A STEALTHY and Unique SUV Camping Setup! (How to Live in an SUV)

In this video we meet up with Graham, an anthropologist who camps in his 2012 Ford Flex. Graham is an anthropologist who works with and advocates for people who live in their vehicles.
► Check out Graham's project, the National Vehicle Residency Collective, here: vehicleresidency.org/
► And they're on Facebook here: / nvrcgroup
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► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowhow.com/
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
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GRAHAM'S GEAR
NOTE: These are all affiliate links where applicable.
** REI camp mattress: www.rei.com/product/190511/ze...
** Down comforter blanket: shopgogear.com/products/down-...
** USB swamp cooler: www.walmart.com/ip/Arctic-Air...
** Hulkman jump starter: amzn.to/3Edh0MQ
** Home Depot metal shelf bed frame: www.homedepot.com/p/Honey-Can... (Graham's Note: "I couldn't find the right height, I believe the one I had during the video was 14" tall")
** 5 gallon tan water jug: amzn.to/3OVFIWS
** Jug pump and filter: amzn.to/3PnJ3jb
** Small green sprayer dishwasher: amzn.to/3stdXgO
** Iceco Go 20 fridge: amzn.to/45Knsqs
** Milkaid lactase enzyme drops: amzn.to/3YSXy1x
** 300-watt water boiler: amzn.to/3QXXV96
** Bluetti power station: amzn.to/3QQPxYR
** Solar panels: amzn.to/45MBK9M (These are similar to what Graham has)
** Koolatron 12-volt battery saver: amzn.to/3YSYaUT
** Abadab elastic fasteners: www.abadab.co/
** Coleman Octagon 98 tent: amzn.to/3KW0CUP
** TripTips collapsing toilet: amzn.to/3OSOoND
** Emergency radio: amzn.to/3sz2xrN
** Steering wheel desk: amzn.to/3Pekaq0
** Viofo dash cam: amzn.to/45FCAFk
** Stainless steel 1 gallon jug with cover: amzn.to/3OOhldP
** Butane/propane stove: amzn.to/3qO6CrM
** Window screens/covers: amzn.to/3QX329w
** Sun roof screen: amzn.to/3QSAHkr
** Mirrored reading glasses: amzn.to/3sooWbf
** Blade fan: amzn.to/3qP9IMg
** Magnetic Bluetooth speakers: amzn.to/44m3pNH (Note that these are the closest I could find. The actual ones that Graham uses are the Sylvania TWS Speakers, but these don’t appear to be for sale anymore.)
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#adventure #travel #camping

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! Check out the National Vehicle Residency Collective here: vehicleresidency.org/. Here's their Facebook group, too: facebook.com/groups/nvrcgroup. And be sure to check the video subscription for links to all of the cool gadgets and gear that Graham showed us. Also, sorry this video was a few hours late. It was done and ready to go last night, but I guess I forgot to schedule it to go live automatically this morning. Oops 🤷‍♂ -Tristan

[@EileenMRyan]

Nice lactose free milk tip!!!!

[@EileenMRyan]

Hey, can you give us a link to those mirror, glasses, mirror, glasses that let you not treat your neck and whatever you’re using your phone laying down.

[@LJ-jq8og]

SUGGESTION: for males, a tropicana bottle with its wide mouth is actually easier and safer to use than the hospital urination things... As you do not spill and they are super secure when you close them and they hold a lot 💪

[@maryjflanagan1922]

Thanks. Will keep in mind for guests.

[@Tyler-ug1hs]

I need a smaller opening 😊

[@LJ-jq8og]

@@Tyler-ug1hs No prob 😊

[@user-tf1gj8bv1f]

Yes and I add some hydrogen peroxide and a dash of dishwashing liquid to manage the smell and dump daily.

[@michaeltellurian825]

Wow! That was quite a presentation! I was just think a few days ago about rights of people who are nomads and live out of their vehicles. The idea that only people who own property---or pay someone who owns property---have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is wrong. Human beings have the right to live without having to pay someone for that right.

[@shonda___]

Just got back from 14 state 6200 mile trip in my 2015 ford flex. Me and my🐶 visited the last 11 states that I needed to make 48 (except Hawaii and Alaska… maybe someday). I used plywood wrapped in king size sheets (that we no longer used) with a few old towels rolled up to help with leveling out the bed. 3 thrifted yoga mats and a new 4” memory foam trifold mattress. We did exceptionally well. I had my bed behind the drivers side and used the passenger seat to sit in and keep my bucket “if ya know u know” in the passenger floorboard. Moved my 🐶 bed (the front passenger seat) up as far as it would go and it was plenty spacious to do any business in emergency. Behind the 2nd row passenger seat I put my clothes that I packed in cubes for easy access. I had my shower bag ready to go at all times. And over the “stowed” 3rd row passenger seat I had my 12v cooler (which plugged into my car while driving and into my Rockpals 350 power bank at night). I used bungee cords to keep all my window covers up on the ceiling of the car. My floorboard behind drivers seat had all my cooking supplies and chair/table. Oh and my food was back on the cooler area. Nothing outside the car so it was super stealthy. Dark tint helps too. Hope this helps any other Flex campers. lol.

[@nigahiga878]

i wish i was as happy/enthusiastic as this guy

[@suzied5921]

I know someone who is living in their car and this video has valuable info that I will pass on. Living in a car, residing in Maine and finding a safe place to park can be a challenge. Thnks

[@daynadiggle8169]

Not really . They are shrinking the size of products as we speak . The Tropicana bottle went from 64 oz. to 52 oz. I was camping recently and found this out the hard way . I drink a lot of beer so you know where I'm coming from . When the bottle got full I wasn't done yet and had to use the window . Very embarrassing in the Publix parking lot .

[@dianeschmiane]

Okay those glasses for looking at the phone were pure gold! Lots of great ideas, thanks for the tour… 😊

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Wow! Very interesting to know an advocacy group like this exists. I suspect we’ll see more and more legislation introduced as the needs of vehicle dwellers continue to increase. Cool stuff! 😊

[@TwilightedForever1]

Instead of waiting for lawmakers to introduce new legislation, why not just amend and UPDATE already existing laws to help the populace with proper, affordable housing so that they aren't forced into a life of living in their cars??

[@Flowerchild778]

​@@TwilightedForever1 seems like immigrants are getting the housing as they cross borders

[@nor-cal-meech5686]

Love this guy! That is much needed work that he is doing! God bless him🙏

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

Thanks for showing this guys “rig” and sharing the existence of his work and organization. 🦌💌❤️🚙

[@sierraseb3311]

Very interesting. Glad you found him to interview out of all the people attending the RTR.

[@susans8539]

What an interesting set up. This gentleman had really unique ways of living stealthy. Thanks again Tristan.😊

[@jessiehead6525]

That was WAY cool!! Good job, Tristan for making a video on this guy and showcasing his organization. Not to mention the great SUV setup he has. I got so many helpful tips from it.

[@charliejg]

I've been researching vehicles as well. I want something I can drive to a trailhead the night before I want to do a hike, sleep overnight and get up before sunrise to hit the trail. I don't need off-road, just light dirt road and sloppy weather capable. That of course means all-wheel drive which is why in addition to its roominess, the Flex hit my radar. The only big downside I see is the gas mileage. It's really not very economical to drive. So, my search continues!! Thanks for the tour of your cool Flex!!

[@dianespears6057]

Always enjoy the rig tours. Thanks for the effort in connecting and filming. Just one more thing - You were right; he has lots of interesting gear.

[@billbeck47]

WHO WAS RIGHT???

[@samshepperrd]

0:28. Cool tent in the background there. I've wondered how one of those Flexes would work as a camper. They look roomy and the big doors have lots of advantages I'm sure. More stealthy than a minivan. I think I'd cut plywood to fit a floor to that no build build. Regarding the "unremovable" back seats. Angle grinder. $20 at harbor freight. Another $5 for some ceramic blades. Cuts anything but diamond. WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

[@jss27560]

One advantage of a minivan is you see them everywhere while the Flex is not so much at least where I live.

[@wildeescape]

Sweet build, and thanks for being an advocate, too! That's awesome and something many of us will look into. Safe travels!

[@michaelnasser8697]

I have a 2013 Flex and love it. Haven’t tried sleeping in it yet, but it was nice to finally see someone who does it. Not many video’s of one set up to sleep in.

[@ericmcdurmon8000]

Seth Rogen sleeps in a flex…. Everytime I heard him laugh it sounded like Seth.

[@louisepotier2784]

Great tips! I like the fact there is an advocacy group. Thanks for the tour, Tristan. Have a great day! 🙂

[@amynelson9362]

What a lot of cool gadgets! And it's interesting that's there is a vehicle residency collective. I'd imagine there are more and more people living either part-time or fulltime in their vehicles for lots of various reasons.

[@justmeandmystove]

Wer'nt the Borg also a collective?

[@joanies6778]

I have a single wind deflector over my sunroof. I took a $4 gutter guard with mesh from Home Depot and cut it to fit the sunroof opening so I can vent at night. I put it in place from the inside and the wind deflector protects the opening in case it rains, but allows air, and keeps the bugs out.

[@lindamartin2045]

Very nice guys! Lots of good tips. For my collapsing toilet, think I'll paint the starting point with fluorescent paint. In low light the "a" is difficult to see. 👍👍Take care .

[@ReneeWalker69]

I like this guy! and would love to work with him. i work in Insurance but see the need for a better acceptance and sustainabillity.

[@janewardguaraldi7975]

Who knew that there are people out there working to advocate vehicle dwellers? You come across such interesting people.

[@sayuzmoonlight916]

Good for you! Yup, we have right to how we live. Just giving penalty ticket away for a living space is a serious discrimination.Great work you are doing!

[@Mauitaoist]

Thank you I support your work with the vehicle residency

[@cowboyscoffee]

Wow he talks super fast will have to rewatch. Super interesing

[@gingersnapjudy]

I played it at 75% speed. Playing at "normal" speed was giving me anxiety. I probably could play at 50% without much distortion! 🤣 🤣

[@micki777]

Guys always have the coolest stuff lol - great video and ideas!

[@kelliesmith4068]

GREAT informational video! How have I not heard of this until now? I have been watching vehicle dweller vids for several years & this is the 1st time I've heard of them! TY, TY! Love his zest for life!

[@angel444ful]

Thank you Tristen! A lot of great information. Very much appreciated 😊

[@annieyahu676]

Thanks for Sharing ❤ It's always nice to see what ideas others have come up with to make things more efficient and comfortable. Love and blessings 😊

[@susanshaver912]

Some great ideas! Love those glasses.

[@jss27560]

Enjoyable as always. More ideas on how to set up my vehicle to live in it.

[@lindamartin2045]

Very nice, guys! Lots of good tips. At oneour point I thought about the largest dog bed for my small car. I have one of those collapsing toilets. Keep thinking I'll put fl

[@jessiehead6525]

Hey! I was just looking at dog beds this afternoon, to provide a good spot for my dog, and then I thought, hmmm….2 of the big ones would fit MY space perfectly…!!! The flat ones made by Kong are super sturdy, moisture resistant, and cushy. Maybe we’ll start a trend!! LOL!

[@RLeeVanCamps]

He does good work. Gets a lot of things in a small space. Nice interview😊

[@freedomdove]

I have one of those sunroof screens. It's nice. I also can't sit up fully on my bed but it's worth the hassle to have the storage space underneath.

[@makellyjt]

Great job!! Thank you for your effort!! Love your vehicle.

[@HoneyandMe]

Excellent no build! Lots of great ideas I can use! We must have run into the same vendor! I bought those Abadabs for all the men on my Christmas list a few years ago! They're great!

[@mikedw9041]

Incredibly informative. I found myself pausing it and taking notes.

[@russelljenkins4660]

Gotta love you Americans You think of everything 😊

[@mattwkendall]

Great info!!! Thinking the floating quarry stone may be hazardous; deadly projectile during an accident.

[@inkstickart]

I just replaced my old fridge which was to big with a 20 q icego which he has here, it came in yesterday . I’m glad he likes it! Whew 😂

[@jackiejeffries308]

Very organized so many good ideas small things that really work.

[@richard_n]

A great setup. If you are over 6 foot like I am, there aren't as many options for car camping since you need a long enough space to stretch out.

[@oscarinacan]

Minivans are the best

[@OspreyFlyer]

Agree. You see these tiny women in small vehicles. They have lots of room with head space! I'm 6-2 and need a little more than my height to sleep behind front row.

[@rustykatt3870]

Great video! Thanks! Graham has a ton of smart ideas. Have a great day all.

[@pollenhead]

Always great to learn from other's experience. Thanks for the info.

[@debbie2027]

I LOVE these videos ... so helpful for my week long stealth camping trips .... APPRECIATE YOU !

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Lots of information and tips. Blessings to you.

[@briancollins3177]

Ha! I was scrolling down through various videos of SUV camper builds and I see this guy that looks like Graham P. then notice that the SUV is a Flex which is what Graham drives,... clicked on the video,....and it is indeed Graham! Curious to see what Ideas you have Graham. Brian C here,...we met in Quartzite at the RTR two years ago.

[@christinerolle3876]

2 thumbs up !! Thank u for sharing and this is very helpful lots of great ideas.❤❤😊 Great Job !@

[@kapirk2244]

Wow!! I love the tips h gave, especially the lactose drops! Eye opener!

[@lovingatlanta]

👍🤩⭐️💝Wow. Terrific ideas, gadgets and tools. Thank you for sharing. 💝

[@danielsayger4872]

Excellent build and I love your ideas and energy. 😎

[@justLori530]

so many neat gadgets! thanks for sharing.

[@Toeslam10]

Excellent posting, Excellent Flex, I own a 2017 Limited w/ecoboost, it's my 2nd Flex! Your Flex camping 🏕 video is a real inspiration to get out there and go cross country, but I'll start simi locally and try out some of the recommendations posted here! 👍🏾

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

luv the guy’s practical gadgets 🦌💌❤️🚙

[@dixielambrecht7009]

You were late this morning Tristan; was starting to get worried. Very smart build.

[@RicG.]

Yep - I can normally set my clock to Tristan's Saturday morning videos - 8:00 a.m. CT. 😎

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

He doesn’t have to post any certain time but you let him know your vids are a highlight for viewer.

[@richardplunk3910]

can you do a hike around butte national monument please, looks like a fantastic place

[@funzeevanzee]

Great setup.

[@JamesGreenier]

Amazing tips!

[@putindead2406]

Ford Flex wery popular car for home 4x4 .interestingly setup 👍

[@kjsgarden]

I want some of those mirror glasses!!! Very cool! 😅❤

[@LJ-jq8og]

EXCELLENT VIDEO 💪🙏

[@LJ-jq8og]

GRAHAM👋. Can you provide the name or and brand of those cool mirror glasses you have ⁉ THANK YOU 🙏

[@emilymorataya5369]

Awesome!❤

[@christianpilon747]

Excellent

[@LDR1100RS]

I've always thought a Flex would work well for car camping. Not the best ground clearance, but if you're cautious...

[@LTBRAD06]

Vry insightful dude can certainly ramble 😅

[@harshitsingh7815]

❤❤❤❤❤😊 very nice channel 👏👏

[@jr.6199]

As a former advocate worker on the access to public lands issues, we need more education on the matter. No one cares much whether you sleep in your vehicle, they care where you park it. So just like the tiny home movement, you need to afford the infrastructure of the land you live on. The gas tax does not pay for the systems to provide clean water, sewer, trash removal, etc. We rely on land owners who pay for that infrastructure. If you can educate me further or disagree, please support your opinions. I think that was the bigger story to discuss with this anthropologist /advocate, we've seen the other content many times before and we need to now show land owners how we will pay for our keep.

[@trungpham9763]

I’m trying 2 buy the flex next month b/c of cargo space 👌🏻

[@roe1783]

3rd row seat can come out but that bar is a structural bar and needs to be replaced with something similar. I have myself set up in a 2019 Flex Limited.

[@tammicox3116]

The term Rad needs a come back

[@kbeautician]

Bed first. How vehicle life videos should be done!

[@kleerogers]

ADHD to the Max, what a character!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@janiceconnett3192]

You can get lactaid caplets that don't have to be refrigerated. I used for cheese but drink almond milk.

[@WanderingWithWanda]

Where can we get those cool little bungee abadaba things? 👍🏼

[@daynadiggle8169]

Youve got SO MUCH junk food on board I have officially named your rig The Sugar Shack . Hope you dont mind . Your new friend Dayna .

[@BalthazarMyrrh70]

Honeycomb hideout😅

[@MickAstoria]

Hey! Working on my will. I'm 54 today TMI? Anyway, I'm interested in adding HOWA but not interested in non profits that really don't do anything. Any you could recommend?

[@user-ln2ub7bf9q]

Hello, My wife and I are from wisconsin and coming out west for our fourth time backpack. I am personally curious if you have ever hiked the face trail at table mountain, Versus going up jackass pass. Which do you think is harder.

[@kristinegoodman7534]

Are you talking about the Winds? I was just at JackAss pass on Friday morning. It was the easiest part of the trip. The Winds are very technical overall but JackAss pass was not hard - at least for our group.

[@robertsurtees4380]

I just went up Face to Table Mountain a couple of weeks ago. Haven't done Jackass so can't compare, but Face is plenty difficult. Nuthin' but up. Went up Face and down North / Huckleberry trail. Plenty of water on Huckleberry, none on Face. The big reveal at the top is well worth the hike. Check the weather / trail conditions. I hear there has already been snow.

[@susanavenir]

Those glasses!!!!

[@MickAstoria]

Did this guy have Amazon prime and maybe spend too much time reading Amazon? Some good tips 😂

[@godevarcooper9366]

32:33 - organization information

[@acejace00]

snacky doodles, nice!

[@cinnamongmc5430]

First aid kit should be more easily accessed JIC just in case.

[@nickievers4657]

I own a ford flex and I removed my 2nd and 3rd row seats. I spend a lot more time in there because of how much head room I have.

[@gettingintrospective]

Does anyone know how to find something like the koolatron, but set up to an always-on fuse? I'm steath in a subcompact hatchback, so having access to more battery power without draining my car battery would be a game changer.

[@jennpindell9760]

What is that cord bungee called? Abi dab? Id love to get some of those

[@Mook1639B]

If you look at it closely, or pause the video, you should be able to make them up. I'm going to give it a try!

[@starvingrtist8714]

29 degrees is way too cold for a fridge, it's consuming unnecessary power. The FDA recommended temperature is 37 degrees to 38 degrees.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

29 degrees is a freezer.

[@manfrummt]

Honestly I wish you'd just touch on the basics of their situation. I don't need to know where they keep every little thing. I just want to know how that particular vehicle works - gas mileage, other costs, room inside, etc. I certainly don't need to know how to make milk lactose free.

[@theresaprice4122]

Stop being a hater Great video lots of great info take what you like let the rest go 😊👀💕

[@j.me.0311]

👍👍Sunroof screen!

[@meljane8339]

Okay, but, in a couple weeks, can you tell us where you filmed this?

[@cramias1]

Pretty sure he filmed a bunch of these rig tours at the RTR in Quartzite this winter and has been releasing them gradually between trip videos

[@michellehill5064]

RTR 2023 ❤🎉

[@NoNo-es1yc]

Laugh is straight Seth rogan

[@lisalong7718]

What is the size of your blue etti?

[@jackiechan8840]

Man's literally an anthropologist for his own kind?

[@FewPewPewRah]

The Ford Flex is classified as a Crossover.

[@birdsofprey3312]

Just like you I lived in a car for a number of years and your #7 was a issue. Like you mentioned bank accounts, insurance, and even voting you need a physical address, and two forms proving it. UPS does provide it physical address as an option, but like you said it is expensive, there might be interpendant alternatives that are much cheaper and works the same. Let me throw this one in Amazon lockers are a great for getting things but not a physical address