The Ultimate Car Camping Setup

Check out my buddy's car camping build similar to this but with a full size bed!: • This Car Camping Setup...
Full DIY step-by-step instructions: curiosityness....
It's a pretty simple setup that works great for me. Anybody can build this, I didn't really have much experience before this.
Parts List:
1/2" or 3/4" plywood or solid wood if you can afford it (I used almost an entire 4' x 8' sheet)
Two 2.5 gallon water jugs: amzn.to/371jdI6
Plastic mixing bowl for the sink (I got mine at Ikea)
Adhesive Vinyl (to cover the plywood for the counter top): amzn.to/2v1JxVe
Heavy duty drawer slides: amzn.to/2UlmBel
Like-It modular drawers (I got a tall medium drawer and a short medium drawer): www.containers...
Iceless Cooler: amzn.to/31pLhDT
Motion Activated LED light (super handy for at night): amzn.to/3808TkS
Some of the Camping Supplies I Use:
Portable Butane Gas Stove: amzn.to/2SlNex5
Plastic mallet: amzn.to/2GWiM7u
Aeropress Coffee Maker (My favorite way to make coffee while camping): amzn.to/395yd9k
Hand Coffee Grinder: amzn.to/2OrLwsQ
Get all your small kitchen supplies from the 99 cent store. They have everything! And it's 99 cents!
I got my pots and pans from Ikea
*Affiliate links are used where possible
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Full DIY step-by-step instructions: curiosityness....

[@treefloraken8263]

I watch videos about tiny houses, car camping, and van living all the time. This one impressed me the most. You’ve made a truly useable and portable kitchen. I’d love to cook dinner there!

[@reehananisha9183]

I love the simple set up. You don’t have to modify the whole vehicle. Good job

[@melaniedemont4412]

That water and drawer set-up is just brilliant, and removable.

[@Hexadecimal6]

Avid camper here and I'm very impressed with your jeep set up man, props and kudos! My favorite thing in your whole set up has to be the water jug kitchen set up, AWESOME! :)

[@qristv1912]

pretty cool like the garbage papertowel suction holder

[@WindyCityJeepForce]

This has to be the most simplified storage system I've seen built for Overlanding. Finally a good video I can refer to instead of all the complicated drawer systems people build. Nice job man.

[@travisderose]

Thanks, appreciate that!

[@joshstephenson770]

the suction cup paper towel/trash bag holder is pretty ingenius!!

[@AnniePost]

I love this!!! I will be doing this to my Jeep this summer!! I want to go on road trips but I don't want to pay for a hotel!! I want to enjoy the outdoors!!

[@Dillonpickle]

Excellent lateral thinking. Achievable for anyone with minimal tools

[@lordshin73]

I am more of a minimalist backcountry canoe/portage camper, but i have to hand it to you my car camping friend...you did one hell of a job. it almost makes me want to go car camping. Almost...😂 Awesome job. Much respect and admiration from Canada.

[@travisderose]

Thanks!

[@Sig721Tau]

@@travisderose Cool set up. However, I would drill some 3/8" holes in that piece of wood to reduce weight and moisture. It also will help in your vehicle's MPGs.

[@thatoneguy6725]

You should fashion some detachable legs for that plywood platform to double as a table :)

[@Deanna52ish]

I love it. I sleep in my 2013 Jeep Patrot for security reasons (I'm a female solo camper) and because I don't like to waste my time setting up a tent. Love all the ideas. I'm going to have my 28 year old electrician son do this get up. It's awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@gersonruiz1714]

When u said "this is where I store my pot". I thought you were going to pull out all your weed lol

[@ErraticSelf]

Gerson Ruiz A lot of people don't know this but... you can put your weed in there.

[@chrisallenarnett6838]

lol.

[@bombaykhedekar7748]

lmfao me too!!!d but nicely done

[@MartheBishopMcDonald]

lmbo!

[@tonycantu4094]

Lmaooo

[@Deanna52ish]

I bought a 2013 Jeep Patriot a couple months ago specifically to do some solo car camping before my big 2 week Utah Trip in 2017. You gave me some great ideas. Thank you.

[@numbereightyseven]

barry beatty You just had to add that, didn't you. LNM.

[@diannew6066]

But not in the least helpful either.

[@chersgear7202]

That is an awesome setup! We have been talking about traveling for a couple years, just in our suv (over buying an rv) and this would be perfect! I have to have organization, in order to have peace and this definitely offers that. Thanks so much for sharing! Happy camping!

[@overlandcuban]

dude that custom plugs are sick! thanks for the idea

[@themartinblairproject]

Really nice set up. One thing I discovered this past summer while camping out of my Ford Explorer SUV and having my Camp Chef kitchen set up, was if or when it rains, it's a real problem trying to cook in the rain. So this year I'm buying some kind of self standing gazebo / shelter that I can use as an out of the sun / rain kitchen. I tried using a tarp last year but I didn't have any place to tie it to (No trees or anything near by). Cheers from Canada

[@Jackasmacka]

Yo, there are these crazy tents that hook up to your car. That would look fucking EPIC with that setup

[@timeoforin21]

This about doing play time: What you need to have is a base for your tire jack, just incase you get flat in mud. You will need buzzer for your hair, a knife sharpener, good solar recharger and recharger-able flash lights, sold med kit, Carabiners, wood is heavy to build in a car for a 4 cylinder - go light and tight

[@greenpiqued9933]

A definite must watch video for Jeep Patriot owners specifically & for car-campers generally. My goal is watch all your video in my quest to cross country drive from Easton Pa. to Vancouver BC next year. Thank you soo much for the uploads. Truly more power to you & your adventures.

[@vickiwright172]

I love how easy, efficient and safety you’ve got everything you need placed in there. I’m 63, recently retired and so want to car camp! I have an f350 that I’ve used to haul horses and 5th wheel campers but now I want to sell it and go super simple. I’ve thought about truck campers and shell toppers but that’s more expensive and work than I want. You’ve reinforced my vision! Thank you for showing how you did it and for your clear, wonderfully well done video. I’m going to check out the rest of your stuff on ‘how to’ but I just wish you were my son, son-in-law or something where you could build one for me, lol! Have a great day!

[@diman585]

I would just add a strip of protective rubber around that plywood, so it doesn't scratch the interior and easy on the hands when you remove it from the car. Very solid setup!

[@honeyiroam]

sweet. we have a tiny camper set up and we actually have a Jeep Patriot too, think that's what you have in the video. anyway, we utilize the back of the jeep and are always looking to improve. this video was helpful, thanks!

[@raededmon2581]

Very clever, well designed and constructed. I camp out of my Honda Element and having a kitchen like this would be one thing I would add if I had the room. Happy camping and thanks for sharing!

[@earlbigod]

Innovative design and great that it can be adapted to suit other vehicles.

[@argospilotsigyn]

Fantastic setup with the storage drawers, boxes and what not.

[@ladonnad.steele2470]

well thought out and made, I only say that every once in a while.

[@thomasharrison6367]

I love the simplicity of this setup. Combine it with ski bums idea of the free standing awning is just great! In The UK you can buy something similar but it's $1950!!!!! admittedly it s a bed n sitting area it's called a boot jump.. but honestly?? You got it beat.. so simple. IF! you decide to have some kind of cover even a garden pop up one would work.. or as you've saved mega bucks treat your self to a CARANEX idea will work in just about anything with a tailgate or barn doors! I salute you!!!

[@notreal5311]

I've been watching a lot of these, your setup is one of the simplest and the best! Great job, please do another video if you update it.

[@rhondaschroeder9358]

Wow! You've GOT to be an engineer. If not, you're missing your calling, my friend. Well-done!

[@travisderose]

Thanks Mary, I've been thinking about it

[@marilynferguson3483]

I am 70 yrs old. My hands sometimes don't work like they used to. I could do it as I am handy with tools, but trying to get a grandson to get to it before I pull out for the road.

[@numbereightyseven]

Kenneth Hedden Nasty. Let's not meet.

[@prongs95]

mate I am your officials fan. the simplicity used to make all this is awesome.

[@travisderose]

Thanks! I'm glad you appreciate the simplicity!

[@ribrenn]

Nearly skimmed over this cos it didn't look too interesting but glad I persevered. Really nice work! what you've done there is a great utilisation of the existing space. Please don't take this the wrong way but just looking at you, you don't come across as a hard core camper and yet clearly you do the big trips. You've done a great job there. Another lesson to me about making assumptions on first impressions. Great setup, well done. 👍

[@travisderose]

haha its because I'm so pale isn't it! Thanks man

[@Sirskibumsalot]

Nice set up .....and great skills in the work you did . I have a suggestion , carry with you a self standing tarp set up you can drive under then you could open up your hatch to get to all your gear and sit under if its raining or snowing and stay dry while cooking and relaxing .....My rig has a awning i set up .....under it i put a table , lantern , chairs , radio etc. ok thanks for the video and happy trails !!

[@travisderose]

Good idea!

[@quickplaya]

Please give an example of your tarp setup.. id like to see how it is done

[@Imgone2024]

Please tell me how to keep my hatch open without draining my battery.

[@alwaysblessed7480]

Trav...great job very good for a car camping setup. I really like the idea how you can take everything out and back to full size jeep very versatile. It's just like having your own kitchen galley.

[@idahoplantguy9027]

Cool idea with the water jug and sink. Plus whenever you're done you can just pour it out where everyone walks so they can step in mud. 0:46

[@travisderose]

Usually I pour it out of the way but your idea is good too

[@StaplesInTents]

I want to build my FZJ80 Land Cruiser out but I was intimidated by the amount of effort until I saw this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@travisderose]

Great!

[@elisafrye2115]

VERY IMPRESSIVE ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING! 👍🏆🥳

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

Pretty impressive how smart, careful, and innovative you've been!

[@slmtcfn]

I'm curious about the outlet you had installed. Where did you get it, did you install it?

[@njphotoman]

Great setup! Clean and efficient..and as regular campers ranging from car, rv and pull behind trailer on my tour motorcycle, can really appreciate the organization and usefulness of your design and gear. Thanks for sharing!

[@foxdhmtbike]

Suggestion, if someone didn't already suggest it. Turn the plywood into a table and make some legs you can attach to it after you take it out.

[@travisderose]

Hell Yeah!

[@foxdhmtbike]

+Trav DeRose let me know if you make one, liked to see the vid after its done.

[@katehodges2]

Thanks for sharing. I dig the SISU sticker.

[@WeekendWarrior604]

just need a proper bottle opener 😂 thanks for sharing your rig

[@openearsexpandinglives9956]

Pepper Shaker Its a twist off 😆

[@kuribo1]

Gary Buseys kid just described his camping suv on youtube, cool.

[@birdwing98]

5:16 The re-purposed window latches are genius. Great build.

[@williamanderson9714]

add a rooftop tent and an awning on that roof rack and you have a pretty impressive little car camping rig!

[@brandonreimer184]

Why waste money on a rooftop tent when you go to campsites? Much easier to find a flat spot to sleep for yourself than a flat spot for the vehicle.

[@williamanderson9714]

@@brandonreimer184 some times im not going to campsites. and a rooftop tent would be dope for me cuz im constantly going to festivals and with the ease of setup it just makes sense.

[@MichaelDavis-un8ve]

Awesome setup! I am getting ready to take off in my 1991 Chevy Caprice Classic. I am going to use some of your great ideas.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Very nice setup. And the young man could be a model. He has the look! You must be born with. 👍

[@rosemason2071]

I have a dodge nitro which is a Jeep Liberty on a dodge chassis. I plan to convert it to camping in the next few months.

[@deaddropsd1972]

I admire creative, crafty handy young guys like you! Good job!

[@thomasharrison6367]

Like the set up, better than a boot jump and a fraction of the price! Well done! Got a suggestion... how about figuring away to hinge the whole thing on the left side opposite where you sleep so it can be swung around inside finishing behind the drivers seat? That way if you need water or a beer n food etc you can access it from the inside say at night or if the weathers bad?

[@vanguardoftruth4166]

I'm pretty much copying your setup but with my own touches. That is so cool dude. This will be perfect for my subaru. And I have the car lighters back there too! Thanks mab

[@setlife8847]

Ashton Cervi bro I was just saying the same thing for my forester!

[@barfly79]

This kid looks like every rich 80's teen movie bad guy. Congrats!

[@flyingcat2054]

Love your chuck wagon design!

[@alfandeddie]

Very nice set up. Took a lot of planning.

[@marctcholkayan]

good job! love it! you can maybe bring screw on legs for the wood base and it would make a extra table for cooking

[@travisderose]

That's an awesome idea!

[@texedwards3039]

good job!

[@TikkerLoS]

I really liked this this wasn't a (semi) permanent install. Tempted to do something kinda similar in the back of my Wrangler

[@bugsbunny7710]

Pretty sweet and very practical bro you did an excellent job on this ingenious build

[@erins.491]

My hyper-organized- self LOVES this! I was thinking of making a traditional chuckbox for multi-night camp traveling. This system (similar to European van conversions), is so nicely streamlined, I have a much clearer vision of how I want to make ours. Spectacular job. Thanh you for sharing!

[@travisderose]

Yeah I need a lot of organization too!

[@axs7689]

Well executed camper with ingenuity in organizing! Also I think you're the man version of Taylor Swift.

[@travisderose]

Yeah I've heard that before...

[@axs7689]

I hope we don't have bad blood now

[@travisderose]

No way, that's a compliment

[@justineruth_]

Asad Siraj omg, this thread is funny as hell!

[@davidli6899]

thank you... thats who

[@HM-uj6ud]

Love the treeline paint job on the drawers. Super nice touch!

[@tryan8660]

Good work. nice to see what a little get up and go and creative outlook can do. thx for sharing.

[@dianedavidson5283]

Wow! I was going to say, "Hey, my dad built shelves to store camping gear back in the 1970s. Reminds me of that." But, NO. Your stuff is WAY more clever. Good on you!

[@Leon-lp9fl]

Nice fridge and diy set up is great!

[@jaybeecee1949]

Very clever! And could you be any cuter! Minimal, but highly functional. I might add something to catch the water from the “sink”. If you brush your teeth or clean something unsanitary, you wouldn’t want to just toss the waste water any old place. I guess you could walk it to the bathroom (when available), but it’d slop all over. Still, your setup is ingenious in its very simplicity and I congratulate you.

[@6brettes]

very well thought out very cool set up simple n not fussy excellent setup!!

[@Suzanne1999]

Wow, this was a great video. I wish I had a handy friend to build that. That's really cool, how you put all that together.

[@motolifts]

Not exactly what I would put together, but I really like what you did. Very creative, lots of thought went into this. Great job. Decent video too, thank you for taking the time of putting this together and sharing with us. Some great ideas I will be sure to incorporate with my suburban.

[@AnniePost]

I would love to get some ideas from you on how to do this differently. I'm going to start this project this summer!

Awesome, the water fridge and outlet links would be nice. Thanks!

[@windyventure]

I love this setup so much. I've been living in my car for 3 months, would love this kind of upgrade!!

[@cindideets]

Pretty nifty, gave me ideas !! Nice work !

[@jmgrunner1971]

So simple, yet very creative and practical! Thanks for sharing.

[@Mr727db]

Nice! Very cool that you built that yourself.

[@briandean7206]

nice job! I use the plug-in coolers also and I added an extra battery that I can isolate so I can run it all night maybe you've already done that.

[@travisderose]

Nice! That's on my to-do list

[@sallypickering6223]

Get one with a foldable solar panel and you could re-charge that battery daily to use it for longer trips.

[@david-eb1sg]

Well done young man.

[@bobhope866]

Great setup. Simple and functional. I may just make one based on your ideas for my dodge caravan. Thanks for the video!

[@travisderose]

Awesome! I'd love to see it if you want to share

[@NomadicGearhead]

The suction cup paper towel holder/trash bag holder is SO GREAT I hope you don't mind if I steal that idea!!!

[@travisderose]

Go ahead, steal away!

[@kaitlynjonasson]

This is so sick, I need something like this for the back of my jeep

[@marleneserrano1626]

great job not overdoing your camp gear.

[@mrmja50]

Very cool, I have the same year Patriot and have thought about building in the same thing.

[@TrentFlips]

Love this setup.. I'm trying to convert mine into more of a live in kind with the bedding in the jeep with it. But this is killer.

[@ssettev9361]

A smart, organized man. What a dream. 😍 Lol

[@rddirtin909]

I too own a Patriot that's pretty dope

[@kink5291]

Real simple and good design, i will copy some of your ideas. Thank you

[@edthecarpenter]

Well thought out design Trav.

[@KalvinLo]

Everything is well though out, nice job

[@znovosad555]

You should consider a rooftop tent. ARB makes great ones. they also make 12 volt fridge/freezers. Expensive but a good company. Much more compact. All about maximizing space

[@barbaramorgan2887]

Very Clever. Neat and tidy and well thought out. Great video

[@mena580]

Very clever and probably didn't break the bank. Great video!

[@gamure]

What a great set up! Very simple, clan, and functional. 👍🏻

[@donelderjr]

What an epic set up in a P.O.S. Jeep. Fact, 3 of 5 vehicles broken down on the side of the road are Jeeps, take notice. They make them to break, ever part is engineered to break on you. Get a 4runner and go 15+ years without any major repairs, dug.

[@travisderose]

I like it but I appreciate your brutally honest fact

[@MsLiberty101]

nice job!! I like water bowl set up! simple and efficient!

[@harrywarren6282]

Well thought out, dude. Thanks for the ideas. Have a great day!

[@MuzafarTarar]

trav nice setup must say the best diy setup i have ever seen so far thumbs up from Pakistan

[@skywatcher7272]

Best I've seen in a jeep. Great Job ! Thanks for sharing

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍Very cool set up. I like that you built it yourself.

[@Enka_Do]

This one of best I've seen. Thank you. Latches great idea. Actually, best I've seen.

[@lawsonone6015]

Very nice build. Happy travels!

[@RS-jy8rz]

Wow Great Organization I Think. You didn't mention sleeping.