“Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home in a shelter, such as a tent or a recreational vehicle. Typically participants leave developed areas to spend time outdoors in more natural ones in pursuit of activities providing them enjoyment” – Wikipedia.org
A recreational vehicle aka an R.V. is not within this Gravel Cyclist’s budget so I’ve improvised using what I already have. Namely, a 2007 Honda Element that once the rear seats are removed, provide a ton of room inside for bikes, bedding, coolers and so on.
Granted, car camping is not a year-round activity. At the time of writing, summer road trips are typically spent utilizing hotel rooms, as stifling heat inside the vehicle during summer makes sleeping a difficult and sweaty time. I have a solution to that issue that I’m saving for a future video.
In the video below, I run through my basic car camping setup, including my power source and more.
Links to purchase items featured in this video:
- Ontrack Portable Shower Review
- Thermarest NeoAir Dream Mattress (or similar model)
- EGO Nexus Power Station (two batteries included)
- EGO Nexus Power Station (no batteries included)
- EGO 7.5ah 56V Battery (biggest currently available)
Thanks for watching!
Don’t forget to Like the Gravel Cyclist Facebook page, follow G.C. on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube Channel. We are also on Twitter!
Nice set-up. I built one for the back of my Honda CR-V that consists of a framework of 2x4s held together with joist hangers so it’s quick to install and remove. Bike fits along one side in the back of the car and a plywood sheet along the other side that rests on the 2x4s serves as a bed platform. The platform is about 10” high so there’s storage underneath (guitar and some other stuff). I use a Millard foam mattress that folds in thirds. Really comfortable. Also mesh covers that slide over the open windows and keep the bugs out. Your power set up is tres expensive! Easy enough to charge my iPad and iPhone while driving or with an inexpensive Jackery-type charger.
If the Element’s rocking don’t come knocking! 🙂
Totally practical. I regularly do Audax rides of 200-600 k’s which means paying for 2 nights worth of cabin or motel when you won’t be in it.
A simple airbed and pillow is all I need and if its a long drive home I can just pull over somewhere.
Great video. I’ll be interested to see what you do for hot weather. I live in Fort Myers and I’ve avoided car camping because it’s always so hot down here you have to leave your windows down but then there’s always bugs. I’ve been thinking about covering my windows with no-see-um netting and holding it in place with magnets.