My SUV Camping Setup: Full Tour of My Mini Camper! (Vanlife in an SUV)
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- In this video I walk you through every aspect of my RAV4 micro camper. How do I sleep in it? How do I run the fridge? How do I poop? How do I shower? All that and more is covered here in this SUV micro camper/RV conversion tour.
VIDEO LINKS
** The "Gear I Use" page on my website: suvrving.com/g...
** Kamchatka Gear: kamchatkagear.com
** Home Depot mattress video: • $20 Home Depot Camp Ma...
** Joe's channel, Homesteadonomics: / homesteadonomics
** Compact stool toilet video: • This $20 Ultra-Compact...
** Compact camp shower video: • Tiny DIY Portable Sola...
** Attaching the solar panel to the cargo box video: • Mounting a Solar Panel...
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► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowh...
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** The company I use for my web hosting: www.a2hosting.com?aid=5dd04ea50f139 (Affiliate link)
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other UA-cam channel: / tenkaraaddict
#suvcamping #suvcamper #rav4camper
Thanks for watching! Here's the direct link to my "Gear I Use" page: suvrving.com/gear/
And be sure to check the video description for links to the other videos I mention.
-Tristan
Thanks
Could you go over the solar and fridge charger setup more
Sooooo nice to see someone who doesn't enjoy cooking...thank u for sharing all the tiny details like the spray bottle for brushing teeth the seat covers and so on
Just want to add that a 6” mattress works a little better.
I plan on using a queen size heated Sherpa lined electric blanket.....some are cordless. I am also going to use a small round 1500 watt heater, it has a temperature dial and plastic housing doesn’t get hot.
Reason # 9 ...Security. You're sleeping in a safe metal box which prevents the four-legged (and two-legged) critters from getting to you. 😁
Agreed!
...especially in USA
@@arctichare8185 anywhere.
@@marylynndontchangename3461 But not everywhere, and between USA and Canada- ESPECIALLY IN USA.
That's why I like SUVS' and Vans over truck campers or cargo trailers. Like to jump in the driver's seat and drive away from possible trouble.
I feel MUCH safer sleeping in my forester than a cold tent, My forester is my car, my snow mobile and my camper! :)
Exactly! It's just better in every way 😁
Subaru suv that’s one best choice.If you stuck in a snow a mud very reliable car.. I just retired August 2020..
You and me both brother!
I have a Forester also and agree! The only thing I dislike and not being able to sit up, wish there was a tad more headroom when the seats are folded down
Great car the forester just a bit more expensive with parts at least herr in australia. True all wheel drive though.
I converted my Honda CRV into a camper, but made the mistake of making the entire back a bed for two. I'm going to have it sawed down the middle, so I can add storage drawers. Love your setup. I consider my car to be my tent on wheels. I carry a tent with me, just in case. I've been denied access to some campgrounds where car camping is not allowed, so I take a small popup tent and just place it in a spot for show. :-)
Love your idea, of carrying a pop tent 🏕
This is good. Great tip😍
Great 💡 idea!
🖤💯✊🏿👏🏿👏🏿
In winter, freeze bottles of water outside and load the fridge. It'll help save energy.
I’m always confused why they even bother with a powered fridge. An insulated cooler works fine for me. And cheaper and easier.
add either salt or alcohol (label the bottle first) and you can lower the freezing point so that it will lower the temperature of your makeshift fridge
IKR, he shows us the 2 sleeping bags, snow, and tells us how cold it is, then there is the FRIDGE! Guess it keeps the beers safe from bears.
@Arthur James , the bear thanks you. :)
Or cargo box on roof for frig for food.
One thing that helps me when it gets really cold is a survival blanket under the mattress.Really helps keep the cold from the metal below. Also under the back carpet.
I've used survival blankets in the Alps, for survival! Love those. Heard that Reflexic (sp?) is also great for underneath a matress or thin sleeping pad :-)
You are freaking hilarious! I too drive an SUV and I don't like minivans. I love your mindset about how YOU choose to camp.
Thanks Olivia! SUV campers unite!
@lilacs8282 great idea about the dog crate, I have a cat as well,.that is perfect for under a cooking table, I also will use roll up bedding so I can get to the spare tire, at least for a start..I saw a roof rack for them but I am 5 feet and female..my SUV is 68 inches tall
Finally someone who says I don’t like to cook and is happier eating sandwiches. It’s really a pain to have to deal with all that washing after. But having said that, he does have a camping stove for the occasional times when a hot meal is needed in the wilderness.
This is why I like your setup. SIMPLE! I have seen all of the fancy RVs and van builds, but I have neither the money nor the skills to do either. I do have a 2014 RAV4 and I like the fact that like you, it fits my needs. As one of my friends said...I have a "motorized metal tent." And that is all I need. Creates a barrier between me and the weather and predators. Easy setup, good gas mileage. Not interested in having a TV and all the glamping stuff that they have on youtube, nature is my TV. But like you said...to each his own. Thanks for the review.
Exactly! It's luxury compared to a tent and just waaay more comfortable in every way. No need for me to have a full apartment on wheels. Thanks r g.
Something that has made the toiletry business much better for me: a ripping hammer from Harbor Freight. The claw end works great for digging a reasonably deep and narrow trench, even in fairly hard ground. It works much better than trowels and shovels.
The momentum of the weight of the hammer's head is very effective. You can just turn it sideways to pull the excavated dirt back in to cover everything, or use your foot to do the same, and tamp it down.
I usually just keep the hammer under my seat. It's very convenient, and has additional uses as well, like cracking open nuts and coconuts.
Good tip!
And makes a handy weapon if need be. Thanks for info.
Coconuts
You're the sole reason I bought a '19 honda cr-v and turned it into a suv camper hybrid. Because of you my dude! 👍
Awesome! I'm happy to be an enabler here 👍
Hi do you have any videos of your converted crv?
I would love to see that build. I have that model and was wondering how to turn it into a camper
Marooncords
- can you run your ac climate control when sleeping? How often does the car engine goes on and off?
Hi. Someone asked how you modified it. I was curious too
2:02 Reason # 8 ...it's a Toyota and the RAV4 is one of the most reliable SUVs ever made, so you don't have to worry about it breaking down and getting you stranded somewhere. 👍
Great video!
It's been a great car for me. I've been really happy with it.
Had a RAV 4 for four years; problems the whole time. No room in the back, engine light constantly on; I won’t go back!
We just bought our fourth RAV 4. Love it.
My 2012 RAV4 is unstoppable. Tires, gas and oil are the only things I’ve put into it. I’m 55; best car I’ve ever owned.
We used your ideas to travel 10k miles and 38 states this year. Two of us in that RAV4! So thank you, it was the trip of a lifetime for us.
I do the exact same setup in my Forester including the board to bridge the gap on paracord which I'm sure I got the idea from you! I travelled across Canada and back in August and slept in my car, was pretty comfy! I sleep behind the passenger seat so I can slip into my driver's seat without getting out
What's the difference. You can still slip into driver's seat from behind, right?
@@tmoss017 easier to not have to climb around the driver's seat to get into it, there's not a lot of space! Also the way my back seats fold down its a 40/60 split with the wider on the passenger side
@@nanchesca3950 gotcha. Yea mines 60/40 too but the bigger side on my driver's side. So I setup the bed on my driver's side. It still works but I was just wondering. Thanks
@@nanchesca3950 mine too, wider on the passenger side, so i sleep there.
I've been watching your videos for a few years and am still amazed at the ingenious solutions you have devised for simple SUV camping. There are so many car-campers on UA-cam who have so much gear in their rigs, there is barely room to breathe (or, they have to unload stuff outside in order to sleep inside). Good on you for keeping it simple! Cheers!
Really love the cargo hammock. I had realized that the overhead inside is wasted space and thought I should figure out a way to use it. Now I can! I will order.
I've been part timing in my Chevy Blazer for almost 6 years now. My dog and I go off grid canoe camping and I love it!! Great to see a channel for SUV's ! Love it!
Blazers are great with the back seats down
Great setup,Tristan. I was on the road 9 months traveling the Southwest my 95 Ford Explorer SUV. I thought about a larger rig, for 2 seconds. I love that I can go just about anywhere in it.
I may get a bigger SUV at some point, but I have no interest in an RV or a trailer. Just too much of a pain to deal with! Thanks for watching.
@@SUVRVing and the gas to fill them plus repairs! Smaller is better and the way people are converting cars and SUVs it is amazing.
1:21 "Think of it is a hard-sided tent" is the perfect explanation and comparison. 👍
I'll have to use this as my reason when my buddies razz on me for sleeping in my Forester.
BONUS: I can use my sleeping platform, which is on the passenger side, to EVAC someone that's injured (I'm a medic) or let my dog lay down and ride shotgun while I'm driving.
Great video!
Thanks, glad you liked it! Good point about being able to evacuate someone. Hadn't thought of that.
I think you'd like my solar pass-through design. I thought about using the deflectors like you did but eventually decided that wind noise was unacceptable to me so I use a piece of plexiglass that slips into the window channel when the window is rolled down, with a small Z shaped self-adhesive seal attached to the plexiglass. Then just drill and mount a pass through port of your choice to the plexiglass plate (I chose a sealed SAE port) and roll the window up to hit the seal of the pass through plate. Zero vehicle modification and zero whistle. Easily removable in seconds with no damage or adhesive residue
I appreciate your candour especially about "unloading" issues in the wild. I don't recommend filling plastic bags and keeping them until you find the nearest dumpster. Just carry a shovel, man.
That's always preferable for sure, but in my area (Colorado, idk about Idaho) frequently the ground is way too frozen -- or even in summer, many campable areas in the mountains don't have more than a tiny few inches of soil before you hit bedrock. So being able to pack out a toilet bag becomes pretty important still, and I'm sure this applies in a lot of other destinations as well.
While leave no trace is the goal, many places now forbid you from even burying the waste, insisting that you pack out everything that you bring in, including your waste.
Your video reminded me of my single and happy days when I was young. I happily lived in a closet (tiny window) for long time when I was a student and saving money.
Lots of good info. I'm a Dodge Caravan guy but all of my bags, comforter and pillow cases are black so they cannot be seen from outside the rig. All of my storage is in soft bags. I have not bothered with a solar panel as most of the time on the road I am driving for at least a half hour and every few days a couple of hours. That way I charge everything while driving. I travel with a mountain bike, that was a real pain when I had my 4runner. PS they make a rear carrier that swoops up from the hitch so you will almost never hit it. The extra wind drag of a rooftop is between 3 and 5 percent on the highway. The extra wind drag of a rear carrier is near zero. But being a minimalist really helps. I do a lot of urban camping.
Minimal, well suited for your use. That typically only comes from spending time with a set-up, and refining. I like it. Well done, well explained.
I'm sitting at my computer chuckling and amazed that we have almost identical set ups. I own a 2016 Jeep Compass and have three years of overland camping in it...and I love it. The 4X4 capability is amazing for what I do. I love the economy, the distance of travel for a single tank which averages nearly 400 miles and the carrying capacity using a rooftop cargo basket (Walmart for $70) and I can mount my kayak on it safely. I like your cabinet. My storage unit is a military locker (issued to me in 1965) and with an additional 5.11 duffle bag, that converts to a backpack, and a LAPG bail out bag provides more than enough storage. Mounted to the grab handles just behind the two front seats I affixed a clothes bar and put large carabiners on it to attach survival kits, pouches for different Ankers, large roll of orange duck tape, headlamps, spotlight, large flashlight with high lumens, bungee cords, binoculars, a communications pouch with two Motorolas and a Baofeng ham radio and a 45/50 liter Mossy Oak backpack containing extra layers of clothing for cold weather. On the floor beneath are an electrical blanket, 80/20 wool blanket on one side and hiking shoes, waterproof boots and a pair of Crocs for camp, HD rope with high tensile strength on the other side. My sleep set is a Teton base camp mattress, a cut piece of reflectics for added insulation, a Coleman zero degree bag and a Thermarest foam pillow. I bring a hammock just in case it's warm enough to sleep outside. The spare tire well is one large survival kit with Silky 240, a Helwerks German axe, fire kit with muliple fire starters plus different tinders, tow gear, tool kit, trauma kit with tourniquet, IFAK, rolls of #36 tarred bank line and 55gl contractor trash bags, triangles, flashing orange lights kit and a high viz vest and a bright orange mylar rain poncho and a drop cloth in case the ground is wet. On my dash is a Garmin GPS, an inverter with the Bestek multi plug unit mounted on the side of the radio/AC housing using industrial velcro. My cell phone goes into one of the holders that hangs from the rear view mirror and does not interfere with vision. My next project will be to mount a holder for my Samsung pad. Alongside the center console are map and mask pouches. One item I use and recommend are a pair of those mesh covers that you slide down over the tops of the rear doors allowing you to crack your windows. I bought the $10 set and they work well as I sleep better with a minimal air flow. This is also a safety item should you decide to run your engine to warm up your car. Vent shades mounted above each door help to keep the rain out. One thing I love to do is drape a 10X10 Aqua Quest tarp over my open rear hatch and securing it with guide lines and tent stakes (4 each). I can set up a small table, a Helinox camp chair and a single burner Coleman or a BSR butane stove to cook meals and make coffee or just sit outside and enjoy the view even if it's raining. I mounted some fog lights on my front grill and on the front of the cargo basket but have to wire them to the fuse box. I love watching your adventures and my question is, what do you do should your wife accompany you on an adventure. My wife's idea of camping is a four star hotel.
Thanks for sharing, Alexander! Sounds like a great setup you've got, but I can tell you didn't watch the whole video! 😄 I address why I don't use the mesh covers that slip over the door for ventilation, and I do indeed show the vent shades (reflectors) that I have. This is the setup I use when my wife comes with me: ua-cam.com/video/W52zBbhSz60/v-deo.html
Recently kicked out of my living situation just taking notes on winter car living 😪 my goal is to at least not be miserable 🙂
You’ve got this! I’m doing it with my fiancé. Times are tough. But it became a blessing in disguise! We love this life more than living in a house or apartment. 10 months strong and we don’t see ourselves going back!
I hope you're employed at least, if you're not I recommend door dash is a start. Also comfort depends on what type of vehicle you have tbh. Good luck man.
I recommend getting your CDL. You get paid and you get your own apartment on wheels 😎
I hope things get better for you...
@@lily91109 thanks
In the words of the great Dr. Seuss "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." I love your videos, you are so down to earth and you are proof you don't have to have anything fancy or expensive to get out and have a great time AND... be comfortable doing it. You've been a great inspiration to me. After watching some of your videos I moved up from tent camping (which I still love to do) to sleeping in and camping out of my Subaru Outback. I've found that using the reflectixs in ALL of my windows plus underneath everything in the back makes a big difference in how warm the car stays when it's in the 20's and 30's at night, however, it also keeps your vehicle really dark so you might end up sleeping in longer than you want ;-) Keep up the good work inspiring others!
I’m impressed on how organized you are in such a small area and good ideas and inventions to make your trip(s) easier...Thank you for the tour...
I have a 2007 RAV4. It's a great car and I appreciate that you adapt what you already have on hand and have marvelous adventures that you share with us. Conserve, reuse, recycle & enjoy life.
Just wow!!! My fiancee has a rav 4 and it's mindblowing that I could build something like that in there. You're so organized and efficient
It's a great little adventure rig!
Put your bag of waste in an odor proof bag. They really work. I use them for my dog’s poop bags while hiking so I don’t have to smell it. Also use them for trash stored outside the vehicle. Sold on Amazon and REI, intended for backpackers to store food and not attract varmints.
Great stuff. I’m using a Sienna now but so many of your ideas are transferable. Love your “you do you” disclaimer.
I tried camping in an SUV when I went to Acadia National Park, it was a mixed bag. When the temp was cool, it was AWESOME!!!! I loved the gas mileage, loved parking it, the ease and versatility are amazing compared to my 30 ft camper. So easy, loved it. When it was rainy, it was inconvenient to cook outdoors and being stuck in a small space wasn't great, but doable, because how often will it actually rain. When it was hot, it was miserable. I wish there was a portable AC I could run off a battery... if there is people, let me know. Not a swamp cooler, an AC that can work when the car is off. In cold I can buy cold weather gear, when it's hot, I can only take off so many clothes and still be HOT.
Lived in my Honda Element 28 months... the best sleeping I ever had in my life...
I really like your set up. The simplicity has me sold. You have everything covered that you really need. Many carry too much with them just due to the kitchen gadgets and things they THINK are necessary. You have covered the necessary items, and I agree with you that the SUV is a much nicer look, easier to drive and with a 4x4, you can go a lot of places a loaded van can't. You can also convert it all into a regular car again when you get home. Awesome.
Cozy and you can go anywhere a typical 4x4 goes. Good on gas. Love the set up.
It doesn't have the necessary clearance to go down truly bad roads, but it gets me to more places than I could explore in multiple lifetimes. Thanks for watching!
I’ll be living in my car at the end of the month. I really appreciate the link with all the gear. Great ideas. Best video I’ve seen
You were my inspiration for making my 2007 SUV into a mini camper! Following info from an earlier version of what you did. I liked the board over the back so I could cook on it, etc. Waiting anxiously for your ceiling cargo hammocks, etc to come back in stock. They look much better than the ones I have seen elsewhere.
Every square inch thought out and utilized. Very nice.
I love how you have everything organized and your gadgets so cool and I’m going to use your toilet idea 💡
that piece of wood is genius!!!
Thank you for giving us an updated tour. Your book is a great resource. I love camping and traveling in my Jeep Patriot. It is a little crowded for 2 but for just one it is perfect. I always enjoy your trip videos Safe travels.
I love the plastic bags hanger! Very clever!
I like your set up. I'm 5'3. So that would be plenty of room. I own a pt Cruiser I've and have fallen asleep in my car . Bless you.
You need a gazelle 4 tent.pops up quickly, fits2, can stand in it.they have a4plus, it has an add on room, can be used as bathroom or sitting area.awesome constuction
If a separate tent works for you, great, but I have no interest in one. Thanks for watching.
Loved watching this video. Great attention to detail and planning. Oh, how I wish I could have done this when I was a young man. Keep having fun my friend.
Beautiful Kentucky❤️
Merry Christmas Linda and all you folks watching❗️❤️🙏
👍Good ideas. Thank you. 💝
💡A friend uses a 12V seat warmer / heating pad to help keep warm.
People say: 😂😂 - I am always amazed that so many want someone to convince or decide for them. I love your suv. I have gone from choosing a travel trailer, a tear drop, a big van - (all that I can easily afford). Now after watching ga-zillions of videos and contemplating choices. My 2020 4Runner is going to work fine.
Please note, I lived in a Peterbilt for almost 20 years. (OTR-driver) My sleeper was a 60” sleeper. Learned a lot, thought a lot. Having a refrigerator, a small heater and an inverter in later years changed my life. Miss traveling and the solitude.
Know my 4Runner will be a luxury especially with all the gadgets available in today’s world. Plus I am pretty familiar with handling road challenges. Being in a 4wheeler will be mobility deluxe. 🙂
Thanks for all your videos and content.
Thanks for keeping it real. If people want all that STUFF just stay home. “Disclaimer 🚨” my opinion - my choice!
Love your ceiling hammock thing, great idea!
That's what I just bought! A 2011 Toyota Rav4! Cant wait to start camping adventures!
I’m getting ready to set up a 2007 Kia minivan. I’m a handy 71 woman and a former tent camper (35 years ago!)
I like the way that you keep things simple. I plan to keep one of the second row passenger seats in place, and love the idea of strapping the cabinetry to the seat! Very useful idea!
Any thoughts on camp sites on the east coast?
Hard-sided tent...exactly my description of my Honda Odyssey!
This is very helpful as I work on my Subaru Forester buildout! Thank you!!
Thanks for watching!
You are a master of simplicity. And the Toy Rav will go forever, unlike some old SUV's that are about to blow up after someone has put so much work into.
He called his toilet a stool 😂 great video of your overland rig!
The spray bottle for showering is a great ideas I would have never thought of that. 👍🏼
I'm in a Nissan Cube, saving for an SUV and looking forward to it.
the " stool for STOOLS ! " nice job
Oh this was helpful. I'm likely going to be living out of my Rav4 Hybrid for grad school and did a few short term excursions. Still trying to improve setups. This at least helps a little with the solar panel idea.
Love the idea of the flat-topped cargo box and solar. Great idea!
You keep going my friend! God Bless
Awesome video man! My suggestion for you is to not address negative comments in your videos. You know that what you’re doing is interesting amd informative, so post videos doing those things, and save the negative comments discussion for a different video. Those ppl don’t deserve your time or energy. Ignore them in your videos and focus only on your content being interesting and engaging, your videos will have a better flow and will be more fun to watch. Keep up the good work !!
While I appreciate your advice, I'm going to have to disagree with you here. The reason I address it in this video is to save myself having to see dozens of "Why don't you just get a van" comments. And I haven't gotten any, so it was 100% worth it! Thanks for watching.
Awesome setup buddy , amazing amount of room in there , tc mate :)
Thanks for this video, Tristan! My brother lives in Weiser, ID and that will be my first place to explore once I go on the road in my SUV. You’re one of the few people that have videos on SUVs so I really appreciate it. Love the bug screen idea!
Thanks Mary! I haven't been to Weiser yet, but it's a place I'm sure I'll pass through at some point. Good luck on your future travels
Love that chest! I watched this video just to see where you got it. I had looked and looked and looked for a sturdy chest of drawers for my camping kitchen/random necessities and finally gave up. It looks heavy but otherwise perfect--kudos to your buddy!
I have this one and it works great. Lightweight but sturdy
smile.amazon.com/dp/B074769G7C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_79480SS4DHF42JKNQSVY
Ingenious! I’m setting up a 2006 Toyota Corolla for camping.
Thanks Tristan for the detailed tour of your home away from home!
Thanks for watching!
If you're near Bozeman and need a shower, stop by Serenity Sheep Farm. We host folks like you all summer. I've been watching your videos for over a year now and I've gleaned so many tips. I redid a 96 Dodge van last year and I have been taking her on lots of adventures. Although we charge for camping here on the farm, your stay's on me as a thank you for all I've learned from your channel.
LaVonne
Would love to see a long-term review on the alpicool, with like tips and tricks for using a fridge and things you should know before buying And just generally covering fridge vs cooler pros and cons. I just picked an alpicool up through a similar amazon sale (and there's one tip, add the fridge to your wishlist, and amazon is likely to email you with a flash sale price on it before too long), and am still figuring out the best way to put it into use.
I haven't made a video about it just because I don't really have much to say about it. I keep it in eco mode and have it set for I think 42 degrees, and that's it. I haven't touched the settings in months. The fridge works great for the price, I think. No complaints.
@@SUVRVing Is there a way you could slightly lower the fridge temp to about 37-38? anything much above that some bacteria grow pretty quickly.
Yes, of course. The temperature setting is adjustable.
Yes a hardsided tent!! Exactly lol That’s what it feels like. It’s cozy. Yes and the gas mileage is great too! Love your setup! Thanks for sharing! 😁🙏🏼💜
A hack I saw on a morning news show many years ago: Hang an opened golf umbrella up-side-down from a low-hanging tree branch. It has 8 tines, a opaque shower curtain has 12 (so there's overlap in case of wind). Place your warmed water bag on the umbrella with the feed hose thru the shower curtain. Instant shower when needed.
Very organized and looks pretty comfy.
Works great for me! Thanks for watching.
👍You’re so smart. Thank you. 💝
Same reason I bought a Van. In 2009 lost my job and was 2 weeks away from being homeless. My vehicle blew the engine and I didn't even have a cardboard box. Since then I have owned Vans. I figure worst case scenario I at least have a steel box I can lick and sleep in. I watch videos like this to get ideas for my van.
Love can life it’s a amazing experience 💖💖💖
Me personally I like the fact that you do SUV's videos because I have an SUV and it's hard to find SUV conversions and simple ways of converting the SUV on UA-cam cuz not many people do SUV videos but I've been watching your videos for a while I'm usually watching when I'm working and I'm on the phones and I don't always comment but I just want you to know that us off-grid lovers n SUV nomads we look forward to seeing your videos thank you ☺️
Nice setup. I can't believe you have almost 6 feet there to lie down comfortably! Just one question. Why did you choose to put the bed behind the driver's seat? If it was behind the passenger seat, couldn't you just leave the seat in the forward position and not have to mess with it?
Probably because he still has the seats in and the way they fold down is 60/40. So depending which side you go you have more or less space for laying down.
Its more convenient to not have to walk around the entire car to go in and out of bed or lounge position
The driver side rear backrest is wider than the passenger side.
Your method for getting the cable inside without drilling into the vehicle is genius!
i bought an aluminum lightweight campers cot frame from fb marketplace and im getting a roof carrier tomorrow
.. ive decided on it !!!...i hope it fits..
and yes this video was very helpful thank you so much.
i start my vanlife as of Jan 18th. ive been a truck driver for 3 yrs 2015- 2018 and lived in 3ft of space,
so ive got "some" experience..lol
Nice 👍
Keep going
That's the plan! 😁
Love the setup 😊👌 I have crossed Canada in a similar setup I made in my Cr-v. Explored and slept 35 days in it. Suv camping is the best 💖😎
Hi Tristan! I have one of your cargo nets, I love the heck out of that thing! Super handy to just put things up there when I need them out of the way. I especially liked the quality of the material and the obvious care you put into the construction.
As for questions, I was wondering how you enter the rav when you're ready for bed? It's a goofy question, but I have a Honda Pilot and I've been feeling whiny about crawling in from the other back seat and then turning around and then shimmying into the sleeping bag. I like my set up, but I look at van dwellers and envy the ability to sit on the edge of the bed and simply lay down. Probably I am looking for an excuse to pull the back seats out ;P
Thanks, I'm glad you like it! To enter the RAV4, I open up the side door (the side with my bed), sit down with my butt on the bed, pull my feet up, take off my shoes, stash them, and swing my legs over so that they're extended out along the bed. Close the door and voila. I've never thought twice about it.
Fast and simplest camper setup I've seen.
Have you thought of lifting your vehicle lifted for more cleatance? Love your tips and tricks!
That's a great idea, I've heard Chrome from VanCity talk about it. That's for a bigger van but super for a smaller vehicle too!
Too much lift or sag can wear out drive line parts prematurely. Not good if they go bad on a long trip away from home. I might monroe air shocks on next to lift when needed.
Thanks Tristan! I have enjoyed watching your videos since your start. Love the newest set up, you have evolved with your experiences!
Thanks Annie!
Tristan had a great video on Tiny Home Tours 2 tears ago.
Yep! Here's the link for that: ua-cam.com/video/L_cmfC3VNHU/v-deo.html
Its all about what makes you comfortable. I like it, its well thought out....Have fun!
Reminds me of my orange county fair days when I made my little truck into a baby motel room, sans potty
For all the fun people make of it, the Pontiac Aztek with the tent package was the perfect setup. It included an inflatable mattress and a built-in air compressor, redundant audio controls in the cargo compartment so you could listen to music, a cooler built into the center console and a tent that clipped over the open rear hatch. In all-wheel drive form, it could even do light off-road adventuring.
Great video! How do you make money to support your lifestyle? I have lived in my RAV4 since August 15, 2020.
One way is the ad revenue from this channel.
Some of that foam copper pipe insulation cut to length and saddled over the top of that window where the power cords are coming through and rolled up snuggly could make a good seal and cut down on the noise. Probably wouldn’t even be able to even see it from the outside for it would be up behind the rain deflector.
Reason # 10 ....you're sleeping off the ground so if it's raining or snowing you don't get wet when you sleep.
True
It saves your tent from getting wet too. And you don't have to worry about mold or drying out the tent.
I love the simplicity.
People won’t ask why you’re not in a van, they’ll ask why you aren’t in a larger Toyota SUV
V impressive. You have it all. A way to access the wilderness efficiently, way to travel large distances and a wife attendant to you & providing established social access & keeping home fires, paying bills, etc. Way to suss out living
Another interesting and enjoyable video Tristan! I am slowly getting my SUV and gear all together. I can't wait to get out to explore the backcountry and do some dispersed camping. Thanks!
Have had coyotes, bears, mountain lions, badgers, possums, racoons, deer, skunks, etc circle my tents or hammocks in the middle of night. Most just walk around or sniff loudly, which freaks you out. Some were very aggressive or combative, like coyotes, and I had to engage and dispatch. Some will return later that night for more drama. Food always in trees, but scent remains. Difficult to sleep after encounters. A vehicle would eliminate that drama.
It does. I've done both. Vehicle is much, much better.
This might be the most encouraging video I ever saw. Your car camper layout is really budget oriented, it is not neat but it works. It gives me a lot confidence that one day I might do it too.
Thank you!!!