setting up my micro SUV camper | minimalist edition

Anna, I spent 11 years in the Army, mainly sleeping on the ground, on a foam mat. I can highly recommend a folding camp cot. It is a game changer. I used just the basic type, but these days there are great folding camp cots with extra cushioning, often aimed at the fishing market. Add your inflatable mat on top for even more. It also provides a place to sit too, and I think it would make life much more comfortable for you and they are relatively inexpensive too. The camping hiking ones will be more basic, less comfortable, but lighter and pack away smaller. The other end of the spectrum will be good for car camping, will be bigger, heavier, but much more comfortable, some with added padding or a thin mattress too.

Is that microphone attached to a fork?

The 12V fridge is key. Just got back from a month in Canada. Reloading ice was a PITA. That's my next update for my minivan camper. Have a safe trip.

Years ago I had a motorcycle riding buddy who owned a Honda Element. He towed a tiny Teardrop trailer behind it. The Teardrop was essentially his "hard side tent".

Anna.....you positively crack me up...a true minimalist....here speak into my fork .I love the new format of your videos...very light hearted .and fun to watch ... Drive safely 🙏

I continually change/improve my minivan setup. All my storage is cardboard boxes - free and versatile. Messing around with ideas is super fun and entertaining.

You might want window covers for privacy/darkness. And a small chair so you can lean back and not be in the car. Could use it in the future at your shelving unit/desk. Have fun designing and deciding! Safe travels!!

You're so much fun Anna! So happy you've returned here :)

Sounds like a plan! 7 key items! If you get one of those foil (reflective) windshield shades..you can use it under your air mattress or up in the pop top for insulation! Double duty! Safe travels. Enjoy and so happy you’re back! Can’t wait to see future plans for Mango

Probably really low on your priority list, but I think you might find a swivel for the passenger seat very useful.

My spare tire is still in the wheel well and I use all the space around it to store extra stuff that I don't need every day. There's spare toiletries, winter clothes, hand warmers, cooling towels, a small jerry can in case I need to leave my car to get gas, and my scrubba wash bag to wash clothes when there's no laundromats nearby, all wrapped in trash bags and pressed right up against my tire. Even if you don't move the spare tire for storage or just more leg room, you can definitely still put extra things in there that don't get used often.

Spare tire (longer term): a number of Element owners/YouTubers have come up with swing mount setups on the rear, so that’s a possibility if you’re going to opt for a permanent build that can’t be easily removed on the side of the road when you get a flat. FYI: You’ve got me shopping for an Element now. My new obsession with learning everything I can about these vehicles is ALL YOUR FAULT! 😂 Seriously though, have a safe & fun road trip!

Having a raised bed is good for storage, because you can store a lot underneath it. I love the minimalist plan, you still need food, clothes, and camera/laptop etc. These things take up my extra room every time :)

Ok I love your fork microphone 🎤. Looking forward to seeing your new adventures in mango! I'm all the more excited to see how it works for you as I continue to plan for my future element. My minimalist setup would have to include a toilet bucket though. As a lady of a certain age, when I gotta go, I gotta go! 😅

You can get a 28 inch wide heavy duty shelf, six feet long that can hold a 28 inch mattress on top, storage underneath, but easily removable if you need to get to the tire. The tire can go an a read door mount, or on the roof rack,

Good job girl ! I have to work 3 days a week at a location 2 hours away from my house so I went through all the portions what I can do to make my stay comfortable ! Since I am not handy or creative , I eventually decided to buy a sprinter van and have it built by a professional . It’s almost done and I am super excited ! I will check back to see how you are doing ! Enjoy your trip!

I’m in this limbo where I just moved to the PNW and planned to build a van out, but I would really like a more practical vehicle for non-adventure stuff. So I’m right there with you brainstorming ideas for somewhat “portable” work stations… the dream is almost exactly what you described but also completely removable so when I’m not out adventuring it still just serves as a normal vehicle I can drive in with several passengers 🤔

It is truly wonderful to see your positive energy, enthusiasm and excellent intellect Anna. You are a treasure.

My previous car was a Green Honda Element that I named Iguana. I camped in it on many fun road trips. Elements make great camper vehicles.

Definitely a comfortable pillow, a military blanket (if it gets too cold and could be used on top of your inflatable mattress), pepper spray and some paper towels & toilet paper rolls. Let's roll baby! Have a wonderful and safe trip!