This bed set up is just what I’m looking for! I don’t want to remove seats, make major alterations to my mini van, or do a lot of construction, but I do want to quickly and easily make and take down a bed. Awesome!
At 3:05, this information changed my entire car camping experience. I did this exact same thing with boards in my 2015 Ford Escape and have traveled comfortably all across the United States. Thanks so much for this excellent helpful tip!
I recently got a ‘19 CR-V myself. Were you able to go with the plywood trick here or did you end up having to create an actual platform? I feel like even though it slopes a bit the seats fold pretty darn flat like this RAV4 but wasn’t sure.
Tristan, thank you for posting your simple and efficient design for how to set up one's vehicle. I have watched hundreds of vehicle -camping videos for the past 5+ years. I have watched Van dwellers, truck dwellers, vehicles towing campers, minivan set ups,etc. The bottom-line line for me is safety and vehicle reliability. I need to be able to jump in the front seat, without exiting the car, to evade any dangerous situation. I used to own a CR-V, one the best vehicles I ever owned. I am deciding now amongst a RAV4, CR-V or possibly a Prius. They all have similar length and width behind the front seats , but what I value is interior height. I really like your rear shelf idea. It could be used as a cooking prep counter for camp cooking. Actually, what really intrigues me about your design is not having to "gut" the seats ,etc. thus destroying the value of your SUV. Your set up is an excellent blueprint for SUV living.
Thanks for sharing. I am finding that all the videos being uploaded about "van living" are helping to form a very big picture about what is entailed, how to adapt, what options are possible, what are the experiential advantages and disadvantages of each option, and whether or not it is worth it to transition to this lifestyle, permanently, as a transition where one can save money for something else, or temporarily as a vacation from high rent, high overhead, and over working just to stay afloat...all this seems to represent something creative and worth at least exploring. It is like people are rethinking their life through these posts.
This has been my dream for years. I finally got my first SUV. SATURN VUE. Lots of room, insanely good on fuel, seats fold almost perfectly flat. I had the gap there too, I used the space for storage/ bags and flattened the top. I'm going to try to live out of it this summer, I can't wait! The freedom, I can drive anywhere I want and get a job anywhere. I'm torn between northern Ontario and east coast :)
I have a Saturn VUE and I consider it a very versatile SUV. I have to do some mods for it to work for me as far as camping but I know it can be done with little effort., so if you have any suggestion for a 2005 Saturn VUE I would appreciate it. Thanks
This is actually a good topic. I've been homeless a couple times in my life and I lived 3 1/2 months out of a 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis, then again later in life out of 2 cars, one was a 1994 Plymouth "K" car and the other was a 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. I made it work and i actually enjoyed the experience despite it being tough to stay stealthy. Left two windows always slightly down and use a sleeping bag and a couple thin pillows. I slept width wise on the back seat. We do what we have to do, but I commend those who actually CHOOSE to do this. It takes a strong mind and spirit to do this. To me, this is freedom. You don't get freedom by being locked down to a mortgage or rent and a job which allows you no time for yourself. Life is more important than that. Cheers and stay frosty my friend.
Hi Nicholas. Thanks for the note here. This kind of lifestyle or adventure isn't for everyone, and it doesn't have to be. For those of us who enjoy it, it's a great way to recharge and have some separation from-and perspective on-everyday life.
If you run across a honda crv snag it up. The front seats lay back to the rear seat making a bed after removing the headrests.and the rear seats are adjustable also.
Strangely enough, just a couple months after purchasing a used RV, it caught fire and burned to the ground. Within two weeks, a nice older lady gave me her 1979 camper van in near perfect condition with low miles. So I will be making the very best of that vehicle for as many years as I can as well as repainting it and sprucing up the engine block and currently finishing up various electrical work. If you are interested to see what it looks like and details about it, visit my channel as I don't publish much, but thought I would talk about my van. It's quite a rare vehicle and highly sought after.
your mom! - I have a 2007 CR-V and the back seats do not lay down flat. And the front seats do not recline to be even with the back. Fortunately I'm only 4'11" female, so I have a method for sleeping in back that would not work for taller people. One thing I can suggest for privacy: get a telescoping shower rod and black curtains; wedge it up as high as you can just behind the front seats (I brace it at the hand holds) to hide you from peepers looking through your clear windshield and clear front side windows if they are not tinted (mine are not). I have the curtains placed on the rod so they open in the center so i can reach through if I need something that I have transferred to the front. I have a paid-for home but I like to get out and travel cheaply.
I was amazed about how cheap mobile homes are compared to regular houses. It would be great to live in a car long enough to save up enough cash to buy a mobile home out right.
Great ideas- Thanks! I'm using parts of a plastic shelving unit, with legs shortened and surfaces linked together, to create a sleeping platform to match the height of the folded down back of the rear seat of my 2014 Tahoe. It has storage space underneath, can take it apart when not used, light weight and could repurpose it at a later time when no longer needed.
Nice! I just finished a 21 day road trip around CA and NV, my sleep system was great w exception of the head area- this looks like a good solution. FYI Ford Escape owners- the back seat doesn't fold down completely flat- there's an angle between the cargo bay area and the back seat-back. You can solve this with some pieces of foam cut and arranged underneath your sleeping pad. I also generally parked facing slightly downhill, and ended up super comfy. (btw this is 2007 model Ford Escape)
That is a GREAT idea to solve the 4inch angle. I was trying to configure a platform but don’t have tools or woodworking skills. I think the foam is easier. And, something I can do. It’ll be easier to store between trips too.
I can stretch out and sleep in a 2017 Kia Sorento. It's basically an SUV body on a minivan frame. I'm 6-2. There is just enough length for me with the second row seat down.
I've been thinking about doing this in my car for weeks now, and I kept looking for videos to see if anyone else has had the idea of using their space like that, but all I could find was vans, which of course have a lot more room. Then this popped up in my feed today. Yay! I love the idea of a ply-board attached with clips to keep it from sliding. You thought of everything!
Great! I'm glad you found the video and channel, and I'm happy that the video was helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks Culture Girl.
Great idea! Just what i was looking for. My Rav4 is the same year as yours. I do a lot of tent camping. We rent a camper from the base when we're camping with the grandkids but when Im camping with my all girls group sometimes we car camp other times tenting. If rain is expected I prefer not to tent. I hate packing out wet gear so this will help me set up my SUV for car camping for the times rain is in the forecast. Ty
I would like to see how you constructed that rear shelf. Do you have a video on that topic? Great detailed video on bed set up. Most people film bed set up already in place making it difficult to really understand how their set up works I love your videos where it seems like you just run into other SUV RVers and give us tours of their setups. Thanks.
Great simple idea shows me i have too much stuff to do this right now i need to minimise my wardrobe to do this , this has given me many things to think about thanks
Have you ever tried using one of those windshield sun visors that are reflective and slightly padded? They make a tremendous insulator if you put it under yourself while sleeping. I found that out while camping on the ground one time. My intent was as a vapor barrier but it really worked as body heat conserver just as well.
I sleep on an inflatable in my tent. Often we're in the mtns camping..even in fall or spring. It seems no matter how many blankets I line that matress with I still feel that cold trapped air under me. Thks for the tip. I will have to try the windshield reflector. We love camping in the cool crisp air without the many bugs. I use plenty of blankets on top & below. This may be the answer to my problem.
I have a 2007 similar to your, will continue to watch. I did full length like your, but put henges on back end of board after cutting to give me access to compartment under floor mat.
Thanks for that. I have a 2004 Santa Fe which I slept in last Summer whilst playing music at outdoor festivals. I built a big platform with a carpet. Underneath is room for some stuff. But it is too close to the roof. This made for some difficulties. The problem is that the seats do not go flat. So my sleeping platform had to rest at the height of my back seats when folded. This Summer I will take one single seat out completely so I can sleep lower and use the other side for my equipment. I think I will be able then to sleep on the road between concerts. Just a bit of re cutting the wood. Great fun though.
Yeah, I've avoided building a platform for the same reason. I like being able to sit up in my RAV4. Removing the seats sounds like a great solution. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Next, how to camp in the hot muggy southeast U. S. How would you manage the heat and Mosquito's? A battery fan with long-lasting D cells for one. How would you ever get the net to seal?
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I have removed the front passenger seat in my 2001 Jeep Cherokee, and stack coolers there to form a very long flat platform that I can totally stretch out and sleep very comfortably on including enough room for my 40 lb dog. Most of my camping gear goes into the roof top carrier, to keep the interior just for sleeping. I have over 100 nights sleeping in it at temps as low as 30 F, and can stay very snug with my sleeping setup.
@@stevepowsinger733 Hello Stephen... Bill in L.A. , Calif. Here. Mosquito netting , usually green , is available at camping, surplus army- navy stores, and sporting Good Stores such as Big 5 , Sports Authority, R.E.I. All You have to Do is either Make Paper or Cardboard Templates,of the Window openings, or Just Go for it with a Pair of Scissors...but think twice, before cutting once. Sometimes Excess Material can be Draped Over the Door, then Closed tight, Then decide on using Velcro Tabs to stretch out the Netting, or Small Magnets ( You can Set up a Plastic Carry Box for all of the Magnets ), or sew the Velcro in place... Note: Home Depot Sells a Roll of Black. Plastic ( sunscreen/ Insect Screen material...that can be cut to openings... with a little Excess around the edges to either Velcro tab, or Use Magnets to hold Securely... This Will give You Fresh Air, No Flying Insects, and a clear view Outside, as well as Privacy looking in...TH-cam has a guy that designed the Insect/sunscreen project for his van...he just pulls them. Down and rolls them up and stores each covering for their next use. I Hope Some of this Has Helped You...Careful Planning and Proper Execution will make Your Travels More Enjoyable. I made 2- Black Material Curtains, that come together from each side of my van for Privacy...Had the 3m Velcro tabs Professionally Sewn on the edges that come together, used a 1/2" copper pipe as a Curtain Rod, and two " stanley" L Brackets to Secure the rod ends...with sheet metal Screws. The Curtain was Sewn with a hem at the tops and bottoms , it is Handsome and Functional, as I can Push the Curtains to the Sides, as well... Safe Journey.
@@stevepowsinger733 Hii Stepen, just read your comment on SUV sleeping. I found out recently that the toyota PRIUS air con can be kept running when the engine is off, and every now and then the engine fires up to keep battery power topped up. Don't know any more than this but it would be great to build this into any vehicle. Stay safe.
That's cool how you've set up your sleep area. I have a Ford explorer with similar fold down back seats like yours . Haven't measured distance but, i would fit laying down (Being 5'11 heights). Great way to keep sheltered in case a storm/cold temps./etc. are extremely bad to be out in. Great video thanks.
Really good, straightforward video. The plywood shelf is a nice simple solution. Thanks for posting. I intend to tour Australia & will camp in a RAV4 on many nights.
Great video. I like the shelf idea because that will enable me to sleep on the bottom and carry stuff above. I have a Subaru Forester and am in the process of converting it. I had the rear seats removed and covered the area with plywood to put a mattress in the same place as yours (big piece of foam rubber). Where the seats were, I built in a drawyer on one side and on the other, a toilet seat with a pot under to use with plastic bags and cat litter.
The shelf is a really great addition. I love mine. It sounds like you've got a really great setup going in the Forester. I'd love to see some pics and even share them with everyone on my blog if that's something you're interested in. Let me know. Thanks!
@@SUVRVing How is that shelf supported? Did you build legs and ensure it was a “tight squeeze” in the SUV so it doesn’t move around? Or, is the shelf resting on something but fastened somehow? Or, c) none of the above, and if so, please share? I too, love the shelf idea and having my feet s underneath while using the top for cooking, playing solitaire, being on the laptop, writing in my journal, etc. Thanks.
I like the idea of the piece of plywood suspended from the driver's headrest. I had been wondering how I was going to resolve that extra-space problem so that I can sleep lengthwise instead of diagonally. I'm 6'4" and need all the room I can get in the back.
Great video! I have a Chevy Traverse with a 3rd row and I am an older woman who is only 5’1” tall. My seats are not removable but fold down really flat like yours does.
I've used both bins and the board, and I like the board better. It was a pain whenever I had to get into the bins for something. Thanks for commenting Nathan!
oh Tristan thank you so much now I can finally spend the night in my SUV without your help I never could have figured out how to sleep in my vehicle God bless you my friend
I've succumbed to sleeping in my car lately and have been looking for a crossover or wagon . Didn't know you could use a rav4 ,those are very dependable. thx for the video.
Yeah, it's been a great car so far. And I just measured the length of the sleeping area earlier today because someone was asking, and it's about 77 inches (6 ft 5 in) with the front seat pushed forward. Pretty darn good for a vehicle that really isn't all that big.
@@SUVRVing I've slept in my 4Runner before and had to leave the back hatch open for my leg room (I'm 5'10"). Moving the front seat forward all the way is something stupid simple I wish I had tried- it might give me more room to stretch out!
that plywood is a great idea! I work in wildlife conservation and live in my suv during the summer. I'm 6'2" so obviously I hang over the top of the seat lol. Usually made a makeshift platform by stacking a container on my cooler.....not ideal, especially when the container would be tipped over during the night and all the contents are spilled on the floor.
In the past I've used a couple of plastic bins to create the platform. That worked fine, but yeah, I much prefer having the plywood thing so I don't have to keep shuffling the bins around.
Great video and I like the headboard idea which be useful for sleeping in my Hyundai Tucson. I use the grab handles overhead to better adjust my body position when lying down and also to swing my legs out to exit out the side door - bunch up your body in a ball and grab handle with both hands and pivot around.
Not sure what actually constitutes an SUV these days. I have a Ford Escape. When I bought it, I considered that I might eventually sleep in the back. Haven't laid down in there yet to check the size/length, but think I can sleep diagonally. I keep my old sleeping bag in there, in case I need to bundle up or sleep, sometime, if broken down or whatever. Thanks for the video. It helps to give me some ideas. I like the little extension board.
Check out my website (suvrving.com). I have a couple of blog posts about people sleeping in the back of an Escape. Plenty of people do it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Fyi driver seat lays flat as well if u move it forward all the way 06 mariner (mini ford escape ) i should do a video half the size and have a full length twin bed , collapsible kitchen , bathroom , stealth mode and converts back
2001 Explorer here. I fold down both back seats and put all my gear on one level when I'm traveling. When I get to where I'm camping I'll double stack the gear to the right side, giving me the whole left side for a pad and sleeping bag. Works great.
If I am traveling to the campsite in an SUV, I'll just use it to store the gear that would be too heavy for a backpack. It makes more sense to me to set up a camp that is more comfortable.
My late husband bought a brand new 1981Toyota SR5 mini-truck, and added a camper shell (cap) with cupboards and roof vent, and a carpeted insert that could be configured to a bed (remember it was 1981). The mini-truck had a 7' cargo bed for my 6'2" husband. The shell also had slider windows that configured with the truck rear window slider windows so we could access both areas. It came in handy.
Nice, But i have a Honda crv and all you do is remove the front seat headrests and slide the seat all the way front and the seat lays back to the rear seat which also reclines and slides front and back and it makes a perfect bed. The crv also comes with a picnic table in the back where the spare tire would fit if it wasn't on the rear door. Good video though.
The picnic table was discontinued after first generation CR-V, and spare tire was moved to underneath cargo bed when changed to rear lift hatch. I had 2006 (last of second gen) for only a few months before it was destroyed when my husband was rear-ended. Replaced with 2007 (first year of third gen), which is very different even from the 2006. I don't know what succeeding model years feature. Hopefully they went back to sleeping-friendly configuration.
One thing nice with a hybrid SUV is that you can run your heat/AC all night long off the battery and the engine will cycle on and off when necessary to charge the battery and keep the temperature consistent.
great video. amazing so many people overlook this handy opportunity for a sleeping area. i ve added a small catalytic heater along with a co detector and a window open about 2 " to warm things up before bed and after waking on cold camp outs. superb quality video btw and you show how simplicity equals great functionality.
Hi Kirk, I'm glad you liked the video. Sounds like you have a great setup to take the sting out of those cold nights and mornings. What kind of vehicle do you have?
Groovey set up bro ! You should do a travel channel like that sleeping arrangement on the go. Talk about where u should park and sleep. Use the bathroom and shower on the go etc. I would watch more and subscribe
Thanks! Awesome set-up and my SUV is similar to yours, so this helps a lot! I have a question about your back shelf/platform. How did you secure it? Thanks!
Hi Steve. The shelf is actually a factory Toyota accessory. There are holes in on the inside walls of the SUV made for the support bars of the SUV. The bars themselves contract an inch or so, so you contract them, stick them into the holes, and then they expand and go to their full length inside of the holes. If your SUV doesn't have something like that, it's easy enough to make a shelf out of a piece of plywood and some support legs out of pieces of 1x4 or 2x4 lumber, or even wooden dowels or PVC pipe, etc. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I sleep in the back of a 2018 RAV4 Hybrid. Toyota unfortunately (for this setup) moved the spare tire inside the car into a compartment below the trunk area. This causes the folded seats to not sit flat anymore. I have to add additional couch cushions to the feet area to make it level, and I often have to find a slanted area to park with the front of the car pointed downhill to level it out (prevents me from sliding towards the rear hatch during the night). It also raises me pretty close to the ceiling and makes it hard to sit up to fetch things. I love my "minimalist RV" with 34mpg for trips (hybrid version), but the slanted bed platform makes it extra challenging to keep all the bedding items required in a compact setup like you have.
The one thing I always wonder when I see the various layouts people use is why not have the bed behind the passenger side so you don't need to dismantle it whenever you are travelling?
Some cars. I know Volvos can make a perfectly flat surfecampen when folding down the backrow. So if you are going on a quik trip just throw a mattres in The back and enjoy your sleep😁
I just bought up a mattress from Luno Life to go car camping is it's the perfect solution so you don't have to build anything out! Comfort is everything too.
They sent me one to review and I used it and made a video about it. I didn't love it. I thought it was overpriced, and I don't like air mattresses in general because they are very cold on cold nights. You have to put extra insulation on top of them. But if you like it and it works for you, more power to you.
Noted! Thanks for the heads up. So far so good with a blanket. Price wasn’t a barrier to me though. I guess I like it because of the temporary setup for the weekend. Didn’t have to use wood with their extenders and it compacts down so I keep it in vehicle. Saw your vehicle didn’t really need the extenders but mine was a must because my back area is smaller.
More brilliance! So glad I stumbled on to your channel. My Ravvy is 2008 but, so many of your ideas will carry over. .... like the Kleenex box! Doing that right now. LoL.
Hi I am Andi from Indonesia. Just wondering why you do not choose the back of the passenger seat side as sleep area. Wouldn't it easier to jump from your driver seat directly to the bedding?
The back seat folds down in two pieces, but they're not the same size. The larger piece is on the driver's side. The passenger side isn't quite wide enough.
How do you have your shelf set up? I already made a plywood set up to go across the back of my front seats. I got a plywood piece 6 ft across and then I stapled a 1 1/2 inch piece of foam on one side of it then wrapped a sheet around it and stapled that as well. I put my storage under it on the floor board.
A minivan with drop in floor seating is best for sleeping in,,,, I hear the Dodge caravan is discontinued in 2020,,,, but I believe the Chrysler town n country is the same
This bed set up is just what I’m looking for! I don’t want to remove seats, make major alterations to my mini van, or do a lot of construction, but I do want to quickly and easily make and take down a bed. Awesome!
Do you know what size plywood works best for this setup?
At 3:05, this information changed my entire car camping experience. I did this exact same thing with boards in my 2015 Ford Escape and have traveled comfortably all across the United States. Thanks so much for this excellent helpful tip!
Dude is so professional and easy talking. He's helped me more than any other TH-camr with my '19 Honda CR-V, easily. The 🐐
I recently got a ‘19 CR-V myself. Were you able to go with the plywood trick here or did you end up having to create an actual platform? I feel like even though it slopes a bit the seats fold pretty darn flat like this RAV4 but wasn’t sure.
He’s the best I purchased his book great info
Tristan, thank you for posting your simple and efficient design for how to set up one's vehicle. I have watched hundreds of vehicle -camping videos for the past 5+ years. I have watched Van dwellers, truck dwellers, vehicles towing campers, minivan set ups,etc. The bottom-line line for me is safety and vehicle reliability. I need to be able to jump in the front seat, without exiting the car, to evade any dangerous situation. I used to own a CR-V, one the best vehicles I ever owned. I am deciding now amongst a RAV4, CR-V or possibly a Prius. They all have similar length and width behind the front seats , but what I value is interior height. I really like your rear shelf idea. It could be used as a cooking prep counter for camp cooking. Actually, what really intrigues me about your design is not having to "gut" the seats ,etc. thus destroying the value of your SUV. Your set up is an excellent blueprint for SUV living.
Check out the 2022 or 23 hyundai tucson. Bigger than the rav4, comes in hybrid.
Thanks for sharing. I am finding that all the videos being uploaded about "van living" are helping to form a very big picture about what is entailed, how to adapt, what options are possible, what are the experiential advantages and disadvantages of each option, and whether or not it is worth it to transition to this lifestyle, permanently, as a transition where one can save money for something else, or temporarily as a vacation from high rent, high overhead, and over working just to stay afloat...all this seems to represent something creative and worth at least exploring. It is like people are rethinking their life through these posts.
What a blast from the past. A far cry from The Ultimate SUV Camper. You, sir, are dedicated to this hobby. Keep up the good work.
Pretty neat set up. I’m graduating college soon and plan on sleeping in my highlander about 80% full time. Pretty excited to start.
Highlader hybrid?
This has been my dream for years.
I finally got my first SUV.
SATURN VUE.
Lots of room, insanely good on fuel, seats fold almost perfectly flat.
I had the gap there too, I used the space for storage/ bags and flattened the top.
I'm going to try to live out of it this summer, I can't wait!
The freedom, I can drive anywhere I want and get a job anywhere.
I'm torn between northern Ontario and east coast :)
Awesome, congrats! Sounds like you've got lots of adventures coming up in your future :)
I have a Saturn VUE and I consider it a very versatile SUV. I have to do some mods for it to work for me as far as camping but I know it can be done with little effort., so if you have any suggestion for a 2005 Saturn VUE I would appreciate it. Thanks
This guy is very resourceful and creative. I really enjoy viewing his content.
Thanks!
I like the raised shelf idea above your feet. I have been leaving stuff outside while I sleep but maybe I can do something like this. Thanks.
Have fun and be safe.
Love, love, love the simplicity of this. I watched this and many of your other videos a few years ago when camping in my Kia Sorrento.
the most lightweight, space saving and cost effective way to do it, the best. this is genius. thank you.
This is actually a good topic. I've been homeless a couple times in my life and I lived 3 1/2 months out of a 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis, then again later in life out of 2 cars, one was a 1994 Plymouth "K" car and the other was a 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. I made it work and i actually enjoyed the experience despite it being tough to stay stealthy. Left two windows always slightly down and use a sleeping bag and a couple thin pillows. I slept width wise on the back seat.
We do what we have to do, but I commend those who actually CHOOSE to do this. It takes a strong mind and spirit to do this. To me, this is freedom. You don't get freedom by being locked down to a mortgage or rent and a job which allows you no time for yourself. Life is more important than that. Cheers and stay frosty my friend.
Hi Nicholas. Thanks for the note here. This kind of lifestyle or adventure isn't for everyone, and it doesn't have to be. For those of us who enjoy it, it's a great way to recharge and have some separation from-and perspective on-everyday life.
If you run across a honda crv snag it up. The front seats lay back to the rear seat making a bed after removing the headrests.and the rear seats are adjustable also.
Strangely enough, just a couple months after purchasing a used RV, it caught fire and burned to the ground. Within two weeks, a nice older lady gave me her 1979 camper van in near perfect condition with low miles. So I will be making the very best of that vehicle for as many years as I can as well as repainting it and sprucing up the engine block and currently finishing up various electrical work. If you are interested to see what it looks like and details about it, visit my channel as I don't publish much, but thought I would talk about my van. It's quite a rare vehicle and highly sought after.
your mom! - I have a 2007 CR-V and the back seats do not lay down flat. And the front seats do not recline to be even with the back. Fortunately I'm only 4'11" female, so I have a method for sleeping in back that would not work for taller people. One thing I can suggest for privacy: get a telescoping shower rod and black curtains; wedge it up as high as you can just behind the front seats (I brace it at the hand holds) to hide you from peepers looking through your clear windshield and clear front side windows if they are not tinted (mine are not). I have the curtains placed on the rod so they open in the center so i can reach through if I need something that I have transferred to the front. I have a paid-for home but I like to get out and travel cheaply.
I was amazed about how cheap mobile homes are compared to regular houses. It would be great to live in a car long enough to save up enough cash to buy a mobile home out right.
I like the shelf idea in back. Great that you don't have to move it when you go to bed.
Creative, I like that bridge/tunnel you created that you slide under allowing you to still store gear while you sleep.
Great ideas- Thanks! I'm using parts of a plastic shelving unit, with legs shortened and surfaces linked together, to create a sleeping platform to match the height of the folded down back of the rear seat of my 2014 Tahoe. It has storage space underneath, can take it apart when not used, light weight and could repurpose it at a later time when no longer needed.
Nice! I just finished a 21 day road trip around CA and NV, my sleep system was great w exception of the head area- this looks like a good solution.
FYI Ford Escape owners- the back seat doesn't fold down completely flat- there's an angle between the cargo bay area and the back seat-back. You can solve this with some pieces of foam cut and arranged underneath your sleeping pad. I also generally parked facing slightly downhill, and ended up super comfy. (btw this is 2007 model Ford Escape)
Thanks for sharing, Kevin. Great to hear that you had a good trip. Sounds awesome!
That is a GREAT idea to solve the 4inch angle. I was trying to configure a platform but don’t have tools or woodworking skills. I think the foam is easier. And, something I can do. It’ll be easier to store between trips too.
I can stretch out and sleep in a 2017 Kia Sorento. It's basically an SUV body on a minivan frame. I'm 6-2. There is just enough length for me with the second row seat down.
It’s nice to know that we can do with what we have. We don’t need to spend Aton to go enjoy life comfortably. As always good to see you.❤️
Exactly! Camping has got to be the cheapest vacation there is. And it's just good for the soul. Thanks for watching.
I've been thinking about doing this in my car for weeks now, and I kept looking for videos to see if anyone else has had the idea of using their space like that, but all I could find was vans, which of course have a lot more room. Then this popped up in my feed today. Yay! I love the idea of a ply-board attached with clips to keep it from sliding. You thought of everything!
Great! I'm glad you found the video and channel, and I'm happy that the video was helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks Culture Girl.
Katie Carney lives in her little Toyota car.
Great idea! Just what i was looking for. My Rav4 is the same year as yours. I do a lot of tent camping. We rent a camper from the base when we're camping with the grandkids but when Im camping with my all girls group sometimes we car camp other times tenting. If rain is expected I prefer not to tent. I hate packing out wet gear so this will help me set up my SUV for car camping for the times rain is in the forecast. Ty
I'm the same way! I hated having to wrestle and put away a wet tent. That's the best part of sleeping in a vehicle.
I would like to see how you constructed that rear shelf. Do you have a video on that topic? Great detailed video on bed set up. Most people film bed set up already in place making it difficult to really understand how their set up works I love your videos where it seems like you just run into other SUV RVers and give us tours of their setups. Thanks.
Great simple idea shows me i have too much stuff to do this right now i need to minimise my wardrobe to do this , this has given me many things to think about thanks
Awesome, I'm glad it helped. Thanks for watching and commenting, Andrew.
The board with the attachment to headrest is a great idea. We've got a pilot with a similar gap, this should work perfect. Thank
Simple and easy. Great idea. thank you for sharing and best wishes from the UK.
Have you ever tried using one of those windshield sun visors that are reflective and slightly padded? They make a tremendous insulator if you put it under yourself while sleeping. I found that out while camping on the ground one time. My intent was as a vapor barrier but it really worked as body heat conserver just as well.
I sleep on an inflatable in my tent. Often we're in the mtns camping..even in fall or spring. It seems no matter how many blankets I line that matress with I still feel that cold trapped air under me. Thks for the tip. I will have to try the windshield reflector. We love camping in the cool crisp air without the many bugs. I use plenty of blankets on top & below. This may be the answer to my problem.
Good tip!
Is the silver surface up or down ( facing the ground)
I have a 2007 similar to your, will continue to watch. I did full length like your, but put henges on back end of board after cutting to give me access to compartment under floor mat.
The board with the attachment to headrest is a great idea. We've got a pilot with a similar gap, this should work perfect. Thanks
Thanks for that. I have a 2004 Santa Fe which I slept in last Summer whilst playing music at outdoor festivals. I built a big platform with a carpet. Underneath is room for some stuff. But it is too close to the roof. This made for some difficulties. The problem is that the seats do not go flat. So my sleeping platform had to rest at the height of my back seats when folded. This Summer I will take one single seat out completely so I can sleep lower and use the other side for my equipment. I think I will be able then to sleep on the road between concerts. Just a bit of re cutting the wood. Great fun though.
Yeah, I've avoided building a platform for the same reason. I like being able to sit up in my RAV4. Removing the seats sounds like a great solution. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Next, how to camp in the hot muggy southeast U. S. How would you manage the heat and Mosquito's? A battery fan with long-lasting D cells for one. How would you ever get the net to seal?
I have removed the front passenger seat in my 2001 Jeep Cherokee, and stack coolers there to form a very long flat platform that I can totally stretch out and sleep very comfortably on including enough room for my 40 lb dog. Most of my camping gear goes into the roof top carrier, to keep the interior just for sleeping. I have over 100 nights sleeping in it at temps as low as 30 F, and can stay very snug with my sleeping setup.
@@stevepowsinger733 Hello Stephen... Bill in L.A. , Calif. Here. Mosquito netting , usually green , is available at camping, surplus army- navy stores, and sporting Good Stores such as Big 5 , Sports Authority, R.E.I. All You have to Do is either Make Paper or Cardboard Templates,of the Window openings, or Just Go for it with a Pair of Scissors...but think twice, before cutting once. Sometimes Excess Material can be Draped Over the Door, then Closed tight, Then decide on using Velcro Tabs to stretch out the Netting, or Small Magnets ( You can Set up a Plastic Carry Box for all of the Magnets ), or sew the Velcro in place...
Note: Home Depot Sells a Roll of Black. Plastic ( sunscreen/ Insect Screen material...that can be cut to openings... with a little Excess around the edges to either Velcro tab, or Use Magnets to hold Securely... This Will give You Fresh Air, No Flying Insects, and a clear view Outside, as well as Privacy looking in...TH-cam has a guy that designed the Insect/sunscreen project for his van...he just pulls them. Down and rolls them up and stores each covering for their next use. I Hope Some of this Has Helped You...Careful Planning and Proper Execution will make Your Travels More Enjoyable. I made 2- Black Material Curtains, that come together from each side of my van for Privacy...Had the 3m Velcro tabs Professionally Sewn on the edges that come together, used a 1/2" copper pipe as a Curtain Rod, and two " stanley" L Brackets to Secure the rod ends...with sheet metal Screws.
The Curtain was Sewn with a hem at the tops and bottoms , it is Handsome and Functional, as I can Push the Curtains to the Sides, as well... Safe Journey.
@@stevepowsinger733 Hii Stepen, just read your comment on SUV sleeping. I found out recently that the toyota PRIUS air con can be kept running when the engine is off, and every now and then the engine fires up to keep battery power topped up. Don't know any more than this but it would be great to build this into any vehicle. Stay safe.
The plywood is great idea,can wait your video again..
That's cool how you've set up your sleep area. I have a Ford explorer with similar fold down back seats like yours . Haven't measured distance but, i would fit laying down (Being 5'11 heights). Great way to keep sheltered in case a storm/cold temps./etc. are extremely bad to be out in. Great video thanks.
Thanks Sammy 👍
Have fun. Nice to be young.. I was a traveler way back. Bless you.
Really good, straightforward video. The plywood shelf is a nice simple solution. Thanks for posting. I intend to tour Australia & will camp in a RAV4 on many nights.
I'm happy the video was helpful. That sounds like a great trip! Thanks Stephen.
Great video. I like the shelf idea because that will enable me to sleep on the bottom and carry stuff above. I have a Subaru Forester and am in the process of converting it. I had the rear seats removed and covered the area with plywood to put a mattress in the same place as yours (big piece of foam rubber). Where the seats were, I built in a drawyer on one side and on the other, a toilet seat with a pot under to use with plastic bags and cat litter.
The shelf is a really great addition. I love mine. It sounds like you've got a really great setup going in the Forester. I'd love to see some pics and even share them with everyone on my blog if that's something you're interested in. Let me know. Thanks!
I have some pics. Don't know how to share them. Can I email them to you?
Absolutely. Email me at thigbee at gmail dot com.
@@SUVRVing How is that shelf supported? Did you build legs and ensure it was a “tight squeeze” in the SUV so it doesn’t move around? Or, is the shelf resting on something but fastened somehow? Or, c) none of the above, and if so, please share? I too, love the shelf idea and having my feet s underneath while using the top for cooking, playing solitaire, being on the laptop, writing in my journal, etc. Thanks.
I love your channel cuz you keep it practical and functional.
Thanks Mary!
Wow love your sleeping setup. Simple and easy
Thanks, glad you like it
I like the idea of the piece of plywood suspended from the driver's headrest. I had been wondering how I was going to resolve that extra-space problem so that I can sleep lengthwise instead of diagonally. I'm 6'4" and need all the room I can get in the back.
The piece of plywood works really well for me. Thanks for watching and commenting, Eduard.
Great video! I have a Chevy Traverse with a 3rd row and I am an older woman who is only 5’1” tall. My seats are not removable but fold down really flat like yours does.
Gawd.. you could "rent out" all that extra space! LOL
That head board idea is great I haven't quite been able to find a bin to fit the space in my jeep
The board works really well in my RAV4. Should also work great in your Jeep. Let me know how it goes.
Really nice! I'm going to try this in my Ford Escape. So excited!
Nicely thought-out. Happy Trails !
My most fav flower- night blooming jasmine 😊
I camp in the back of my prius in much the same way using bins to bridge the gap, I really like the board supported with carabiners though.
I've used both bins and the board, and I like the board better. It was a pain whenever I had to get into the bins for something. Thanks for commenting Nathan!
Great info thank you.😀 Yes, having the seats fold down flat does make a difference.
If the cost of groceries go up much more I may need this video.
oh Tristan thank you so much now I can finally spend the night in my SUV without your help I never could have figured out how to sleep in my vehicle God bless you my friend
I'm glad it helped! Thanks for watching and commenting.
I've succumbed to sleeping in my car lately and have been looking for a crossover or wagon . Didn't know you could use a rav4 ,those are very dependable. thx for the video.
Yeah, it's been a great car so far. And I just measured the length of the sleeping area earlier today because someone was asking, and it's about 77 inches (6 ft 5 in) with the front seat pushed forward. Pretty darn good for a vehicle that really isn't all that big.
@@SUVRVing I've slept in my 4Runner before and had to leave the back hatch open for my leg room (I'm 5'10"). Moving the front seat forward all the way is something stupid simple I wish I had tried- it might give me more room to stretch out!
what great ideas for carcamping. I personally have a 2012 outback and find the whole back of the car great for carcamping for two people
that plywood is a great idea! I work in wildlife conservation and live in my suv during the summer. I'm 6'2" so obviously I hang over the top of the seat lol. Usually made a makeshift platform by stacking a container on my cooler.....not ideal, especially when the container would be tipped over during the night and all the contents are spilled on the floor.
In the past I've used a couple of plastic bins to create the platform. That worked fine, but yeah, I much prefer having the plywood thing so I don't have to keep shuffling the bins around.
Great video and I like the headboard idea which be useful for sleeping in my Hyundai Tucson. I use the grab handles overhead to better adjust my body position when lying down and also to swing my legs out to exit out the side door - bunch up your body in a ball and grab handle with both hands and pivot around.
Thanks Phil. It works well for me. I appreciate you watching and commenting.
Not sure what actually constitutes an SUV these days. I have a Ford Escape. When I bought it, I considered that I might eventually sleep in the back. Haven't laid down in there yet to check the size/length, but think I can sleep diagonally. I keep my old sleeping bag in there, in case I need to bundle up or sleep, sometime, if broken down or whatever. Thanks for the video. It helps to give me some ideas. I like the little extension board.
Check out my website (suvrving.com). I have a couple of blog posts about people sleeping in the back of an Escape. Plenty of people do it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great idea. Not much work involved. Love it.
Thanks! Glad you liked the video.
Same, much more basic and easier than I was expecting. I am currently planing a sleeping platform for my WK2.
Keep it simple is the best way.
cosgrove notts there ya go
great set up, great ideas! I'm thinking of going suv nomad soon. very informative. thank you :)
Do it! It's a lot of fun :)
It seems so common sense and yet it isnt. Most of us dont rhink of things like this until we are shown. Thank you.
Excellent! I like the simple explanation you give, I will do this in my near future. Thank-you👍
Awesome, I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks Dave!
Fyi driver seat lays flat as well if u move it forward all the way 06 mariner
(mini ford escape ) i should do a video half the size and have a full length twin bed , collapsible kitchen , bathroom , stealth mode and converts back
Sounds like a good setup 👍
Very nice set up
Thanks Carlos.
I have a 2002 Ford Explorer and used a similar configuration. I’m going to consider your “shelf” idea. That space gets wasted otherwise 👍👍👍👍👍
2001 Explorer here. I fold down both back seats and put all my gear on one level when I'm traveling. When I get to where I'm camping I'll double stack the gear to the right side, giving me the whole left side for a pad and sleeping bag. Works great.
If I am traveling to the campsite in an SUV, I'll just use it to store the gear that would be too heavy for a backpack. It makes more sense to me to set up a camp that is more comfortable.
When my husband and I first started camping as a young couple, we had a pickup truck with a cap on it. Cheap camper!
truck campers
My late husband bought a brand new 1981Toyota SR5 mini-truck, and added a camper shell (cap) with cupboards and roof vent, and a carpeted insert that could be configured to a bed (remember it was 1981). The mini-truck had a 7' cargo bed for my 6'2" husband. The shell also had slider windows that configured with the truck rear window slider windows so we could access both areas. It came in handy.
Other people ramble and don't say Anything..thank you for not rambling.
I don't want to talk any more than I have to to get my point across!
@@SUVRVing
Impressive.
Nice, But i have a Honda crv and all you do is remove the front seat headrests and slide the seat all the way front and the seat lays back to the rear seat which also reclines and slides front and back and it makes a perfect bed. The crv also comes with a picnic table in the back where the spare tire would fit if it wasn't on the rear door. Good video though.
Great 👍
The picnic table was discontinued after first generation CR-V, and spare tire was moved to underneath cargo bed when changed to rear lift hatch. I had 2006 (last of second gen) for only a few months before it was destroyed when my husband was rear-ended. Replaced with 2007 (first year of third gen), which is very different even from the 2006. I don't know what succeeding model years feature. Hopefully they went back to sleeping-friendly configuration.
Brilliant and simple. I'm going to use your ideas on my new SEAT Ateca SUV here in the UK. Thanks to my colonial cousin in the USA
Happy to help! Thanks for watching and commenting.
One thing nice with a hybrid SUV is that you can run your heat/AC all night long off the battery and the engine will cycle on and off when necessary to charge the battery and keep the temperature consistent.
Very nice! I used to sleep in a 2005 ford focus hatch, but i sleep in a bmw x5 e53! Both vehicles have good room for sleeping
Awesome, it sounds like you've got a great setup. Thanks for watching and commenting.
great video. amazing so many people overlook this handy opportunity for a sleeping area. i ve added a small catalytic heater along with a co detector and a window open about 2 " to warm things up before bed and after waking on cold camp outs. superb quality video btw and you show how simplicity equals great functionality.
Hi Kirk, I'm glad you liked the video. Sounds like you have a great setup to take the sting out of those cold nights and mornings. What kind of vehicle do you have?
Nice one, I also have RAV 4 and gonna do it the same
Groovey set up bro ! You should do a travel channel like that sleeping arrangement on the go. Talk about where u should park and sleep. Use the bathroom and shower on the go etc. I would watch more and subscribe
You literally just described my channel. Take a look at my other videos.
This little platform is what I will need to do if I ever get to car camping. Or decide to sleep in my back seat.
Loved it! It's there a video on that Shelf above your feed?
I have an SUV with a third row and being short (5’1”) with one 2nd row Captain’s chair flipped down, I have plenty of room.
Bucket List Boomer that small. You can sleep in my pocket 😂
Same here, I don’t want to dismantle seats as I will be using for short term camping.
Thanks! Awesome set-up and my SUV is similar to yours, so this helps a lot! I have a question about your back shelf/platform. How did you secure it? Thanks!
Hi Steve. The shelf is actually a factory Toyota accessory. There are holes in on the inside walls of the SUV made for the support bars of the SUV. The bars themselves contract an inch or so, so you contract them, stick them into the holes, and then they expand and go to their full length inside of the holes. If your SUV doesn't have something like that, it's easy enough to make a shelf out of a piece of plywood and some support legs out of pieces of 1x4 or 2x4 lumber, or even wooden dowels or PVC pipe, etc. Let me know if you have any other questions.
@@SUVRVing Do you have a link for that? I have a 2019 Rav4 adventure and I want that shelf! Thx!
congrats for a million views!.
I sleep in the back of a 2018 RAV4 Hybrid. Toyota unfortunately (for this setup) moved the spare tire inside the car into a compartment below the trunk area. This causes the folded seats to not sit flat anymore. I have to add additional couch cushions to the feet area to make it level, and I often have to find a slanted area to park with the front of the car pointed downhill to level it out (prevents me from sliding towards the rear hatch during the night). It also raises me pretty close to the ceiling and makes it hard to sit up to fetch things. I love my "minimalist RV" with 34mpg for trips (hybrid version), but the slanted bed platform makes it extra challenging to keep all the bedding items required in a compact setup like you have.
Yeah, that sucks! But at least you get good gas mileage :D
The one thing I always wonder when I see the various layouts people use is why not have the bed behind the passenger side so you don't need to dismantle it whenever you are travelling?
Nice simple setup.
Some cars. I know Volvos can make a perfectly flat surfecampen when folding down the backrow. So if you are going on a quik trip just throw a mattres in The back and enjoy your sleep😁
The front seats on my volvo xc70 fold flat, as well as the back seats, leaving the interior entirely flat from front to back. It's awesome!
I just bought up a mattress from Luno Life to go car camping is it's the perfect solution so you don't have to build anything out! Comfort is everything too.
They sent me one to review and I used it and made a video about it. I didn't love it. I thought it was overpriced, and I don't like air mattresses in general because they are very cold on cold nights. You have to put extra insulation on top of them. But if you like it and it works for you, more power to you.
Noted! Thanks for the heads up. So far so good with a blanket. Price wasn’t a barrier to me though. I guess I like it because of the temporary setup for the weekend. Didn’t have to use wood with their extenders and it compacts down so I keep it in vehicle. Saw your vehicle didn’t really need the extenders but mine was a must because my back area is smaller.
" Simple things in life are often the best " and here is one !!!
Definitely!
I like your plywood solution.
It works great. Definitely a good solution if it works with your setup.
Not luxury sleeping, but better than sleeping in a reclining front seat. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching, Dale!
Like the netting underneath the platform idea 👍😁
Love this! Thanks for your video.
Great idea ... I love it . Will try it soon
Let me know how it goes!
More brilliance! So glad I stumbled on to your channel. My Ravvy is 2008 but, so many of your ideas will carry over. .... like the Kleenex box! Doing that right now. LoL.
The tissue box is great! Lol I love having it so handy. Thanks for watching and commenting :)
Hi I am Andi from Indonesia. Just wondering why you do not choose the back of the passenger seat side as sleep area. Wouldn't it easier to jump from your driver seat directly to the bedding?
The back seat folds down in two pieces, but they're not the same size. The larger piece is on the driver's side. The passenger side isn't quite wide enough.
Thank you for share
Be happy no matter what. Have fun
Good set up
Thanks Cliff!
Nice setup.
Thanks!
Thank you!!! I've been wondering How I could sleep in my car.
Like the idea, especially like how you didn't talk too much
Thanks Nubia.
Great video I'm using a nissan x trail for my suv camper thanks
Sounds like a great setup! Thanks for watching and commenting.
How do you have your shelf set up? I already made a plywood set up to go across the back of my front seats. I got a plywood piece 6 ft across and then I stapled a 1 1/2 inch piece of foam on one side of it then wrapped a sheet around it and stapled that as well. I put my storage under it on the floor board.
lots of great ideas. I have a Mitsubishi station wagon I am going to start camping in,
Awesome. Most of these should also apply to a station wagon. Let me know how it goes.
Nice little setup and congrats on your book on Amazon.
Thanks Jason. It's a great setup that works well for me.
A minivan with drop in floor seating is best for sleeping in,,,, I hear the Dodge caravan is discontinued in 2020,,,, but I believe the Chrysler town n country is the same
Town and country is now pacifica
Legend. Just bought mitsubishi outlander, will use the same pattern as you!
Nice! Have fun with it.
Great Video..my wife and me are 74 (so 185 cm) tall..you think we can both sleep in a rav 4? Maybe We want to Buy a rav 4 Next Month. Thank You
Nice and easy for a solo traveller. 👍
Yep, it works great. Thanks for watching.
That’s a very convenient and quick set up . What is the length and breath of the plywood ?