Transforming my dad's Mazda CX-5 into a cozy micro camper in under an hour! 😎🍄💫

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I'm switching things up this time, and giving my viewers what they asked for... a no build car camping setup in a compact SUV! Come along as I convert & transform my dad's Mazda CX-5 into a cozy and comfy mini condo on wheels, ending in a tour! How did I do? Would you have placed anything differently? I would most likely bring my fridge instead of a cooler for anything more than an overnight, but I wanted to go with a good starter setup that most people can replicate on a tight budget. Thanks for watching!! See you next time when I'm back in Terra for a different kind of advanture! ==== Check out my minivan no build setups in this curated playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLoZ0vzM0yMpkaUlyWM0zxPfowrww1XuVr&si=JuQpeTrwYW3UdBkI ==== My mattress review and bed setup for any SUV or minivan kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX6oYmZmbZZgiqcsi=UlkNm8dyG6TxExN8 ==== My setup details **As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it! Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used: Bluetti EB70S Power Station (800W inverter with 716Wh): amzn.to/3nhu0ft Elegear self inflating mattress amzn.to/4dkyhDM mushroom bin: amzn.to/3WZ4sD0 joulle travel kettle 500W: amzn.to/3VMQ8gI Shower bag: amzn.to/39LSDtM disposable female urinals (Travel Jane): amzn.to/3EGHebl urinal/reusable no spill bottle: amzn.to/3Z3lWMM Luci Light inflatable solar lantern: amzn.to/3YXvJ6U Lunatec pressurized water bottle: amzn.to/3KBgXyX macrame fruit hammock/bag: amzn.to/3lOlwLT Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp: amzn.to/3lHxBCl cup holder inverter: amzn.to/41bpluz bamboo breakfast tray: amzn.to/3GiXM8Q low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle: amzn.to/3YD96EV Aeropress coffee maker: amzn.to/3lLFKG5 Insulated cooler bag: amzn.to/38FK6IG USB LED light bulb: amzn.to/3yVudZc Luci solar string lights: amzn.to/46mPF6X large storage hamper: amzn.to/3OVtO0S chargeable hang led color change light amzn.to/41a5IUm

[@AB-kg6rk]

That is a great build, very stealthy. I like you sharing your supply list, makes it easier for your fans to buy the crap. I think its great that your able to capitalize off and share your incredible logistics talents, you clearly have a unique talent just like a musician, nothing wrong with you earning a living utilizing your abilities. Best🎉

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that!!

[@deborahhuckaby4623]

Car camping in an SUV is like a game of Tetris setting things up. Lol. I go through it every time I car camp in mine. You did an amazing job in setting things up.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Lol, great analogy! (Maybe that's why I like creating setups so much - my old love of Tetris!Terri's!! Thank you 💚

[@aprilg.382]

Thank you for this video. I have a Mazda CX-5. I’ve been trying to figure out how to make this SUV into a camper.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Oh good, I'm so glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching!

[@JennyLong-nj5xe]

You made that work well in that small space! Amazing!! Homey!! 😃 👍

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thanks so much!!

[@naytawalker9705]

congratulations. The car really turned out very nice. It looked comfortable and practical. You have the touch to decorate small spaces.🙋🏾‍♀️👏🏾🙌

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that!

[@mkatyo]

What a timely video as I've just spent the last three days researching how best to car camp in my CX5 after having to sell the little camper van I was previously using. I had taken all the measurements and also decided on the same layout in the back-- want to be sure I keep the driver's seat ready to drive off just in case. The only thing I'm going to try differently is using a cooler behind the passenger seat while driving and at night as a base for the top portion of my mattress. I'm going to try to put all my kitchen stuff in a Costco Coho Pack and Carry box (also hoping strong enough to use as a step up for my dogs) and most everything else will be in REI packaway cubes (on sale right now:) that I have absolutely loved because they can be moved around and grabbed from any side. Anyway, awesome job and thanks for sharing your setup!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I think that's a good idea about the cooler - that would help keep the ice longer that way too, I bet! Sounds like you have a really great system worked out!

[@myjournalingcorner]

Love this! I camp in my SUV and am so excited for your video!!!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you for watching, I appreciate it!!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Love this! We went with a NO BUILD approach in our van and couldn't be happier! The ability for change as we evolve and/or adventures change has been a wonderful route! Happy Travels! “Keep making memories & adventure on!” ~Karen & Shannon WOY

[@Myyt6908]

You have a genuine knack for this Heather! Gave me some ideas for my daily driver…I noticed your black band that you are wearing on your left wrist…..F.C. for sure!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much, and I'm so glad it was helpful! (And definitely FC!!) 💚

[@divinecomedy0]

This was exactly what I’m looking for. Thank you! I just bought a 2016 Mazda cx5 to be picked up this week. Was trying to figure out if I could make it work as a camper. You did a great job. 😊

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Yay, I'm so glad you found it helpful. There was a lot more space than I expected there to be with its compact size!!

[@susanmorgan647]

Amazing! Congratulations ❣️

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!!

[@ritacolombani714]

Looks great, nice & cosy well done 🤗👏 👏

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!!

[@ritacolombani714]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures 🙋‍♀️🤗

[@tomirodriguez]

🎉 pretty nice 😮🙌🏽

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!

[@ltran686]

Omg, I will try it with my CX5. Thank you so much.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Yay! I'm so glad you found the video helpful, thanks for watching and good luck!!

[@cindyjohnston3134]

if you had 2 cushions....you could put them width ways to make a chair/bed and everything else is in the rest of the back :)

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Great job, Heather 👏🩷

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!!

[@Arlene_witha_y]

That’s my exact car!!! And i have the same sun rays pillow cover and Turkish towel in the background in your camper!! 😊

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Oh my gosh, too funny, hi SUV twin!! 👋 that Turkish towel is my favorite of all the ones I have - I keep saying I need to get a few more in diff colors for my shower towel & beach towel, too! I hafta say I was really impressed with how cozy it was, and I love the way it drives (and some of the upgraded features my minivan doesn't have, but don't tell her I said that!) Thank you!

[@sueramirez5906]

Amazing!!! Great job Heather. 👏

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!!

[@LisasEnchantedLife]

Got some great ideas for my compact SUV. Thanks for the videos 💜

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Oh good, I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@aiden2325]

This looked awesome - well done!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!!

[@truesurvivor8439]

I love that you talk with your hands like me lol random thought but I love this video

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you for that! I'm self conscious about it at times, so I appreciate that!! 💚

[@rissiemcconnell989]

You have so many nice things that I’m sure you’ve been collecting a while. I have some things but wow.. no where near all that. I will be buying a few things but I wish I knew the most important.. yours is LOVELY

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much! I have been slowly adding items as I go over the past few years, so that definitely helped with this. I think it's best to add as you go though, b/c I bought a couple of kinda pricey things in the beginning I could have done without! 💚

[@tinabeane]

Great idea and video!!!! Move over HGTV ;) Can't believe you did it so quickly.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thanks lady!! I was actually shocked at how quickly it went! 💕

[@soulchild2003]

Maybe put dad’s Mazda cx-5 in the title to reach more viewers. Good job girl

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you! And that's a great idea, thank you, I think I'm gonna take your advice!!

[@tammy9162]

Agreed! I Myself, been Searching for a Year now on this Type of No-Build Build Vehicle and have only come a cross maybe 3 videos, specifically for this Model. This is so cool to see! I've been dreaming & planning a camping/Living trip for almost a year now. I've gotten only as far as making, makeshift bug screens for my car's windows, and they are an awesome gamechanger. 😍🤩😃

[@crazylady..]

On most vehicles you can remove the head rest, and store them elsewhere. Allowing for more space.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Good tip, that would definitely make the storage well more accessible!

[@Michael-gq2yi]

Great job Heather when I go out on the road I 'd wish can give me pointers on how to set up my vehicle.

[@vintagevirgoT]

Great video Heather!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thanks so much!!

[@leejohnson1362]

Great job. ❤🎉 I have an a suv for camping very cozy

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!

[@estheronajourneytocontentm1097]

Hi Heather. Love your little organiser on the drivers seat. It’s always a bit of Tetris organising to find the right fit along with being easily accessible & close to where it will be used. Was concerned with the front passenger seat so far forward your side vision would be obstructed but with putting the cooler on it (as opposed to taller bedding basket) I see the side mirror can still be used. Would highly recommend for safety while driving to put your activity tote which is heavy with books etc. lower down behind the other totes or back seat to prevent it becoming a flying missile should you have to stop suddenly. Thanks for sharing how it can be done in Mazda CX 5. I have a CX 30 & have been wondering if this could be done so I’ll be giving it a try. Cheers from Australia.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you, and thanks for the feedback! And while driving, the activity tote can just barely fit on the floor in front of the other totes, so I think that's probably what I would do, so it would be sandwiched btwn the trunk and other 2 totes that can be strapped in to the anchor points next to them! Good luck with your CX30!! 💚

[@sherrylovenguth657]

I love this!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!

[@krissobkowiak7683]

Very inspiring!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thanks! 💚

[@cdnbuddy5798]

Set is awesome just need a collapsible toilet like a bed pan for ba seat!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Yes, I think I would definitely need to switch up my emergency toilet for something more compact for long term - this one does collapse into the lid for storing, which I should have mentioned in the video darn it, but that wouldn't really help if it was needed inside. Thanks for the feedback!

[@isabellayogurte2308]

Love this for my Rav4. Where didbyou get the kitchen stuff containers and can you offer its measurements? Thanks so very much!!!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I so wish I had a link for the totes, b/c they really are the perfect size! I'll measure them as soon as I have a chance later & comment here with the dimensions at least. (Unfortunately I found them at a local Marshall's and they were sold out in less than a week!)

[@MariaSaldlibar]

Hi I am new watching your KZbin channel video loved so much. I keep watching to end ❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@amys5715]

Thank you! Can you explain using the toilet in the Car?

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I do have a collapsible toilet I could use in a pinch (along with sealable, disposable urine bags) but I haven't actually had to try it inside the smaller SUV yet. If I was going to do long term in the SUV though, I think I might look into the carloo,, since it's shorter and can go right on your seat. That seems like less maneuvering needing!

[@WanderingWithWanda]

Great job! Who woulda thunk?! 😀

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!!

[@tracymarie5]

Nice

[@mizheidi]

Great job!! This gives me ideas on how I can tweak my setup. Your dad's car is similar to mine except I have a hybrid with a big battery that takes up half the height of my trunk. And my 60/40 split has to be behind drivers seat, uhg. Its like a puzzle lol

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you! I've heard that the hybrids can be more challenging to work around b/c of that! But I bet it's nice when it comes to gas!!

[@josephinezermeno887]

Love the suv setup! May I ask when you got the plastic totes from? TIA 😊

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you! I found them at Marshall's (I wish I had a link I could share darn it!) I went back a week later to get one more just in case, and they were out at all 3 near me!

[@josephinezermeno887]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures thank you 😊

[@ToniWall]

Great video! What kind of cooler do you recommend? I just see a lunch box listed in your Amazon links.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you! I opted for a soft sided RTIC - this is the one I purchased, but it's not currently available on Amazon amzn.to/3Tc4mW6

[@angelabraggs7614]

I love it

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Yay!! Thank you!

[@kirstenstrobel4387]

Brava! The only thing I’m having trouble figuring out is how you would use the emergency toilet… I was thinking along the lines of in really bad weather and not being able to use it outside because its location behind the driver’s seat is really pretty inaccessible?? Maybe I’m missing something there!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Reading this comment, I'm kicking myself for not going into that more. I wanted to mention that it collapses down to the size of just the lid for storage to make more space available, and ability to use it as an extra seat at camp if necessary... I think I can move up the drivers seat enough to create just enough space to scoot from the seat to the toilet where I'd be able to swing my legs around the side to the extra legroom created. But ideally I wouldn't have to find out lol! (For peeing I can just use the urinal or disposable version by kneeling on the seat)

[@kirstenstrobel4387]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures I can see where what you describe might be possible, but this old gal would need the shower tent very close to the door! 🤣

[@cherifroehling6593]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures In my Tucson, my adjustable toilet fits on the seat- super easy and folds down to fit under the front seat.

[@cybercrafter8588]

How do you do dishes? I love this setup ad I have a small suv

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thanks so much! I have a collapsible sink I can use at campgrounds when water is available & have Dr Bronners soap for that. But usually I do a wipe down with a paper towel first & then spray with a solution of 50/50 white vinegar & water and then use a washable microfiber for that. And when I'm lazy I will occasionally opt for disposable plates & utensils, but I try to keep that to a minimum!

[@KytkaHilmarJezek]

I don't see a link to the totes. They are a good size. How many gallons?

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I should have checked the gallons before I removed the stickers, that didn't even occur to me darn it! Unfortunately I picked them up at Marshall's earlier this year, and they sold out really fast, so I don't have a link ☹️

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Window covers? 🤔

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I have magnetic black curtains I meant to bring for the side windows and my pop up shade for the front, but I left them back at home base when I left to film it unfortunately. ☹️

[@juliebelize4285]

Puzzled by the toilet when there does not appear to be a space in which to use it.....?

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Reading this comment, I'm kicking myself for not going into that more. I wanted to mention that it collapses down to the size of just the lid for storage to make more space available, and ability to use it as an extra seat at camp if necessary... I think I can move up the drivers seat enough to create just enough space to scoot from the seat to the toilet where I'd be able to swing my legs around the side to the extra legroom created. But ideally I wouldn't have to find out lol! (For peeing I can just use the urinal or disposable version by kneeling on the seat)

[@juliebelize4285]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures Wasn't sure if I was missing something such as you noted here. You did a real nice setup, tight toileting aside. Thanks Heather ~

[@Prayfortheworld107]

No clothes

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I'm not sure I understand your comment. Are you asking where the clothes are stored? If so, I explained that I only had 3 days worth of clothes in my pillow case, but then showed all of the additional storage space where you could easily fit several packing cubes of clothing and shoes under the 2nd row seat