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Look, I get it, $1,000 is a lot of money. This setup is hardly the $100, $200 or even the $500 camper conversions that we’ve written about this week. And yet, in some aspects, it’s relatively cheap. Lately I’ve been looking at VW Eurovan Weekenders to outfit as my family’s camping rig and nice examples of those 20+ year old campers run well into the mid $20,000 range, with some really great examples fetching much higher. Even a roof top tent will run you a couple grand and that doesn’t include much more than the tent, a mattress and a ladder so you can access them both. Roof top tents tend to be difficult to take on and off without some kind of garage pulley system, yet another expense, which means a lot of folks end up driving around with the tent attached when not needed, killing their gas mileage.
It’s essential to consider whether an expensive vehicle conversion is truly necessary. There are compelling reasons why I opt not to convert my Crosstrek or Flex into full-time campers. These vehicles serve as our daily drivers, accommodating car seats, friends, family, and even our medium-sized dog. Given such diverse usage, permanent kitchen or bedding setups aren’t practical. That’s why I’ve found budget-friendly sleeping solutions, frequently enjoying comfortable nights in the car. Upon returning home, a quick cleanup restores the car to its standard setup. All of this comes at a cost of under $1,000.
Is it the best setup ever? It very well may be for this type of vehicle. Check it out for yourself.
Sleeping setup
Exped is well known in the outdoor industry for their well-made and well-reviewed sleeping pads and the Exped MegaMat Auto is the brand’s purpose-built car camping option. With an MSRP of nearly $400 it is everything but inexpensive, but it’s features may very well be worth it. At 4-inches thick it provides enough support to keep you comfortable, and with an R-value of 8.1 it will keep you plenty warm in cooler temperatures, much warmer than a traditional air mattress. The flared shape both ensures that it fits most crossovers and SUVs, while also providing more sleeping area at the doors. If I could recommend one car mattress out of any of the ones that I have tried, it would be this one, even though it demands 40% of the $1,000 budget. Luckily right now REI has their yearly 20% off coupon out, so this mattress comes in at a more tolerable $319.96.
Story time: Quite a few years back, Autoblog went to Iceland to test-drive camper vans (we were originally there to drive a 70 Series Toyota Land Cruiser but that’s a whole other story). Halfway into our drive around the volcanic island, the diesel engine in our Renault Trafic camper sputtered and never started again. With no engine to power the auxiliary battery in the back of the camper, our heater went out after a few hours and we were stuck on the side of the road overnight in near-freezing temperatures. Luckily, I had thought to throw a couple 0-degree sleeping bags in my luggage the day before. We were able to keep pretty warm all night while we waited for the new van to be driven to us.
These days I keep those same two sleeping bags in the car each winter, just in case I get stuck overnight in the mountains. Synthetic sleeping bags are much cheaper than their down-filled counterparts, and, unlike down, will keep you warm even when wet. They don’t pack down quite as small but that matters less if you’re keeping them in your car. Keep them stored out of their stuff sack in order to preserve the loft and life of the bag. The double sleeping bag featured above may cost slightly more than some single-person mummy-style counterparts, but it’s less constricting, has a spot for your pillow (if you’re like me and have a hard time going without one) and will allow for a more home-like experience, while still keeping you just as warm.
Window Screen – $8.98
Stagnant air in the car at night is the worst. Well, second worst. Mosquitoes are the worst. Thankfully these window screens solve both of those problems. They cover the entirety of the windows so you could roll them down completely if you want to. I only roll them down a few inches. Open enough for quality air flow, closed enough that if a bear or other creature wanders by, they can’t easily get into the car before I wake up and get the heck out of there.
DIY Window Shades – $YMMV
In addition to window screens, blackout window shades are great for privacy, as well as keeping the heat in or out, depending on the time of year you happen to be camping. They’re fairly easy to make too; all it takes is some foam core, reflective insulation and some tape. Check out the video above to figure out how to make your own.
Another more permanent option is to tint your windows. Laws on this vary from state to state, so make sure to do your research beforehand, but tinting windows not only can add privacy and block harmful UV rays, but also helps keep your vehicle cooler during those blistery hot summer months.
Extra blankets and pillows — already have
Most of us already have blankets and pillows. I use the ones I sleep with at home.
Kitchen setup
If you have the tools and know-how, you might be able to make something like this for a few bucks cheaper. I don’t have either so when a campsite is lacking a table (you can usually check online before you go) this pullout Overland Kitchen is not a bad second option. The good: it’s a place for you to prepare and cook your meal that isn’t on the ground. The bad: for a $200 you get something that may take up half of the sleeping space in your car. So if you’re camping with multiple people, save yourself the headache (and possibly some money) and get a table instead.
Last year, I received the Blackstone Adventure Ready 17″ Tabletop Outdoor Griddle as a birthday gift, and it has truly revolutionized my camping experiences. Priced affordably at just $97, this portable griddle has become an indispensable part of my outdoor cooking arsenal. Its compact design and tabletop format make it incredibly easy to transport and set up at any campsite or outdoor gathering. What makes it truly remarkable is its versatility in cooking options – from sizzling bacon and eggs for breakfast to savory burgers and stir-fries for dinner, the griddle’s flat cooking surface ensures delicious results every time. Its efficient propane-powered heating system heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, making cooking a breeze. Plus, the non-stick cooking surface makes cleanup a snap, allowing me to spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
The BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator’s compact size and lightweight construction make it incredibly portable, allowing you to bring perishable items on outdoor adventures without the hassle of bulky coolers or ice packs. With a 23-quart capacity, it offers ample storage space while still fitting easily in most vehicles. Powered by a 12-volt DC power source, such as a car battery or portable power station, this refrigerator provides efficient cooling performance even in remote camping locations. It can quickly chill food and beverages to the desired temperature, with adjustable settings for precise control. Despite its powerful cooling capabilities, the BougeRV refrigerator boasts low power consumption, making it ideal for off-grid camping. Its versatility extends beyond camping, making it perfect for road trips and tailgating as well.
5-gallon water jug – $34.99
When my wife and I first started car camping, I bought a 6-gallon jug with a spout. It’s big, heavy, takes up room even when it is empty and unwieldy to pick up and pour from when full. This jug may be nearly as big, but is superior in almost every way. Pair it with the spout below and it is much easier to use and since you’ll be using water for everything from cooking and cleaning to drinking and washing dishes, this is a must have.
This spout is easily rechargeable in your vehicle assuming you have a 12V USB charger, which in today’s day and age most of us do. It makes filling up water bottles and doing dishes a breeze.
Honorable mention
If you already have a cooler, a table and no need for a fridge, something like the Jackery Explorer 300 might suit your glamping style. This portable power station provides campers with a reliable source of electricity to power essential devices and appliances while off the grid. From charging smartphones and laptops to running lights, fans, and even small appliances, the Explorer 300 ensures convenience and comfort in the great outdoors. Its silent operation and eco-friendly nature allow campers to enjoy the serenity of nature without the noise and fumes of traditional generators. With the Explorer 300, camping becomes a glamping experience, where modern amenities seamlessly blend with the tranquility of the wilderness.
Throw these items in your car and you’re well on your way to a cheap version of van life that is easy to setup and tear down. If you’ve done the math you may have noticed that this list is a good $50 shy of the $500 total. With that money you can purchase a lot, be it a table, chairs or a dish and utensil set, whatever your camping setup is still lacking. It may be tempting to go big and get all the high-end equipment right away, but going this route will allow you to easily upgrade based on your needs instead of what looks great on instagram. Plus, if you find out 16 days in that living out of your car isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, you won’t have had to sell your house to learn that lesson.
More camping and road trip picks:
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