it's the least expensive and most possible future for me.
"YES - life in a SUV is entirely possible. I know because I do it every day."
Thanks for your sharing your enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge. I appreciate that you've been there, done it, and approve of the life style. Car inhabitants may be in the minority on this forum but it's the least expensive and most possible future for me.
Lostear
Active member
Picking up a 2012 Jeep Liberty Sport in a week or two. Gonna be a very interesting experience, heh. Already have a 1.5 month long trip planned out to test living out of the jeep with. Gonna drive from Alabama with a friend to Montana mid June. Gonna go hiking/camping/rafting a lot with other friends up there and then basically help out with a deaf film camp for children for the last week of July. Then head back to Alabama to drop the friend off and pick up my bike then I'll hopefully be truly full time on the road then. Looking forward to meeting y'all!
I have a lot of accessories and layout tricks in mind with setting the Jeep up so it should still be very comfortable for me. Looking forward to it!
I have a lot of accessories and layout tricks in mind with setting the Jeep up so it should still be very comfortable for me. Looking forward to it!
Lostear
Active member
I plan to!
Just not sure if I can spend on everything I need right away so some stuff will have to be postponed til 2 months or so later (part of why I'm wanting this lifestyle is to free up my income for more important stuff). I already have a hitch mobility cargo carrier coming with the Jeep so gonna make a flip up enclosure on it, basically a layer of chicken wire fencing in between two layers of bent corrugated plastic sheet (chicken wire to prevent easy theft by cutting thru the plastic). Basically a DIY version of the $3.5k blackbox mobility enclosed carrier by letsgoaero. I want to pick up a roof rack for the jeep but the cheaper options that fits well might take a while to be produced and shipped. On the roof rack will be a DIY solar roadshower kit and a solar panel of some kind. I already have a large tarp that I can use with two extendable painter's pole to make an awning with from any side of the jeep I want to.
I just have to figure out what to buy first and budget accordingly. That'll make my build really slow lol. I have no intention of modifying the interior beyond having some kind of LTE iPad Pro holder in front of the radio area so I can use it like a giant GPS screen lol. Or just for watching stuff while I'm parked and eating or something.
Just not sure if I can spend on everything I need right away so some stuff will have to be postponed til 2 months or so later (part of why I'm wanting this lifestyle is to free up my income for more important stuff). I already have a hitch mobility cargo carrier coming with the Jeep so gonna make a flip up enclosure on it, basically a layer of chicken wire fencing in between two layers of bent corrugated plastic sheet (chicken wire to prevent easy theft by cutting thru the plastic). Basically a DIY version of the $3.5k blackbox mobility enclosed carrier by letsgoaero. I want to pick up a roof rack for the jeep but the cheaper options that fits well might take a while to be produced and shipped. On the roof rack will be a DIY solar roadshower kit and a solar panel of some kind. I already have a large tarp that I can use with two extendable painter's pole to make an awning with from any side of the jeep I want to.
I just have to figure out what to buy first and budget accordingly. That'll make my build really slow lol. I have no intention of modifying the interior beyond having some kind of LTE iPad Pro holder in front of the radio area so I can use it like a giant GPS screen lol. Or just for watching stuff while I'm parked and eating or something.
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I am looking forward to being on the road, I have a 2014 Ford Escape.
Am renting a friends room rightnow. I keep changing my mind about removing the back seats.
Still looking for ways to have what I need and still look a little neat.
Am renting a friends room rightnow. I keep changing my mind about removing the back seats.
Still looking for ways to have what I need and still look a little neat.
The Kia Sportage RV is a part-time RV / work in progress. Every time I return home I have a list of changes and improvements,
Right now the front seat is folded down on top of itself with a box on top of it. The lid closes and locks down for travel.
The right, rear seat is the widest of the 2. I removed it, built a box, bolted it with the seat bolts.
The front seat is all the way forward, the smaller box behind it can easily be removed and the front seat put back up
MG
Right now the front seat is folded down on top of itself with a box on top of it. The lid closes and locks down for travel.
The right, rear seat is the widest of the 2. I removed it, built a box, bolted it with the seat bolts.
The front seat is all the way forward, the smaller box behind it can easily be removed and the front seat put back up
MG
