RAV4 camping setup

[@sharonoddlyenough]

I just bought a 2015 Rav4, so came looking for camping ideas and found quite a few ideas here. Thank you

[@renatahawkdreams]

Wonderful ! I am glad you found some useful ideas here. Safe and fun journeys to you.

[@adriperdomo]

Thank you for showing us your set-up.

[@ricksseniorlife]

I hav a 2021 Rav and my setup is so similar that we could have done it together. I didn’t build any drawers, I just use plastic bins 😎

[@renatahawkdreams]

Plastic bins are certainly convenient. I like that they can be used for organizing camping items and easily removed from the car. Happy camping to you! 🚎

[@drshaliniiyer4141]

I loved ur video Renata. So crisp and well edited. No fluff, just the facts, and I love your personality. Keep rocking and being an inspiration ❤️❤️

[@renatahawkdreams]

@@drshaliniiyer4141 Thank you for your kind comment. I am glad to hear you felt inspired by my video(s). Warm regards. 💚

[@happydays9613]

Love the set up and advice. I part-time car camp and love it. Not waiting on a fairytale. UK 🇬🇧 solo camper.

[@renatahawkdreams]

“Not waiting on a fairytale” I love that! Safe journeys !

[@EchoTravelsUSA]

I have a 2016 RAV4, almost identical if not identical to yours. You gave me lots of ideas for mine!

[@renatahawkdreams]

Glad you got some ideas from my setup. Have fun with yours.

[@anneross5362]

Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into this video! I have a RAV4. I’ve been thinking about doing something similar for traveling, so this was very helpful! :)

[@renatahawkdreams]

you're welcome! I am happy to know this video was helpful to you. Enjoy your travels!

[@Isaiah-er1ot]

This is the fourth time I watched your lovely videos and I’m looking forward to the same by next spring to do the same with my 2016 rav 4 . Thank you very much for this video , stayed blessed .👍👍

[@renatahawkdreams]

@@Isaiah-er1ot ohhh that’s nice to hear… I am so glad this video has been helpful to you. Whenever you go on your road adventure, have a lovely time. Stay blessed as well.

[@giselleplantbasedvegan9174]

Very nice setup. I have power tools but am intimidated by the larger ones. I think it’s a great idea to find someone or somewhere to learn how to use those, especially by building something useful. I love the slide out kitchen drawer. Safe travels 🌟thanks for sharing.

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thank you. I agree about the power tools, I used to feel intimated by them as well until someone taught me how to use them. I appreciate being able to develop useful skills. All the best to you and thanks for watching.

[@jessicaarverne1181]

Watching from France your nice video.

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thanks for watching!

[@katpow5437]

Looks great. I had a 2016 that I removed all seats except driver, lol. I also put Falken on it too. I really liked it but I needed more ground clearance. Well done video. Thanks for sharing.

[@renatahawkdreams]

The RAV4 Adventure is a fun car to drive, isn't it? But yes I hear you, if you need more ground clearance there are better options. Did you get a jeep? I'd like to do more off-roading and will eventually trade this Rav4 for a car with more ground clearance as well. Thanks for watching.

[@katpow5437]

@@renatahawkdreams yes I bought a jeep gladiator. Back seats out and front passenger will be coming out too. Not enough head room after building up a bed off the front seat layed flat. I also have a highlander that I use as well for camping. It doesn't have very high clearance but better than the rav4 I had. All seats are still in it for now. Lol.

[@MaryOKC]

I bought two stoves…and have a heat lunchbox…I found I used the lunch box and a small 3 cup cooker for everything … so have two brand new never used camp stoves. 😂 I also bought a potty but it was too big so bought a smaller collapsable one that is perfect but I have found just going potty (#1 only) in a ziplock bag using cat pellets is just perfect…now I haven’t gotten to the point of using a bottle.

[@renatahawkdreams]

I hear you! Simplicity of gear can sometimes make camping easier. I've tried different stoves and even got a 2 burner stove that I didn't use, so I sold it on craigslist. As far as portable toilets, the collapsable one is a good option and easy to store - I have one of those as well. Have you seen the pee funnels? they can be quite handy haha

[@MaryOKC]

@@renatahawkdreams I actually have the pee funnel too LOL!!! 😂

[@renatahawkdreams]

@@MaryOKC 🙌🏼😂

[@MaryOKC]

@@renatahawkdreams I need to list my extra items too…I just hate getting my feelings hurt because you pay $75 for something and people want to give you $10. 😉 be safe and maybe we you on the road one day!

[@motowang6060]

@@MaryOKC

[@ljubott]

It looks cool and totally relaxing. The cat is resting nicely in nature and is still 😉👍 I think I would have a hard time catching my cat outside 😊 they look really similar. Nice greetings!

[@renatahawkdreams]

Greetings and Thank you for watching! PS: the cat isn't mine... she lives in the property where I was camping at for a few days ☺

[@pali_aha]

A bed made out of fence boards! Yes!! So now I gotta scope out the neighborhood for a nice fence 😈🥵😈🥵😈

[@renatahawkdreams]

@@pali_aha hahah! Or you may also find it at the local construction store 😄😉

[@chegekinya2454]

Smart nice RAV4

[@JaborisWilliams]

The exact video I’ve been looking for, so creative thank you 😊

[@Myral0ve]

Wonderful video, gave me great ideas. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@renatahawkdreams]

Glad to know it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@brittnyrv5087]

The drawer is awesome

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thank you!

[@roamingcali]

Thank you for sharing. Great setup.

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thanks for watching !

[@Pond6]

What a beautiful vehicle to choose. Toyota's are indestructible and last years and years. You made a wise choice. Great filming, hope you enjoy your ride and I subbed to you btw cheers!.

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thank you ! Cheers!

[@sunnygram3850]

Nice video about your setup.I camp by myself on my SUV also.I like some of your ideas

[@renatahawkdreams]

Safe and fun journeys to you! Thanks for watching!

[@ritawoodfork3086]

Great set up!

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thank you !

[@enriquemoran5665]

Wow renata! Amazing set up!

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thanks Enrique! Looking forward to seeing the modifications you did to your truck as well.

[@rodmeisterful]

Great information, I’m thinking about a Rav4 so this was helpful. Thanks

[@renatahawkdreams]

I am glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@JoeBlack9]

👍

[@siinfloridasi]

Thank you for making this video!

[@renatahawkdreams]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching 😊

[@LaurieToursVegas]

Some great ideas there. Thanks for sharing

[@renatahawkdreams]

Glad to know you got some ideas from it. Thanks for watching!

[@gavinreece1051]

Very nice, what kind of awning is that?

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thanks. The awning is by Rhino-Rack. www.etrailer.com/Car-Awning/Rhino-Rack/RR32132.html

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Saving your video for future reference. Right now, I rely on a mobility scooter, which weights 90 lbs, which takes up my whole back trunk area, so I sleep in the back seat (luckily, I am short!) 😊 But whenever I can afford an external scooter carrier, I'll have the whole back to set up as a bed! The love fit of your bed with your kitchen area. I also have Reflectix and window socks (bug screens), and USB fans for my windows. On a related note, what does the "Warning" say on your driver window? Thanks for sharing!

[@renatahawkdreams]

Great idea (to save it for later). I, as well, save many car conversion videos to get some inspirations from the different designs. It sounds like you got many of the necessary gear already. I hope an external scooter carrier makes its way to you soon :) Regarding the warning label on the window, it’s something from the manufacturer, it came with it and I don’t recall right now what it says, but I can check later and let you know. Thanks for watching.

[@ZenerzaChannel]

Thank you,, nice video.. Salam dari Jogja Indonesia..

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thanks for watching.

[@ZenerzaChannel]

@@renatahawkdreams thanks

[@elishamcclellan1120]

What’s the name of the solar panel beautiful I need one ASAP a good one ty

[@PamlaTurner2011]

Very nice set up thanks

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thank you for watching. 🚎

[@juanvalencia6233]

How do you keep your battery from dying while keeping the tailgate open? I do it by closing the lock while it’s open but always looking for other ideas.

[@renatahawkdreams]

I've learned the hard way 😆 My car battery died while I was camping in the middle of NM and I had to call for road assistance. After that I turned off the interior lights (so it was no longer on auto mode), and only turned it on manually when I needed them. I also bought one of those jumper cables that come with their own portable Power Bank Charger, so I could jump start the car on my own. Thankfully I didn't need it again on that trip :)

[@krushP]

Hey can you please send the link for the fridge you use for the car

[@renatahawkdreams]

Hello, this is the one I got (23 quart) amzn.to/4g1tqci

[@The_Empire_Chronicles]

Thanks, excellent.

[@justjoanish]

Very nice!

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thank you

[@freedompanda9438]

Love the setup!

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thank you !

[@m.cahill7844]

What does the warning sign say on your front driver window/reflectix? Just curious. Love the set up.

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thanks! I don’t recall what are the exact words on the warning sign, it’s a note from the manufacturer about the window.

[@Living_in_the_silver_lining]

Was it one of the operation tiny home workshops with Zack and Gabrielle?

[@renatahawkdreams]

No, I haven’t heard of them :) It was at a school called Wild Abundance.

[@dianneestes9398]

Thanks!

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

Hi… just watched the RAV4 camping set up video. Do you recall the manufacturer of your retractable awning?

[@renatahawkdreams]

This is the Rhino-Rack Sunseeker Awning, 7 ft long. I got it on etrailer's website.

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

@@renatahawkdreams - Thanks!!!

[@michaelfox6820]

Does your 2018 have a small raised area in the back behind the rear seat like my 2017 does? I wonder how that would affect a setup like yours?

[@renatahawkdreams]

When I fold down the back seats, it's not completely flat, it does have an inclined angle. Is that what you're referring to? When I built that simple platform with fence boards I leveled it using some pieces of wood underneath.

[@tessbrown9885]

I have a 2017 RAV too. It slopes down so I found myself sliding down in the morning. I saw another video where the owner made a base bed 6 inches higher in the back. I plan to have one built so when I go camping next year, I will have a better set up. I’m 5’6” so I fit well inside the back.

[@sergiotrujilloargueta9580]

Nice!. Whats the Fridge info?

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thanks. Fridge is the BougeRV 12 Volt 23 Quart, got it on Amazon. Link: amzn.to/4g1tqci

[@classcchaos3476]

Hi what size mattress for your cargo area? I put a twin in mine and it took up the entire cargo area. Thank you b

[@renatahawkdreams]

Hello, this one is 25" wide. It was wide enough for me to sleep on it and have space on the side for the fridge, kitchen drawer, etc

[@NK-iv1ik]

Does your back seat fold down flat? My SUV back seat folds with an angle reducing under roof space… I now am thinking if I should try to remove back seat at all.

[@renatahawkdreams]

It doesn’t fold down completely flat. When I built the bed platform with fence boards I accounted for the angle and made the platform flat.

[@RavRoving]

Our Rav’s are twins!😅

[@renatahawkdreams]

Yeah! just saw your setup too! Stay safe and have fun!

[@19320000000000]

Do you like this RAV4 generation better then the current generation.

[@renatahawkdreams]

The newer generation has a very nice body style and probably more advanced technology, although I’ve never driven one, I’ve seen dozens of videos reviewing them. I like mine for now 😊 Thanks for watching.

[@destes151]

How do you handle the seats notbeing flat for your bed?

[@renatahawkdreams]

I built a leveled bed.

[@cassidysmith3743]

I am just curious when you have to take the vehicle to the shop to be worked on? What do you do?

[@renatahawkdreams]

At the shop they don’t usually have to open the trunk to perform routine maintenance. I also don’t keep the bed and my camping gear in the car when I am not on a camping trip.

[@chelvinone50]

Nice setup, I have the same trim model and would like to upgrade my tires. What size did you go with for the Falkens?

[@renatahawkdreams]

Awesome. These tires are 235/55R18 Wildpeak A/T trail

[@chelvinone50]

@@renatahawkdreams Thank you!

[@Melohhdee]

May I ask what size your awning is?

[@renatahawkdreams]

Hi, this one is 49 sq ft. It's the SunSeeker by Rhino-Rack and I got it from this website: www.etrailer.com

[@krimstix]

where did you get that awning?

[@renatahawkdreams]

I bought it at etrailer.com This one is the Rhino-rack Sunseeker Awning 49 sqft

[@krimstix]

@@renatahawkdreams Thank you! I've been looking for that exact one. I'm also getting a falken wildpeak AT Trail. 👍👍

[@renatahawkdreams]

@@krimstix Awesome! Have a good time !

[@johneroyale]

Very cool! I'm in the market for a Rav4 currently. What trim level do you drive? LE, XLE, ?

[@renatahawkdreams]

Thanks. Mine was the Adventure trim. I recently sold it and have been camping in my mini van :)

[@maylin1986]

​@@renatahawkdreams Do you happen to have a video of the pros and cons as to why you decided to upgrade to the specific van you currently have? Any help is appreciated. Thank you for your time and patience. ✨️✌️

[@renatahawkdreams]

@@maylin1986 Hello ! I haven't done a video on that topic yet. I got the van because I wanted to have a camper that allows me to sleep, sit-up, have a desk, etc and also to have the experience of building my own camper van. I will do a video showing it sometime soon! The pros of the van are what I described above, but camping in the RAV4 was also great because it had more ground clearance, all-terrain tires, all that fun stuff if you enjoy venturing out on dirt roads.

[@Sophos1964]

What is the length of your bed platform?

[@renatahawkdreams]

I think it is 75" long, I can double check but it's around that number. If you're going to build one, base it on your height to suit your needs.

[@bringthemustard8411]

epic

[@tomoneill9301]

How is your gas mileage with the equipment on your roof?

[@renatahawkdreams]

I was getting an average of 24 mpg on this car.

[@katemccarty1420]

I'm doing same right now

[@renatahawkdreams]

Awesome ! Enjoy and thanks for watching.