Hi 👋🏼 I appreciate you talking about how you use the bathroom. Ppl who don’t do car life are curious and you did it respectfully. You are also very organized. Ppl could learn a lot from you. Thanks 🙏🏼
I admire a woman who challenges herself travelling solo and being very practical to make it happen. Interesting having some plants to make it feel homy as well, well you are an adventurer for sure. Cheers.
I am amazed! I have a 2019 Buick Enclave, am almost 74, adventurous, and am thinking about taking a trip alone. I love everything you showed. The only thing, only negative is that you had your "poop" paper in the same bin with plastic dishes. But seeing the way you are so careful, and so meticulous, I am sure it is safe. And that is the only thing I would change! Take these trips as much as you can until you can't! Kudos to you!
I just found you last night. Love your page. Keep it real. I'm 58 yrs old and been wanting to do this forever. You've shown me I can do this. Love ya lady.
FYI... The Jackery can lay on its back and doesn't require being upright at all times! That might help with your space issue. If it could sit behind your center console on its back the plugs would all be available still and it can still breathe.
A tip I can give when using a cooler for an extended period of time is to buy a short vinyl hose to siphon water out between cleanings. I won't go into great detail, but my refrigerator died last December, and was able to get a mini fridge to get by until I could get full sized one. I used the mini fridge for things cold and used a cooler for things like fruits, vegetables, and condiments. It only took a day or two before I wanted a better way to deal with the water from melted ice, which I had to do for six months. These hoses can be picked up from many hardware stores. There will be residual water after you siphon your cooler, so get short one or cut a longer one to length to minimize that problem.
I absolutely love your car and set up process. we still need ours done, we did everything incorrectly but we were evicted and arkansas screwed us so all my stuff is in storage until we get more money. we don't even have a bed yet so we sleep in the front seats. :( anyways I really enjoy your content. your personality is far better than me or anyone who lives the car life. Diane I think you outshine all of us you have a warmth to you and I feel like your a family member cause you're so cool and nice. you deserve recognition and to be paid on UA-cam. your the most honest car camper in my opinion! I only state the truth lol
Awww, thanks, Jaclyn, but I'm sure it's much harder when you're forced to live there, versus choosing to. A home base to prep the setup is super helpful... ❤️
@@dianeschmiane yes absolutely. But I'll be honest if it wasn't for all that happening to me I would have never seen the world so it hasn't been so bad but yes I wish I prepared a long time ago. Please stay safe friend. Plus we only made enough to make the bare minimum and would have had to settle in Arkansas and trust me I am not shy to say I hated it there. Bunch of morons well mostly 😆
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I remember when I took on a service position and did seventy trips during that two-year term. My girlfriend and I got along the best we ever did.
Hi Diane, enjoyed your video which I got ideal tips for my next road trip. In June 2023 and semi retired, I packed my CRV with my camping gear and decided to travel across country from Ohio to Wyoming. This was first trip and I spent 2 weeks. I did ok but I needed to be better prepared for the next time I want to travel again. Your recommendations will be helpful as I plan to travel again in 2024. Thank you for sharing
Girl love your set up ! As for the Jackery you adapt and improvise! You clearly stated you needed so you could play around and re arrange your things to keep that lit monster out of your way. ! Use tie straps or bungee cords to keep it in place! Just love everything you done. You inspire me to go on the wild side of going to places and enjoy life as you do ! God Bless and Protect every step of your ventures!
I admire your independence & initiative! It’s nice to see a “real world” set-up as opposed to the hyper-organized ones all over social media. And just a thought - you don’t need to apologize for being you - having plants & other “unnecessary” items is not wrong!! You do you lady!!!! Thanks for sharing your experience 😊
I love your setup, you are such an inspiration. I have a small tip as you said you are planning to sell your car and wanted to keep it clean etc. You could buy a thin flexible place mat the kind for placing under pet bowls to put in the back of the passenger seat where you store your shoes, it would keep the dirt and possible small scratches from stones stuck to the soles off the back of the chair. You can buy these at the dollar store. Happy camping, stay safe and healthy 🙂
I'm in the process of making reflectix window covers for my SUV. To make the one side dark, I'm using black duct tape. Very sturdy and it covers the edges so they don't shred.
Yes, I've seen people do that and it looks very sturdy, but I like the look of the flannel personally. Though I'll probs end up lining them with black duct tape.
Diane, love this tour! I am finally going on my first solo SUV tour down the coast to visit my daughter and do some kayaking. I have been getting my gear together. I have three campgrounds reserved so far. I leave in three weeks and plan on being gone one week. You have givin me a lot of good ideas! Thank you!
Good job! Looking good! When I backpacked in Europe my sarong really was a priceless item! I found myself using it as a hair wrap, a shawl, (also) a curtain, a skirt or bathing suit cover up, picnic blanket, towel, anyway you get the idea! Happy trails!
A bed with good form, sponge, blankets, pillows will give you a good nite sleep. And that is a good thing. Be careful my friend and always have fun but watch your surroundings. Covina, ca
FANTASTIC VIDEO - I just subscribed. You get right to the point and have convinced me that car camping is in my future. I'll be outfitting my 2015 Subaru Forester. You video was refreshing compared to so many YT'er who blab about NOTHING for 5 minutes before the real content begins. Plus, you included links. THANK YOU!!
I have a Jackery 550 and I love it! It fits great behind my driver's seat on top of my cooler. I have a Honda Accord. I can plug in at night and it's not a big deal to move when I want in my cooler.😀
Hi Diane. Love your channel! I'll be living out of my van for a couple of weeks, so enjoy learning from you and others how to make it doable. I used to be a backpacker so I think given that, I'll do fairly well. Love your set up!
I have the 1500 and the 500 PECRON Generator with 2 500 w Solar panels. I set them up on top of my Toyota Sienna Limited Van in a rack. The rack is the same length of my extended Van. Then I bungee them to the rack. I can drive up to 50 mph with them on top. I have a Moon and Sun roof. I plug the Solar panels into the Generator through the Moon roof. I keep my Generator's charge 100% 😊 I LOVE my Pecron Generator ❤
Very organized! My hubby and I preparing to head out next year. Thanks for lots of food for thought. The car organizer and solar lights are in my Amazon cart now👍🏻
I found it especially interesting that you said you keep your stove fuel in several plastic bags as I did the same thing when I was living in my car for a short while for fun. I also found it interesting that you brought your spray adhesive along to fix your window coverings as I did the same thing with a hot glue gun! It’s the little things like that that only car dwellers would understand!😂😂 You look very well prepared and organized! Best wishes to you and thanks for sharing with us!
Your delivery of all of the ins and outs of minivan campervanning life is so good, so slick, so funny, so entertaining ... you should have your own TV show. Oh right ... you DO have yr own TV show - via chromecast YT. LOVE yr channel
@@dianeschmiane you are very welcome. I have been a “camper” since I was 10 and we would take a pup tent and sandwiches and go on camping trips a few miles from where we lived… no one would let their kids do that these days. But 53 years later… I still love to camp and and spending the next 3 weeks camping and hiking in the Medicine Bow region of Wyoming before the snow flies. Good camping… young lady.
I really like your set up because of back problems I use 2 1/2 gallon of water that has a spout from the supermarket when its empty I throw it away I just have to make sure the spout is pushed all the way in so it doesnt leak. Plus I dont have to wash the bottles out.when the pandemic was at its worse I always had water
I just want to say thank you! I ran across your channel while planning for a sabbatical (pandemic delayed it by 3 years 🤬). I'm open as far as vehicle type goes so I've been looking at how people handle setting up various types (minivan, SUV, van, camper, etc). Your journey thus far has been great to follow. I notice you're really big on homely atmosphere, which has really given me something to think about. My survivalist training had me only thinking about utility (i.e. everything must have two or more uses or you don't pack it) but given how important the psychological aspect is in this "lifestyle", I may have to reconsider that.
Glad I could help. I agree that it's best if things are multifunctional, especially in a small space like this. But for me, keeping it clean and adding a homey touch makes it so much more pleasant. But that's just me... :)
I'm have had an older camper van, absolutely loved it!! Want to get another one. But in the meantime I'm camping in a pickup and definitely not ideal. I've camped with a camper shell on another pickup and it was doable, but over 360000 mile on it. I love you channel, I can definitely relate to alot of you adventure
I think it's possible to be ultra practical and have multiple uses for things but still have a homey feel. Have you seen Lady Bugout? I don't agree with a lot of what she does (but different lifestyle) but she has some really great little tweaks that are ultra practical but really aesthetically pleasing at the same time
Make a platform for the Zachary to sit and put an edge around it so it won't slide and a strap on it then it's high enough to plug things in but it's in the space where you want it
Everybody has different ideas and styles, and I respect that. But for me, that setup is too much and too crowded. My car is mitsubishi RVR, and for car camping, more than a month, I keep the front seats, and 1 of the back passenger seats is free all the time. I have everything that you have, but in practical amount. Happy car camping ❤
Could put a little platform over the backseat floor area and put the jackery on top of it. Don't know if it would give you enough room to plug things in. Also it would take away your foot space for when you sit back there.
Put the little table/platform in the center (behind your front armrest/storage unit) and you'll still have an open footwell and a little storage under the platform.
Love this Diane! LOL! It took me a good two months (both in my van, now in my Subaru) to really get things dialed in. You’re doing a GREAT job! Lol Your Jackery is a big hunk o’ Love! Stay Safe and happy Adventuring!
Thank you Diane for showing us your set-up and in your previous video your bed. Just got back from a 5 state, 1 month camping trip. Over packed, once again I way overpacked. I did enjoy the adventure, but I could not do this full time. Maybe a couple times a year. Looking for a van conversion. It is so much work setting up my bed, kitchen everyday. I just picked a place and went we certainly live in an amazing, beautiful county. Driving from Ely, NV to Mammoth, CA there was a stretch of 165 miles of nothing no dinners or gas stations, and I was thinking man I wish I could talk to Diane she would get this. Glad to be back in my cabin with my husband, who thinks I'm nuts but gets it. I put the travel bug once again in him, he did come and visit me for a long weekend when I was in Klamath River for salmon fishing. Still thinking about RTR in Quartsite in Jan. I might volunteer. Sorry for the long comment.
V Lynn, I love long comments! And that drive to Mammoth sounds heavenly, so quiet and pure. Glad you got out there and had a good time. Mammoth is probably my favorite weekend place to go. Overpacking happens, but the more you go out, the less you tend to overdo it. Still, it's good to be prepared for changing conditions. Glad your hubby gets it, that's a big blessing!
You've done an amazing job of fitting everything in. I was wondering if you have window covers for privacy, or did I miss something? You might consider running the seat belt through the Jackery handle when traveling. It is your home, but also a moving vehicle, and sudden stops are inevitable at times. We keep everything secured, and its easy to utilize the seat belts to help. Happy travels.
Thanks, and good idea about the Jackery handle! Yes, I have reflectix window covers, which were piled in the back on the hatchback shelf. Happy travels to you as well!
So with your jackery you could probably put it in the back since you have a little bit more room and use a high quality extension cord with multi plugs with USB and have it towards the front near you.
That's a possibility, although the back (if you mean the trunk) is pretty stuffed. Maybe on the floor of the front passenger seat might work, then I can keep an eye on the charging situation.
Love the many ideas!! Thanks!! What about making a custom four legs table just to put the jackery next to the bed? If not maybe a little plant stand from Amazon? It will work and give you the seat back.
Love your videos - as always. Your humor just cracks me up! Power stations… I have the Jackery 1000 also, so know what you mean about the plugs and space. Look at the Ecoflow Delta series. Their plugs are on the shorter sides, so they would fit nicely behind your seat. However - you also need to keep the fan openings clear for airflow.
I love your set up. I have something similar in my KIA Sorento. I have found a couple items on your list that I want to get. The solar light clips, and the mattress (to replace mine. It's $60 right now!) I liked and subscribed to your channel.. I'm a Washington native but now living in Arizona, but I'm envisioning a life on the road for myself in the next year. I'm a weekender at this point, but I too love it, and also dream of my very own van life van! I used to drive a Sprinter van 20 years ago as a FedEx driver and always thought it'd make a great RV... now look 🤣 Have fun!!! I look forward to more of your videos
Wendy, thanks so much, and welcome to the party. That's great that you're planning to get out on the road next year. Just be aware, the solar clip lights attract a lot of moths and don't typically make it all the way through the night... :)
I like how you are. Ladies aren't the only ones wearing lipstick 😄. Nobody is going to steal your stuff. Very practical kitchen 👏 Mountain lions and forest fires 😯 OH my. Awesome video. Luv U 🤸
I love how you camp out of your Acura. I have a similar car and I just find it so tight to sleep in there. It looks like your car has a lot of storage with the deep end in the back. I don’t have that. I’m still looking for a cargo van to purchase so I can get on the road. Thank you so much for sharing what you’re doing with the Acura in such a tight space. Do you think you can get a cat in there? (I’ve got 2 cats.) 🤣
Boy if I had something bigger that would be more comfortable, but this is what I have for now. Lucky for me I'm only 5'4" because if I was taller it might be tougher to sleep in there. Cats would be a challenge, but I could squeeze the right sized litter box in the front passenger footwell if I had to. But travel in the summer would be hard because you could never leave them in the vehicle during the day.
@@dianeschmianethanks for mentioning your height. I was going to ask. I'm around 5'5" and I HAVE to lie perfectly flat to get any sleep so this car would be out for me. But some great ideas
A lot of vanlifers say you should just start taking short trips in what you have. Helps you discover whether you like it and get to know your must-haves (not always what you think). Learning comes thru doing and all that..
I would like to do what you’re doing 🥰👍♥️ my suggestion is put your slippers and shoes in a plastic bag like maybe a shower cap so the dirt won’t go in your car pockets. Take care and be safe 🙏🏻👍😊
@@dianeschmiane I’m caring for my husband and grandkids right now, but when I saw your UA-cam, I got inspired of thinking driving solo to see different states, I’ve been to Massachusetts New York, Rhode Island, Maine, Arizona, Las Vegas. All these states I was with family, but maybe next time will do solo 😊🙏🏻♥️ thanks for sharing, be safe
Hello again Diane. LOL! You wishing someone would steal your chair, so you could buy a new one! Thanks for the tour. Great set-up. Love the plant. I get it. Cozy and comfy. Why not? I have a question...how do you know if a road is a forest road? Are they marked, and can you always camp for free when you find one? Dr. Bonner's lavender soap is fantastic! Take care. Safe travels.
Dori, great question. When you enter a national forest, there's a big sign, and usually when you see dirt roads after that, they're usually forest service roads unless they're gated or otherwise marked as private property. Google maps, Gaia maps and iOverlander often show forest service boundaries as well.
hahahahahahaha. you are so great. love your style of presenting. I do have a couple questions? considering travel in your car, are there places you’re afraid or nervous about traveling/overnighting? to what places do you feel you MUST travel? What’s your travel bucket list?
Those are a big couple of questions, haha! I am most nervous when I'm camping around other people, unless it's an official camping area, or on the side of the road where I can be seen. If I'm in the forest and can't really be seen other than the nose of my car, and if not many people pass by, then I feel safer. I imagine you get more comfortable over time. I really want to see all the backroads of the northwest/west/Rocky Mountains, and it'd be fun to see British Columbia and Alaska too. Upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, too. I like mountains... :)
@@dianeschmiane Mountains are very good, indeed. I grew up on the beach and find I love the mountains more and more as I get older. NE states are great. My current neck of woods. Lots to recommend in that region, but very expensive relative to some others. I look forward to watching you make your way in this direction. Safe travels!
@@garyabc You are correct. There is all but nothing free on the eastern seaboard. State parks tend to be the better option for camping on a budget, and the benefit is that they are generally gorgeous and well-equipped with bathhouses and such. So, she’ll find great places to land when she makes her way east.
If you could choose, would you rather have a van you could stand in, or are you happy with car camping? I’m saving for a van but also like the Toyota 4x4 so I wanted your opinion
So what do you think of the setup? My car camping adventures: ua-cam.com/video/YFrQrjNHWKo/v-deo.html
Hi 👋🏼 I appreciate you talking about how you use the bathroom. Ppl who don’t do car life are curious and you did it respectfully. You are also very organized. Ppl could learn a lot from you. Thanks 🙏🏼
I admire a woman who challenges herself travelling solo and being very practical to make it happen. Interesting having some plants to make it feel homy as well, well you are an adventurer for sure. Cheers.
Luigi, thanks. Just making work with what I have... :)
I am amazed! I have a 2019 Buick Enclave, am almost 74, adventurous, and am thinking about taking a trip alone. I love everything you showed. The only thing, only negative is that you had your "poop" paper in the same bin with plastic dishes. But seeing the way you are so careful, and so meticulous, I am sure it is safe. And that is the only thing I would change! Take these trips as much as you can until you can't! Kudos to you!
Thanks, and yes, I am quite fastidious about keeping things sanitary. Definitely get out there if you can and have fun! Thanks for saying hello... :)
I noticed that too.
It was like TRIPLE bagged. Big deal. In a car, no matter where it goes, it’s near something.
74! Did you do your trip? I'm inspired by everyone here. I should do the trip!
I just found you last night. Love your page. Keep it real. I'm 58 yrs old and been wanting to do this forever. You've shown me I can do this. Love ya lady.
Beth, thank you so much, and you can do it! Just take a little step toward it every day... :)
Hope to see you out there some day
FYI... The Jackery can lay on its back and doesn't require being upright at all times! That might help with your space issue. If it could sit behind your center console on its back the plugs would all be available still and it can still breathe.
Doh! Why didn't I think of that? Good point... :)
Great job at organizing all your stuff into your SUV! You’ve done a great job of using what you got rather than sit around dreaming about a van.
I did sit around for a while saying someday... then said screw it, let's go now!
A tip I can give when using a cooler for an extended period of time is to buy a short vinyl hose to siphon water out between cleanings. I won't go into great detail, but my refrigerator died last December, and was able to get a mini fridge to get by until I could get full sized one. I used the mini fridge for things cold and used a cooler for things like fruits, vegetables, and condiments. It only took a day or two before I wanted a better way to deal with the water from melted ice, which I had to do for six months. These hoses can be picked up from many hardware stores. There will be residual water after you siphon your cooler, so get short one or cut a longer one to length to minimize that problem.
That's a good idea about the siphon hose, I forgot about that possibility. Thanks for sharing!
I like it. Diane is a doer and not a complainer.
I absolutely love your car and set up process. we still need ours done, we did everything incorrectly but we were evicted and arkansas screwed us so all my stuff is in storage until we get more money. we don't even have a bed yet so we sleep in the front seats. :( anyways I really enjoy your content. your personality is far better than me or anyone who lives the car life. Diane I think you outshine all of us you have a warmth to you and I feel like your a family member cause you're so cool and nice. you deserve recognition and to be paid on UA-cam. your the most honest car camper in my opinion! I only state the truth lol
Awww, thanks, Jaclyn, but I'm sure it's much harder when you're forced to live there, versus choosing to. A home base to prep the setup is super helpful... ❤️
@@dianeschmiane yes absolutely. But I'll be honest if it wasn't for all that happening to me I would have never seen the world so it hasn't been so bad but yes I wish I prepared a long time ago. Please stay safe friend. Plus we only made enough to make the bare minimum and would have had to settle in Arkansas and trust me I am not shy to say I hated it there. Bunch of morons well mostly 😆
Hi. I put ice in Ziploc bags to help keep cooler contents dry..& just empty & refill the bags❤️
Silicone baking mat is such a good idea! Thank you for always listing your gear! It’s helping me build!
Aww your plants cute. I love that you did that. You remind me if Annete Benning. Thanks for sharing.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I remember when I took on a service position and did seventy trips during that two-year term. My girlfriend and I got along the best we ever did.
Yes, sometimes you need darkness to appreciate the light... :)
Hi Diane, enjoyed your video which I got ideal tips for my next road trip. In June 2023 and semi retired, I packed my CRV with my camping gear and decided to travel across country from Ohio to Wyoming. This was first trip and I spent 2 weeks. I did ok but I needed to be better prepared for the next time I want to travel again. Your recommendations will be helpful as I plan to travel again in 2024. Thank you for sharing
Awesome, so glad the video helped. Have a great trip next summer!
Omg I love this video…you are hilarious (and more importantly, very resourceful)! Some Great ideas in this-I appreciate this vid!!!
Gael, thank you so much, glad it helped!
Girl love your set up ! As for the Jackery you adapt and improvise! You clearly stated you needed so you could play around and re arrange your things to keep that lit monster out of your way. ! Use tie straps or bungee cords to keep it in place! Just love everything you done. You inspire me to go on the wild side of going to places and enjoy life as you do ! God Bless and Protect every step of your ventures!
Use something to put under the cooler so that you won't damage the seats
Good idea, thanks!
Those washable puppy pee mats are a good option
I admire your independence & initiative! It’s nice to see a “real world” set-up as opposed to the hyper-organized ones all over social media. And just a thought - you don’t need to apologize for being you - having plants & other “unnecessary” items is not wrong!!
You do you lady!!!! Thanks for sharing your experience 😊
I have a lot of these basic setups in my Yaris for adventures but not near as organized. Such fun. I'm 66
That's awesome that you're out there adventuring even in a small car. We all gotta work with what we have... :)
My favorite spots from Cincinnati area are sw mi beaches south Haven and st Joseph
I love your setup, you are such an inspiration. I have a small tip as you said you are planning to sell your car and wanted to keep it clean etc. You could buy a thin flexible place mat the kind for placing under pet bowls to put in the back of the passenger seat where you store your shoes, it would keep the dirt and possible small scratches from stones stuck to the soles off the back of the chair. You can buy these at the dollar store. Happy camping, stay safe and healthy 🙂
Pawpaw, thanks for the tip, that's a good idea!
I'm in the process of making reflectix window covers for my SUV. To make the one side dark, I'm using black duct tape. Very sturdy and it covers the edges so they don't shred.
Yes, I've seen people do that and it looks very sturdy, but I like the look of the flannel personally. Though I'll probs end up lining them with black duct tape.
Diane, love this tour! I am finally going on my first solo SUV tour down the coast to visit my daughter and do some kayaking. I have been getting my gear together. I have three campgrounds reserved so far. I leave in three weeks and plan on being gone one week. You have givin me a lot of good ideas! Thank you!
Nancy, that sounds like an awesome trip, and having reserved campsites will give you peace of mind!
Good job! Looking good! When I backpacked in Europe my sarong really was a priceless item! I found myself using it as a hair wrap, a shawl, (also) a curtain, a skirt or bathing suit cover up, picnic blanket, towel, anyway you get the idea! Happy trails!
Right??? So many uses for a sarong!
I loved your video! Thank you for sharing 😁
A bed with good form, sponge, blankets, pillows will give you a good nite sleep. And that is a good thing. Be careful my friend and always have fun but watch your surroundings. Covina, ca
Velia, I agree, thank you so much!
FANTASTIC VIDEO - I just subscribed. You get right to the point and have convinced me that car camping is in my future. I'll be outfitting my 2015 Subaru Forester. You video was refreshing compared to so many YT'er who blab about NOTHING for 5 minutes before the real content begins. Plus, you included links. THANK YOU!!
Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate that. The Forester is a great vehicle for car camping. You can go just about anywhere in that!
Hi... Your car has more space than i thought. You're very organized.
Thanks, it's a pretty small space, but it does have a lot of deep nooks and crannies... :)
I have a Jackery 550 and I love it! It fits great behind my driver's seat on top of my cooler. I have a Honda Accord. I can plug in at night and it's not a big deal to move when I want in my cooler.😀
Very cool. Yeah, those are little smaller and easier to move around that the 1000.
Nice setup. And the plants are great!
Oh wow! Those solar security lights are a genius idea. Going to purchase those, thanks for the recommendation! 😁
Just so you know, they attract a lot of moths and don’t last all night… 🙂
@@dianeschmiane well as long as the moths don’t come inside the car I’m good 🙂
Hi Diane. Love your channel! I'll be living out of my van for a couple of weeks, so enjoy learning from you and others how to make it doable. I used to be a backpacker so I think given that, I'll do fairly well. Love your set up!
GiGi, thanks. If you're a backpacker, you should have no problem with this lifestyle. It's sooooo much more comfortable... :)
@@dianeschmiane That's what I figure, though I will have my cat with me, so that should be interesting! haha
Thank you Diane! Great video. You have everything you need! It’s awesome.
Rita, thanks so much. It's worked out pretty well so far!
I have the 1500 and the 500 PECRON Generator with 2 500 w Solar panels. I set them up on top of my Toyota Sienna Limited Van in a rack. The rack is the same length of my extended Van. Then I bungee them to the rack. I can drive up to 50 mph with them on top. I have a Moon and Sun roof. I plug the Solar panels into the Generator through the Moon roof. I keep my Generator's charge 100% 😊 I LOVE my Pecron Generator ❤
That sounds like a pretty cool solution, thanks for sharing!
Very organized! My hubby and I preparing to head out next year. Thanks for lots of food for thought. The car organizer and solar lights are in my Amazon cart now👍🏻
How exciting, trip planning is the best!
I have a 2006 Ford explorer with under 150 K miles on it . Upkeep has. Been done regularly since we got iti 2019
So glad for closed caption since I could not understand you.😅. Great recommendations! Thank you!
Love it! Love the organisation skills, the adventure feel of it all…but most of all love the spirit. Enjoy life, go travel, go do what you like!
Fellow RDXer (The Hotel Acura). Gleaned (and shamefully stole) several of your ideas for my next Walkabout across Merica!!
Michael, nice to meet you, I thought maybe I was the only one out there. Steal away! 😁
Wow, that's a very organized and comfy car set up you have, very nice!🐢
Thanks, the setup is always evolving!
LOL on the coffee snobs! Man, you've got it all - and it's so well-packed. 👍😎🇨🇦
I used to be one, so I know... 😂
I like the solar lights. So cool.
I had that problem of no drain on a cooler once. I got a siphon hose from Amazon that people use to drain aquariums.
That's a really interesting solution!
I found it especially interesting that you said you keep your stove fuel in several plastic bags as I did the same thing when I was living in my car for a short while for fun. I also found it interesting that you brought your spray adhesive along to fix your window coverings as I did the same thing with a hot glue gun! It’s the little things like that that only car dwellers would understand!😂😂 You look very well prepared and organized! Best wishes to you and thanks for sharing with us!
Funny, yes. You think of those things when living in a vehicle because it isn't always so easy to pop into a store and get the thing you need... :)
I love your tour and your setup. Thanks for some great ideas.
Marcella, you're so welcome!
Your delivery of all of the ins and outs of minivan campervanning life is so good, so slick, so funny, so entertaining ... you should have your own TV show. Oh right ... you DO have yr own TV show - via chromecast YT. LOVE yr channel
Hahaha, thank you so much, Virginia... That's a huge compliment!
I love the plant the best. Home is what you make it. Awesome set up young lady and good journey.
LOL, thanks for calling me young lady... ❤️
@@dianeschmiane you are very welcome. I have been a “camper” since I was 10 and we would take a pup tent and sandwiches and go on camping trips a few miles from where we lived… no one would let their kids do that these days. But 53 years later… I still love to camp and and spending the next 3 weeks camping and hiking in the Medicine Bow region of Wyoming before the snow flies. Good camping… young lady.
Stay fun and light.
When I was a truck driver and then when I lived in my sports car, I wore my clothes of the day, and changed in the morning when I washed up..
Susan, that seems like an efficient way to handle it!
Love it! You're inspiring! So proud of you 🤗
Awww, thanks hopi!
I really like your set up because of back problems I use 2 1/2 gallon of water that has a spout from the supermarket when its empty I throw it away I just have to make sure the spout is pushed all the way in so it doesnt leak. Plus I dont have to wash the bottles out.when the pandemic was at its worse I always had water
Martha, thanks. I really like the spigot too, but I don't mind rinsing the bottles with a little bit of bleach every now and then.
I just want to say thank you! I ran across your channel while planning for a sabbatical (pandemic delayed it by 3 years 🤬). I'm open as far as vehicle type goes so I've been looking at how people handle setting up various types (minivan, SUV, van, camper, etc). Your journey thus far has been great to follow. I notice you're really big on homely atmosphere, which has really given me something to think about. My survivalist training had me only thinking about utility (i.e. everything must have two or more uses or you don't pack it) but given how important the psychological aspect is in this "lifestyle", I may have to reconsider that.
Glad I could help. I agree that it's best if things are multifunctional, especially in a small space like this. But for me, keeping it clean and adding a homey touch makes it so much more pleasant. But that's just me... :)
I'm have had an older camper van, absolutely loved it!! Want to get another one. But in the meantime I'm camping in a pickup and definitely not ideal. I've camped with a camper shell on another pickup and it was doable, but over 360000 mile on it. I love you channel, I can definitely relate to alot of you adventure
I think it's possible to be ultra practical and have multiple uses for things but still have a homey feel. Have you seen Lady Bugout? I don't agree with a lot of what she does (but different lifestyle) but she has some really great little tweaks that are ultra practical but really aesthetically pleasing at the same time
Thank you so much for sharing all the small details. Very helpful and simple.
Hi, I am new to this suv camping, but I think your videos are the most helpful.. thank you..
John, so glad to hear that. It's really not hard, and you don't need to bring as much stuff as I do... :)
You're a pro at this UA-cam channel thing now! Be safe! Have fun out there!👍😉
Awwww, thanks Days!
Make a platform for the Zachary to sit and put an edge around it so it won't slide and a strap on it then it's high enough to plug things in but it's in the space where you want it
Interesting idea, thanks!
Thanks for sharing. I actually love the plant in the cup holder idea.
So do I
LOL, glad I'm not the only one... :)
Everybody has different ideas and styles, and I respect that. But for me, that setup is too much and too crowded. My car is mitsubishi RVR, and for car camping, more than a month, I keep the front seats, and 1 of the back passenger seats is free all the time. I have everything that you have, but in practical amount. Happy car camping ❤
Yes, I totally get that this could be done with less, but I love my little comforts. Happy camping!
Well organized! Great tips that I plan to incorporate into my Rav4. Thanks!
Oooooo, those Rav4's are GREAT for camping adventures... :)
Could put a little platform over the backseat floor area and put the jackery on top of it. Don't know if it would give you enough room to plug things in. Also it would take away your foot space for when you sit back there.
That's an interesting thought, but yeah, the leg space would be gone. I need a van, haha!
Put the little table/platform in the center (behind your front armrest/storage unit) and you'll still have an open footwell and a little storage under the platform.
Great setup! I just ordered your fan n security lights! Thanks
Yay, thanks, hope they work out for you too!
Very detailed, Diane! Lots of gizmos, thingys and do-hickeys. 😂
I do tend to geek out a little bit on the small things that make life easier, haha!
Love this Diane! LOL! It took me a good two months (both in my van, now in my Subaru) to really get things dialed in. You’re doing a GREAT job! Lol Your Jackery is a big hunk o’ Love! Stay Safe and happy Adventuring!
Thanks, Rootless! It's definitely evolving for sure. And yes, I LOVE me my Jackery... :)
@@dianeschmiane I love my Jackery too! But he’s not as “buff” as yours lol….merely a 240. But love him anyhow!
Love your videos...take care and be safe
Mix vanilla and water to keep bugs away.You can add cinnamon also,it keeps ants away!
That's a new one, thanks, will have to try it!
Silicone glue reflectix onto the inner part of your cooler lid it helps a lot
That's a good idea, I've seen a couple other vanlifers do that too!
Thank you for the tour! Good points about Jackery size choices.
Yes, definitely measure your space and think about the extra air space you also need to plug things into it.
Great vid. Thanks for sharing your set-up. There are some good tips. Much energy to you
My Mai, you're so welcome, thanks for your comment!
Thank you Diane for showing us your set-up and in your previous video your bed. Just got back from a 5 state, 1 month camping trip. Over packed, once again I way overpacked. I did enjoy the adventure, but I could not do this full time. Maybe a couple times a year. Looking for a van conversion. It is so much work setting up my bed, kitchen everyday. I just picked a place and went we certainly live in an amazing, beautiful county. Driving from Ely, NV to Mammoth, CA there was a stretch of 165 miles of nothing no dinners or gas stations, and I was thinking man I wish I could talk to Diane she would get this. Glad to be back in my cabin with my husband, who thinks I'm nuts but gets it. I put the travel bug once again in him, he did come and visit me for a long weekend when I was in Klamath River for salmon fishing. Still thinking about RTR in Quartsite in Jan. I might volunteer. Sorry for the long comment.
V Lynn, I love long comments! And that drive to Mammoth sounds heavenly, so quiet and pure. Glad you got out there and had a good time. Mammoth is probably my favorite weekend place to go. Overpacking happens, but the more you go out, the less you tend to overdo it. Still, it's good to be prepared for changing conditions. Glad your hubby gets it, that's a big blessing!
@@dianeschmiane Are you still out there?
Wonderful! Safe travels! One tip, I did hear memory foam can get very hard if its cold enough weather.
Whoa, that's a new one, thank you for sharing!
Yes it does but with your body heat and all those blankets it would "melt" around you I'd bet
If you put the ice in ziplock bags, then when it melts its easy to drain and also great to use it the ice is drinkable water.
Interesting idea, I'll have to try it. Thanks!
Even if it's not drinkable still great to reuse for laundry or cleaning etc
I love the little plants
Plants always add a nice touch... :)
Jackery units don’t have to be upright. Just lay it on its back and you’re good to go.
Thanks, that’s good to know, didn’t think of that!
you are so inspiring! amazing tips, thank you for sharing your brilliant build! love your home!
Thank you so much!
I just got to the part of your video where you show bags you put ice in!
I’ve recently found your channel and I love it!! It’s soo helpful
Awesome, thank you so much!
You've done an amazing job of fitting everything in. I was wondering if you have window covers for privacy, or did I miss something? You might consider running the seat belt through the Jackery handle when traveling. It is your home, but also a moving vehicle, and sudden stops are inevitable at times. We keep everything secured, and its easy to utilize the seat belts to help. Happy travels.
Thanks, and good idea about the Jackery handle! Yes, I have reflectix window covers, which were piled in the back on the hatchback shelf. Happy travels to you as well!
Awesome setup!
So with your jackery you could probably put it in the back since you have a little bit more room and use a high quality extension cord with multi plugs with USB and have it towards the front near you.
That's a possibility, although the back (if you mean the trunk) is pretty stuffed. Maybe on the floor of the front passenger seat might work, then I can keep an eye on the charging situation.
Does anybody pack a fire extinguisher when they travel? I would think that it would be a necessity if your car/van is going to be your home.
I used to, but now I carry a fire blanket, which is far less messy.
@@martina21953 be careful of the fiberglass, have heard many people getting it in their hands when using the blanket
Lovely setup..hi from ireland
Love the many ideas!! Thanks!! What about making a custom four legs table just to put the jackery next to the bed? If not maybe a little plant stand from Amazon? It will work and give you the seat back.
Interesting idea, but then it'd be harder to flip the seat back to get at the clothes.
Van life sounds perfect for you. A simple trade in could fix that.
Yes, hatching plans now... :)
i subscribed at wine opener! lol important things. Thanks for the great info!
Right???
Love your videos - as always. Your humor just cracks me up! Power stations… I have the Jackery 1000 also, so know what you mean about the plugs and space. Look at the Ecoflow Delta series. Their plugs are on the shorter sides, so they would fit nicely behind your seat. However - you also need to keep the fan openings clear for airflow.
BlackAndBlue, thanks for the idea!
I suggest wrapping your seatbelt around the cooler when driving.
That's a good idea, thanks!
I love your set up. I have something similar in my KIA Sorento.
I have found a couple items on your list that I want to get. The solar light clips, and the mattress (to replace mine. It's $60 right now!)
I liked and subscribed to your channel.. I'm a Washington native but now living in Arizona, but I'm envisioning a life on the road for myself in the next year. I'm a weekender at this point, but I too love it, and also dream of my very own van life van! I used to drive a Sprinter van 20 years ago as a FedEx driver and always thought it'd make a great RV... now look 🤣
Have fun!!! I look forward to more of your videos
Wendy, thanks so much, and welcome to the party. That's great that you're planning to get out on the road next year. Just be aware, the solar clip lights attract a lot of moths and don't typically make it all the way through the night... :)
@@dianeschmiane thank you!
I do have alternate security lights that are magnetic and stick to my car as well.
Subscribed.
Hope to see many more videos in 2023.
Thank you so much, you will!
Be safe out there 😊
Nice set up.
Awesome!
I like how you are.
Ladies aren't the only ones wearing lipstick 😄.
Nobody is going to steal your stuff.
Very practical kitchen 👏
Mountain lions and forest fires 😯 OH my.
Awesome video. Luv U 🤸
LOL, yes, I did think about that when I was editing the lipstick moment... :)
Hey you! Nothing strange about a plant in your vehicle. I call mine my carplant ..i mean if we have houseplants. . well...🎶✌️☺️😎
LOL, carplant, that's funny!
Could you move one or both to the floor behind the passenger seat and put the Jackery on the floor in the front? Just an idea. TFS!
It's possible, but I hate to lose the floor space in back because it makes dressing easier.
Tint your windows, it will help with the light
They are tinted pretty dark everywhere its legal, which certainly helps!
I love how you camp out of your Acura. I have a similar car and I just find it so tight to sleep in there. It looks like your car has a lot of storage with the deep end in the back. I don’t have that. I’m still looking for a cargo van to purchase so I can get on the road. Thank you so much for sharing what you’re doing with the Acura in such a tight space. Do you think you can get a cat in there? (I’ve got 2 cats.) 🤣
Boy if I had something bigger that would be more comfortable, but this is what I have for now. Lucky for me I'm only 5'4" because if I was taller it might be tougher to sleep in there. Cats would be a challenge, but I could squeeze the right sized litter box in the front passenger footwell if I had to. But travel in the summer would be hard because you could never leave them in the vehicle during the day.
@@dianeschmianethanks for mentioning your height. I was going to ask. I'm around 5'5" and I HAVE to lie perfectly flat to get any sleep so this car would be out for me. But some great ideas
A lot of vanlifers say you should just start taking short trips in what you have. Helps you discover whether you like it and get to know your must-haves (not always what you think). Learning comes thru doing and all that..
I would like to do what you’re doing 🥰👍♥️ my suggestion is put your slippers and shoes in a plastic bag like maybe a shower cap so the dirt won’t go in your car pockets. Take care and be safe 🙏🏻👍😊
Good idea, thanks for sharing! And make plans to get out there... :)
@@dianeschmiane I’m caring for my husband and grandkids right now, but when I saw your UA-cam, I got inspired of thinking driving solo to see different states, I’ve been to Massachusetts New York, Rhode Island, Maine, Arizona, Las Vegas. All these states I was with family, but maybe next time will do solo 😊🙏🏻♥️ thanks for sharing, be safe
Hello again Diane. LOL! You wishing someone would steal your chair, so you could buy a new one! Thanks for the tour. Great set-up. Love the plant. I get it. Cozy and comfy. Why not? I have a question...how do you know if a road is a forest road? Are they marked, and can you always camp for free when you find one? Dr. Bonner's lavender soap is fantastic! Take care. Safe travels.
Dori, great question. When you enter a national forest, there's a big sign, and usually when you see dirt roads after that, they're usually forest service roads unless they're gated or otherwise marked as private property. Google maps, Gaia maps and iOverlander often show forest service boundaries as well.
hahahahahahaha. you are so great. love your style of presenting. I do have a couple questions? considering travel in your car, are there places you’re afraid or nervous about traveling/overnighting? to what places do you feel you MUST travel? What’s your travel bucket list?
Oh yeah, I want to know all this as well.
Those are a big couple of questions, haha! I am most nervous when I'm camping around other people, unless it's an official camping area, or on the side of the road where I can be seen. If I'm in the forest and can't really be seen other than the nose of my car, and if not many people pass by, then I feel safer. I imagine you get more comfortable over time. I really want to see all the backroads of the northwest/west/Rocky Mountains, and it'd be fun to see British Columbia and Alaska too. Upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, too. I like mountains... :)
@@dianeschmiane Mountains are very good, indeed. I grew up on the beach and find I love the mountains more and more as I get older. NE states are great. My current neck of woods. Lots to recommend in that region, but very expensive relative to some others. I look forward to watching you make your way in this direction. Safe travels!
@@garyabc You are correct. There is all but nothing free on the eastern seaboard. State parks tend to be the better option for camping on a budget, and the benefit is that they are generally gorgeous and well-equipped with bathhouses and such. So, she’ll find great places to land when she makes her way east.
For Jackery, I kept my seat folded down and put a single Sterilite drawer there with Jackery on top.
If you could choose, would you rather have a van you could stand in, or are you happy with car camping? I’m saving for a van but also like the Toyota 4x4 so I wanted your opinion
If I didn't have to consider my too small carport, I would want a 4x4 van that I could stand in.
@@dianeschmiane thanks!