DIY JEEP BUILD | 3 YEARS LIVING IN A JEEP | BED/KITCHEN/CLOSET

My name is Drew, and for the last 3 years, I've been living full-time out of my Jeep Wrangler as an outdoor adventure and travel photographer and filmmaker. NFT FOR SALE: foundation.app/@drewsimms/fad...
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www.drewsimms.com/gear
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Full ikamper Review: • Field Testing the New ...

[@sep3hr]

I met Drew in Zion National Park back in March of 2021. We hiked Angel's Landing with a couple of other hikers. He told me he was from Florida and that he had been living in his Jeep for the past 3 years, but I had no idea he was referring to a moving studio! Since I saw the serious camera gear on him, I asked him if he was a KZbinr and he humbly said yes, but I didn't want to bother him by asking for his channel (i don't know why?!) however I made it a personal goal of mine to find his channel and I can proudly say that after 2 months of watching random travel videos, today I finally found it! I guess I should have put two and two together and just searched for "living in Jeep"... You videos are fire! Travel safe and keep up the good work

[@drewsimms]

Hey Sep! I remember meeting you and a few others up on top of angels landing. Great meeting you man and I appreciate the kind words!

[@PrettyGoodLookin]

great story Sep.

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi sep , we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@0ldway]

ARTertEdtra

[@alexrae2893]

It looks like ARRI footage, but that seems wild!

[@nicholiburkholder2032]

The cinematography in the beginning was absolutely stunning. Literally watched the intro 5 times.

[@drewsimms]

Thanks Nicholi! Appreciate it man

[@jayesh5131]

@@drewsimms You need to upload that intro separately. It's too good 🔥

[@Mattthewanderer]

I did too, on MUTE. That music was too much. :0)

[@christopherjahn8136]

Indeed. Awesome work.

[@ethancryder8570]

I went back to look at the intro because of this comment and you’re right, that intro was like a full on Jeep commercial but like better lol

[@beckygriggs7827]

Dude, you're living within/below your means, you're fulfilling your life dream. Do you realize how many of us wish we could be doing the same thing? Love watching your adventures and hearing the stories ❤❤

[@bengaltiger6987]

As a PhD Engineer myself مَا شاء الله, this guy's the true engineer.

[@rsxlover05]

The intro is like a Hollywood movie, please post more often

[@drewsimms]

Thanks Vincent!

[@samyadav006]

@@drewsimms your intro is pretty good it really shows your creativity!

[@jasonmaieni1694]

@Fox Freeman atleast respect what he is doing..everything alone with such Great intro. Show this to someone professional even they would like it.

[@fpartidafpartida]

@Fox Freeman I think you mean, you don’t like Hollywood....however, pretty sure Vincent was trying to pay a compliment to the effort and talent of the KZbinr. You saying no thanks comes off like you don’t care for this video and not that you don’t care for “Hollywood”, which I don’t think you meant. Dam it! Now I feel like a G,D marriage counselor. Well, forget you both. I”m gonna get another Kentucky high-end bourbon and enjoy some good off-roading content.

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi , we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@josephnathanaelaustin4796]

Takes a piece of wood shoves it under the fender.. outdoor desk 🤣🤣🔥🔥

[@drewsimms]

Haha gets the job done

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi joseph, we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@jamesshepherd9398]

I’m actually surprised you don’t run a dual battery/charger set up. I run my fridge, lighting, charging, and everything else off one and never have to worry about the main battery being flat. And with my solar panel I can be off grid for about 3-4 days without starting the car 👍

[@street22style]

As a recent widower and empty nester... I really want to sell everything and do this! And as a Jeep builder/fan, I love what you've made happen in such a small space! Seeing video's like this churns my desire to make the leap.... Maybe I'll see you out there someday. Awesome video...keep up the great work.

[@TheSean7564]

Street, first, I am sorry about your loss. To you desire to explore, why not? I will be jealous when you post your first video!

[@keiths8370]

dont delay follow your heart your head will catch uplater - get moving friend go enjoy

[@handyhomebrewnetwork2142]

I've watched so many of these live out of your car videos and this one is the swiss army knife of rides. You got so much in so little a space. Cheers

[@drewsimms]

Thank you! Love to hear that!

[@ajs7817]

Props to you for giving an honest review of the winch even being sponsored. Not many people do that. Nice video!

[@drewsimms]

Don't want to steer people in the wrong direction. And that winch really almost cost me a couple grand to get towed out of there 😕

[@hamish1162]

Hey mate it actually looks like the rope snapped you sure it’s a fault with the winch seen a few good quality winches rope snap too doesn’t mean they’re shit winches

[@RoveandReverie]

My question, being that I also have that winch and would like to know what to look out for, is that it looks like the line broke. But obviously without knowing the details of what occurred I don’t know if the winch itself actually broke or if it was line. Was it an issue with the winch line, or the winch itself? Do do you know what caused the failure? I know that occasionally lines need to be replaced.

[@drewsimms]

@@RoveandReverie It was actually both! Line snapped, I retied it, and then winched stopped working. They put in a recall a few weeks after 😕

[@RoveandReverie]

@@drewsimms Gotcha. Good to know. I was able to go look up the recall details in mine is from the new batch after they had fixed all of that. Glad they put the recall out and or swapping everything out though. ❤️

[@LetsBuildaWillysJeep]

Jeep life is a way of life!

[@ezrontariganofficial]

damn man ! what a fantastic shots !!!!!!!!

[@tabithamartin4092]

You can get your Jeep weighed at any truck stop that has a scale. Personally I recommend a CAT scale.

[@florencecurry4051]

To get weight, use either a Cat Scale (most truck stops) or the scales at any recycling yard. Please note: the front platform on a Cat Scale can be used to get weight on steering axle. Split your axles at the gap between front and second platform. This will give you gross and axle weights. Check with service desk (fuel desk for diesel) for instructions. Should cost about $12.

[@drewsimms]

Thanks for the info Florence!

[@jonghyeokchoi204]

man you're probably living someone's dream. hope you are living your dream. be safe

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

13:38 The most incredible drone shot that I've ever seen, outside of a multimillion dollar advertising campaign!

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

I just downsized from a van to a Jeep and a bunch of people have been telling to check out your channel for ideas! I just love how Jeeps can get you to places that are reaaaally off the grid. This is AWESOME! Thanks for sharing 💓

[@drewsimms]

That's awesome you just switched over to a jeep! Can't wait to see what your build looks like 👍🏻

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi loui , we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@bldlightpainting]

You can't go wrong with a Warn winch, which I have used many times on my Jeep JL Rubicon for not only getting my vehicle unstuck, but removing very large trees and boulders from the trail.

[@debraaddis396]

Yep, when we were watching this my daughter said the same thing,,can't go wrong with them

[@kathylynntoth1415]

This is the best set-up I have seen for a Jeep, that doesn't cost a fortune to do. Your kitchen is so clever! I think you've thought of everything.

[@RileyOutside]

The bike pump pressurized water is my new favourite idea. Very smart.

[@biancakaye2721]

I literally cried the first 2 minutes. Those shots really hit me. Beautiful, majestic. Words don't go there.

[@drewsimms]

Thanks Bianca. Love to hear you enjoyed the video so much 🙂

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi bianca , we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@Arcticfox7]

Calm down.

[@biancakaye2721]

@@Arcticfox7 you call down

[@manavpoddar2262]

Awesome video man! Loved every aspect of it and motivates me to try this lifestyle. I have a few questions. 1. How do you handle the laundry? 2. How do you store drinking water? 3. How much water is sufficient for you for a 5 day trip(both drinking and non drinking )? 4.Are you able to find internet in these remote locations? If yes, how? 5. When you take your car for service, do you need to take whole your setup down? 6. How do you manage poop? Is it by digging a hole? 7. What motivates you to leave the comfort of home and take on this kind of lifestyle?

[@drewsimms]

Thanks! Will add some of these to the Q/A coming up man!

[@beerhigh04]

I’m waiting for this to be answered

[@MultiFabar]

@@drewsimms waiting for Q/A! 🤘🏼

[@levijackson8441]

I love your closet! It’s something I had never thought of, I’m gonna have to incorporate it somehow 😄

[@tangoreal9098]

New Mexico during the Jan front temp dropped from 54 to 6 buddy heater to the rescue. Temp in tent stayed above 50. Happy wife happy life!

[@quinn2820]

You've convinced me, I'm buying a Jeep!

[@Oliver-jg1qg]

Pog I’m happy for you 😊

[@krasnaludek298]

I’ve owned 6 different Jeeps ... Grand Cherokees & Wranglers. They’re great & very durable, despite some haters that argue the contrary.

[@drewsimms]

Hell ya🙌🏻

[@drewsimms]

@@krasnaludek298 Agreed! Mine has held up great over the last 3 years living out of it full time 👍🏻

[@Gil_Gilbert]

On my 5th Jeep. Use for all my camping.

[@RedskullPro]

Super cool!

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

I disagree

[@EVERYDAYBEACHLIFE]

You’re definitely a master at your craft! Super inspirational for us beginners. We appreciate hour work! Keep it up.

[@DariusFLX]

I love your honesty! It's very refreshing and appreciated. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@LabradoodleTofuBoy]

Beautiful JEEP, and so functional. It’s unbelievable how u built a lot on ur own. I look forward to enjoying many adventures through you 👍😀

[@MKlukowski]

Fascinating. I was literally glued to the screen for the entire video. Good luck and safe travels!

[@loriwalker-brandon9163]

So well organized - thank you for sharing your honest opinions on some of the equipment that is available that you've used. I got some really good ideas from this. Happy travels to you.

[@demonicastar]

I'm always amazed at how creative people get at making a vehicle home, pretty amazing setup 👌

[@irishdefense77]

Drew,you can get your Jeep weighed at any truck stop that you see on the highways-they also have showers,decent restaurants and everything you might need for life over or off road.

[@drewsimms]

Awesome! Going to have to do that sometime this next week or so

[@irishdefense77]

@@drewsimms you should just so you know the weight of your rig for your suspension longevity and ride.My fully expedition prepared 4Runner weighs 6620 with me in it-minus a 118 lbs wife and 70 lb son..the truck stops all weigh big rigs and usually charge $10 for a weigh.

[@TheDaReel]

WOW ! Very impressive Drew. You should be proud of what you’ve created so you can enjoy an alternate lifestyle

[@walttime1148]

The most underrated youtube channel, So amazing videos.

[@marcloveall]

Warn winch! My uncle retired from Warn and designed ATV winches, they are some of the best winches in my experience. Love your Jeep!

[@carolineg513]

This is so cool! Love how you were so detailed in showing us everything. Amazing how you fit your house in a jeep. Very creative good job. Yeah and the intro was really nice. Best of luck to you! Thanks for sharing

[@EJ24789]

I am thoroughly impressed, everything is so well thought out and i love how you made nearly everything yourself. Amazing work. Have you ever considered a off-road teardrop camper? they make them relatively small(4ft x 8ft) and they can go everywhere your jeep goes, not sure if you would want to tow an extra 1200lbs for extra space when you have already done so much. For the winch, i would get a high end synthetic line just in case it snaps, that way it wont damage the jeep or yourself. I am absolutely subscribing, great work all around, music, capture quality, everything.

[@daveschilkie465]

Great video! You have a very organized and efficient looking setup. I like all the little details, like the outside table, the lights inside and the two motion sensitive lights. The closet is a great idea too.

[@christinechristine2235]

wow! I am speechless. You are so inspiring. I will be living out of my car and feeling that an upgrade is not necessary. Although I am a city nomad for now, this will change and your videos makes a huge difference. Thank you!!

[@DeepakBhakoo]

It is such a pleasure watching all your videos. You put in so much hard work in every single video. I really appreciate it. Thanks, Drew. Looking forward to many more awesome trips.

[@drewsimms]

Thanks Deepak!

[@abdullahxo1689]

13:33 Wow! look at that camping site! just imagine being there at night, a storm coming from the top of that canyon, and when a lighting strikes the whole place is lightened up!

[@drewsimms]

That'd be unfortunate 😅. I was checking weather and luckily it was gorgeous the 3 days I was up there!

[@94habuka77]

wow, so many cool ideas that you build in it. Perfect for your specific needs. Thank you for sharing!

[@joshboggess6567]

I love his honesty on the projects. This is a sweet build. I wish I could travel and live like this. It’s always been a dream

[@Leelu-dallas]

My jaw hit the freaking floor when you busted out the drone footage of that spot! Another beautiful video!

[@drewsimms]

thanks Tanja! That is definitely one of the best spots ive ever camped at!

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi tanja, we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@WellnesswithJoshua]

Loving the new home build! Nothing like a little spring remodel! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your transparency about what you need suspension and exterior to start with vs going all pro overlander while continuing the simplicity of long term living on the road! 28-days until I hit the road. I do wish I had a 4-dr vs 2-dr but just means everything I have will be the necessities.

[@drewsimms]

Hell ya man! Love to hear you are hitting the road yourself 🙌🏻

[@JB007Rules2]

Amazing man!!! I have been building my overland rig for over 2 years now and I feel like I have it all figured out and I then see your video!!! Wow! This is remarkable!!!

[@Stephany922]

I have a 160 and a 500 Jackery with the 100 solar panel. And a whole array of usb fans and lights. Love the set up. Change out your hangers to the thin velvet cover ones. It will give you more room and your clothes will not slip off. It really makes a difference trust me.

[@tommyc3621]

Wow I can’t believe how organized you are, great use of every little space. Awesome video.

[@drewsimms]

Thanks! After 3 years it's pretty dialed in haha

[@andreaswidstoe]

Part of me wants to do exactly this. Congrats on making it work for 3 years!

[@drewsimms]

Thanks! You should for sure get out on the road man 🙌🏻

[@W4HDM]

You can get it weighed at most landfills. Another option would be a truck weigh station on the highway. Great build!

[@freewillmusic808]

Epic build, bra! If I could make one suggestion it’s about the solar shower. Cut the end with the spigot off and add a 45 degree fitting sloping downward then add your end cap and place the spigot at the lowest point. This will ensure that you can use every drop of water out of the tank. As you may have noticed, your current setup looks like the tank will lose pressure once it’s 1/2 empty since the spigot is in the middle of the end cap. Great camera work!

[@shotelgaming6540]

Broo you should replace the second front seat with a customized seat that can be used with the bed to maximize space. It should be like a folding seat like a sofa lol.. Love you videos . I admire them and enjoy watching them. Your Jeep is Cool.

[@drewsimms]

That would be an awesome upgrade! Maybe in the future!

[@spasovskizzz]

been saying this to everyone forever! all one needs is a seat that folds all the way down but I've come up with design ideas for a seat that turns into a bed it's self.

[@drewsimms]

Ended up getting the Jeep weighed this past week! Any guesses on the weight?! All of the gear mentioned in the video is linked here on my site for you to check out! www.drewsimms.com/gear I will also be doing an upcoming Q/A video where I answer the most asked questions you guys have for me about road life/the jeep/freelance, so keep the comments coming! Thanks for all the support!

[@wayneC7]

Was curious if you got lockers? If not, have you had any issues being off-road?

[@drewsimms]

@@wayneC7 I do not. Haven't had any issues off roading! Might be a good upgrade in the future

[@travelinman482]

@@drewsimms I understand the modest 2” lift and wanting more on/off-road versatility with fuel economy in mind. However, you should’ve kept the stock size tires in All Season tread for better MPGs on the highway over the 33” bigger rubber.

[@raep2003]

Please continue to travel more😍i really love your contents. Hoping to have my own jeep soon. I admire on how you show your roadtrips by montages and more. Your editing skills are amazing. I was so inspired😍. I really love it❤️😍

[@travelinman482]

@@drewsimms Ever heard of IamJake KZbin channel?

[@jeffreydecker3189]

I love how so much of this was homemade and on a reasonable budget. So cool.

[@remmah192]

Excellent! Thank you for showing me your setup

[@spyd3rsam273]

Great setup...a simple, down-to-earth, no frills setup that makes sense.

[@Rangetechusreviews]

Lol This is not a no frills down to earth setup. That’s called a mattress in a truck topper or a tent.

[@nihility.]

​@@Rangetechusreviews Bah! Humbug!

[@Chase_Schrader]

Awesome setup! Definitely gave me some ideas for my overland rig!

[@drewsimms]

Love to hear it chase

[@julesrulz11]

Amazing… i watched this you tube film this evening. I was smiling all the way. Thank you for sharing of the good, the bad and the ugly. Much appreciated. X

[@ozy83100]

Great content. Thanks for providing to us all! Nice to see a lot of Aussie stuff making it over there for 4WDing!

[@nickb1848]

Bro that spot is absolute 🔥

[@drewsimms]

A bit sketch getting up there but easily one of the best spots I've camped in the last few years on the road

[@nickb1848]

@@drewsimms definitely worth the shots!

[@DanWActual]

@@drewsimms Where is this!?

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi nick , we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@vegout4085]

You can get your vehicle weighed at a dump or recycling centre.

[@nathanpost1188]

Or a truck stop

[@gingerbrimer8486]

What I like about you is your honesty. You tell the good and the bad. Have good travels

[@mycocoaone]

Love the outside desk and closet!

[@missrocksy]

Just bought my first jeep this year and after watching this video I’ve now made it my life goal to be you one day.

[@drewsimms]

Love to hear you've got your own jeep!

[@whatelsewouldyoudo]

The most well designed camping car i've seen so far!

[@wwjj64]

Appreciate your transparency on products.

[@cliffmorgan31]

WARN winches are well made plus high quality control of components. I installed a Warn winch in my 75 LC FJ40 when it was new. Still going strong!

[@Esther-ps3vx]

Great intro. So beautiful! You are so talented and live an amazing life! Good Luck Drew for all your future travels.

[@drewsimms]

Thanks Esther! Really appreciate it!

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi esther , we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@ragnarocking]

My first choice would be a Warn winch. But if you want to keep costs low, I'd give the Harbor Freight Badlands winch a shot. I've only ever heard/read good things about it, and it's a helluva lot cheaper than a Warn winch

[@drewsimms]

Thanks for the recommendations man! Gonna have to check out both👍🏻

[@jswets5007]

You can get your rig weighed at almost any truck stop, they have a scale for trucks and most are pretty nice about letting you use it free. Also any scrap yard has a vehicle scale, also they're usually pretty nice if you are.

[@travelingbibs1239]

Nice rig!! Thanks for sharing.

[@bcb2585]

Great video! I love that you found DIY solutions to both save money and to customize your rig just the way you want. There are some great ideas to be found in this video for sure. I am disappointed to hear about your hard top, as I was thinking of getting one of those. Best wishes.

[@drewsimms]

Thanks! Definitely alot of DIY alternatives out there. Hard top is unfortunate for sure. Hopefully they/ a new company release one soon

[@josephstaffetti5575]

amazing and wonderful work. So resourceful! Few questions from a non camper. 1. how do you protect against animals, such as bears, while in the tent? 2. How do you wash clothes or do you go home each month? 3. It seems like a pretty lonely existence. How do you deal with lack of interaction? Do you connect with other campers?

[@skateandrage1098]

you can find laundry mats all over the place.

[@w.w.walnut8400]

@@skateandrage1098 I'd love to order a laundry mat from Amazon. How do they work?

[@akdrumster]

so awesome Drew! ...and so envious!

[@quintenputnam4578]

Livin the dream!!!!! Happy Trails...

[@konidalaaravind7968]

Hi Drew, Absolutely stunning videos and your hard work. Thanks for showing about your jeep life and drone shots of nature. I have not seen anyone showing this level of detail about nature. Also about your life on road and its hardships as well as lot of positive benefits. Living in nature is something we can only dream off. Thank you and keep showing us more and more.

[@kausalyanallainathan1721]

I am sure we all can live in nature, any time. It is free. Even day to day life we can walk, sit outside etc.

[@bldlightpainting]

That's a pretty nice setup! God bless as you spend more and more time in this big beautiful natural world He created.

[@drewsimms]

thank you!

[@minhhop3208]

Very organized and well thougth! Amazing!

[@makeshiftgrenades]

Nice set up, but what I enjoyed the most is the steady progression of subject matter, there was no repetitive topics that were gone over and over, not once did I find myself wanting to fast forward, good presentation!!!!!

[@SpencerHogg]

Just incredible bro, absolutely stunning footage and I love your entire setup so much!!

[@drewsimms]

Thanks Spencer! Really appreciate it man 🙌🏻

[@johnzurlo3377]

Ur an inspiration for me. Love what you do my man. Hopefully I can do something like this one day. Lots of respect towards you. Keep up the awesome content!!

[@drewsimms]

thanks John! Really appreciate hearing that man

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi john , we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@britzel71]

WOW 👏 😮 Absolutely blown away. Not sure why anyone would question any of the modifications you've made as each one makes complete sense. Living that tiny you HAVE to be serious about organization to maximize every inch while keep your live space tidy and just 'nice and liveable'. You've done an amazing job...Absolutely Brilliant 👏

[@destinationjourney_overland]

Great video. I love your practical approach to overlanding and honesty with reviewing your gear.

[@moflexmusicinc.6060]

Smittybuilt / warn wrenches are great … personally when going in snow I rarely use the wrenches I found that using max tracks has definitely helped me and adding snow chains to the tires is also a great option

[@charliewatson9581]

Incredible cinematography😳📈

[@drewsimms]

Appreciate it Charlie

[@shotasaito8305]

Super nice setups, thanks sharing!

[@achalbarla120]

Thanks for sharing the idea!! Will be pinching some of great ideas and building it all myself! Cheers and all the best for ur trips!!

[@dbfoerster6789]

Drew, I love that not everything is perfect. It make the rest of us feel at home with our imperfections. I’m sure you get this a lot with this video, but where is that location? I’ve been to Moab many times and want to camp there.

[@vanvann2008]

I really enjoyed your intro. The music was great with the intro.

[@drewsimms]

Thanks Van!

[@eiger7]

Great video! Love the set up, simple and effective.

[@babetravelling]

Thanks, this is very helpful.I'm planning to do a major road trip and starting to scope out on wranglers with tent.You gave a lot of tips like not to worry about upgrades but mainly where to sleep and eat.Your kitchen set up is well done and it got me hungry with all those food you cooked. I also learned about adding an awning.That's one sick set up!

[@mudfootprints403]

That was THE BEST and most beautiful intro I've ever seen 😍😍 nicely done!

[@drewsimms]

Thank you!

[@michaelfrymus]

Love your rig! I wanted a campervan (a low roof ford Econoline to save money) , and still do very badly, but I always loved Jeeps. But damn, I think Im going to get a tiny home somewhere with a small plot of land so I can grow my own food, and have a jeep for my weekend/weekly adventures, and it would definitely be kitted out like this!

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi michael , we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@drewsimms]

Love to hear it man. Sounds like that'd be an awesome set up Michael!

[@sufy.r]

i already appreciate and love that jeep i can't imagine how much he loves her! she is always there for him!

[@minhhop3208]

Very nice . Smart design ! Thanks for sharing!

[@BillWidmerBlog]

God damn dude your camera work and editing is incredible

[@drewsimms]

Thanks Bill! Really appreciate it man

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi bill, we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@LaxmikantPatil27]

Really impressive setup! :)

[@drewsimms]

Thanks! I appreciate hearing that!

[@WildlifeKooks]

hi pazil, we cook in outdoor too🥩🌭🔥

[@carolplaypiano]

Good listing of essential items. Thanks

[@berry_bunny4273]

ooooff nice rig i love the DIY solar shower.