car camping - long term

[offroad]

so you want to live out of your car? &nbsp;for a little while? &nbsp;created the simplest instructions possible. Just emergency get out of town bug out instructions. &nbsp; lets go over some logistics:<br /><br />1) &nbsp;A car &nbsp;costs $500 to $5000 for a cheap no frills low mileage vehicle. &nbsp;You need something reliable and low repair costs. &nbsp;Think Honda, Toyota, Mazda lower end vehicles. &nbsp;They tend to last forever. &nbsp;just get the oil changed every 5000 miles. and make sure you have no fliud leaks, fluid levels all up to normal, good tires, and it can stop-brake well. &nbsp;if it starts and can drive its usually good. &nbsp;no smoking exhaust pipes. Get a manual transmission as that can be push started if you kill the battery.<br /><br />2) &nbsp;Do you need a tent? &nbsp;that might be $100 to $300 for a nice size, newer with a rain fly. &nbsp;You need a rain fly. &nbsp;You should consider a four-season version, but can get by with a three season (spring-summer-fall) maybe. &nbsp;Why a tent? &nbsp;well sleeping in the car is frowned upon, though you can do it. &nbsp;Its just easier to park, and hide not far from your car in a tent. &nbsp;you will need to stretch out at night. &nbsp;you need good rest. &nbsp;<br /><br />3) &nbsp;Get a sleeping bag that can be washed. &nbsp;artificial filling (not cotton, not down). &nbsp;I also suggest some kind of portable fan, that will run off your car battery. &nbsp;will keep you cool while you sleep. &nbsp;if you make some kind of extension cord from your car.<br /><br />4) &nbsp;Water and food. &nbsp;you can last a long time without a great meal, but only three days without water, or three hours without water if really hot. something about the rule of threes in there for survival. &nbsp;You need more water than you are likely getting even now. &nbsp;<br /><br />5) &nbsp;Keep yourself clean with soap and water. &nbsp;I personally stopped having colds. &nbsp;stopped completely, after I became obsessive about washing hands with soap and water. &nbsp;you need to wash up a lot, at every chance. &nbsp;and make sure you shave. &nbsp;every day. &nbsp;you just look better that way.<br /><br />good luck. &nbsp;other comments? &nbsp;hope to get some links, and other guidance in responses.

 

[Cubey]

I kinda tried but gave up after 6 days. I tried to do it with a Taurus station wagon and a tent. It was WAY too confining for me personally. I ended up stuck in the tent and it rained almost everyday and the tent was leaking so I had to put a tarp over it. It felt like I was in a solitary confinement box and I got badly depressed and came back home despite having already paid for another night (paid for a week up front).<br /><br />That was in 2008. It soured me on this lifestyle until this year when I got back into the mode and decided to go for it due to the crazy upkeep on this house I hate doing and can hardly afford.<br /><br />A full size van without a high top is bad enough.. but a car? Unless it's a few nights on a trip.. then for me it's too confining even if you can get 25-35mpg out of a car. I had considered a Chevy Caprice wagon/Buick Roadmaster wagon which is much larger than the Taurus but headroom wise would be about the same.<br /><br />The motorhome I have now doesn't have a high top but it has a dropped floor so I can stand up fully inside in a portion of it. Plus I can cook and do everything indoors regardless of the weather. <br /><br />Trying to full time with a car/tent is for someone more rugged than I. I don't mind tent camping on occasion but not to live that way year round. No thanks!

 

[Unchained]

5) &nbsp;Keep yourself clean with soap and water.

<br />Just a quick tip on this for sunny days. If you will be away from your car during the day, put 1 or 2 containers of water up on the dash in front of your sun screen before you leave, and you will have hot water for bathing when you get back. If you paint the water containers black, it will work even better.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Personally, I'd go for a late 80's, early 90's, Jeep Cherokee 4x4 w. straight 6 and 5 spd. They go for a song here, can go nearly anywhere, have great fuel economy, and are roomy. ..Willy.&nbsp;

 

[bobbert]

Not that I intend to make fun of small people, but, it really helps if you are a short person if you are gonna start car-dwelling/camping.

I'm 5'6.5" & have enough trouble car-living-

 

[Willy]

That's another reason why a Jeep Cherokee is nice. My buddy Nick is around my 6'1" and had no trouble sleeping in the back of one. ..Willy.<br /><br />

Not that I intend to make fun of small people, but, it really helps if you are a short person if you are gonna start car-dwelling/camping. I'm 5'6.5" &amp; have enough trouble car-living-

 

[Suanne]

I live out of my car for up to 6 months at a time.&nbsp; When doing so, I don't take a tent, but have made my car self-contained.&nbsp; Also, I rarely spend more than a few days at any one place.&nbsp; My goal&nbsp;in living out of my car is to explore.&nbsp; I love to drive the back roads, take short hikes, and just be in nature.&nbsp; If the weather is too hot, too cold or too wet, I move on or change directions.<br /><br />My car is both my&nbsp;mode of transportation and my hard-sided tent.&nbsp; Although I'm a large woman, I am short (5'2") and that helps ...&nbsp;yet my 26"-width bed would accomodate someone over 6'.<br /><br />Currently I'm a part-timer, but if push came to shove, I could full-time out of my car ... tho' a van would be preferable for full-timing.&nbsp; For me, car living is more like camping than living in&nbsp;an RV.&nbsp;<br /><br />In my signature are a couple of links for anyone who wants more detail.<br /><br />Happy Trails, Suanne

 

[Seraphim]

I think if you're going to live in a car, or even a van, you have to be a serious outdoor person, irregardless of weather.&nbsp; One reason we loved our van was because, after a short time, we wanted to be outside - rain or shine.<br /><br />Our current rig, somehow, got a bit TOO comfortable. It feels awkward, a bit.

 

[Pikachu711]

I think if you're going to live in a car, or even a van, you have to be a serious outdoor person, irregardless of weather.&nbsp; One reason we loved our van was because, after a short time, we wanted to be outside - rain or shine.<br /><br />Our current rig, somehow, got a bit TOO comfortable. It feels awkward, a bit.

<br /><br />You are very correct. If you are not an "outdoorsy" person you won't be totally happy living in a vehicle of any kind. You also can't be someone who likes to accumulate a lot of "things" you need to validate your life.<br /><br />I'm discovering that the more "stuff" I have, the more I don't use. Even after "degunking" once a year I still have stuff I don't use! Having more stuff does not make all people happy.<br /><br />I'll be going "on the road" next year. I've always been a outdoors person. I have so much stuff I don't use I wonder why I keep it! I'll be selling/donating/giving away/tossing some things I've not used in years. I don't know why I&nbsp;kept some of the stuff I haven't used or wear in years.<br /><br />I should have come to this decision years ago. Better late than never all the same.

 

[offroad]

<br id="tinymce" class="mceContentBody " /><br /><br />I'm discovering that the more "stuff" I have, the more I don't use. Even after "degunking" once a year I still have stuff I don't use! Having more stuff does not make all people happy.<br /><br />.

<br /><br />So very true.&nbsp; my apartment just accumulates stuff.&nbsp; Its great for decoration, but its just stuff that is neevr touched.&nbsp; though I like the kitchen stuff.

 

[Suanne]

I find it easy to get along without a cooler.&nbsp; I use shelf-stable foods like boxed milk (usually almond), powdered milk (cow's), dehydrated/freeze dried foods (many fruits/veggies&nbsp;dehydrated by myself), nuts, oats, rice, beans, crackers, bread, pasta, jerky, pouch tuna/salmon, peanut butter, etc.&nbsp; And, I'm often near a store to pick up and eat&nbsp;perishable foods when desired (yogurt, meat, cheese, etc.), as well as fresh fruit and veggies.<br /><br />Also, many perishable foods will last a considerable amount of time without refrigeration, like eggs.&nbsp; Sometimes I'll put a damp towel over a food item I want to keep cool for a few hours&nbsp;(via evaporation).<br /><br />In addition, I collect and keep those single-serving packets of sauces, mayo, mustard, dressings, salt/pepper, jams/jellys,&nbsp;etc.&nbsp; <br /><br />I will occasionally stop for "restaurant" food as well.&nbsp; When I stop to use wifi and facilities&nbsp;at McD's, I'll usually get something from their dollar menu.&nbsp;&nbsp;And Wendy's has my&nbsp;"favorite" fast food of a small chili and a side salad (about $3).&nbsp;&nbsp; And, if I'm in a particular area known for a food item (e.g., shrimp on the Gulf Coast), then I'll splurge for that experience.<br /><br />All in all, not having a cooler or refrigerator has not kept me from eating well and healthy.<br /><br />Suanne ... heading south in a few days

 

[Guest]

Hi Suanne, <br /><br />Always good to hear from someone who actually does it rather than a lot of ideas of what it might be like. Thanks for your experiences.<br /><br />In fact.....I hope you come and visit me in TorC again. Where are your travels taking you this time????<br /><br />You have been inspirational to me. I rode in a friends Prius the other day, I have pretty much decided to have one, one day. I absolutely love them.<br /><br />This guy and his wife have two 2010 Priuses but have been driving the marque since 2002....he says it is hard to even think of any other vehicle once you have owned one. We were getting 56.5 MPG per his meter on the freeway down to the Arrey Cafe....Holy Hammers....that is better than my old GEO and a hell of a lot more comfy...even in the back seat...at 75 mph...hehehe...I'm sold. <br /><br />Almost double the mpg I get with my sidecar rig....<br /><br />Bri

 

[Guest]

I had a 87 Geo Metro that I could sleep in...in fact set it up to see if I could use it for trips to see my kids. I took out the back seat and the passenger seat, made a platform and it was comfy....Even removed the clutch switch so I could just reach over and turn it on to warm up the inside. I slept in it for a week and was quite happy for short term trips.<br /><br />The problem was the drivers seat...cheesy and painful but could have been replaced. But the low door jamb that I kept hitting my head on, a real problem....I can't bend my neck far since I have a big titanium plate on my c-spine......I sure liked the 48- 49 MPG on the highways tho...ahhahaha<br />Bri

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I lived out of a Hyundai Pony for a few months abt. 12 yrs ago.. and would only do so again out of necessity. ..Willy.

 

[Suanne]

This guy and his wife have two 2010 Priuses....he says it is hard to even think of any other vehicle once you have owned one.

<br /><br />Bri, <br /><br />Owning my Prius since the end of 2003, I also find it hard to think of&nbsp;having another vehicle.&nbsp; It was a great commuter car to and from work until 2008, and now it's a great solo-travel car ... total stealth, room to stretch out and sleep, built in generator (that automatically comes on when the batteries need charging), and great MPG to boot!&nbsp;&nbsp; It's been totally dependable.&nbsp; Besides regular maintenance, I've only had 2 mechanical costs (a rotor and break sensor) ... at 181K miles now.<br /><br />I'm heading to So. Cal. shortly to attend a family funeral ... my aunt, who was the last survivor of her (the greatest) generation in my family.&nbsp; She was a loving woman whom I will miss dearly.&nbsp; I&nbsp;appreciate the long drive to funeral services as the journey there and back provides time to both&nbsp;reflect on and honor the person who has passed ... for grieving and healing ... especially when I can spend some time overnighting and just being&nbsp;in nature.<br /><br />Thanks for the invite again to TorC ... I'd love to visit again.&nbsp; John and I are looking into getting a small Class C or B+&nbsp;to travel in together.&nbsp; We plan to tow the Prius for excursions away from the RV.&nbsp; So, maybe it'll work out for John to visit too <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> ... and, of course, our place is always open for a visit from you, Kit and Dina <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />Be well my friend.<br /><br />Suanne

 

[bobbert]

<br />Owning my Prius since the end of 2003, I also find it hard to think of&nbsp;having another vehicle.&nbsp; It was a great commuter car to and from work until 2008, and now it's a great solo-travel car ... total stealth, room to stretch out and sleep, built in generator (that automatically comes on when the batteries need charging), and great MPG to boot!&nbsp;&nbsp; It's been totally dependable.&nbsp; Besides regular maintenance, I've only had 2 mechanical costs (a rotor and break sensor) ... at 181K miles now.<br /><br />Suanne

<br /><br />How well does it do off-roading? Can you take it far into the woods?<br />Would you happen to know what the ground clearance on a Prius by any chance?<br />Also, how much did it cost the environment in manufacturing it (from mining the nickle, lithium, and lead)?

 

[Guest]

Hi Suanne....Sorry to hear of the family death. Glad you can have a nice amount of time to reflect and grieve the loss...I think she must have been quite an influence on you since I would say that you are a very good example of a loving and kind person yourself....<br /><br />I really look forward to meeting John and I will definitely make your homestead a stop next trip north in the Chinookie...I hope you do come here with John and maybe the RTR? Tell him to hurry up and find a "C"...lol<br /><br />I need to get up there and spend a little more time with my grandkids before the girls are into their teen years...so next summer for sure...maybe a little later in the year when it is not so wet.<br /><br />Great kudos for the Prius and I am doing some research for Kit to see if she will go for one instead of a newer Subaru which was our thought before.<br /><br />I think we should get one of them or a VW diesel wagon of some kind...<br /><br />Anyhoo...have a safe and valuable trip and say hi to John for me...<br />Bri<br /><br />

 

[Suanne]

How well does it do off-roading? ...&nbsp; Also, how much did it cost the environment in manufacturing it

<br /><br />Hi,<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; I don't take the Prius off road.&nbsp; But, I do take it on&nbsp;unmaintained dirt roads even tho' the clearance is only about 6".&nbsp; I've gotten pretty good at driving the ridges on bad&nbsp;dirt roads.&nbsp; I just take it slow and easy ... stopping to study the road to see if I can make it through OK.&nbsp;&nbsp; I would love higher clearance, more than AWD.&nbsp; Although AWD is not an option, I've often thought of installing air bags to give me a few extra inches of clearance when needed.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to the cost of the environmental impact from the manufacture of a hybrid vehicle.&nbsp; I'm sure the batteries do make a hit.&nbsp;&nbsp; Gratefully hybrids' drive-train batteries are proving to be long-lived on the average (much longer than starter batteries).<br /><br />Peace, Suanne

 

[Cubey]

I had considered buying a used prius at one time... but the cost of the drivetrain batteries costs as much as a decent low priced used (gas) car so I shied away from them. It's like an engine with a time bomb in it, in my opinion. Big expense that can suddenly come up on you that costs to replace the car almost. That's why I stayed away from them myself. At least usually an engine can still be used even if it's going bad. You're more limited on the Prius batteries I think if they start to fail. It relies so heavily on them.

 

[Guest]

My friend who has owned them since 2004 tells me the longevity is a quarter million miles though Cubey. Not an expense you are likely to unless you buy one with close to that....<br />Bri