Want to watch how we built this!? Watch our full build here -----> th-cam.com/video/6rKG38S4WN8/w-d-xo.html Although the end is near for living in this vehicle, we will still continue to travel and see the world's most beautiful places! Please SUBSCRIBE!!! One click can help us reach our next destination. SUBSCRIBE HERE -------> th-cam.com/users/sosasatsunrise
Just quick advice from a fellow SUV camper. Avoid the platform so you can have a ton of head space. Instead, buy a roof rack for the luggage. It makes the world of difference
A roof rack would be a great addition. This was actually a rental that we lived out of for a few months and wanted to build something that was cheap and removable. If we owned the vehicle we would change things up a bit more than what we mentioned in the video. Thanks for watching!
Yes there is a way! There are flexible solar panels that can stick to slightly curved surfaces with the same power rating as the big glass panels. They cost twice as much and last half as long but if you bought a roof rack with storage, you could mount it to the top no problem.
We have used a rooftop tent and think they are really cool. The one big downside to mesh pop up tops or any tents is they have the potential to mold if they are not properly dried before putting them away. We often leave campsites early and not having anything to put away is great. But many people have voiced that they could never sleep in something this small and would trade the time of set up and tear down for a more comfortable sleep. 🤔
I road tripped around the US back in 2019 (prepandemic thank god), and lived in my 2018 CX-5....for 5 months. Told my friends and family I'd be gone for maybe 30 days. Yeah, that didn't happen once I got out west. At 6' 1" I could just lay down in the back. Just wish I'd done a more clever modification to make it flat in the back. I see the 2025 CX-5 has an elevated rear cargo floor so it'd make for better sleeping. I love that car. Currently doing a coolant change on it now at 153000 miles and it's been (knock on wood) super reliable
That's awesome! We use a Toyota highlander, and we use a stand up tent. We are not as young. But we love our set up, it is everything we need and most of what we want. Congrats you guys!
I have a midsize SUV and i absolutely LOVE adventuring in it! It's perfect for just me and you are absolutely right about not needing as much as you think you do. So many people try and shove the contents of their apartment in a vehicle and then hate the experience. You really do not need all that stuff 😂. Since it's just me, i went with a backpacking stove because I just don't do an incredible amount of cooking and i usually have a sit down meal in town once or twice a week. I find that it's not overly expensive to eat in restaurants because it's just me but couples might find it's cheaper to cook more which certainly makes sense. I think everyone has to find the way/system that works for them which is part of the fun 😊. I also bought one of those Tail Veils for privacy and a way to get out of the SUV even when it's raining. I didn't want a more traditional suv tent so the Tail Veil works really well for me and it's small enough when packed up to not take up too much space and very easy to set up.
I love living out my SUV..I have a now '19 Ford Escape I just bought and recently sold my trusty '14 Ford Escape which reached 210,015 miles and I was starting to put work into it which is why I had to give her a better home for the life I'm living. As crap as the reviews Escapes get I had mine for 6yrs and of those almost 2yrs I started SUVlife. Although I don't do extreme travel like most but I stay within my state up midwest and do most traveling for work county to county at the moment. This saved so much money since giving up my apartment. I started in the beginning of the pandemic (5/2019) but I made it work showers were the most trying but this life is so freeing and I wouldn't go back to it especially now with the price of gas. It's just me I'm 5'4 so it's enough space for me. My plus with living in a SUV is its VERY stealth especiallyfor ppl like me who are in the city/rural areas. I blend everywhere! Safe travels everyone.
I'm starting to feel where you guys were coming from regarding camping in SUV's vs other type vehicles. I had a 2016 35' motor home that, while beautiful, started to become a boondocking headache because of its size, cost and mobility. It got to be way too much. After traveling in a comparable sized SUV as yours, I also realized how little I needed to travel more. Sure, an SUV isn't a 'dream' camping vehicle, but an SUV is certainly a viable tool to efficiently and effectively make dreams come true.. Thank you for making such valid points.
Yes! Our feeling exactly. Comfort when parked is great but if you can't reach the places you want to go at a reasonable cost, is the large vehicle really worth it? Happy travels and thanks for watching!
I am in same boat - I am selling my 5 berth motorhome as while nice it was very expensive to run and repair, and I just don't need the hassle. I have camped in the back of my outback on several trips now and as long as you have minimal needs as I do it is quite doable!
Thanks for the info. I plan on doing my first SUV camping trip in a couple of weeks. I have to remind myself to NOT take a tent because part of the reason for the trip is as a solo-run for living out of the SUV. Because let's be real, the goal is not to live IN the vehicle, but OUT of the vehicle. As in, the SUV is home base but then you get to go explore all these amazing places while taking home with you!
That sounds amazing! We packed a tent and never used it. It is nice to have a place to sleep and cook already set up when you pull into a new spot. Then all you have to do is grab a chair and relax. Have the time of your life living on the road and see as much as you can! Thanks for watching and safe travels.
I have camped a LOT in my SUV. It worked great! I have my sleeping mat on one side and a long chain of cubes for storage on the other side. Additionally behind the front seats there is lots of space under where the back seats fold down.
After dreaming of purchasing a camper van for years, my wife and I have chosen a hybrid SUV for a retirement travel camper. Drivability and gas mileage were the determining factors. The only thing we might add is a hatch or pop-up tent for those times we want a private space for the porta potty and for changing. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I loved my 21 CX-5 turbo. It's unfortunately the 21 year had faulty valve seals that case excessive oil consumption. Get the regular model skip the turbo
@@SpaceX-Falcon-Heavy yes, I've removed my rear seats several times and made a platform so we can have storage under the mattress. 6500 miles road trip in 12 days. Spent 9 nights in the CX5 it was great. Lots of 16hr days. Quick set up and break down. Most of the time if you close your eyes in any space you can't tell how big or small the room is. So once we closed our eyes in the mazda is was the same as anything else
TLDR: trash can is a waste Roof rack is a massive hassle, added expense and reduced fuel economy Remove rear seats Bring windex for windows Dont use 2x4 for structural support The trash can is wasted space. Just reuse grocery bags, 16 hours a day traveling and youll want every little space saving you can imagine. Bring paper towels and windex to keep the window clean Buy custom window black out with suction cups Get long plastic storage bins for under the platform. You can fit all of your clothes in them and they act like slide out drawers I built a platform for my 2016 CX5. I removed the rear seats for a lot more additional storage. The platform was 3/8 plywood. Instead of wasting space with the 2x4 for structural support, there was a few vertical pieces plywood and 1.5inch dowels acing as joyce but also create storage below the platform. The space behind the wheels, you dont need to cover with the platform because youll never notice once the memory foam ia over, it also makes for easy access to things may need during the trip. This helps with the build out, install/removal also. 4 inch memory foam is about all youll need. I started with 10in and quickly realized it was way too much. We did 6500 miles in 12 days and spent about $1100 on fuel. Spent 9 nights in the CX5. It was an amazing trip. One of the best things about the set up was we could drive through the night and whenever we needed a nap we could pull into a hotel parking lot and sleep in our car.
I just saw this video. I do many road trips in my Subaru Forester with my pups. (Went from Oregon to Vermont and back this year.). I never worry about changing, I can do it right in front of someone using my Undress. Makes things so much easier than wriggling around inside the car
I just purchased a 2021 CX-5 AWD 2.5L Turbo. I love being able to close the hatch with my key. That might have been so helpful for y’all. I am jealous of your MPG. I get 22mpg with mixed use. The best MPG I got was 28, driving to and from Reno from the SF Bay Area. I have already slept a few times in my car, and I am always so stressed trying to find places to park and sleep. I usually find a place residential, but I get scared that someone will see me through the window. &OMG on HOT DAYS. Sleeping with the windows cracked and mosquitos (Reno,NV). I love that you loved your experience in the SUV. My last 3 cars were crossover vehicles, and they are comfy and perform well in any condition. This is my first AWD vehicle, so y’all have me excited to take it out on the road. I’ll be going through your content now. Look at Mazda bringing people together. 😅
I love this! My Buick Encore with the back seats removed has been a great mini-camper. Quarters are a little tight at times, but you learn to work around it, plan your moves, etc. Overall, it's incredibly comfortable and the stealth aspect is the best part.
I’m 6’3” and just purchased a new to me 2012 cx-9. And thought about this same idea but I also have the 3rd row seating to boot so a bit more space even.. they have decent tents that mount and surround the rear hatches of SUV’s so there will be one of those taking up the extra space.
Love the video! Suggestions to make life easier: + folding table for cooking + pop up shower tent for changing and toilet + rooftop cargo carrier for extra storage
i live out of a van which is about 21 ft long and you can stand up inside. it is like a small apartment. i only spend half of the year in the USA now (if that) so I see the benefits of a smaller vehicle. It is cheaper to maintain. If you are living out of it FULL TIME you can't beat a van that you can stand up in though. Wayyy better than an RV.
I've been preparing for nomad life for two years and am anxious to begin the journey. However, I can't make up my mind about a vehicle. I just made the last payment on my Kia Soul that has 26K miles. I'm considering making it my home as a woman traveling alone, but am not sure about living in such a small space full time. I don't require a lot of stuff, preferring the less is more method. The Kia is paid for, gets 32 mpg, has low milage, stealthy, and easy to drive most anywhere. But the big question is ... will it be comfortable enough to sustain a nomad life. Thank you for making this video. It was informative, entertaining and pushed me into the direction of keeping the Kia. Happy trails.
You got this! We knew nothing about living on the road before we left. We learned as we went and made plenty of mistakes. The only issue we would see with a Kia Soul is driving down some of the back roads we found ourselves on but those roads can be easily avoided. Sounds like you have done your research but if you have any questions, we would be happy to help🙂
I'm planning a cross country road trip in my 2018 CX-5. I mapped it out to spend nights at or near truck stops with showers and food. I figure I just need a bunch of water to drink and a bunch of bedding for the back.
Finding free places to park is a lot easier than you think once you are out on the road. Truck stops will be your oasis in some areas. Use ioverlander to find some free campsites. Always have a couple days worth of food and water packed, you never know what could happen. Other than that, you should be good to go. Have a great trip!
This video is one of the reasons I chose a CX-5 for car camping over other SUVs, super helpful and a tonne of little tips. Looking forward to my own build, Cheers!
Subscribed. I’m absolutely in love with this. I just watched this and the build and I. Am. Obsessed. Van life make room! I have a CX-5 and now I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep again without dreaming of where I’m going to travel next with my soon-to-be-tricked out camper. Also, not sure if I’m alone in this, but you remind me of Adam Driver. Cheers!
Yes!! It is a tight squeeze to sleep but everything else worked out even better than expected. Have fun with your build and take some time to make our design even better. I may have gotten Adam Driver once when I had longer hair. I'll take it! Thanks for watching!
I'm bouncing between converting my SUV into a camper vs taking my truck and 30' camper on my next trip since it will be just me and your comment about stress hits home, sometimes driving a huge truck and trailer with a combined length well over 50' is stressful, but once I arrive, it is heaven... BUT, if I convert my SUV, across 5,000 miles the gas money alone I would save, I can built a sweet SUV camper, I just wonder what to do at night after I am done hiking all day... if it is raining/cold/bad weather, being stuck in the back of an SUV vs a 30' camper seems to be a HUGE difference... hope to watch more videos that will help me make up my mind.
Lots to consider! Another option is building out the back of your truck if you have a cover. MAV on youtube has a sweet setup. You can cook inside if needed and can hangout if it's raining. They also have tent like attachments for the back of an suv to give you more privacy and keep you dry in the rain. The cost effectiveness of an SUV was the seller for us.
My sentiments exactly. I get even better mileage in my Kia Niro 53mpg. Don’t need all that stuff. I have a tiny table to put the cooker on in the back.
If you're living in your SUV, take the seats out don't just fold them down. Way more room to store things and you won't need to sleep an inch from the ceiling
Wahoo! Thank you for the like and watching our video. Glad we could help you make the decision of which vehicle to choose. Have a great time on the road!
"It's like being in an MRI." 👏 THANK you! That is so much more positive than my term, which was "coffin!" ⚰ Were there any rub marks where you had the pool noodles? I have been keeping my CX-5 pristine because it's a lease so I won't even risk a loose plastic laundry basket back there! (But that may change...😉!) Thanks for all the tips! I've already designed my "Potty Partion" curtain to drape between doors. I'm planning on vacuum sealed "smush sacks" (the kind like a giant Ziploc, with a one-way valve to release the air you press out of clothes or bedding) for clothing, under the extruded aluminum frame. I plan on multiple water containers, too. So much planning to do!
You can do it! The pool noodles worked great but started to break and wear down after 2 months. Most of our inside scratches probably happened while building and tearing down. We also put a tarp down under everything to help keep it all clean and that worked well. Have fun on the road!
Thanks for sharing your setup and recommendations. I'm a proponent of taking a minimalist approach when it comes to many things, especially when exploring and camping in my 2012 Toyota RAV4.
How do y'all deal with moisture from sleeping in the car? Don't the windows fog up leave residue which can lead to mold and all sorts of interior degradation?
I don't recall moisture being a problem. 90% of the time we had windows cracked which gave adequate air flow for the small space. We also spent a lot of our time in the desert. Wipe down any fog on windows in the morning and dry anything else out before packing up. Thanks for watching!
The SUV worked better than expected! There was not a lot of room left on the inside. Another commenter mentioned a roof rack or tow hitch could be added which would allow for almost anything else you want to bring.
I went from a Grand Caravan to a 4Runner. Gas mileage went down to 18 on the highway and I could not sit up in bed. I went back to a 2019 grand caravan and my last 1800 mile trip ended up at 27mpg. Twice the internal space you have in that Mazda. To each their own. Enjoy.
I think the caravan is a great option! Perfect amount of room. The only downside for us would be ground clearance. Anyone ever have a lifted mini van!? Sounds like the best of both worlds.
@@SOSASATSUNRISE Lifting a minivan is easy. Also they generally have pretty good clearance to begin with. I am not a wilderness camper, more urban and i get my outside time with a Mountain bike which I carry inside my van. Two minutes to ride time, even when buttoned down for the night. I can actually sit up on my cot for clothing changes. I have a 3' x 2' open area in my van. No cooking, soft cooler, no dishes.
What a creative start! So informational - and the change in shots made it super to easy to watch. Would never think that a SUV would be better than a van but you made some pretty valid arguments 🤷♀️ You make some pretty hilarious jokes as well - like the toilet one 😂 Thanks for another great video guys - really enjoyed it ☺️ Emily + Tom
Although we worked hard to get where we are, we still feel very fortunate to travel full time. All these memories will never be forgotten. Thanks for watching!
There are a couple of different options for a toilet. Ours was a five gallon bucket with a toilet lid cover. I think we bought it at Walmart in the camping section. We used regular trash bags with pine pellets in the bag for liquid absorption. With the lid closed, the smell isn't horrible. Then, you can legally toss the bag in any trash bin. We looked for the big dumpsters so no one had to possibly touch it. Hope this helps!
I was playing around with one of those old style non twisting can openers, kind of you might find at the end of a bottle opener, I don't think I'll ever go back to the twist variety
Did not happen. Spent a few months with family then got my own place way in the boonies. In a bit more than a month I am moving back to civilization with my re homed dog Benny.
watch out with using plastic containers/bottles over and over again-make sure it is BPA free. Not sure how the temps are by you guys but it seems hot, the plastic could leech into the water and it's not good to drink if that happens. Thanks for this video, y'alls vibes are really nice
Thank you for the advice! Our daily and hiking water bottles are BPA free but not sure about the random gallon jugs we buy along the way. We will look for a more permanent solution for water in our next build. Thanks for watching!
We saved for years to travel. Like many people during COVID, we received unemployment which paid for the car rental and gas. Everything else was savings and what little money we made off youtube! One day we will make a video with a full rundown of costs. If you watch our later videos you will see we keep track of all our spending through out the video.
the only thingyou should be doing living in an SUV is saving up to buy a proper camper. Thats what I did. Now I pull the camper with the SUV. Much better.
Personally, we really enjoyed having the SUV and nothing else. With the way we travel, pulling a camper would make life on the road harder for us in the long run. Worse gas mileage, less maneuverability it tight spaces, less stealthy and more to worry about and maintain. We knew this set up would not extend past 2 months and was perfect for us in that time.
The seats are not easy to take out in the CX-5. They are sewn into the fabric in the back. This was also just a rental for us so we could not make any major modifications. If we owned the vehicle we would do a lot of things different but this simple build worked very well for us while we had it.
I'm sorry. We do not have full measurements. We cut and measured until it fit and went from there. Any information we gave in the video is what we have left. Many people have asked and next time we will keep track and post our measurements. Something tells me this is not the final SUV build on this channel.
I always wonder which one is better between a van and the SUV? Any idea??? I have never had a chance to drive a van yet, but I have driven the SUV !!! For living in it I have no idea which one is better to choose.
The decision is different for everyone. We are not big people and the SUV suited us well. Our van was too big and too much for how we like to travel. The SUV offered us everything we needed without getting in the way of where we wanted to go.
They had their bed set up higher than necessary. I think. I got a shelf/tray for the back of my cx 5 and I'm hoping I can store a lot there and keep my bed lower. I'm just one person traveling, so I'll have room to keep one seat down or more floor room to sit and change, etc.
Depending on your travel goals and needs, a pickup truck with a cap would be great! You will most likely pay more in gas but have a lot more room inside and higher clearance. We have looked into using a pickup but the extra cost was not worth it to us for our needs. Thanks for watching!
im looking at this cx5 but only for weekend trips for 2 people. so im not looking to completely renovate the car but i would need to remove the rear seats for sleeping. or maybe just one? maybe an air mattress would work? any advice would be great.
One great part about this CX-5 is the seats fold flat down and actually cant be removed. The reason we built a platform was to have storage underneath and be able to stealth camp in a parking lot. Maybe if you put the legs of the platform on hinges so they can fold away? Then you can easily pull it in and out of the car.
How is this setup better than a van conversion? It’s still a crammed way of living similar to a car in my humble opinion. Great video, but I’d rather do a van conversion. With a van you can cook and shower, but still have the mobility of a smaller vehicle
We have driven them all and still love an SUV for all the reasons listed in this video. We might not be able to cook and shower inside the vehicle but we don't camp and go to national parks to be inside! Unless you're rockin a mini van, no van conversion can compare to the fuel efficiency, mobility, stealthiness and overall affordability of an SUV build. Everyone has their preferences, which are all valid, but an SUV is the right choice for our way of cross country travel. 😄 thanks for watching!
We lived in the SUV in May and June and never had nights that were unbearably hot. We would sleep with the windows open if needed and put our towels in the door to help keep bugs out and keep some air flow. We also had a fan we could plug in or use batteries.
We actually built this in a rental we had for 2 months so the possibilities for a build was limited. We would definitely make vehicle modifications to a vehicle we owned in the future to really make it comfortable.
Great question! We have found a cooler is more hassle than it is worth when dealing with ice every day. Anything boxed or canned, fruit and vegetables, rice, beans, pasta and always eggs and toast, tortillas, or potatoes for breakfast. We shop every few days and buy something to make that night for dinner. Admittedly we eat out too much but we have to stop to edit and work on other things through out the week. Panera was our go to while living in the SUV. Thanks for watching!
I need to rent a small SUV that i can sleep in when I fly to texas in a week. I figure I can save a lot of Benjamins not getting a hotel every night. I'm only 5'6' so there must be some good options. HELP
Unfortunately, we do not still have the platform. We did make a step by step video on the build though! You can make the entire thing with one sheet of plywood, probably 3 2x4, 2 sets of hinges and a couple pool noodles.
Not sure where Taylor park is but if it looks like that then it is on my bucket list! That view for us was the ghost town of Animas Forks near Silverton, Colorado.
@@SOSASATSUNRISE When you're clumbing over obstacles or elevated grades that are slippery with a 4x4 you're in control. In a AWD system you will have tires slipping and to over come this you gas it or use momentum and gas, in a 4x4 you can crawl over and up these without having to constantly gas it and always having tires slip. So an AWD system off road is not reliable, especially when you're in the back woods with no signal. I know a lot of Soft Roaders that have had to get their transmissions worked on or some sort of drivetrain issue resolved, and a lot sooner then 4x4 folks that know their lines and have control. I started off roading in a Subaru Forester XT and quickly learned that anything a little more technical then a fire road is going to put a lot of unnecessary wear and tear that would be tackled a lot easier and more reliably in a 4x4. Which landed me in my 4runner. But be safe an prepared out there regardless.
Wait.... When you wanted to work for the day? I'm guessing online work? not like walk in and cashier at a Panera for the day, right? Also, this water thing.... Invest the 60$ on a gallon therm or 2 bruh.... Hitting -10 here most nights and it's not even froze yet.... 105, still not boiling, know what I'm saying?
Want to watch how we built this!? Watch our full build here -----> th-cam.com/video/6rKG38S4WN8/w-d-xo.html
Although the end is near for living in this vehicle, we will still continue to travel and see the world's most beautiful places!
Please SUBSCRIBE!!! One click can help us reach our next destination. SUBSCRIBE HERE -------> th-cam.com/users/sosasatsunrise
How tall are you iam 6foot 2 inches
Just quick advice from a fellow SUV camper. Avoid the platform so you can have a ton of head space. Instead, buy a roof rack for the luggage. It makes the world of difference
A roof rack would be a great addition. This was actually a rental that we lived out of for a few months and wanted to build something that was cheap and removable. If we owned the vehicle we would change things up a bit more than what we mentioned in the video. Thanks for watching!
One thing to consider with a roof rack is the draft will cut in on your gas mileage. But it’s a trade off if you want head space inside.
Yes there is a way! There are flexible solar panels that can stick to slightly curved surfaces with the same power rating as the big glass panels. They cost twice as much and last half as long but if you bought a roof rack with storage, you could mount it to the top no problem.
I know I'm late to the party, but... would you consider roof top tent and then use the car as the storage? It would give even more living space.
We have used a rooftop tent and think they are really cool. The one big downside to mesh pop up tops or any tents is they have the potential to mold if they are not properly dried before putting them away. We often leave campsites early and not having anything to put away is great. But many people have voiced that they could never sleep in something this small and would trade the time of set up and tear down for a more comfortable sleep. 🤔
I road tripped around the US back in 2019 (prepandemic thank god), and lived in my 2018 CX-5....for 5 months. Told my friends and family I'd be gone for maybe 30 days. Yeah, that didn't happen once I got out west. At 6' 1" I could just lay down in the back. Just wish I'd done a more clever modification to make it flat in the back. I see the 2025 CX-5 has an elevated rear cargo floor so it'd make for better sleeping. I love that car. Currently doing a coolant change on it now at 153000 miles and it's been (knock on wood) super reliable
That's awesome! We use a Toyota highlander, and we use a stand up tent. We are not as young. But we love our set up, it is everything we need and most of what we want. Congrats you guys!
I have a midsize SUV and i absolutely LOVE adventuring in it! It's perfect for just me and you are absolutely right about not needing as much as you think you do. So many people try and shove the contents of their apartment in a vehicle and then hate the experience. You really do not need all that stuff 😂. Since it's just me, i went with a backpacking stove because I just don't do an incredible amount of cooking and i usually have a sit down meal in town once or twice a week. I find that it's not overly expensive to eat in restaurants because it's just me but couples might find it's cheaper to cook more which certainly makes sense. I think everyone has to find the way/system that works for them which is part of the fun 😊. I also bought one of those Tail Veils for privacy and a way to get out of the SUV even when it's raining. I didn't want a more traditional suv tent so the Tail Veil works really well for me and it's small enough when packed up to not take up too much space and very easy to set up.
The Mazda CX-5 is a amazing SUV! Congratulations!
really dawg?
I love living out my SUV..I have a now '19 Ford Escape I just bought and recently sold my trusty '14 Ford Escape which reached 210,015 miles and I was starting to put work into it which is why I had to give her a better home for the life I'm living. As crap as the reviews Escapes get I had mine for 6yrs and of those almost 2yrs I started SUVlife. Although I don't do extreme travel like most but I stay within my state up midwest and do most traveling for work county to county at the moment. This saved so much money since giving up my apartment. I started in the beginning of the pandemic (5/2019) but I made it work showers were the most trying but this life is so freeing and I wouldn't go back to it especially now with the price of gas. It's just me I'm 5'4 so it's enough space for me. My plus with living in a SUV is its VERY stealth especiallyfor ppl like me who are in the city/rural areas. I blend everywhere! Safe travels everyone.
I'm starting to feel where you guys were coming from regarding camping in SUV's vs other type vehicles. I had a 2016 35' motor home that, while beautiful, started to become a boondocking headache because of its size, cost and mobility. It got to be way too much. After traveling in a comparable sized SUV as yours, I also realized how little I needed to travel more. Sure, an SUV isn't a 'dream' camping vehicle, but an SUV is certainly a viable tool to efficiently and effectively make dreams come true.. Thank you for making such valid points.
Yes! Our feeling exactly. Comfort when parked is great but if you can't reach the places you want to go at a reasonable cost, is the large vehicle really worth it? Happy travels and thanks for watching!
I am in same boat - I am selling my 5 berth motorhome as while nice it was very expensive to run and repair, and I just don't need the hassle. I have camped in the back of my outback on several trips now and as long as you have minimal needs as I do it is quite doable!
Thanks for the info. I plan on doing my first SUV camping trip in a couple of weeks. I have to remind myself to NOT take a tent because part of the reason for the trip is as a solo-run for living out of the SUV. Because let's be real, the goal is not to live IN the vehicle, but OUT of the vehicle. As in, the SUV is home base but then you get to go explore all these amazing places while taking home with you!
That sounds amazing! We packed a tent and never used it. It is nice to have a place to sleep and cook already set up when you pull into a new spot. Then all you have to do is grab a chair and relax. Have the time of your life living on the road and see as much as you can! Thanks for watching and safe travels.
I bought an suv tent
I have camped a LOT in my SUV. It worked great! I have my sleeping mat on one side and a long chain of cubes for storage on the other side. Additionally behind the front seats there is lots of space under where the back seats fold down.
After dreaming of purchasing a camper van for years, my wife and I have chosen a hybrid SUV for a retirement travel camper. Drivability and gas mileage were the determining factors. The only thing we might add is a hatch or pop-up tent for those times we want a private space for the porta potty and for changing. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Toyota Hybrid van has nearly twice the cubic space of a Toyota 4 runner from my experience.
Minivans still seem better than SUVs though. If worried about drivability, get an AWD minivan. If worried about mileage get a hybrid minivan.
I loved my 21 CX-5 turbo. It's unfortunately the 21 year had faulty valve seals that case excessive oil consumption. Get the regular model skip the turbo
I currently own a Mazda CX-5. So this video is perfect. Thx.
Just bought one. A 2016! Picking it up next week. So excited to dream of possible adventures camping in it.
With space being such a premium, I'm surprised you didn't remove the back seats entirely.
not to mention the weight of those chairs
@@SpaceX-Falcon-Heavy yes, I've removed my rear seats several times and made a platform so we can have storage under the mattress. 6500 miles road trip in 12 days. Spent 9 nights in the CX5 it was great. Lots of 16hr days. Quick set up and break down. Most of the time if you close your eyes in any space you can't tell how big or small the room is. So once we closed our eyes in the mazda is was the same as anything else
It wasn’t their actual car. It was a rental.
TLDR: trash can is a waste
Roof rack is a massive hassle, added expense and reduced fuel economy
Remove rear seats
Bring windex for windows
Dont use 2x4 for structural support
The trash can is wasted space. Just reuse grocery bags, 16 hours a day traveling and youll want every little space saving you can imagine.
Bring paper towels and windex to keep the window clean
Buy custom window black out with suction cups
Get long plastic storage bins for under the platform. You can fit all of your clothes in them and they act like slide out drawers
I built a platform for my 2016 CX5. I removed the rear seats for a lot more additional storage. The platform was 3/8 plywood. Instead of wasting space with the 2x4 for structural support, there was a few vertical pieces plywood and 1.5inch dowels acing as joyce but also create storage below the platform. The space behind the wheels, you dont need to cover with the platform because youll never notice once the memory foam ia over, it also makes for easy access to things may need during the trip. This helps with the build out, install/removal also.
4 inch memory foam is about all youll need. I started with 10in and quickly realized it was way too much.
We did 6500 miles in 12 days and spent about $1100 on fuel. Spent 9 nights in the CX5. It was an amazing trip.
One of the best things about the set up was we could drive through the night and whenever we needed a nap we could pull into a hotel parking lot and sleep in our car.
Cx5 going be my next car but after Cx5, I’m leaning toward 2021 and up Toyota Siena Minivan because it saves gas, reliable and so much room.
Minivan is the way to go
@@WorldCommentor
I just saw this video. I do many road trips in my Subaru Forester with my pups. (Went from Oregon to Vermont and back this year.). I never worry about changing, I can do it right in front of someone using my Undress. Makes things so much easier than wriggling around inside the car
I just purchased a 2021 CX-5 AWD 2.5L Turbo. I love being able to close the hatch with my key. That might have been so helpful for y’all. I am jealous of your MPG. I get 22mpg with mixed use. The best MPG I got was 28, driving to and from Reno from the SF Bay Area. I have already slept a few times in my car, and I am always so stressed trying to find places to park and sleep. I usually find a place residential, but I get scared that someone will see me through the window. &OMG on HOT DAYS. Sleeping with the windows cracked and mosquitos (Reno,NV). I love that you loved your experience in the SUV. My last 3 cars were crossover vehicles, and they are comfy and perform well in any condition. This is my first AWD vehicle, so y’all have me excited to take it out on the road. I’ll be going through your content now. Look at Mazda bringing people together. 😅
I love this! My Buick Encore with the back seats removed has been a great mini-camper. Quarters are a little tight at times, but you learn to work around it, plan your moves, etc. Overall, it's incredibly comfortable and the stealth aspect is the best part.
Impressive! I'll point out to non-Mazda people that this is NOT a large SUV. The CX5 is actually quite small.
I’m 6’3” and just purchased a new to me 2012 cx-9. And thought about this same idea but I also have the 3rd row seating to boot so a bit more space even.. they have decent tents that mount and surround the rear hatches of SUV’s so there will be one of those taking up the extra space.
@@xxogre607xx2how has the cx-9 been if you don’t mind me asking?
this is what i would describe as my life goals
Love the video!
Suggestions to make life easier:
+ folding table for cooking
+ pop up shower tent for changing and toilet
+ rooftop cargo carrier for extra storage
i live out of a van which is about 21 ft long and you can stand up inside. it is like a small apartment.
i only spend half of the year in the USA now (if that) so I see the benefits of a smaller vehicle. It is cheaper to maintain.
If you are living out of it FULL TIME you can't beat a van that you can stand up in though. Wayyy better than an RV.
Great video. For longer trips(>7days) we often use our thule roof box to have more room inside the cx5 even when we don't sleep inside the car.
first time discovering your channel and i love your guys' style. very casual, laid back, and real. i love it. keep up the content
I've been preparing for nomad life for two years and am anxious to begin the journey. However, I can't make up my mind about a vehicle. I just made the last payment on my Kia Soul that has 26K miles. I'm considering making it my home as a woman traveling alone, but am not sure about living in such a small space full time. I don't require a lot of stuff, preferring the less is more method. The Kia is paid for, gets 32 mpg, has low milage, stealthy, and easy to drive most anywhere. But the big question is ... will it be comfortable enough to sustain a nomad life. Thank you for making this video. It was informative, entertaining and pushed me into the direction of keeping the Kia. Happy trails.
You got this! We knew nothing about living on the road before we left. We learned as we went and made plenty of mistakes. The only issue we would see with a Kia Soul is driving down some of the back roads we found ourselves on but those roads can be easily avoided. Sounds like you have done your research but if you have any questions, we would be happy to help🙂
I think Kia Soul or Honda Fit would be perfect for one person that is a minimalist. Happy Travels.
Wow it’s interesting to see the yoga mats instead of sleeping pads. I have a ton of those and can use my budget for other things. Love the video!
I will stick with my Suburban, but its impressive how minimalist you guys went with this.
I've been WAITING for someone to camp in a CX5!
Yeeees!! ✨ I own a cx-5 and planning to live in my Mazda in a few months , this is what I was looking for , finally 🤩
My dream adventure vehicle was a Pleasure Way Tofino, but my 2016 Toyota Highlander now looks most excellent. 👍
i have the same car and its AMAZING how much you guys were able to pack it there!!!!
I'm planning a cross country road trip in my 2018 CX-5. I mapped it out to spend nights at or near truck stops with showers and food. I figure I just need a bunch of water to drink and a bunch of bedding for the back.
Finding free places to park is a lot easier than you think once you are out on the road. Truck stops will be your oasis in some areas. Use ioverlander to find some free campsites. Always have a couple days worth of food and water packed, you never know what could happen. Other than that, you should be good to go. Have a great trip!
I own a CX5 and if i knew i would never use the back seats I would just take them out completely
This video is one of the reasons I chose a CX-5 for car camping over other SUVs, super helpful and a tonne of little tips. Looking forward to my own build, Cheers!
That's great! We enjoyed it while we had it. Have fun enjoying nature any chance you get.
WOW success story for both of you and the Mazda CX-5. They need to hire you guys to do this ad 😊
haha I wish!
I cannot sleep in such a confined, claustrophobic bed space 😨 I would sleep in the front seat. Well done on you guys for making this small space work.
Get some of those moisture absorbing disk things... Condensation will cause mold otherwise
Great video. SUV= Sleep Utility Vehicle :)
Subscribed. I’m absolutely in love with this. I just watched this and the build and I. Am. Obsessed. Van life make room! I have a CX-5 and now I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep again without dreaming of where I’m going to travel next with my soon-to-be-tricked out camper. Also, not sure if I’m alone in this, but you remind me of Adam Driver. Cheers!
Yes!! It is a tight squeeze to sleep but everything else worked out even better than expected. Have fun with your build and take some time to make our design even better. I may have gotten Adam Driver once when I had longer hair. I'll take it! Thanks for watching!
Contemporary nomadism... Great stuff, guys
Great video with a lot of pros. Love the sense of humor and the black hole organization.
Thanks for watching 😃
I'm bouncing between converting my SUV into a camper vs taking my truck and 30' camper on my next trip since it will be just me and your comment about stress hits home, sometimes driving a huge truck and trailer with a combined length well over 50' is stressful, but once I arrive, it is heaven... BUT, if I convert my SUV, across 5,000 miles the gas money alone I would save, I can built a sweet SUV camper, I just wonder what to do at night after I am done hiking all day... if it is raining/cold/bad weather, being stuck in the back of an SUV vs a 30' camper seems to be a HUGE difference... hope to watch more videos that will help me make up my mind.
Lots to consider! Another option is building out the back of your truck if you have a cover. MAV on youtube has a sweet setup. You can cook inside if needed and can hangout if it's raining. They also have tent like attachments for the back of an suv to give you more privacy and keep you dry in the rain. The cost effectiveness of an SUV was the seller for us.
Great video.. just did 3weeks in my 4runner build… loved every minute
My sentiments exactly. I get even better mileage in my Kia Niro 53mpg. Don’t need all that stuff. I have a tiny table to put the cooker on in the back.
If you're living in your SUV, take the seats out don't just fold them down. Way more room to store things and you won't need to sleep an inch from the ceiling
I was your 1000th like! I loved the video and it helped me decide between living in a van or a rav4 in the near future.
Wahoo! Thank you for the like and watching our video. Glad we could help you make the decision of which vehicle to choose. Have a great time on the road!
Two people in such a tiny space things get smelly pretty quickly
First thing I'm ditching is the bed rack lose a ton of room that way small net hammocks down the sides help alot
I agree with your water storage and showering philosophies. It looks like you have lots of fun on the road!
"It's like being in an MRI." 👏 THANK you! That is so much more positive than my term, which was "coffin!" ⚰ Were there any rub marks where you had the pool noodles? I have been keeping my CX-5 pristine because it's a lease so I won't even risk a loose plastic laundry basket back there! (But that may change...😉!) Thanks for all the tips! I've already designed my "Potty Partion" curtain to drape between doors. I'm planning on vacuum sealed "smush sacks" (the kind like a giant Ziploc, with a one-way valve to release the air you press out of clothes or bedding) for clothing, under the extruded aluminum frame. I plan on multiple water containers, too. So much planning to do!
You can do it! The pool noodles worked great but started to break and wear down after 2 months. Most of our inside scratches probably happened while building and tearing down. We also put a tarp down under everything to help keep it all clean and that worked well. Have fun on the road!
Thanks for sharing your setup and recommendations. I'm a proponent of taking a minimalist approach when it comes to many things, especially when exploring and camping in my 2012 Toyota RAV4.
I managed 2 weeks in Scotland in my Subaru Outback 👍
I recently bought a SUV. I would not consider living in it, but I could probably store more things for a long trip.
Great video, love the sense of humor . Cracked up with the black hole organization.
How do y'all deal with moisture from sleeping in the car? Don't the windows fog up leave residue which can lead to mold and all sorts of interior degradation?
I don't recall moisture being a problem. 90% of the time we had windows cracked which gave adequate air flow for the small space. We also spent a lot of our time in the desert. Wipe down any fog on windows in the morning and dry anything else out before packing up. Thanks for watching!
Great job you guys
We’re Sad to watch you unpack , we still have half the old ones to watch
Thank you! Much more to come as well. 😀
I'm glad it worked for you! What hobbies besides travel are you able to pack in that small of a space?
The SUV worked better than expected! There was not a lot of room left on the inside. Another commenter mentioned a roof rack or tow hitch could be added which would allow for almost anything else you want to bring.
I went from a Grand Caravan to a 4Runner. Gas mileage went down to 18 on the highway and I could not sit up in bed. I went back to a 2019 grand caravan and my last 1800 mile trip ended up at 27mpg. Twice the internal space you have in that Mazda. To each their own. Enjoy.
I think the caravan is a great option! Perfect amount of room. The only downside for us would be ground clearance. Anyone ever have a lifted mini van!? Sounds like the best of both worlds.
@@SOSASATSUNRISE Lifting a minivan is easy. Also they generally have pretty good clearance to begin with. I am not a wilderness camper, more urban and i get my outside time with a Mountain bike which I carry inside my van. Two minutes to ride time, even when buttoned down for the night. I can actually sit up on my cot for clothing changes. I have a 3' x 2' open area in my van. No cooking, soft cooler, no dishes.
My next van will be the Toyota hybrid. AC of 70 degrees all night even in 100 degree weather. Cost about a gallon a night for fuel.
For people who want to live on suv go with rav4 hybrid or crv hybrid; because this way u get better mpg and bigger space
What a creative start! So informational - and the change in shots made it super to easy to watch. Would never think that a SUV would be better than a van but you made some pretty valid arguments 🤷♀️ You make some pretty hilarious jokes as well - like the toilet one 😂 Thanks for another great video guys - really enjoyed it ☺️ Emily + Tom
Thank you! Going through all the old footage was so much fun. 😀
I love love it…Im soooo happy for you guys….that’s what you’re supposed to do…travel and see the world!!!!
Although we worked hard to get where we are, we still feel very fortunate to travel full time. All these memories will never be forgotten. Thanks for watching!
Can you explain the pack out toilet. How you dispose? How's the smell? I'm solo with a dog i have room
There are a couple of different options for a toilet. Ours was a five gallon bucket with a toilet lid cover. I think we bought it at Walmart in the camping section. We used regular trash bags with pine pellets in the bag for liquid absorption. With the lid closed, the smell isn't horrible. Then, you can legally toss the bag in any trash bin. We looked for the big dumpsters so no one had to possibly touch it. Hope this helps!
I was playing around with one of those old style non twisting can openers, kind of you might find at the end of a bottle opener, I don't think I'll ever go back to the twist variety
In about a month I will move into my 2014 Ford Escape with my small dog Milo. I am a new subscriber and need all the help I can get!
How's it going now?
Did not happen. Spent a few months with family then got my own place way in the boonies.
In a bit more than a month I am moving back to civilization with my re homed dog Benny.
watch out with using plastic containers/bottles over and over again-make sure it is BPA free. Not sure how the temps are by you guys but it seems hot, the plastic could leech into the water and it's not good to drink if that happens. Thanks for this video, y'alls vibes are really nice
Thank you for the advice! Our daily and hiking water bottles are BPA free but not sure about the random gallon jugs we buy along the way. We will look for a more permanent solution for water in our next build. Thanks for watching!
That's my dream to go to all the national parks wish I could afford to do it
🥸😺@6:38 maybe because they’re not getting cleaned with only a gallon of water for shower. Idk
Creo que tienen mucha razón.... A veces uno lo complica todo😅 y no es necesario tanto accesorio... saludos desde Chihuahua México
Thank you ❤
Ughhh so jealous ! This is so cool ! How did you guys do it ? Do you guys work remote or something ? I don’t mean to pry just curious
We saved for years to travel. Like many people during COVID, we received unemployment which paid for the car rental and gas. Everything else was savings and what little money we made off youtube! One day we will make a video with a full rundown of costs. If you watch our later videos you will see we keep track of all our spending through out the video.
the only thingyou should be doing living in an SUV is saving up to buy a proper camper. Thats what I did. Now I pull the camper with the SUV. Much better.
Personally, we really enjoyed having the SUV and nothing else. With the way we travel, pulling a camper would make life on the road harder for us in the long run. Worse gas mileage, less maneuverability it tight spaces, less stealthy and more to worry about and maintain. We knew this set up would not extend past 2 months and was perfect for us in that time.
I love SUV camping!
Why not take rear seats out?
Wouldn’t you have more space if you took the seats out? That’s what I’d do at least.
The seats are not easy to take out in the CX-5. They are sewn into the fabric in the back. This was also just a rental for us so we could not make any major modifications. If we owned the vehicle we would do a lot of things different but this simple build worked very well for us while we had it.
How do you turn the interior lights off?
Did you have the measurements written down anywhere or the plan
I'm sorry. We do not have full measurements. We cut and measured until it fit and went from there. Any information we gave in the video is what we have left. Many people have asked and next time we will keep track and post our measurements. Something tells me this is not the final SUV build on this channel.
Because that’s exactly what I want to do in my CX5
I always wonder which one is better between a van and the SUV? Any idea??? I have never had a chance to drive a van yet, but I have driven the SUV !!! For living in it I have no idea which one is better to choose.
The decision is different for everyone. We are not big people and the SUV suited us well. Our van was too big and too much for how we like to travel. The SUV offered us everything we needed without getting in the way of where we wanted to go.
I like the idea, but the bed part it to close to the roof.
They had their bed set up higher than necessary. I think. I got a shelf/tray for the back of my cx 5 and I'm hoping I can store a lot there and keep my bed lower. I'm just one person traveling, so I'll have room to keep one seat down or more floor room to sit and change, etc.
would a pickup and a cap bed be better?
Depending on your travel goals and needs, a pickup truck with a cap would be great! You will most likely pay more in gas but have a lot more room inside and higher clearance. We have looked into using a pickup but the extra cost was not worth it to us for our needs. Thanks for watching!
im looking at this cx5 but only for weekend trips for 2 people.
so im not looking to completely renovate the car but i would need to remove the rear seats for sleeping.
or maybe just one?
maybe an air mattress would work? any advice would be great.
One great part about this CX-5 is the seats fold flat down and actually cant be removed. The reason we built a platform was to have storage underneath and be able to stealth camp in a parking lot.
Maybe if you put the legs of the platform on hinges so they can fold away? Then you can easily pull it in and out of the car.
Why didn’t you take out all the rear seats for more space ?
The rear seats in this vehicle can't be taken out.
How do you have X in that thing?
I agree.
Damn bro i relate to the blackhole 🤣🤣
How is this setup better than a van conversion? It’s still a crammed way of living similar to a car in my humble opinion. Great video, but I’d rather do a van conversion. With a van you can cook and shower, but still have the mobility of a smaller vehicle
We have driven them all and still love an SUV for all the reasons listed in this video. We might not be able to cook and shower inside the vehicle but we don't camp and go to national parks to be inside! Unless you're rockin a mini van, no van conversion can compare to the fuel efficiency, mobility, stealthiness and overall affordability of an SUV build. Everyone has their preferences, which are all valid, but an SUV is the right choice for our way of cross country travel. 😄 thanks for watching!
How did you stay cool during really hot nights
We lived in the SUV in May and June and never had nights that were unbearably hot. We would sleep with the windows open if needed and put our towels in the door to help keep bugs out and keep some air flow. We also had a fan we could plug in or use batteries.
I’m surprised you didn’t just remove the backseat and then build from there.
We actually built this in a rental we had for 2 months so the possibilities for a build was limited. We would definitely make vehicle modifications to a vehicle we owned in the future to really make it comfortable.
How do you not need a cooler? 🤔
So whatcha gonna do next? I'm used to u guys now
We will continue to travel and explore as long as we have the funds to do so. Thanks for watching! Lots more to come.
You guys don't have a cooler with you? What do you eat?
Great question! We have found a cooler is more hassle than it is worth when dealing with ice every day. Anything boxed or canned, fruit and vegetables, rice, beans, pasta and always eggs and toast, tortillas, or potatoes for breakfast. We shop every few days and buy something to make that night for dinner. Admittedly we eat out too much but we have to stop to edit and work on other things through out the week. Panera was our go to while living in the SUV. Thanks for watching!
2:47 "Strategic Strategy" lololol
I need to rent a small SUV that i can sleep in when I fly to texas in a week. I figure I can save a lot of Benjamins not getting a hotel every night. I'm only 5'6' so there must be some good options. HELP
Sounds like a good idea!
Great video - thanks 🙏 instant follow and notification bell 🔔 hit
Wahoo!! Thank you so much! 😃
Did you keep the platform? I’d be down to buy it if ya want to part with it!
Unfortunately, we do not still have the platform. We did make a step by step video on the build though! You can make the entire thing with one sheet of plywood, probably 3 2x4, 2 sets of hinges and a couple pool noodles.
@@SOSASATSUNRISE thanks! I found the build vid!
Your bathroom view looked like Taylor park
Not sure where Taylor park is but if it looks like that then it is on my bucket list! That view for us was the ghost town of Animas Forks near Silverton, Colorado.
In my comment I should have been more specific. Taylor Park Colorado, not far at all from where you two had been.
With AWD and off roading you should probably worry about transmission failure in the middle of no where. AWD doesn’t equal off road capable/reliable.
Would you not worry about the same things with a 4x4? The awd is a not full proof but a step up from fwd in most vehicles.
@@SOSASATSUNRISE When you're clumbing over obstacles or elevated grades that are slippery with a 4x4 you're in control. In a AWD system you will have tires slipping and to over come this you gas it or use momentum and gas, in a 4x4 you can crawl over and up these without having to constantly gas it and always having tires slip. So an AWD system off road is not reliable, especially when you're in the back woods with no signal. I know a lot of Soft Roaders that have had to get their transmissions worked on or some sort of drivetrain issue resolved, and a lot sooner then 4x4 folks that know their lines and have control.
I started off roading in a Subaru Forester XT and quickly learned that anything a little more technical then a fire road is going to put a lot of unnecessary wear and tear that would be tackled a lot easier and more reliably in a 4x4. Which landed me in my 4runner. But be safe an prepared out there regardless.
I agree. these big vans and rv's are ridiculous.
What's really ridiculous is living and sleeping like you're in a sardine can.
After watching this... any van would be much much better
Yeah, well, that's just like your opinion, man
As a long term loving situation absolutely not
Wait.... When you wanted to work for the day? I'm guessing online work? not like walk in and cashier at a Panera for the day, right?
Also, this water thing.... Invest the 60$ on a gallon therm or 2 bruh.... Hitting -10 here most nights and it's not even froze yet.... 105, still not boiling, know what I'm saying?
what is a gallon therm?
i’m surprised there’s 2 ppl living in there