SUV camping combines the adventure and fun of a traditional campsite and provides the added security and comfort of having your own vehicle. It offers a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective way to explore the outdoors. With this, you do not need to worry about backpacking or tent camping, as campers can enjoy enhanced comfort and extend their stay.
One crucial aspect to consider while SUV camping is ensuring that all the electronics remain powered for navigation, connectivity, and entertainment. This is where the Jackery Solar Generators come into play. These are designed for outdoor activities and offer a reliable and sustainable power source.
What Is SUV Camping? Why Is It So Popular?
SUV camping, also known as car camping, involves camping by vehicle. It is often done at sites accessible by vehicles, and SUV camping doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping in a car. In SUV camping, you set up a tent close to your vehicle, and you must bring all the necessary items. Sometimes, SUV camping can be much easier than hiking or camping in a remote location as it provides the comfort of having your car.
SUV camping provides comfort and convenience without paying too much. You can use items like airbeds and home bedding in your camp. This also allows you to set up the camp quickly, allowing you to spend more leisure time with your loved ones. SUV also has ample space to bring items like kayaks or laptops to enhance your camping experience. It also allows you to organize your belongings efficiently to make the camping experience more practical and enjoyable. Here are some benefits of SUV camping:
Space and Packing Creativity
Due to limited space, you must pack and organize items creatively while preparing to set up your SUV camp. This will allow you to use the space efficiently, pack selectively, and focus on essential items only.
Comfort and Personal Preference
Individual preferences and the setup of a sleeping area play a key role in determining how comfortable camping can be. Whereas some campers find sleeping in an enclosed space much safer, others opt for closer proximity to the surrounding environment, like trees and grasses, where they pitch their tent. Campers may choose between these options based on whether larger-sized beds are possible within the car limits so that they would rather camp out than get cramped inside their car.
Weather Protection and Insulation
SUV camping is highly preferred for protection from rain and wind. A well-insulated vehicle also provides additional insulation if you camp in winter or summer. Insulation should be used sparingly to save fuel and minimize environmental impact.
Is It Possible for SUV Camping?
Not only is SUV camping possible, but sleeping in your SUV can be a wise choice for outdoor adventures. SUV camping saves time on traditional camp setups and can be helpful with limited tent space. Moreover, spending the night in your vehicle provides extra protection from the elements.
Several permits and passes might be required for parking and SUV camping. This applies explicitly when considering dispersed camping on the U.S. Forest Service roads. Depending on the location and management area, it is essential to ensure that the camper has parking permits. These permits are crucial for overnight legal parking in designated areas. Permits can be obtained from local ranger stations or the official Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website.
A particular use permit is required for more extensive group plans or extended stays near the forest. For groups exceeding 75 people, this permit can be acquired for free from the nearest district office. SUV campers must adhere to the area's rules, including the maximum number of days allowed for camping. This ensures that the natural environment is preserved and the area remains pristine and enjoyable for others. Local guidelines must be checked to obtain necessary permits before heading out.
SUV Camping Essentials
SUV camping is a versatile and convenient way to explore the outdoors with a comfortable base. There are mainly six types of SUV camping essentials:
Camping Basics: SUV camping basics include essential items relating to the setup and functionality of the camping space in your vehicle. Critical items like a tent attachment, a comfortable mattress, various window shades, and a windshield shade for privacy and sun protection should be included. Other items, such as a cooler for food storage and a durable water bottle, are also essential.
For personal comfort and utility, here is a list of items you can consider:
- Microfiber towel
- Swiss Army Knife
- Bear Spray
- Tick Tweezers
- Mosquito repellents
- LED Camping Lantern
- Grill and Cooking tools
- Reusable trash cans
Kitchen gear: Having the right SUV camping kitchen gear is important to enhance the overall comfort and enjoyment of the trip. These gears ensure safe storage, preparation, and enjoyable consumption of meals. A stove can be used for cooking options in the wilderness, and campers can maintain a balanced diet and good hygiene. Here's the list of kitchen gear for SUV camping:
- Fridge
- Cooler
- Cooler Rack/Tray
- Small Fold-Up Table
- Homemade Utensil Roll
- Large Utensil Bag
- Silicone Pot Holder
- Folding WindScreen
- Bungee Cord
- Utensils
- Cutting Mat/Board
- Small Backpacking Pot Set
- Pocket Backpacking Stove
- Dual-Fuel Stove
- Fuel Canisters
- Water Jugs and Bottles
Clothing: The versatility and quantity of clothing matter the most for comfort and preparedness for weather conditions during an SUV camping trip. You should have everything ready, from basic daily wear to specialized adventure clothes. The type of clothing should support outdoor activities with appropriate materials that manage sweat. Different types of footwear should be chosen based on activity. Packing synthetic materials also helps manage moisture and dries quickly during rainy days. Here's a list of clothing for an SUV camping trip lasting a week or more:
- T-shirts
- Sets of Underwear
- Pairs of Socks
- Hiking T-shirts
- Pair of Jeans
- Pairs of Hiking Pants
- 1 or 2 Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirts
- Shorts
- Swimsuit
- Ball Caps
- Sun Hat
- Warm Clothes
- Wind/Rain Jacket
- Gloves
- Normal Shoes
- Hiking Shoes
- Flip Flops
- Slip-on Shoes
- Strap-on Sandals
Hygiene & toiletries: It is necessary to stay hygienic during camping, so you must carry a toiletry kit. Here's a list of toiletries typically packed for an SUV camping trip:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Spray Bottle
- Glasses
- Contact Lenses, Lens Case, Saline Solution
- Small Bottle of Shampoo
- Biodegradable Soap
- Hair Brush
- Beard Trimmer
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Tick Remover
- Hand Sanitizer
- Tissues
- Eye Drops
Emergency kit: Packing essentials without fail is crucial for any SUV camping trip to ensure safety and preparedness. Optionally, one can consider packing along good quality road flares and a brightly colored safety vest to improve visibility; suppose you would experience vehicle breakdowns or emergencies as you travel through wilderness areas. Absolute must-have tools in a basic tool kit include a hatchet, pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches. Remember that there is no such thing as being over-prepared for the outdoors. Lastly, your gear can include items for survival and personal safety, just in case.
Here's a list of emergency and utility items for an SUV camping trip:
- First Aid Kit
- Fix-a-Flat Cans
- Heavy Duty Zip Ties
- Tire Traction Mats
- Hatchet
- Basic Tool Kit
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Crescent Wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Rasp/File
- Matches and Lighters
- Hand Saw
- Bungee Cords
- Work Gloves
- Small Plastic Comb
- Emergency Blanket
- Jumper Cables
- Tire Inflator
- Portable Jump Starter
Personal items: Personal items are crucial for ensuring comfort, hygiene, and safety while SUV camping. The Jackery Solar Generator offers consistent power support for a range of activities during SUV camping. Due to its high capacity, it can charge everyday SUV camping appliances like phones, cameras, coolers, camping lights, etc.
Here's a list of personal items for an SUV camping trip:
- Deodorant
- Solar Generators
- Jumper Cables
- Medications
- Sunscreen
- Bug Repellent
- Documents
- Books
- Speakers
Jackery Solar Generators for SUV Camping
Jackery is a leading brand dedicated to bringing green energy solutions to everyone since 2012. It has established itself as a pioneer of solar generators due to its remarkable experiences. Jackery encourages sustainable outdoor activities and pays attention to environmental protection. Their products support a sustainable lifestyle for adventures around the world.
One eco-friendly power solution is the Jackery Solar Generator. It is designed to provide consistent power support for various activities like RV living, SUV camping, and off-grid living. It combines a portable power station with solar panels, harnessing the sun's energy and converting it to electric energy.
The Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity. These panels are lightweight and portable and can be set in outdoor locations. The DC electricity is then fed into the Jackery Portable Power Station, which is equipped with a battery and converter to convert DC into AC electricity. Eventually, the alternating current electricity can run devices during SUV camping.
The Jackery Solar Generators are compact and lightweight, making them convenient for travel and outdoor activities. Due to their high capacity, they can charge everyday SUV camping appliances like phones, cameras, coolers, and lights. You can recharge the generators through solar panels using solar energy or a carport. Jackery Solar Generators operate quietly and are suitable for use during sleep. They are easy to use and require no ongoing maintenance.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
With a total solar charging duration of 2 hours, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 pro is a compact, lightweight, and quiet 30 db generator for powering medium-sized appliances. Its portable design lets you make coffee, watch a movie, or cook your favorite meal. It also has multiple recharging methods, including solar and AC charging.
Here are the working hours of some appliances you might need for SUV camping using Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro:
Portable cooler (150 W): 12.24 H
Camping light (10 W): 183.6 H
Phone (30 W): 61.2 H
Camera (60 W): 30.6 H
Laptop (90 W): 20.4 H
Customer Review
“It charges quickly by plugin or solar and holds a charge well. It was an excellent purchase. I bought it for camping and as a backup power source during power outages.” -- Sandra Hall
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is smaller and supports 99% of devices. It covers various scenarios and supports SUV camping, off-road travel, and more. It has a versatile and expandable capacity and can be fully solar-charged in a few hours. It also has a low emitting noise of less than 30 dB.
Here are the working hours of some appliances using Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus:
Portable cooler (150 W): 7.16 H
Camping light (10 W): 107.4 H
Phone (30 W): 35.8 H
Camera (60 W): 18 H
Laptop (90 W): 11.9 H
Customer Review
“Looking for a portable power source to take with us while van camping, we needed something that could support larger power sucks such as an electric kettle for heating water for coffee and tea, and this thing does the trick.” -- Casey Tuohy
How to Maximize SUV Storage Space for SUV Camping?
The number of items you pack and the duration of packing before your tip are essential while planning an off-road trip. You need to consider what fits your SUV, which involves choosing the items carefully. Here is the list of items that might help to increase the storage ability of your SUV:
- Cargo Carrier
- Cargo Rack
- Cargo Box
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- The Hanging Bars
- Cargo Nets
Let’s consider these tips to make the most of the space in your SUV for your off-road adventures:
Tip 1: If you have a creative eye, the SUV's interior has many intelligent storage solutions. For example, you can fold the second row of seats for a spacious cargo area. You can maximize the utility of the cargo floor or side compartments by storing tool kits, drinks, paper towels, maps, or other gadgets.
Tip 2: A roof rack can provide extra storage whenever you feel there is a lack of space in your vehicle. Some SUVs, for example, are known for their quality roof rack systems, which increase your vehicle’s potential. You may opt for a platform-style rack, as it can carry bulk gear and improve fuel efficiency.
Tip 3: If you carry a lot of stuff, you might find it difficult to organize your SUV. In that case, truck organizers can transform your vehicle into a compartment space. To prevent yourself from getting buried, you can choose one with adjustable sections, which also saves time and energy when finding what you have been looking for in your storage.
Tip 4: Another way to efficiently use limited storage space is to pack multi-functional gear like collapsible containers. You may use jackets and blankets for waterproofing or comfort. Be mindful of the weight and necessity of each item you carry.
How do you convert an SUV into a camper?
You might need a van or an SUV whenever you're about to head for a road trip. If your trip will extend for a month, consider having a comfortable bed, and what can be better than building one in the back of your SUV? Here is a step-by-step guide to converting your SUV into a camper:
Step 1: Remove the back seats
The first and foremost thing you need to check is whether your back seats fold flat. You will need to remove them if this is not the case. You can prefer watching YouTube tutorials if you need to learn how to remove the seats. You should gather some tools like a socket wrench, so do not forget to pack your toolbox. Once the seats are removed, clean your car thoroughly. Keep the seats safe in one place and proceed to prepare the sleeping platform.
Step 2: Design the Sleeping Platform
To design the sleeping platform, consider the size and functionality of your plywood platform. Decide if you want to keep it flexible and secure space for gears. The back and sides of the SUV should be accessible. If necessary, you can measure the space if the floor is uneven.
Step 3: Assemble the platform
To ensure everything fits correctly, start building the platform inside your SUV. This step might require you to take help from a friend to maneuver the pieces. To extend the platform, you can attach a piece of plywood near the front seats after moving them forward. This step will also allow you to fold the extension back while driving.
Step 4: Set up bedding and Storage
Once the plywood is attached, clean out any debris or sawdust from your car. Next, lay a blanket or fix a carpet to the plywood for comfort. You can use foam mattresses for cushioning and cover them with fitted sheets in toppers. You can add sheets, blankets, and pillows based on your preference. You can also store other items, like clothes, food, cooking supplies, etc., in the space under the platform.
SUV Camping Tips
When you are short on time yet want an adventurous weekend, car camping can be an excellent alternative to backpacking. With added comfort, you wake up refreshed on a thick air mattress, cooking a delicious breakfast, and exploring scenic trails. As the day ends, you can watch the sunset straight from your SUV camp. To make the most of this experience, it is essential to follow some tips for SUV camping:
Pre-arrival tips
Tip 1: Fill the Gas tank
Make sure your SUV is filled with gas before you leave home. Additionally, you can put some extra gallons in jerry cans to ensure safety. You may hang the cans outside your vehicle so that any thief cannot reach them. This way, you can stop wherever you want and explore areas while traveling.
Tip 2: Stock up on Water
Another thing to stock up on before leaving is your water tank. The more water you have, the better your experience will be, as staying hydrated while driving is crucial. Always look for stops to refill your water tank for unexpected circumstances. It is even better to bring along a water purifier.
Tip 3: Opt for Comfort
Some items, like an inflatable mattress, a burner stove, pillows, and an ice chest, are a must to make camping more comfortable. An advantage of an ice chest is that it does not require ice to store food for a prolonged duration.
Tip 4: Plan Meals and Snacks
You can bring along some meal preps as part of your detailed menu, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. This way, you can make your stay more convenient by having all the ingredients packed. This not only saves time but also allows you to maintain a balanced diet while traveling.
Camping site tips
Tip 1: Explore Free Camping Options
Excluding fee-based campgrounds, many public land options allow you to camp closer to your vehicle. It is better to inquire about management regulations before setting up the camp.
Tip 2: Follow Fire Safety Rules
Always follow fire safety rules and check out the local department before lighting anything. Also, avoid lightning when the wind is fast.
Tip 3: Consider Privacy and Noise
Choose a camping site that is far away from noisy places and allows you privacy. This will enhance your travel experience as these places are away from the roads.
Tip 4: Assess Site Accessibility
Make sure that where you stop at night and rest is close to where you park your SUV. This is especially necessary when it cannot function off-road. Always keep your GPS on track to find the road conditions.
Set-up Tips
Tip 1: Choose the Right Campsite
Once you have found a suitable place to park your vehicle, find a setup area at a level and provide shade.
Tip 2: Modify Sleeping Arrangement
If you end up on the slope and the ground is not flat, park your vehicle above ground level. While sleeping, keep your head towards the front of the car, as this will provide more space, and avoid wheel wells at the back.
Tip 3: Maintain Charged Electronics
Always carry a portable power station and solar panels to keep your electronics charged while you are off the grid. These devices will keep your gadgets functional throughout the trip.
Tip 4: Manage Food Storage
Carry an ice box to store your food and keep it fresh. If traveling with pets, ensure that food items are appropriately packed.
Arrival Tips
Tip 1: Disable Interior Car Lights
It is advisable to keep your interior lights off to save battery life. In case of emergencies, always carry jumper cables in hand.
Tip 2: Utilize Your Car for Storage
Instead of unpacking everything, you can use your SUV as a storage unit. You can leave your extra food and extra clothes in the car to stay organized and have some backup supplies.
Tip 3: Choose a Shaded Spot
When traveling in summer, choose a site with enough shade. This will keep your SUV cool throughout your stay and keep you comfortable.
Tip 4: Secure Valuables and Essentials
Always keep your wallet, keys, and electronic devices in a concealed spot inside your vehicle. It will prevent your valuable items from getting lost and stolen while you enjoy the outdoors.
Departure tips
Tip 1: Double-Check Your Packing List
A departure packing list ensures that all essentials, such as clothes, blankets, or kitchen gear, are packed and re-stocked.
Tip 2: Leave No Trace
Keep the campsite clean and eliminate any trash or leftovers from past campfires.
Tip 3: Express Gratitude
As you leave, stop at the nearby ranger station and express gratitude for your lovely stay. You may also refer fellow campers and tell them about your experience.
Tip 4: Check Campsite Condition
If you have left something valuable, do a final walk-through of your campsite. Check out gear, stakes, or trash hidden in the grass or behind the bush.
SUV Camping FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for SUV camping?
Investing in a solar generator allows you to charge your electronics with clean, renewable energy. However, the exact size of a solar generator required to charge most outdoor appliances is determined by the number of devices and the length of time you want to power them.
For example, a Jackery Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can charge a mirrorless camera (50 W) and a portable cooler (150 W).
Working Time = Capacity in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances.
So, Working time = 1254 Wh × 0.85 / 200 W = 5.3 H.
We have multiplied by 0.85 because there will be some power loss when charging appliances.
Can you sleep in an SUV?
You can prefer to sleep in an SUV comfortably by converting it into a camper with the help of some bare essentials like plywood, bedding, and sheets.
How do I turn my SUV into a camper?
To turn your SUV into a camper for SUV camping, you can remove or fold the back seats, clean your SUV properly, design the platform, assemble it, and set up bedding.
What SUV is best to sleep in?
Toyota 4Runner, Subaru Outback, and Honda CR-V are some SUVs in which to sleep.
Is SUV Camping Right for You?
SUV camping might be perfect for someone who prefers comfort in the wilderness. It is also ideal for people who prefer a less physically demanding form of camping. It balances adventure and convenience and allows you to easily explore remote areas with ample supplies and security. In this experience, power solutions like the Jackery Solar Generators ensure that your appliances are fully charged and keep you entertained and updated at the same time. It is a portable solution that provides indispensable devices for outdoor activities.
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