He Lives in an SUV Full-Time! Full Tour of His Setup (Nissan Xterra)

In this video we meet up with Ryan, who lives full-time in his 2010 Nissan Xterra. We go through all aspects of his build, layout, and gear. Enjoy!
** Follow Ryan on Instagram! / bigredx208
Here's a list of the gear Ryan shows us in his SUV:
** WeatherTech window coverings: www.weathertech.com/sunshade/
** Rechargeable fan: amzn.to/3hn437V
** Thorfire lantern: amzn.to/3lk25X7
** Jackery Explorer 300: www.jackery.com/products/expl...
** Car closet rod: amzn.to/2Xb538e
** Jetboil Flash stove: amzn.to/3Elubu7
** Pelican 20 qt cooler: amzn.to/2YRLhiQ
** Descend on Bend: www.descendonbend.com/
** Solar motion sensor lights: amzn.to/3hsQYKp
** Jackery 100-watt solar panel: amzn.to/3hsQYKp
** Jackery Explorer 300 carry bag: amzn.to/2YUM5nf
** Earth Breeze laundry detergent sheets: amzn.to/3lfrbXq
** REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer chair: www.rei.com/product/164385/re...
** Rhino Rack roof baskets: www.rhinorack.com/en-us/produ...
** iOttie phone holder: amzn.to/2X8r7Ae
** WeatherTech window deflectors: www.weathertech.com/side-wind...
(Note: The Amazon links are affiliate links.)
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowhow.com/
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** The company I use for my web hosting: www.a2hosting.com?aid=5dd04ea50f139 (Affiliate link)
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#xterra #camping #outdoors

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to check the video description to see links to everything Ryan shows in this video. And don't miss Ryan's Instagram account, too: instagram.com/bigredx208/

[@anitablades6033]

He didn't say if his jackery was strong enough the jump his car ! Just wondered if it would jump it ????

[@MichaelRichards983]

Dude, his posture is all sorts of jacked up....he shouldn't be sleeping like that.

[@newzealandrelaxinghikes]

Thanks a lot for the video.

[@newzealandrelaxinghikes]

@@anitablades6033 That depends from the type of your car, say petrol or diesel. Also, the condition of your car battery makes a difference. I have another jump start and my following experience with it. 1. I was able easy start my petrol minivan a few times with discharged car battery in overall good condition. 2. It was harder to start VAN with 2 batteries one day. They used those batteries all the night, so I was not able to jump their VAN next morning. 3. I was not able to jump start diesel SUV with dead battery. No way, completely hopeless. Cheers,

[@newzealandrelaxinghikes]

@@MichaelRichards983 I believe that does not depend from his sleeping position.

[@thomasmccormack4796]

What I have learned from these videos is that all you need is an SUV/ minivan, a mattress, a cooler, a Jackery power source, and a gym membership.

[@FreeSpiritMom]

Yep and you can even do without a cooler

[@topthermite9253]

@@FreeSpiritMom and w/o membership. Just find some woods and a bottle water. They even sell portable showers. You can put tarp to hide

[@FreeSpiritMom]

@@topthermite9253 most definitely. I don’t have a gym membership. I use my bucket and spray bottle

[@thatdudeinblackshoes]

Also you need to still live at home with your parents. The amount of times this guy mentions "my mom did this for me" "my dad did this for me" "my parents let me do this..."

[@FreeSpiritMom]

@@thatdudeinblackshoes or just have a good standing relationship with your parents if they’re still alive and well. I’m living alternatively now but I pray to God that when my daughter is older I will always be right in my mind and body to help her any way possible. Some families are more helpful than others. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

[@beginning-reloading]

Great video! Ryan is my nephew and I applaud him for his sense of adventure and how cool is it to be featured on the SUV RVing channel. Nicely done Ryan, you are an inspiration! 👍Thanks for showing this to the KZbin world!

[@mikefranks4528]

5:04 I totally agree with you that sleeping on my 3 inch foam mattress in my 2013 Ford Edge was the most comfortable bed I slept in and got the best sleep ever in my life. I contemplated on “why that is” and I believe it’s because I was able to pay off my debts and get that big monkey off my back - bills and rent. I believe the psychological factor has a lot to do with the quality of sleep.

[@MelanatednNature]

You are correct

[@arturoharvey9733]

I think another reason is living on the road is a more mentally active lifestyle. On average; you have to make more decisions and process more unknown people/places/situations than you would staying in a house/apartment during your off hours. By the time you lay down your brain is comfortably exhausted and lets you sleep.

[@Keith-zm9qo]

@@arturoharvey9733 I'm a semi retired truck driver,...10 yrs of " living on the road " ....what your describing is called " decision fatigue ". Trip planning every 1-2 days depending on where ,what, how, & why.. yep Ur brain will be tired ....Your Spot On 👌✌

[@anthonypeters44]

Ryan seems like a cool dude keeps everything organized and clean you would never know he lived out of his Nissan Xterra

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Anthony!

[@johngavin1175]

@@BigRedx208 So it's a 2010 Xterra? With over 100 k miles? Have you had any problems with your ECM? I have a 2014 Xterra with just over like 95k ,and my ECM went out all of a sudden with maybe a little bit of a warning via transmission issues. Xterra's are great vehicles,despite my experience.

[@theyadore9164]

@@johngavin1175 i have a 2006 Xterra SE and im getting to 180k and ive never had a issue with my ECM

[@Hoptronics]

​@@BigRedx208 howser the rev life going? It all looked brand new. Saying. "If I ever. " wondering how that's worked out.

[@lovelyshermane8814]

This video makes me happy. I can totally relate to his entire setup Love his simple humble and gentle spirit

[@estherstephens1858]

I always love the “no builds”. The part that got me is he’s 6’5”!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Esther!

[@jo100]

@@BigRedx208 just curious, do people say you look 6’0 sometimes?

[@enhancedutility266]

​@@BigRedx208The fact that your 6'5 and live in Xterra gives me hope I'm 6'3 this might be a vehicle I might get myself or at least it's on my short list thanks for all the information that you have given😊

[@ericadavenport2039]

What a nice guy. Kind, peaceful, loves his parents. He'll be a great catch for some lucky lady.

[@Nigriff]

Or dude

[@gavrilmankoo8095]

Where that lady gonna sleep though?

[@coryrakatau]

​@@gavrilmankoo8095 top and tail 😂

[@j3611]

What I love about all the set ups I've seen on youtube is that in an evacuation situation, anyone living in a vehicle is ready to go. While everyone is running around wasting time trying to decide what to take, these people are already gone, avoiding the heavy traffic. I admire the levels of preparedness in all of the people I've seen, they are so thoughtful about what's essential for them; and comfortable too, since their set-ups are tailored for their preferences.

[@inproper3952]

Evacuation from what? End of days? Lol

[@lilyandrose8557]

I love the mobility aspect too, another KZbinr in a bus conversion talked about if a tornado was coming they had their home ready to evacuate elsewhere if those orders came

[@thelittledancingwolf863]

​@@inproper3952 wildfires, floods, hurricanes, etc

[@kriskabin]

Excellent point J.

[@kriskabin]

@In Pro Per You must not live in the American west where wild fires are a REAL THREAT. I've had to leave STAT more than once!

[@catpatrick3838]

Did something similar in my 2010 Highlander. My only "build" was a bed platform and I didn't remove any seats because I wanted it to easily return to a passenger vehicle. I camp in mine, usually for 10 to 14 days in one spot, traveling around for months on end, so I had to get a fridge (I eat fresh so there's that). Also highly recommend a pop up canopy or a clam to use for outdoor living space, a camping table (rolls up and fits in a bag) and the ozark trail camp chairs Tristan has reviewed before (very comfy and work great if you have a bad back). A privacy tent and collapsible toilet for the bathroom, along with a collapsible bucket and rechargeable pump with hose and sprayer for showers. I joke that my SUV is bedroom, pantry and closet, the canopy is living, dining and kitchen, and the bathroom kinda speaks for itself 😂. Back the SUV up to the canopy, open the lift gate and you have everything you need. I usually leave my table, stove and chair out, lock up the vehicle when I go for a hike near camp, can even drive to another nearby location to hike and not lose my spot thanks to the canopy. Can't wait to get back out there after my doggo heals from knee and ligament surgery!

[@sangnguyen-sv2lj]

Awesome setup👍

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

How do you keep the seats in but make a complete bed?

[@catpatrick3838]

@@LisaSoulLevelHealing The second row seats fold down but not completely flat (it's about a 6" incline at the highest point), the third row folds flat. My bed platform is 70" long and 25" wide, made of 3/4" plywood and covered in automotive carpet/felt. I put 6" legs on the bed at one end and in the middle, the other end rests on the folded second row seats. There's a bit of storage space under it but not much. I found a 4" thick trifold memory foam mattress that is 25" wide and 75" long, I cut 5" off the end so it would fit on the platform. I'm 5'4" tall, weigh 135ish lbs, so it's perfect for me and my little Yorkie to sleep on comfortably. I can't sit up on the bed without hunching over but since all I do is sleep in the vehicle it works.

[@drewlsy]

upload a video of your set up like this one!

[@kriskabin]

I have a 2015 Highlander. The 2 back seats didn't lay flat, & even if they did, they'd take up too much precious space, so I took them completely out. These Highlanders are LONG, so with no rear seats there's a ton of wonderful open space! I laid in a rubber horse stahl mat to help smooth out the uneven floor & put a softer mat over it. This was my "build," nothing more. I sleep on a narrow foam mattress laid directly on the floor. Soft sided bags & pillow cases for storage. ( plastic boxes are inefficient space hogs.) I reworked a wooden 10x12" bird's nesting box into a mini chuck box that holds my backpacker's stove & 2 spare fuel canisters, it also doubles as a night stand next to my bed. **Have things that serve more than one function. 2 gal pale w/ lid serves as the chamber pot. Another pale for rag baths when H2o is sourced. Coleman marine cooler, cheap & just the perfect size to fit behind the driver's seat. (Doubles as a food prep table.) Reliance 7gal. H2o container rides upright in front of the passenger seat. Ya, the window rain guards are essential to keep out the weather, of course, but they give you stealth ventilation for when you don't want nosey people to know you're in the vehicle. A roof top cargo box serves as my attic space. Hope this helps folks who are just getting started with nomad life or suv camping. Happy trails 😉. (15yr Nomad here.)🙏 Update: Just bought three 10L MSR Dromedary bags to replace my huge/bulky Reliance 7gal plastic jug. These bags are pricey, but they take up a hell of a lot less space in a small rig. I like them so far. Saw Amanda use them on her "Tideline to Alpine" channel, & I thought these bags would be less heavy to lug h2o in, & they are. 💦👍

[@barbarashirland9078]

LOVED this video. I have a Nissan X-Terra, and I am fortunate to be short enough to easily sleep in the back. I also bought the Weather Tech window coverings. They work great. I use one gallon water bottles because their weight is easier for me to handle. I have a small GoalZero battery and a folding 100 watt solar panel. The battery will charge in about 45 minutes of full sun. I mostly do overnights in my home state of Arizona, but I have camped out for a month at a time. My cooler is a small Yeti. I have often thought I could live full time in it if I needed to. This confirms that. Thanks!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Barbara!

[@Parkitloveit]

In which state do you travel? I ask because I have the 150Yeti GoalZero and the 100W panel and in summer it needs 4 hours to charge completely here in Germany.

[@barbarashirland9078]

@@Parkitloveit I live in Southern Arizona near the Mexico border in the Sonoran Desert. Without much water vapor in the air, the sun is very strong. I did live in central Virginia where it is very wet. The same battery took a whole day or two to charge there on a 100 watt panel. The amount of moisture in the air seems to make a huge difference. Our city here in Southern Arizona has two huge solar arrays outside of town. Also schools and other public buildings such as libraries have covered parking, and on top of the parking shades are more solar panels. It is practical here to make electricity from the sun for consumer use.

[@fml5910]

You're very adventurous. You sound like a fun lady, and I would love to road trip in my CRV lol.

[@Parkitloveit]

@@barbarashirland9078 that sounds good 👍 sounds like I should travel to Southern Arizona very soon. It’s so annoying in Germany that the sun shines so rarely and I hope I will be more lucky in Italy where I will spend this winter. Have a great day 🍀

[@punktexas]

Dang... That was one thorough nonstop informative rig run down. I've never seen washing machine sheets. Great video with a very detailed orientated guy.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks punktexas!

[@ketoauntie7301]

@@BigRedx208 You gave a very good thorough and well-articulated tour of your home 👍👍

[@BigRedx208]

@@ketoauntie7301 Thank you!

[@martina21953]

I tried to use the washing machine sheets at home. They save space and work great!

[@susie9893]

Yes, I live in a very small studio apartment so I'm always looking for ways to save space. I've been using laundry sheets for quite a while (also handy cos I'm 2 floors up from the laundry room and no elevator - lightweight)

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks again, Tristan! You did a great job on the video and it was so good to meet you! Hope we can collaborate again soon! 🤝

[@dianeallen3724]

Hey Ryan. Do you have plans available for your bed platform? I really like it.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

6'5 you're one tall dude to be sleeping in a truck man! You're very creative I enjoyed this video

[@melindamims2203]

I hope someone tells Ryan that if he wants to put the black side of his window coverings out, all he has to do is reverse the passenger sides to the drivers sides and they fit that way. They are made to do that.

[@gypsybelle4757]

Of all the builds I have seen, I have never come across the idea of a hanging “catch all bag” for nightly use. Simple brilliance! Great design detail. Thank you for the tour and insights!

[@susie9893]

True, I was thinking about a recent backpacking trip I did as he said this. Living out of a small space with not a huge amount of stuff yet I was constantly losing things! I tried to be as organised as possible but when you're constantly pulling out stuff it means you're constantly reorganizing. I became anal about keeping the really important things in the same place at all times

[@fenix310]

In order to use your weather tech window coverings black side out you just put the on the opposite window of the same size and it will fit correctly, this way your windows will appear to be tinted at night. When you leave the foil side out at night you can see it and it’s obvious that someone is inside sleeping. Same thing with the sun shades for the front windshield mine have the silver side and the black side and when it’s night time I make sure the black side is positioned outwards

[@user-rn4tt9gw2p]

I love the way you think bro…I’m so big white that…like anal probably 😂it looks stealthy and you can be in the car and it looks inconspicuous…never the silver side brother 👍🏽

[@cbeetem]

Guess I should have scrolled before commenting 👍

[@lordmalachi6]

Do they keep heat out the same black side out? Say if you have them in that way during the day. Or should you be switching them back and forth if you wanted to leave the back ones in all the time?

[@janaspencer6008]

That is a detail oriented guy! Great thought put into his home. I'll be checking out the weather tec window coverings! Thanks so much!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Jana!

[@michaelangelotaylor8th]

@@BigRedx208 thank YOU for sharing 👍🏾😎...🙏🏾😇

[@cchoi108]

Really helpful really smart setup

[@creepyspaceinvader1704]

The WeatherTech shades are great. Custom made for your car, they give you great privacy

[@suenicholls4950]

WindowShades not available in the U.K. yet - maybe because we don’t have the same demand.

[@coachcj9668]

I'm currently in a 2002 Xterra! Similar set up. I'm static with a full-time job and have a few places to stay. I'm stealing the bed extension idea. I'm 6'3 280lbs. People think I'm nuts but I love it. Stay safe out there.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks CJ! Are you on Instagram? I’d love to see your setup!

[@a56gs74]

Same! I have an 02 w/ S/C and would to see as well!

[@Beach_Guy]

Ryan my guy!!! Lighter your burden the free'r your travel. I was in the military for a long time moving around the world & two duffle bags carried all my things. Were some of the happiest years of my life. Also in regards to the motion lights you dad hooked you up with, very cool. I bought a couple solar motion lights from wal-mart. $9 ea. They'll light up your entire campsite when they detect motion while you're sleeping. I love them. ✌bro & stay safe

[@barbarashirland9078]

And you can use the Weather Tech window coverings with the black side out for stealth. All you have to do is switch sides. The two sides are mirror images of each other. You can’t flip the rear window, so I put black cardboard on the shiny side of the rear window covering.

[@susanshaver912]

I could just about cry. My beloved 2007 Xterra got totaled in June of 2021. It only had 88K miles and I loved camping in it. This was the year of auto shortages. Not being able tofind what I wanted I got a Subaru Outback. But I sure miss the roominess of my X! Drooling over your build.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Susan! I’ve thought about a Subaru Outback or Ascent if something were to ever happen to Big Red..

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

Great guy. Great setup and description. Great filming...thank you for not interrupting him so that we can process the flow of his entire.

[@stphns1737]

I have the same window coverings for my rig and when I want the black facing out I put them in the opposite window. It works great :)

[@BigRedx208]

Thank you! I’ll keep that in mind!

[@tubetime39]

Stphn S: I was wondering, opposite windows when reversing sides, Thanks !

[@sophia4christ]

He's so organized! It was a pleasure to watch and learn. 👍🏽😁🇯🇲😁

[@BigRedx208]

Thank you!

[@gp4708]

The "catch all" bag is smart! Thanks for the video.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks G P!

[@susie9893]

Yes, I've seen similar ideas for front cab but not for night setup

[@tiburonsaanz]

I’ve added more stuff to my buying list with this guy than anyone else and he’s minimalist. The car rod, the jet stove, the window shades… I definitely have to try them in my suv.

[@angelaratzay9034]

Loved this tour so efficient i could listen to you for hours. Good luck

[@serenityjewel]

Just FYI, if you want the black side out, you switch the covers to the opposite window and it'll still fit exactly. So the cover labeled rear passenger would go on the rear driver window if you want the black side out.

[@susie9893]

That's what I figured but good to hear it confirmed. I liked the idea of storing them under the mattress. What can you tell me about the longevity of these vs diy kind

[@serenityjewel]

@@susie9893 These will last years. The DIY ones don't.

[@stephenhill2404]

Ryan's a great guy because he manages with what he has and he's happy!

[@SkepticalRaptor]

The Weathertech Window shades are amazing. I bought a set for my SUV, and they fit perfectly. They are also high quality, and reasonably priced. I cannot recommend them more.

[@beach3girl459]

I have a 2011 Xterra, same color even! Ryan's setup is great. Motion sensor lights are a comforting alert if needed. The only thing not mentioned is bug screens. In FL, they are a must have!

[@yeetamous]

also in NC

[@katmogstad1692]

I bought my bug screens from a company in Russia. They are amazing! Custom made for my windows.

[@BigRedx208]

Thank you!

[@RootlessWanderer]

I am giving up full-time vanlife for full-time SUV life and this video gave me heaps of ideas! Thanks!

[@TheRock-xj7hs]

Excellent,down to earth,simple, realistic, critique of build.

[@BigRedx208]

Thank you Rock!

[@catcauldron217]

Oh! What a beautifully organized young man. Thank you for all the great tips.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Cat!

[@eckankar7756]

Excellent presentation, what a good communicator he is. I can't imagine how much money he's saving living so efficiently as he is in Big Red. This guy is going to be ok for the rest of his life, he's smart and he plans.

[@LookOutside...]

he bought it brand new 10 years and 90+k miles after someone else bought it brand new. pretty sweet setup and some good ideas for viewers to use 👍

[@donhatt1115]

M

[@IntenseAngler]

Excellent setup and a very well thought out design brother! Thumbs up!

[@BigRedx208]

Thank you!

[@IntenseAngler]

@@BigRedx208 You're more than welcome Ryan! Thanks for taking the time to share your setup. Keep on living the good life brother! All the best....

[@asdfjkl7496]

Like the bed platform. And I'm ordering those Earth Breeze sheets. I think they're a great idea on many levels.

[@IntenseAngler]

@@asdfjkl7496 I couldn't agree more my friend.

[@sadenni]

This guy seems so cool! very thoughtful and organized set up. I’ve never considered SUV living, but I drive a Ford Escape and it’s got me thinking 🤔

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks sd!

[@SabrinaDawn444]

I absolutely love the shower rod idea! What a great rig! Thank you both!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Sabrina!

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Super simple conversion. Ryan knows his vehicle well. Awesome job, Ryan!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Alexander!

[@ricdonato4328]

16:30 for those not familiar with Xterra, all Xterra's come with their factory first aid kit. It goes in that location. My 2004 Xterra has their original kit. Each year I look through all the medical items, anything expired is replaced, and I have updated it with other items as well. Some countries have a requirement all vehicles must have a first aid kit, this way folks can lend aid as needed. Yes, in those countries failure to stop and lend aid can get one in much trouble.

[@EthanjPope]

For anyone wondering. He said something about the weathertech window coverings not fitting right on the black side. The black side is for the winter and to get them to fit correctly you put them on the opposite side of the vehicle. Passenger side silver will be driver side black. Just a heads up. I have a full vehicle set and love them. Way better than the homemade reflectix

[@sierraseb3311]

Ryan's Xterra is my fav rig tour. I've watched it twice to see how I might be able to fine tune my setup. Thanks Justin!

[@sierraseb3311]

I luv the Weather Tech products too. Just bought the solar motion lights for my RAV. Been looking for some. Wont come in time for my August camp trips but will have them for September. TY

[@BigRedx208]

Thank you!

[@sharonfincher2032]

Home is what you make it, not necessarily a house or an apartment wow, love this you are so inspiring. We make life hard chasing big house a big car lots of clothes, life us really simple

[@nonyabizness.original]

tip: to store some of my reflectix window covers, i keep the ones on the driver's side rear in place, since you can't see out those windows while you're driving anyway. then flip the covers for the opposing windows and push into the driver's side windows on top of the ones already there.

[@DonaBologna]

This was the best video on SUV camping. Thank you!! 😊

[@krissmith2004]

Best tour I’ve witnessed. Excellent editing I’m sure but this guy is direct,logical and concise.

[@whiteraven69]

I learned from another YT video on a build out for the Nissan Xterra...that the seats can be removed and the seat backs will lie flat . I felt rather foolish , it took a video to learn about this feature, however I was very excited and it gave me more room to create a bed platform. Thanks for posting your Xterra tips, I learn something new with each content creator.

[@kaylaw366]

This setup is so dope! Way to go Ryan!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Kayla!!

[@cathybutler4532]

Looks like a well thought out design. There are a few ideas I have been thinking about like the weather tech window covers. I now have curtains. I am also thinking about a good cooler. Thanks for showing us how a well organized suv/rv can look.

[@barbarashirland9078]

I have the Weather Tech window coverings. They are great!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Cathy!

[@miaeade3148]

Thank you. I loved the entire video. You're very organized and detailed! It's easy to see that you are a wonderful human being as well.

[@marciesigrist7921]

Ryan...You rock. I'm jealous!!!! Keep on going!

[@theraptureisnearbelieveinj7695]

Wow! I’m very impressed with this man’s set up! Thank you for being so detailed in your explanation of everything! It’s much appreciated! God bless you both! :)

[@edwinsantos3137]

Nice video, well done! Always to the point and you’re not repetitive. Big fan with your videos. Please continue with your video uploads more frequent. Thanks

[@shochikubai8084]

Thank you for posting this video. It answered questions I had about traveling/living in a vehicle. Thanks to Ryan for sharing!!

[@poweroflove5306]

Inspiration, organization, gadgets & more!! Love the calmness that goes with thinking out van designs!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@kevincrozier8625]

Back in mid 80's I basically lived out of my 1974 Ford Econoline van. It was a smaller one with a small engine with three in the tree. But I had a single bed a frame I put in it. Back then there wasn't a lot of stuff that you have today. I had a cooler that I put ice in every three or four days. I carried a small charcoal grill with me. I started driving big rigs in 88'. And most companies I drove for were from another state from where I live. So by then I moved up to a Dodge Ram conversion van. And that was great because I would drive to where the company was, so when work was being done in my truck, I had my van to go and do whatever. But back in the 90's I found a butane one burner stove at the T/A truck stop. And that was the only place I ever saw them. So I got that and then Coleman and Igloo came out with these small motors in their coolers. So it got to be pretty good. And living in my big rig was basically the same as living in the van. Just a bit more room. I really enjoyed living in the van. Carried my guitar and just hit the parks during the day, then find a spot for the night. Usually at some truck stop.

[@genitagray6126]

This is a great video with practical ideas. You have thought of everything! I’ve seen ideas in this video that ppl could also use with van life. Smart guy!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Genita! 😊

[@brenpgrace]

Absolutely love this video and his set up! I’ve been living out of my Subaru outback for 20 months so I can appreciate this. I’m also a minimalist. Thanks Ryan!

[@RootlessWanderer]

Great set up! Thanks for showing us this SUV Tristan! I am giving up full-time vanlife for full-time SUV life and this video gave me heaps of ideas!

[@amiralions2681]

Ryan is a boss and his rig is seriously clean! Because of his height I'd love to see him eventually get into a Nissan (if that's what he likes) high-roof cargo van because when he rests on the back of the passenger seat he's doing damage to his posture. He's young so it doesn't hurt now, but maybe later it could become an issue. He seems like a lovely person so I pray for his protection on his travels.

[@NoonMight]

I love minimalist and minimalism, so this video was very satisfying

[@dreamzofhorses]

I love seeing all the various set ups and tools and techniques of so many creative people. I will be checking out Weather Tech for window covers and wind/rain guards! Thanks so much Tristan & Ryan! Happy travels!

[@BigRedx208]

Thank you! Happy Travels!

[@treezza2817]

Lots of new and good info in this home on wheels that I haven't seen elsewhere. Great setup!

[@drrahatjafri]

Thanks Ryan for showing your set up. You are a neat and organized person. Keep it up!

[@peggywilliamshelske6886]

After watching, I went on Amazon and purchased the Jackaree 300 power station. Planning MN, WI and MI. road trips 2022. I think it will be just what I need. Thank you! Safe travels

[@benjaminjacques3371]

Awesome setup, hats off, good job brother. Simple functional & doesn’t break the bank !!!

[@dennyj8650]

great setup and explanation! Very thoughtful and concise!

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

I use Earth Breeze washer sheets too. They work really well and are so good for the environment. Thanks for sharing your place, Ryan. Stay safe and well!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Libby!

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

I also have Weather Tech window covers. If it is cold outside, you can put the black side out on the opposite window. When the sun comes up and hits the black material it will absorb the heat & warm up the inside of your vehicle through heat transfer. Simple science says black absorbs hear, that heat will transfer through the window cover into the vehicle. Loved the tour!

[@flynbenny]

What a cool setup. Just got an Xterra for some 4WD stuff, but I also plan to use it to tow my race car to events, and it would save me a ton of $ to skip the hotels and sleep in the truck. Now I have some great ideas!

[@lyndasmith593]

That bed set up is genius. I like the way you have everything set up it's just perfect happy travels and be safe

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Lynda!

[@kriskabin]

A bed platform takes away precious head space. 💭 Sitting upright in bed & having to bend your neck gets old quick. Also, a platform & mattress raises one up to window level, so there's more of an exposed to the public feeling. * Think about the traditional Japanese way, & live/sleep on the floor of your rig. Less is More. (Easier too!😉)

[@gaoda1581]

​@@BigRedx208If you see this, you need to do some research on pillow heights/sleep positions. I think the way you're sleeping is giving you forward head/neck posture. It might feel fine now, but it could really affect you negatively later in life!!

[@thebigmann81]

If you want to use black side just use opposite window. That should work at least for the side windows

[@e.Kennedy246]

Sounds like lovely parents. So clean, organized plus many wonderful tips from Ryan too!

[@LiftOperator52]

As someone with wanderlust and two bus builds as past travel rigs, this set up is sweet. I had an Xterra for 18 months and LOVED IT. Mine was great in the snow even without the 4WD. I want to start doing some long weekends again in 2023 for disc golf. I could make do in my Impreza but I’d really like to “have to” buy another Xterra for myself to travel and camp in. I have a full tent set up and that can work, but sometimes you just need to sleep asap, especially with narcolepsy. I’m really hoping I can add another Xterra to my life. Was such a handy rig and drove great until the rust was too much. Got my money’s worth though at $1400 for 18-20 months of use without any problems or repairs.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Chris!

[@citygirlunplugged]

Great setup, Ryan! Organized and efficient! I love that you put your window coverings under your mattress. Great way to store them!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Courtney! I’m still amazed by your Jeep Compass setup! Hope that’s still working for you!

[@mideleon]

Thanks Ryan & Tristan! Very thorough run through of the setup.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Michael!

[@markpashia7067]

So many good ideas that will help. I have a Rav4 but it will be similar so thanks for the ideas. Just gearing up and going out for two days trial on Monday so food for thought here. Just a shake down with new set up before going out next month on a multi week run. Thank you Ryan and as always Tristan.

[@BigRedx208]

Thank YOU Mark!

[@dixxebell]

its the coziness that makes it so nice,

[@BigRedx208]

Agreed! Less clicks and bumps in the night. I sleep great!

[@jeffMinnesota952]

thanks for sharing Ryan and Tristan, good ideas

[@truthseeker1833]

I have those same solar lights and they are great! I just bought a roll of magnetic tape from Walmart cut 2 strips and put it on the back of the light so I just stick them to the side of my van at night set on motion detection. During the day I put them face up on the passenger dash close to the windshield to recharge via solar

[@sh00ca]

Love seeing Xterras being utilized like this 😻😻

[@EvieVermont]

Another great video, Tristan!

[@GldenCat]

This was the best example of what I should pack and how I should do it! Best ever!!!

[@BigRedx208]

Thank you! 🙂

[@therelaxationbox5025]

thank you for showing us your home dude!!! just getting into overlanding and you gave me some great ideas!

[@terryqueen3233]

I was thinking of doing the same thing in my Jeep Liberty. You have given me a lot of food for thought, thank you very much. Have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Terry!

[@KayBeeStew]

Great content! Thanks so much!

[@bod7425]

I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@tonydelariva7163]

Thanks Ryan. I have a Pathfinder, which I seems to me to be basically type of vehicle. I would fix mine up just like yours, so thanks for posting this to show people the ropes who want to SUV full-time like me.

[@bosslady1188]

This an absolutely amazing setup here. Thanks for sharing..

[@txLALA]

The bed platform is awesome.

[@stevengatewood2725]

Ryan and Big Red are pretty cool. Safe travels.

[@lauramaillie3745]

This was a great video. There was stuff that I didn't even consider. Thanks Ryan for giving me some great Christmas gift ideas.

[@BigRedx208]

Always happy to be of service! lol. Thanks Laura!

[@monicawilson896]

Smart and concise setup

[@dustang5.O]

Sounds like a great guy full of genuine happiness. His relationship with his parents remind me of myself. Visit them as often as you can.

[@robertreynolds2726]

Outstanding, very well organized 👌

[@patsikora5169]

Thank you.You gave me some great Ideas.

[@heatherangellight8558]

Wow he had great tips and we took a lot of notes for our plans.

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks Heather!

[@fierymongoose]

I’m a little late to the party but that rig is awesome! I just got an 02 xterra with the same thing in mind. Thanks for showing us around brother I appreciate it, definitely gonna source one of those jackery chargers now!

[@BigRedx208]

Thanks James!

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Great setup! Very cool!