Toyota MATRIX Car Camping Setup: (Pontiac Vibe)

I've made a few changes in myToyota Matrix car camping setup. There's always room for improvement! In this video I take you along on my first car camping trip of 2023 and show off some of the changes I've made to my original simple no build car camper. I found some new things and repurposed others that I think make car camping in a Toyota Matrix work much better because they help keep everything organized in the car. Sleeping in a car can be very comfortable with the right setup!
PRODUCTS I USE-
Koolatron Cooler - amzn.to/3oIyPz2
Collapsible Washing Bowl (comes in a set of 3 sizes)- amzn.to/3qjukLY
12 volt USB fan - amzn.to/3oCVZH6
Handy Pee Bottle - amzn.to/3MKIYDh
Car Awning (the one I ordered is sold out in the blue, but here is one the same as mine, but different colours) - amzn.to/42lcFke
Allpowers 100W folding solar panel - amzn.to/45HVjB0
Allpowers S700 Portable Power Station - amzn.to/3N8I0lU
Sterilite Plastic Drawer - amzn.to/3MMKt4c
2.5 Gallon Water Jug - amzn.to/3qlcXKB
Set of 2 Throw Pillow Covers -amzn.to/3qwgxBy (Once you're on this page, look around at the other covers!! So many designs!!)
This storage box type outdoor table might work if you are looking for a 'big box' like mine. amzn.to/3CbQFOk
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LITTLE CABIN IN THE YUKON
When I'm not traveling in an RV or at home working on an RV, I'm usually at our remote, off grid log cabin in the Yukon. My husband and I have had this cabin for over 20 years and love it. If you'd like a look into that part of my life, I have a channel showing how we live there, lots of beautiful scenery and wildlife. So much of what I learned living off grid at the cabin has come in handy living in an off grid RV! The link is here-
/ @littlecabinintheyukon
Equipment I use to create my videos-
Sony ZV-1 - amzn.to/398APIZ
Canon HF R800 - amzn.to/3IkvSsJ
Extra batteries and charger for Canon HF R800 - amzn.to/3rqtFFm
Rode Wireless Go Microphone - amzn.to/3FMpd8W
iPhone 11 - amzn.to/33CMywK
Ring Light - amzn.to/3fCJmDJ
My Passport External Harddrive - amzn.to/3IkV8iq
Wireless Earbuds - amzn.to/3rAmSca
Moza Mini P Gimbal - amzn.to/3tP5jaW
Moza Mini S Smartphone Gimbal - amzn.to/3rtSHn7
Moza Nana SE Selfie Stick Gimbal - amzn.to/3Af6O3p
Campark 4K Action Camera - amzn.to/3rAoHWy
Campark extra batteries and charger - amzn.to/3qE0Cil
Interested in the BEST FOOD for RVing or long term storage? Check out THRIVE LIFE! Truly wonderful freeze dried food!
honeyandme.canada.thrivelife.com/
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#toyotamatrixcarcamper
#carcampingsetup
#nobuildcarcamper

[@HoneyandMe]

Oh my goodness!! I sure say 'handy' a lot in this video!! lol! I'm going to have to find some new adjectives for handy! 😄 If you haven't watched my very first no build car camper setup video, you can find it at this link 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3zFfGRpepuSrdE Thanks for watching and I'd love it if you'd give this video a like and subscribe for more! - Sue

[@nancygee3137]

You have such spirit even though you're going to sleep in your vehicle. I wish I could embrace this life style since I might not have a choice but to live in my vehicle.

[@HoneyandMe]

Are you living in your vehicle now, Nancy? I realize there are people who, due to circumstances, find themselves without other options. I guess it all comes down to making the best with what you have. I know I am blessed in that I do have options. But others do not. I hope you will be able to embrace your vehicle home and see it as an adventure on the way to other housing.

[@ramsam70]

Thank you so much for your videos. I have wanted to car camp solo but never even knew where to start. After some marathon watching of your videos I’m ready to give it a go! I think I’ll do a one night first try just to see how it goes. Thank you for inspiring me !

[@HoneyandMe]

You are so welcome!!❤️I’m so happy you’re going to give it a try! Trying it out for 1 night is a great way to start! And might I suggest sleeping in your own driveway to begin with. I found my first bed was not thick enough after spending 1/2 the first night in my driveway and was able to head inside for the rest of the night before revamping the bed. Much easier than realizing your bed in too hard or soft or?? and being away from home. Wishing you all the best on your new adventure!!😁👍❤️

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Loving your channel. Fellow car camper from Australia. I camp in my Toyota Carolla.

[@HoneyandMe]

Hello! and thank you! My youngest daughter lives in Brisbane! Always great to hear from a fellow car camper! Is your Corolla a hatchback?

[@Ricktofenable]

looking at a matrix now, this looks AWESOME

[@HoneyandMe]

You won't regret it if it's a good one! They are wonderful cars! Good luck!

[@jeffnoble9757]

I've been car camping several times in my matrix xr did less than half the things you've done but I put a fan on at night for me it helps to sleep great videos

[@HoneyandMe]

That's awesome! A fan is a must in the summer when it's hot. I have a couple that I've used. One is a solar rechargeable one that I love. The other is powered via usb to one of my solar batteries. They've definitely helped me sleep better on those hot summer nights. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@user-eo6bk9sg5y]

I love ❤️ your fur babies

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you! They are my babies now that my kids are all grown up❤️

[@maxineoliver7404]

I like the way that cooler and seat cushions work for you! You keep things to a minimum, and everything works! Thanks for sharing!👍🤗🌺🏕

[@HoneyandMe]

You’re welcome, Maxine! I don’t deal well with clutter, so it needs to be simple😁Thanks for watching!❤️

[@justjoanish]

Concise, affordable, practical, and beautiful drone shots. New subscriber, thank you❤

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you for the sub and for watching my video! Much appreciated❤️

[@lightspeedlaserengraving6048]

Great car setup. Love your drone footage.

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you and thanks for watching!😃

[@cindyriggs7306]

Very cool aerial shot by the damn!

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you! I'm having fun with my Insta360 X3 camera! Thanks for watching!

[@FernTheCamper]

Love your camp buddies! Happy first camping of the year!!! Love the treasure chest (aka practical box) PS - your hair is awesome!

[@HoneyandMe]

Hello Holly, my fellow small camper fan! My camping buddies love getting out as much as I do! That box was made for me by a teacher we knew way up north in Dease lake when we were posted there. I just love it and it has had so many different uses! Even once held my belly dancing gear! lol! Or did you mean my tickle trunk box?? lol! That big box holds so much it surprises me! It's like a magicians hat! Thanks for watching, Holly and take care! Love to Thorn and Clive!

[@WanderingWiley]

Great setup, Sue. Really like the simplicity of it. Also glad too see you out hiking a bit.

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Wiley! We live in a beautiful area where there is lots of what we up here call "Crown Land" It's like BLM land in the US. There are tons of hiking trails, places to camp for free on back roads and plenty of wilderness., Our home is smack dab in the middle of the bush, so we don't have far to go to find a spot to camp, hike or picnic. Thanks for watching, my friend!

[@bonniecrites3526]

I love your videos. You speak so clearly and are so easy to understand, especially your how to videos. You make me feel I can do this. I have two large dogs (over 100lbs) so any suggestions for how to camp with them in my car. I don't want to go alone.

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you!😁❤️As far as travelling with 2 big dogs!! Accept that you are going to be a full house! Or car!!! How it works for you really depends on your pups. Do they insist on sharing your bed? You’ll probably need to create a bigger bed space, possibly the entire area in the back of your car to accommodate the 3 of you. You might want to look at getting a car top carrier to hold ‘the stuff’. That would allow you the extra space inside that you’ll need to bring along your dogs. Utilizing the front passenger seat and floor space for things you will need while inside your car, ie.- clothing, cooler, food, water and keeping the extra things in the carrier, like chair, table, awning, stove(?) and any other equipment you don’t need quickly. It also depends on what kind of car camping you plan to do Are you wanting to utilize campgrounds where you unload and stay a few days? Or are you wanting to stealth camp in towns and cities? Being stealth means ‘hiding’ and not having to jump out of your car to grab stuff from a carrier. So this is where keeping essentials for overnighting in the car with you comes into play. I see no reason why taking your 2 larger dogs should keep you from car camping! It just takes some planning and thinking things through. And practise!! I highly suggest sleeping in your driveway with your dogs to get a feel for how it’s going to work. Getting out on the road and then discovering one of your dogs gets claustrophobic 1/2 way through the night would not be fun😂. Honestly, it’s all about trial and error. Finding your sweet spot! And experimenting until you find what works for you. You got this, Bonnie!

[@klondikecorridor]

Those kitties look comfortable! Amazing what you can fit in these newfangled vehiculars. -- time traveler Tin Cup Kelly

[@HoneyandMe]

Lol! Yes, our Gracie is pretty chill with travelling and being in new places. It’s all she’s known. Glad you stopped by in your time travels!

[@Gods-Word-for-everyone]

Absolutely amazing video my dear ! Nice sharing ! God bless you !👍❤

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you very much! God bless you as well!

[@leese.23]

Love the simplicity,

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you! I don’t like clutter, so it needed to be a simple plan. It’s that KISS principle! Thanks for watching!😁👍❤️

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

All it needs is some of your great roman shades... LOL... you probably don't remember but you helped me. Besides the toyhauler, I bought a wedge shell for my truck to do minimalist camping.

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi Clint! No! I do remember! You did a great job on yours. Roman blinds on these little windows would be an interesting project! lol! I am about to make some for our travel trailer though. I'm thinking I'll try them with drop cloths this time. Hope you're doing well!- Sue

[@SilverRose1937]

You got it going on!!! 😃

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi Rose! Thanks! 😄

[@mimitravels710]

Nice set up. Beautiful area

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you so much😁❤️

[@bevr2164]

Just found you, fun to watch the tweaks you have made. Good Job❣🤗

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks so much!😁Glad you found us!❤️

[@BoxVanDee]

Love your car setup. The hatchback awning is great but would not hold up in high winds where I live. The water looks so awesome, very refreshing.

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Dee! Yes, having experienced the desert winds, I agree! It probably would end up in New Mexico! I got those heavy duty tent pegs to replace the cheap ones they always seem to include with tents and things like that. They always bend! Hope you're doing well and staying cool! Love to Maxi!

[@thelilacmum]

Beautiful river walk. 💜

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Heather! Next time you make a visit here, I'll take you. It's pretty spectacular at this time of year with the run off. Love yuh, Sis!

[@CampingTherapy]

Beautiful scenery! I'd have to go for more than one night. :)

[@HoneyandMe]

Planning to go again for a few days next time. Thanks for watching, Doreen!

[@RoyandBeckysTravels]

Great setup!!!! Loved the hike too!!!!

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, guys! It was a nice car camp spot!

[@jannah4288]

Beautiful scenery. What is this place?

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you! It’s at a reservoir for Summerland, BC.

[@lisamallard]

nice and neat set up

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you!! I’m so glad you like it!

[@TheWrightLifeTravelChannel]

What a great set up!

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!😁

[@StaciesCountryCooking]

That sure is a beautiful place to camp. Loved the sound of the water. So peaceful. I really like your car set up. Where did you find your small outdoor rug. I like that size. Have a great day

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi Stacie! Yes, we are very blessed to live so close to this place. I drove by today on my way home from town. You can see the dam from up on the gravel road. The water is still coming over the top, but more of a quiet, gentle overflow now. I got my rug at a store here in Canada called Winners, which is very much like the Ross Dress For Less stores in the US. I hadn't seen ones this size in the stores before so grabbed it when I did knowing it would be a great fit for the car camper. You might find some like it on Amazon. Take care, Stacie and give that adorable grand-baby a hug from me!

[@aimeeesqueda3174]

I love all the footage you captured in this video. Is it safe to say you’re using a drone with some kind of GoPro? Amazing 🤩

[@HoneyandMe]

Hello Aimee! Thank you so much for your kind comment❤ I was using a 360 camera on a 12 foot pole. It mimics the view a drone would get and is so fun to play with! I’m hoping to get a ‘real’ drone in the near future though. Take care!-Sue

[@aimeeesqueda3174]

@@HoneyandMe Very cool!!! You got some outstanding clips. Please say hi to Gracie and Freddie they are so cute!! Take care Sue 👋

[@HoneyandMe]

Freddie and Gracie return the hello🐈‍⬛🐶😁

[@TheHapiCamper]

I love your entire set up! That box holds a ton! Is it bottomless?🤣😂 Really enjoyed this and you look wonderful with your long long hair! ❤

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Winter! Yes, that box holds a ton! It reminds of of Santa's sack on the Santa Clause movie, lol! And thank you for the compliment on my hair! I'm loving having it long again. Take care and I hope things are getting better for you.-Sue

[@Zeldagirl64]

Enjoyed nice set up

[@HoneyandMe]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@xavierluc6359]

Tanks❤

[@HoneyandMe]

You're welcome 😊

[@cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739]

Hi Sue, I just want to say you look amazing...

[@HoneyandMe]

Aww! Thanks so much! I actually really needed to hear this today.❤️How did you know?😁

[@cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739]

@@HoneyandMe oh yes, you're amazing! just watching you for the first time on your channel and how well you pay attention to details.... I'm really feeling you Sue. Yes.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739 Thanks again! I love it when commenters comment back!

[@amelialeatherman5786]

Hello. I was just watching this video, 5 mos late!!!😊 Where is this place???? It is beautiful.

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks for watching! It's never too late! lol! This was filmed at my home base. I live in the Okanangan area of BC, Canada. It is a beautiful place. We live on a hill overlooking a few lakes where there are some fullitmers, but mostly summer type cabins.

[@bigredgreg1]

How cold is that water coming out of the dam face? It looks like one of nature’s Jacuzzis as it streams away. 👍

[@HoneyandMe]

I would think it's pretty dam cold, Greg! lol! The water coming out of there has so much force it's kinda scary. Last year there were 2 of those, but the one 'door' was shut this year. Most of the water in the lake, which by the end of summer is almost dry, is from melted snow, so I imagine it's pretty chilly still, and it is just the end of May which is still pretty early for swimming in lakes here. That would be one heck of a jacuzzi!

[@loricartier368]

I am considering doing this with my cat .. may I ask about the bathroom for situation for your cat? Love ur videos btw

[@HoneyandMe]

Gracie, my cat, loves to travel! Plus she is an indoor cat and only goes outside on a leash. She has been traveling since she was a kitten, so it is her 'normal'. She even rides on a quad and snowmobile when we are at our Yukon cabin! If your cat is used to riding in a vehicle you should have no problems taking him/her with you car camping. If not, I would suggest starting to take the cat along with you on short trips to town, or even just for a drive. Get them used to the car, the motion and the action around the car. Cats tend to 'freak out' so you want your cat to get used to being in the car and think of it as a safe place. Whenever something gets Gracie a bit scared she heads straight inside the car or RV, depending how we are traveling. As far as her bathroom goes, I keep her litter box ( I found one with high sides to keep litter kick over to a minimum) in the front passenger seat foot well. It fits there quite well and is far enough away from the 'living space' to keep smells away and it makes it super easy to clean out every day. I also bought rubber floor matts that can just be lifted out and shaken off to clean scattered litter. Thanks so much for your kind words! I really appreciate your comment and question! Take care and happy car camping! -Sue

[@lweleven3423]

Wow has the box got a bottom . It just keeps coming out 😂 I have a camper but decided to get Subaru now so probably have a similar set up 👍

[@HoneyandMe]

Lol!😂That box is AMAZING!!! It holds so much stuff! It’s been a great addition to my car camper. That’s so cool you got yourself a Subaru! We are currently down in Arizona in our truck and travel trailer and are really sad to to be finding that many of the free camping spots we’ve stayed at over the years are now closed or charge a fee. Even a lot of the Walmarts we’ve used for overnight are now disallowing overnighters. I can see us switching to a more stealthy way of traveling if it continues. I may have to figure out how to fit my husband in that box if that happens!😁 Best wishes for your car camper adventures!

[@Leannthrasher]

Where did you find your box for storage? Great video?!

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi Leann! Thanks for asking! I’ve had this box for years and am pretty sure the store I got it at no longer carries them. BUT, I did fund something similar on Amazon. Here’s the link- amzn.to/3JDP2we Hope this helps and thanks for watching❤️

[@NilDreams]

Nice video. What do you record with? Is it a drone?

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you! I use an Insta360 X3 camera on a 9 foot selfie stick for those drone like shots. Lots of fun with it! TFW!

[@daynadiggle8169]

If it's that hot put on your BIKINI . I'm from Daytona Beach and I see Bikinis every day , even in winter . Doesn't bother me a bit ! Love your channel .

[@HoneyandMe]

Bikini!!! lol! I don't own a bikini!! And it's probably a good thing too!😂

[@ioledelarosa9491]

And you are beautiful 😊

[@HoneyandMe]

😊 thank you. What a nice comment to wake up to this morning!

[@TheHapiCamper]

What a cool place to camp. Wow I’m the dam! What kind of camera is that?

[@HoneyandMe]

It is a cool place, Winter! It took us about 15 years of living here before we stopped here. We go by it every time we have to go to the city. In the summer, you can swim on the other side of the dam.

[@HoneyandMe]

Oh! It's an Insta360 X3 camera. It's a lot of fun to play with!

[@sl8821]

I watched dozens of videos and for the bed I think I will try the couch thing. One question, was your trunk flat when you put the seats down ? Or you don't feel the difference since you the couch is big enough. Thanks

[@HoneyandMe]

Hey! That's great! I have slept so well on the couch cushions. My Matrix seats fold down completely flat. That's one of the nice things about the Matrix. Hope you sleep well!

[@ikichannelhiburan]

Saya suka seluruh pengaturan Anda!

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you so much!❤

[@HappyPlaceCamping]

I like your set up. Simple is good. The canopy is very cool. We got some poles and a tarp for the back of the hummer. Actually used it for the first time last weekend. Worked well to keep the sun off of me while cooking. Very beautiful hike! Loving the dam with flowing water. It’s nice that you have some overflow cuz our lakes seem to be drying.

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Felix! I had the same kind of tarp and pole setup on my old trailer that I lived in in the summers when I was cooking in the bush for a crew of tree planters! It worked great! We seem to have a LOT of water this spring. The snow melt usually fills the lake up and it overflows for awhile, but this spring we have also had a lot of really heavy rainfalls. And lots of thunderstorms. So things are growing like crazy around here. Hoping your lakes get some rain soon too. Thanks for watching!

[@diannamallis575]

all the spinning, BARF

[@HoneyandMe]

Sorry! You must have a sensitive inner ear.

[@user-in3gg6ll8n]

I am thinking of doing this full time, I have 3 cats and Senegal parrot, I have Kia Sorento, any suggestion? My cats never been outside before,

[@HoneyandMe]

I admire your desire to live fulltime in a vehicle! I believe where there is a will, there is a way. But please dont jump into it all at once. Your cats will need time to adjust and become comfortable in your suv. They may not adjust. There are so many things to consider when choosing this as a lifestyle and many more when it includes animals. Space is very limited. Have you thought about a small trailer or RV? I think if your cats adjust and your parrot's cage fits in the suv with room left for everything you need you could make it work, but it may take alot of adjustments and planning out. One of my priorities in my car camper is keeping my pets safe and comfortable. I wish you all the very best in your journey!

[@Ralondat]

Hi where did you get the wooden trunk from

[@HoneyandMe]

The wooden trunk was built by a friend who does woodworking as a hobby. It’s a pretty simple design. You might be able to fund something like it at a craft fair.

[@wengsarica6094]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,great set up...enjoy have a blessed time,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,thank u for sharing watching here,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,new friend from philippines,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks for joining us!

[@susanborbely4525]

What drone are you using?

[@HoneyandMe]

No drone! It’s an Insta360 X3 camera on a 9 foot selfie stick. They’re a lot of fun to use. I’ve linked them in the description.

[@janeb1400]

That aerial shot at the dam is pretty special!

[@HoneyandMe]

@@janeb1400 Thank you! It’s amazing what you can do with a camera on a long stick!😁

[@PEDALSnPROJECTS]

How do you go to bathroom

[@HoneyandMe]

You’ll need to watch this video for the answer to that👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqC8eZejhZ2gfc0si=WpLb84t2Wpc8qyLs

[@nancygee3137]

what kind of car is this?

[@HoneyandMe]

It’s a 2004 Toyota Matrix. Great little car👍

[@jesussaveslivess]

I feel bad the dog has bangs all over his eyeview, cant see where hes going. 😢

[@HoneyandMe]

Lol! Funny you should mention this as he is just back from the groomers! Freddie can see very well with bangs, but I do trim them. Right now they are very short though. Thank you for your concern. Freddie is 12 years old now and doing great!

[@jesussaveslivess]

@@HoneyandMe aww yay!! Hes very cute by the way, dogs are special 🌸❣️

[@HoneyandMe]

@jesussaveslivess He really does not like being groomed, by me or a professional. I always feel guilty leaving him there, but he really looks so cute when he’s done❤️