If you prefer campgrounds to hotel chains but don’t own a fifth wheel or motor home, you can transform your AWD SUV, wagon, or minivan into a portable campsite. The necessary accessories in addition to SUV tents include gear racks, stoves, and portable furniture.
SUV Tent Versus Minivan
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has a lot of interior real estate.
Some SUV tents use the structure of the vehicle for support, as with this Jeep Wrangler.
Minivans are great camping cars thanks to their spacious interiors, with enough room inside the vehicle to set up sleeping bags. The Chrysler Pacifica’s second- and third-row seats fold flat into the floor, creating plenty of room for a tailgate picnic or sleeping arrangements. Honda’s so-called magic seats in the third row fold into the floor while second-row seats slide side-to-side, fore, and aft to make that car’s interior more usable.
Tent Trailer or Rooftop SUV Tent?
Another option is a tent-trailer that you can pull behind your car or truck, such as the SylvanSport Go, or an easy-to-assemble rooftop tent that allows you to sleep safely off the ground. These SUV tents attach to a roof rack. Some come with canopies that deploy off the side of the car for separate sitting/picnic areas.
Powering Up With a Portable Generator
SylvanSport Go
To power your SUV tent campsite, consider investing in a portable generator such as the Yamaha EF2000iSV2, Wen 56200i, or Honda EU3000iS. In addition to your budget, think about the necessary wattage, portability, and weight. Also, consider the level of noise to avoid disturbing other campers and critters.
Cooking Under the Stars
Before you invest in a camping stove, think about the following:
- Portability. If you are planning to use the stove for backpacking as well as camping at the main site, opt for an ultralight stove such as the FireFly UL, weighing a scant 2.7 ounces.
- The size of your group. Families will want to invest in a larger unit with more BTUs and multiple burners. On the other hand, if you’re going it alone for a weekend or day hike, a smaller stove such as Jetboil’s MiniMo is a lot more portable.
- Environmental friendliness. Stove fuels pollute the air with toxic fumes, but some are cleaner than others. If this is a concern, consider BioLite’s CampStove that cooks over a contained fire and converts unused energy into electricity that can be used to recharge a cell phone or tablet using an attached USB port.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the makings of a campsite on wheels.
Furniture On The Go
A folding camping table and camping chairs will make your stay under the stars more comfortable than relying on the tailgate, blankets, or tarps. The right accessories transform an SUV tent into a cozy campsite. A portable folding table comes in handy for meals and storage, while portable chairs and hammocks stash beverages and food. If weight is an issue, consider the Helinox Chair Zero. Weighing just over a pound, it’s one of the best choices for backpackers traveling far off the grid.
Racks and Packs
Even with the larger cargo bay of a wagon or SUV, a big supply of camping gear can feel crowded inside the vehicle. The right hitch or roof-mounted rack makes it easy to attach cargo carriers, kayaks, bicycles, and skis outside the vehicle to free up interior space. See our post on “Choosing the Right Cargo Carrier.”
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- Metris Weekender: The First Mercedes Pop-Up for the US
- A Rooftop Tent Provides an Oasis for Off-Roaders
- Best Tailgating Accessories: Create a Mobile Party Place
See Portable Camping Toilets & Accessories for sale on eBay.
