Living in my Mazda CX-5 SUV - Tiny Home Tour

Hey guys, I've been wanting to make this video for a while giving you a little insight into my current living situation. I have been living out of this car for the past year and while it's not that fancy of a setup, I think it's important to show that sometimes a very simple setup can go a long way. I've driven over 30,000 miles in the past year exploring out of this car!
#vanlife #tinyhome #travel
• What's in my Camera Bag:
Vlogging Camera: geni.us/YIS3RS
Main Camera: geni.us/UPVA
Favorite Wide Angle Lens: geni.us/qK0Y7yj
Favorite Telephoto Lens: geni.us/c6GHQ9b
Favorite Drone: geni.us/BU68Uq
Best Gimbal: geni.us/bddkh
My Microphone: geni.us/7Mf1
Variable ND Filter: geni.us/aWAhBI
• Subscribe: www.youtube.co...
• Email Inquiries: [e-mail]
• Social Media:
Instagram: / michaeldbliss
Facebook: / michaeldbliss
Twitter: / michaeldbliss
A 2022 film by Michael Bliss.

[@MazdaUSA]

This is absolutely incredible, Michael. It's an honor for us to not only have been a constant and dependable companion for so many memorable miles, but also be the space you've felt comfortable calling home during this amazing journey. Thank you for putting your trust in us and for sharing your unique experience and talent with the world in such a beautiful way.

[@michaeldbliss]

it's been quite the journey! thank you :)

[@jamesm5192]

Would be a lot easier if your seats went down all of the way :)

[@MyFriendlyPup]

Why do mazda's rust after 4 years? I see all rusted out mazdas and my 11yr old corolla has none

[@PopsRacer61]

@@MyFriendlyPup ...not that you should have to but I had (1) mile on my CX5 when it came off the truck. Knowing that they do get rust after a few months.... I literally got under my MAZDA and undercoated it myself ! almost 4 yrs later... virtually no rust! I stay on top of it! Still looks and drives like it did when it came off the truck. ( I'm not getting rid of it !!)🤔

[@sebastianb-v2887]

I've seen a number of car camping videos, but this is the first time I see the car manufacturer acknowledge the story. I think it speaks volumes about the kind of company Mazda is.

[@noseefood1943]

Dude a great video to give courage to people to just start living suv life. Analysis paralysis… End of this month, Sept 2024 I’ll embark on my adventure with my 2021 cx5 with a minimal set up. I finally got fed up with exorbitant rent here in LA.

[@GarryTan]

Cinematic intro with great sound design!!

[@michaeldbliss]

hey Garry thank you!

[@AjBProductions]

Nice setup Michael! I also use my CX5 (2016) as a camper for 1 to 2 week photography tours. The only thing different we my setup is that I have my bed is on the passenger side and I keep the rear driver side seat up. This gives me ample space to sit and edit my days photographs. I also have a power supply for lighting at night. Cheers

[@michaeldbliss]

nice yeah that sounds awesome! hoping to improve my setup in the future this is just what I could manage for the time being haha

[@nicolasbetancourt3682]

I love the Mazda cx5, it’s a spectacular car for live, drive and everything you need

[@ekaa5255]

Love how you simplified this process by just going and figuring it out along the way. Also love the cinematography of the into and quality and aesthetic of this video. Hope you keep doing how to’s for dummies 🙂

[@michaeldbliss]

hey thank you so much!

[@CharlieStrange]

this is honestly really great to see. not many people are sharing what is actually "essential" to living in a car. dope video!

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks man! yeah idk I think eventually I would love to upgrade a lot of things, build some better storage, get a fridge, etc, but in terms of the things you actually need this is kinda about it and it has allowed me so much freedom to travel this year.

[@CharlieStrange]

@@michaeldbliss totally incredible man! I hope a lot of people see this and feel inspired. also, if you’re ever back in Wisconsin and want to work on building out storage etc lmk I’d be more than willing to help/provide the tools I have!

[@michaeldbliss]

@@CharlieStrange dude that would be incredible I'll def let you know if I'm driving out that way!

[@MrDREWsantana]

I just recently bought a 2019 CX-5 and I’m absolutely in love i love the outdoors i honestly can’t live without it! Your videos are incredible keep doing what your doing Happy New Year !

[@michaeldbliss]

hey thank you so much, happy new year to you as well!

[@jesusochoa3379]

Video turned out great man! Appreciate you showing us all your home/set-up lol Glad you've been able to travel and do what you love! Hope to see you whenever you come back to the pnw!

[@michaeldbliss]

yo thanks man! I'll definitely let you know whenever I'm headed back up that way

[@nagazanagaza]

This is so inspiring on the next level, Michael! I hope you had a great journey ahead and keep on inspiring us with your journeys. Stay incredible, man!

[@michaeldbliss]

hey thank you so much, really appreciate that and sorry for the delay in commenting back!

[@adventureswithmimi]

I own a CX9 and I have camped in it and it was perfect for me. I love the Mazda. They are excellent reliable vehicles.

[@michaeldbliss]

amazing, yes totally agree!

[@isururanasingha7953]

its kinda another quality in ur vids, nice one bro! ❤

[@michaeldbliss]

thank you!

[@mgd4622]

Very good simple advice for biginners that give someone the jump start and the confidence to make it happen.

[@michaeldbliss]

thank you, that was the goal! keep it simple to start and get out there exploring

[@valllflores]

Wowzers, I love this so much! I’m a fan of how you took your dreams and made them into reality with what you had. Also, I’m a fan of that bedddddd!

[@michaeldbliss]

thank youuuuu :)

[@danielle_j_innes]

So excited to get my CX5 ready for the road. Great bed idea!

[@natchudathitapanthawat1903]

Thanks for sharing your idea to make a suitable bed in CX5. I have the same idea like you and can’t even wait to do it and make my own trip in somewhere. 👍🏻

[@NomadicSutter]

Love the video man! I actually drove cross country in my Mazda CX-5 and it was truly surreal. Keep up the great content!

[@michaeldbliss]

hey that's amazing! yeah its a great car for roadtrips definitely

[@amys5715]

I was looking for this exact video - I have a 2017 CX-5 and I WILL camp this year!!! Thanks so much for sharing! And I absolutely NEED the bed video!

[@michaeldbliss]

hey thanks so much that's amazing! you've got this

[@smallsailboatbigwater3959]

I love the intro scene in this video and then it just got better. Very good video here. Thanks for the info.

[@darlenerojo2052]

Just keep it simple and do it! Great advice Michael. My 2015 Mazda CX-5 will love my future adventures!

[@michaeldbliss]

yes! I'm glad that resonated with you thank you for watching!

[@ednakravitz2738]

I have the same vehicle, same color, live it. Thanks for some inspiration ❤

[@michaeldbliss]

it's a great one, thank you!

[@drleo6409]

I am currently taking a nap in my Mazda cx5. I was thinking only a foam pad would work for occasional sleep ins. I will try the phone first. Great ideas thank you.

[@michaeldbliss]

awesome, glad you found some of the setup useful!

[@navysararmygrunt4037]

You should consider getting an enclosed 5x8 pull behind trailer. It would allow you to store more gear and have more room and you could even set it up with a small desk / workstation area inside. Add some solar panels on the roof and some batteries along with a charge controller and you're set.

[@blindbandit4679]

Thank you sirrr! Didnt know home dept would cut the wood for free I will be camping in my CX30 ❤

[@xXxY0UR_M0TH3RxXx]

I have a 2017 Mazda CX-5 Touring and I'm so glad I found your channel. I would love any and all car videos from you!

[@michaeldbliss]

oh awesome thanks so much!

[@kvang5198]

Absolutely loved this video! Thank you so much and well done!!!

[@christianbryant5617]

Quite a nice vehicle to be living in.. better place to call home than most places ig

[@changemakers1402]

Very cool!! The one question that always pops up though, how do you manage the washroom?

[@michaeldbliss]

campgrounds, public restrooms, the woods, coffee shops, and planet fitness for showers

[@suri4Musiq]

Love the video Michael, I got a CX-30 inspired by your video. It would be great if you could do an in-depth video on how your built your bed. Also more questions - can we use car heater while sleeping in the car? Can you share what kitchen appliances you use to cook. Much love and please make more of these videos!

[@michaeldbliss]

wow that's amazing! yes I'm planning some more videos soon thank you!!

[@JG.6768]

Michael this was a great video, I have a cx5 and really injoy the vehicle. Not to get too personal. I imagine you work remotely for a living?

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks! yes i work as a filmmaker remotely

[@MRP4U2B]

Such amazing setup for a Mazda CX5 😎. Great video! 💪

[@michaeldbliss]

thank you!

[@barbarasullivan7217]

Awesome little set up..

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks! it does the job for me currently :)

[@barbarasullivan7217]

@@michaeldbliss am wanting a van myself , to travel ..

[@tomhoppe5757]

I own a 2013 CX-5 and I built my bed to fit behind the passenger seat. I also leveled the platform and have some storage space under the rear portion.

[@michaeldbliss]

sounds amazing!

[@DanielKouba]

Damn. Probably the best “living in my Mazda cx5 suv - tiny home tour” video I’ve ever watched! Haha no for real tho this was sick

[@michaeldbliss]

Hahhaha legendary comment, thanks dude!

[@triciataylor9370]

Small hint.. you will want to put something black over your window covers.. having your cover silver is a dead giveaway.. especially in wa.. I took a blackout curtain and cut it the size of my window covers.. you can't tell I'm in my car.. just a heads up..

[@dougronald561]

Please post more videos about living in your Mazda. I’m thinking of buying one for weekend getaways in which I’ll stealth camp.

[@michaeldbliss]

it's a great car for that definitely

[@dallinschoen4511]

just be careful with the power lift gate. Every year we go camping our car dies from using the liftgate too much 😅now we bring a jumper cable lol

[@nasimxonex]

I love ur video and how simple way u have inspired me! Wow!

[@michaeldbliss]

hey thank you so much!

[@chrishallnyc]

Loved this video!! Can't wait for the next one

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks Chris!

[@cpruns4501]

I have this almost exact CX5 and I love it so much. I'm thinking of doing this (to a lesser extent) with that vehicle. Thanks for this:)

[@michaeldbliss]

that's amazing!

[@acsunset3832]

Wow, how cool! Great video & set up!!!

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks so much!

[@hudsonatlantis6754]

Great Video - The CX-5 that you have is very capable for light off-roading

[@michaeldbliss]

definitely, I've tested it quite well a few times haha

[@john-j7e7e]

im looking into getting a cx5 and planning to make it a sort of weekend camper type setting. good video

[@RockCandyBoudoir]

I have the same car! Super excited to try

[@blainescinta]

Dude this is so good!

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks bro!!

[@mydude4200]

Funny because I've never seen this video till after I started living in my SUV and you have yours set up the same way I do😅 almost exactly

[@michaeldbliss]

hahah great minds think alike!

[@xbigbobsagetx]

How tall are you? Kinda wanting an affordable suv that can handle some dirt roads lol but I want to sleep in the back.

[@SuperJoobers]

6’ tall 4Runner or g470

[@Tah215]

Great video! How has the maintenance on your Mazda been thus far?

[@rionjames]

What made you want to sleep in the car instead of outside in a tent? I like this idea for the weekends but I’ve just bought a single swag to sleep in.

[@serenityjewel]

🤣 You can't run out of oxygen in a car. There are a ton of holes and openings in a vehicle. They're how bugs and rodents are going to get in if you leave food around. You do need to leave the windows cracked in the winter though to reduce condensation. Other than that, great video. ❤️

[@michaeldbliss]

haha just personal preference I guess then. Maybe you wouldn't completely run out but if you have 2 people I have felt like it was harder to breathe if we don't crack one window.

[@onlinecfi]

I needed this

[@mikesperience]

man i sincerely want to know how to shoot and edit like you.. incredible work and story telling... plz teach me editing to tell stories while traveling

[@michaeldbliss]

ah thank you! just keep practicing and trying to copy people who inspire you but put your own twist on it I would say!

[@tialorabelin6993]

Love this!

[@michaeldbliss]

thank you!

[@MrMonsterrally]

Genuinely interested, how does insurance work for your vehicle if you don’t really “live” in one location? Loved the video.

[@michaeldbliss]

oh yeah things like this is where it gets a bit more complicated. I'd be happy to go more in depth if you want, maybe message me on IG? @michaeldbliss

[@MrMonsterrally]

@@michaeldbliss Just sent a dm 👍🏻

[@POSS99]

You can easily sleep in this truck if you're under 5'7. It was too small for me. I ended up getting 2022 cx9. I can sleep comfortably with my two small dogs plus all my camping gear inside.

[@michaeldbliss]

I'm 5'10" and it works for me but to each their own, def not super spacious

[@bjornegan6421]

@@michaeldbliss are you able to lay straight, or do you have to curl up in some way?

[@michaeldbliss]

@@bjornegan6421 I have it configured so I can lay straight, but I do have the pillows propped right behind the driver seat in order to make that work if that makes sense

[@jazzqueen1]

nice video and your car is nice cool tour Michael

[@michaeldbliss]

thank you!

[@jackharley8564]

Great vid! I bought a CX5 and want to tour my country (Aus) with it. Question: how tall are you? I'm 6'1''' and I'm worried I won't be able to sleep on one half of the trunk like you can. And since I'll be likely sleeping diagonally, how I can store my gear. Curious if you have any thoughts :)

[@guysalimbene3511]

Really thinking of doing this, have the same suv

[@robbinsdrones]

Great video, well done! I wonder how a simple air mattress would work versus the whole construction of a separate bed? My guess is not well...or else that is what folks would be doing....?

[@michaeldbliss]

that would work well in some cars! the problem with a lot of cars including mine is that when you fold the back seats down they don't fold down flat, which is why I decided to build the platform to provide a flat surface for the bed. If you just put an air mattress in it would be super slanted.

[@SPEEDEMB]

Hello nice video. May ask what cooler is that?

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks! it’s just one from REI i think, don’t particularly recommend it actually. might switch it for a hard shell one soon

[@1flutedude]

Haha this is freaking dope I’m looking to purchase a similar Cx-5 and now I’m definitely going camping in it Shit! Hell yeah! Keep up the great work instant fan. 🔥👌🏽🍷 cheers

[@michaeldbliss]

ayyy that's so cool! yeah honestly it's been a great car to take to the outdoors. Let me know if you have any questions specific to the car if you are building anything!

[@dougronald561]

This is also the only video that shows a bed platform that even I could possibly make. I know even the easy ones people show I’d screw up! I think I can do this was super-glueing 2x4’s

[@michaeldbliss]

yes! I am not that handy but this worked for me for a whole year so I think its very do-able!

[@dougronald561]

@@michaeldbliss Great Video!

[@bennyfisher4415]

Why don't you just use a twin size air mattress?

[@dougronald561]

@@bennyfisher4415 so that there’s more storage space underneath

[@nematode9223]

Good job. Nice and simple. What are the plywood dimensions?

[@danielmasa]

Sweet 🙌🏽

[@sonikwro]

You are the true human being not a human working. 🎉

[@michaeldbliss]

ahah that’s such a good way to put it, thank you!

[@jacquelinebelleque2553]

Just curious, what are the dimensions of your plywood and how tall are you? Trying to figure out the space in my Mazda and how to build😊

[@jackylin6525]

This is great content for a owner of 2019 CX5. I’m curious about how you stop the bugs from getting inside through the Sunroof

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks! and I'll be honest I dont do anything but have really not had any issues.. maybe I'm just lucky so far lol

[@relfyem]

I've got an MX5 and still trying to work out where I can fit the bed. 🤣

[@CDAFishboy]

Did you ever do a video on building the elevated bed?

[@michaeldbliss]

no I never made it 😅 maybe I should still do it?

[@joymae]

So cinematic

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks!

[@hotmathsax]

I’m looking for a cx5 right now

[@smiley2194]

Can you tell how to not drain battery when you're sleeping and not using any car lights but key fob inside? Does it drain battery?

[@DjNotNiiccee]

Have you thought about switching to the CX50 or CX90?

[@movewithlily]

Hello Micheal, can you please create this video of "how to make a bed in the Mazda CX-5 for dum people?" I am purchasing mine in Australia this year and I would love to see how you made your setup ☺ What cooler do you used?

[@michaeldbliss]

hi! ah yes this would be a good idea, I haven't had time to make this but maybe in the future

[@blindbandit4679]

What state are you in? It’s beautiful!!

[@nikitapetrenko6303]

Looks amazing! Where in Washington is this?

[@michaeldbliss]

thanks! this is just a random camping spot I found south of Rainier NP (outside the national park). I honestly just drove around looking for cool spots until I found it.

[@plohish1337]

what's your height, Michael ? I don't think I'll fit in cx-5 🤔

[@Reckless-KC]

If you are living in there, why bother keeping the back seat at all? You can create a lot of storage area by removing it.

[@michaeldbliss]

because I wanted to do it for a year, then move to an apartment and have the car for daily use as well.

[@adriennbalogh3694]

How long is your bed? 😊

[@eastmancl]

More spacious than most NYC apartments 😅

[@michaeldbliss]

hahahah the Mazda motel is the place to be

[@bethenywitherell129]

Any chance you have the plywood dimensions still? I also have a CX-5, going to be sleeping in it regularly.

[@01010100001010101001]

What are "those dimensions", how long is the bed ?

[@Xyz-nx3ul]

Great video! I have the same vehicle but I don’t like the tilting when I lay down back there, I cannot sleep because the seat is higher than the trunk. Any suggestions?

[@michaeldbliss]

yes so that's why I propped up the platform with the 2x4s! to level out the platform so that you can sleep flat.

[@RangerRickTV]

Do you have the pin for this location?

[@michaeldbliss]

it was literally just a random location I found driving around haha

[@ferdinandhe5239]

Only thing make me regret to purchase my 2023 cx5 premium plus is the mpg, it’s literally has same mpg as 2018 s450, but this is an 4 cylinder non turbo engine, that’s a 3L v6 biturbo engine; I originally want to purchase rav4 hybrid limited, because that’s a larger and more efficient suv, but that suv price just way too high. So I end up with Mazda

[@gailenrique2804]

Did the toyota dealer charge $8k over MSRP?

[@ferdinandhe5239]

@@gailenrique2804 yes; Mazda too, i bring 40k to Germain mazda at Columbus; I end up with an premium plus. If there’s no market inflation I should end up with an signature

[@ferdinandhe5239]

@@gailenrique2804 and Toyota also say u much trade in one vehicle in order for us to sell u an Toyota otherwise they have no car to sell

[@nerdynautilus5373]

How tall are you? I’m only asking for reference to see if I’ll comfortably fit in this car. I’m 5’11

[@mohammedmahdialshammari7006]

how tall are you? do you think 6.2 can fit in this setup?

[@InDahoodYooo]

I go camping in my cx 5

[@NoChannelChannel]

How tall are you Michael? I've been looking at cx5

[@michaeldbliss]

I'm 5'10"!

[@drleo6409]

Where did you buy the memory foam?

[@michaeldbliss]

i think from home depot as well

[@codedillerjones7861]

So how do you afford to travel and live on the road year around?

[@michaeldbliss]

hey good question! I'm a freelance photographer so between brand deals, photo licensing, photo/video shoots, and also video editing through a video company I run remotely, that all keeps me very busy with work while on the road!

[@Rue2love]

Can you shut the hatch when you lay down?? How tall are you im 5' 4" and can't stretch in my mazda cx5 2016

[@michaeldbliss]

hey I'm about 5'10" and this setup works for me to sleep comfortably. I just move the front seat forward a little and sleep a little diagonal but it works haha

[@RQND96]

I like you video and you are so honest!

[@michaeldbliss]

thank you!

[@Peter-ox8lj]

where do you park?

[@acejackhammer]

Is your CX5 a Turbo?

[@michaeldbliss]

on account of not knowing what that means I am guessing it is not haha

[@melyssal.9397]

Which years is the Mazda ?

[@michaeldbliss]

2021!

[@HighPorte]

Does it come with a toilet tho? :)

[@michaeldbliss]

it's called nature! or coffee shops ahaha

[@peetabrown5813]

He wakes up and builds his table and chair, then has a coffee!!! But the most immediate, and most concerning things for me, is missed, going to the “toilet”

[@michaeldbliss]

hahahah pretty sure that is not the content KZbin wants to see. could be wrong

[@berndpeglow701]

🅿🆁🅾🅼🅾🆂🅼 😆

[@johnnybgood3909]

get a job champ

[@michaeldbliss]

hahaha I make six figures doing photography bud, but maybe I'll downgrade to a "job" one day