Camping in a car is a great experience if done correctly. \u00a0Shelter set up is minimal, protection from weather is there and also the bugs are kept away with the windows up. \u00a0Having said that, cars are not perfect and have some downsides which can be mitigated. \u00a0A few small upgrades and items are things that can make a great trip an awesome one. \u00a0Let’s discuss further.<\/p>\n
When left sitting in the sun, cars and SUV’s can reach very hot temperatures. \u00a0Radiation from the sun enters through the windows easiest. \u00a0This is an issue if you desire comfort and not sweating to dehydration. \u00a0Fret not, there are things you can do to increase the viability of your vehicle as a shelter. \u00a0The first is sunshades for every window. \u00a0These will keep the majority of the sun’s energy at bay by reflecting the light away. \u00a0Tinting windows helps but is not enough. \u00a0Another solution for when you are in the car is some sort of ventilation system. \u00a0Cars with sunroofs will often accommodate a small rectangle window fan. \u00a0This top fan keeps interior air from becoming stagnant, it fights odors and is amazing if you decide to cook in the vehicle. \u00a0How do you power this fan?? \u00a0Please keep reading.<\/p>\n
At one point or another you will want to cook food to eat. \u00a0Everyone gets hungry, it is simply a matter of time. \u00a0If you do decide to cook but don’t want to do so outdoors you have options. \u00a0Some authorities and areas do not permit fires. \u00a0This makes things a little challenging but certainly not impossible. \u00a0So, keeping an electric single or double stove is a smart idea. \u00a0You can cook with this inside or out of the car. \u00a0With the stove you can boil water, cook food and brew coffee. \u00a0It is a must if you don’t want to eat pre-packaged foods the entire trip. \u00a0A low-cost upgrade that will quickly be of valuable use. \u00a0Still we have the issue of power as the stove is electric. \u00a0How does this become accomplished?? \u00a0On we go forward!<\/p>\n
So, here we are to subject of how to power the above electronics. \u00a0Go out and invest in a power inverter. \u00a0This converts the outlet in your car to be compatible with the appliances you will need to operate. \u00a0Before you buy just any converter you want to ensure your pick is powerful enough. \u00a0Look at how much power the appliances you have require and get an inverter that can exceed that amount. \u00a0If you pick up a model that has a protective fuse, buy extra fuses. \u00a0They are typically not very large and can be stowed inside a glove box. \u00a0Really you should always keep this in your car just in case you need it.<\/p>\n
I’ll tell you what now. \u00a0Now you need to look at an extension cord. \u00a0Looking forward to the possibilities, you may one day want to make food more than 4′ from your vehicle. \u00a0To do this, you will need a fire or an extension cord running from your new inverter. \u00a0An extension cord gives you options. \u00a0It frees you from smaller limitations and opens up new possibilities. \u00a0You are essentially buying flexibility with this purchase. \u00a0Flexibility is very important when you plan to sleep in a confined space within a vehicle.<\/p>\n
Since you are in such a confined space, carrying extra towels, rags or paper towels is key. \u00a0Even if you don’t spill anything they will come in handy. \u00a0You will need them for cleaning dishes, equipment and even yourself. \u00a0At the very least paper towels are great fuel for starting campfires. \u00a0Along with something to wipe up messes, let’s see what we use to clean them next.<\/p>\n
You want to bring some of each along with you before you leave. \u00a0Soap to clean up dirt and grime, hand sanitizer to do just what you guessed, sanitize yourself. \u00a0The soap you use should be a biodegradable variety, natural in origin and mild enough to use on yourself. \u00a0Hand sanitizer is used to sanitize but can also serve as a deodorant liquid in a pinch. \u00a0The alcohol is said to be able to kill the sweat which causes offensive odors.<\/p>\n
By “something above” I am referring to an actual cover above. \u00a0That of course is a tarp that will keep you from the sun’s rays and dry from weather when you are outside the vehicle. \u00a0This cover can be as simple as a basic hardware store special tarp or a fancy silicone-nylon camping tarp. \u00a0Either will do just fine if they keep water and sunlight away. \u00a0Even if you are relaxing after a hard day on the trails, a covering will serve you well. \u00a0This can be attached from the roof rack or just from tree’s nearby. \u00a0Either way, you will appreciate it’s protection.<\/p>\n
Sooner or later there will be waste. \u00a0This waste needs to be contained for health and sanitation reasons. \u00a0I always keep some extra large trash bags in my car (in the case I need to change a tire as they are usually not very clean when that happens). \u00a0When keeping your area clean you will need something that you can easily throw away and pack to a small area that is out of the way when not in use. \u00a0Left over food you intend to dispose of (what a sin) will attract bugs and animals if not properly stored. \u00a0Trash bags can hold water in an emergency if you are stranded and can be taped (whoops, that’s the next one!) together to make a shelter or shade. \u00a0Trash bags are as useful as they are versatile.<\/p>\n
Duct tape, ubiquitous when it comes to utility and improvisation. \u00a0Without doubt duct tape is the king and it can really come into it’s own if you have it around in the car. \u00a0This is an obvious thing to keep in the car in general, just like the trash bags. \u00a0They will come to use quicker than you may realize and you will wonder how you ever went without them. \u00a0Nothing more can be said about duct tape here, it speaks for itself.<\/p>\n
The above items are key to being comfortable and prepared. \u00a0There are no doubt more things you can keep with you when car camping that will make doing it better. \u00a0Keep in mind that when I comes to camping in general, less can be more a lot of the time. It is easy to become bogged down in a sea of objects you may use once or twice or only have a single use. \u00a0Keep in mind that multi-use items are a very big friend. \u00a0With a lighter load you will be able to travel easier and with less strain than doing so overloaded. \u00a0Try using some of these tools the next time you car camp and notice how different they make your situation. \u00a0Be well and be safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"