Turning a Honda CR-V Into a Full-Featured Off-Road Camper!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! What's your favorite part of Nate's setup? Also, you can check him out on his website and Instagram here: nateandnicolephoto.com/ and instagram.com/nateandnicolephoto/ -Tristan

[@sheronlee152]

Ha😂 "it does work when it works" Should be on a t-shirt or bumper sticker! Love it.

[@FreedomToRoam86]

When I first saw that rig and guy, I thought it was not something I was going to be impressed with. A CRV and a dude with more piercings than I want to even count? But glad I kept watching! Sorry Tristan, but that is the best small overlanding and camping rig I have ever seen - major respect! The amount and audacity of the work he has done is amazing in accomplishing cheaply and ruggedly what most overlanding rigs do much more expensively. Great vid showing a great rig, and expanding my perspective - thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@patrickrandallf3]

A great reason to never judge a book by its cover. Fantastic setup and he seems like a solid dude.

[@Jaypher]

Hopefully you learned not to judge people by their appearance now.

[@mollygrubber]

When I was younger I was a real metalhead, hair down to my butt, ripped jeans and leather, etc. I had a lot of experiences where people would just write me off, especially in a work environment. Until I started talking, that is. Yes, someone who looks different can actually be intelligent and thoughtful. Don't judge on appearance or you may be the one looking foolish.

[@korling99]

I bought a 2002 Honda CR-V brand new and put 300K miles on it. The only issue outside normal maintenance and tires was the AC compressor that failed at around 270K. The CR-V was still going strong until 2017 when 2 out-of control SUVs killed it on a snowy day in 2017. Great utility and camping vehicle! I miss it.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, I've heard great things about the early generation CR-Vs! I've always wanted one too.

[@Mmm...yummymummy]

Theybare fqmously reliable. Mine just needed front brakes at.200.000.hard to find.

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

Nice setup, Nate! Bobby is one cute dog. Thanks.

[@ruck-a-tron]

That coffee grinder/brewer is awesome. That makes the whole video worth it.

[@kimprocarione5473]

Loved the coffee maker! And I liked the lightweight platform.

[@carolguezen5829]

WOW! Thanks for showcasing another gem! What a beautiful area!

[@kimprocarione5473]

Cool ideas! I must fall into the for everybody category because I really liked the simple, space-saving, and energy saving tips.

[@RicG.]

I bet Bobby and Bowser would be great friends if they ever met. 😊

[@SUVRVing]

I think so too 😁

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

I wish I could deal with no head room, I'd have so much more storage. I'm not claustrophobic but I kinda freak out when I can't sit up in bed. 😆Cool setup. I like seeing what people do with these smaller spaces.

[@dennyj8650]

Nate is wise for considering the weight of his build items. Very practical setup! I like the platform at the back that can conceal his equipment all the time.

[@jss27560]

I had a CRV that I was going to do overlanding with that was until a tree fell on it. Now I have an Element that I'm getting ready for Overlanding. These videos and yours describing your hikes are enjoyable and give me ideas on what to do and not to do. My amazon wishlist is getting bigger all the time.

[@joecutro7318]

Great content from two common sense guys. Thanks!

[@wildeescape]

Good set up and thanks for sharing. I really like the diesel heater!

[@jessiehead6525]

I like the rod he put on his roof for an awning. I see some incredibly complicated (and expensive!) awnings out there and I think, surely it doesn’t need to be like that. He has a very simple, straightforward design that I could totally live with.

[@richies6420]

What a likable guy, great style. I enjoyed this tour. I wish he did have a youtube channel. I love his passion for coffee, and I want to order that coffee maker he had. Maybe you two could do a trip together and film it. 😊

[@kevincampbell3943]

I bought the same crv new and later passed it on to my son and it went way over 300,000 with no problems.Only usual maintenance.Kinda small though.

[@Rexodus014]

Interesting and informative presentation. Thank you both Nate and Tristan for sharing with us!

[@nancyflaten2300]

Nice! I also have a CR-V (compact RV) I camp weekends in the summer even though I did drive to Florida and back this spring. I removed the passenger rear seat so my bed fits, and still have space for two passengers.

[@natlovell122]

Love these videos as they give me some great ideas. Have to be creative with such a small living space. Hope you’re doing well Tristan and as always thanks for sharing.

[@keithbrookshire]

That car has it al! Impressive.

[@dianespears6057]

Very interesting. Thanks to you both.

[@indianfyre]

As a CRV owner, this is giving me the inspriration I need! Thanks Nate and Tristian!

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

Very nice camper! We have a Honda CRV we converted and it's working out great. I'm a landscape photographer so sometimes I go alone but most of the time my husband goes along. We started out with two extra bins of camping gear and paired it down to only two bins. Lots of storage underneath for my camera gear and other things we need.

[@chainedaddiction]

I’m getting started on my 05 CRV interior build to take to Baja. I’ll do a similar platform for just me and remove all except the drivers seat. Two well traveled cats coming along. I guess I will build a mounted cabinet with 3 pull out drawers for alongside bed platform for all my essentials. Hoping to not need a heater in Baja, just warm blankets. Any suggestion on a good quality mattress? I’m a side sleeper and boney so I’m in a lot of pain on cheap thin mattresses.

[@serenityjewel]

❤ This tour made me smile. I love his lighter build. I'm planning simple, light, and easy for my build also. I'm also an artist and I want to sell crafts on the road, so right now my plan is to have significant storage under my bed and in the back with more room in the front for me to sit on the floor and not feel crowded. A major difference is my environment has a significant effect on my mental health, and I hate lifting totes to get to other totes, so my "build" will have a greater focus on aesthetics and organization. Like with everything goes, we take what we need and leave the rest. It's all about what works for the person.

[@amybee40]

Love the set=up. I've done similar things in my minivan -- drawers with bungee cords, Jackery and fridge combo. And TOTALLY with you on the importance of coffee! Without coffee, I go nowhere, lol. What I will take from this for the future is the awning rod set-up, the cord splitters, the semi-permanent shelf across the back. And also, hope of finding a way to bring my beloved parakeet with me when I travel. Your dog seems very happy.

[@vedapernell6602]

I like the coffee maker. But the heater is needed for me in Michigan in the fall. Brand please.

[@TurtleMyrtle12]

A man with a toy poodle is an adorable thing. 🥰

[@Kawasaki1-m4l]

If you had a Kings awning you can buy 3 sides turn it into a room you'll have more space cooler in summer for you & the dog.

[@robinrapport8728]

You should get a come along to keep with you. It can help you get unstuck.

[@suzmaca650]

Cool rig! It looks like Nate has all he needs :)

[@jeffgodsy9155]

My doctor told me just this week that Pedialyte is better than Powerade for restoring electrolytes.

[@Maddiehere89]

Yes we keep a bottle in the refrigerator during hot humid days of southern summers or when winter viruses are going around. It is a life saver.

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Check out lmnt electrolyte mix!! Many flavors. Have a sampler pack too. I use more water than it calls for so lasts me longer 😊😊

[@BeefNEggs057]

You can do your own with sea salt or pink salt, a little bit of potassium salt (Nu salt to No salt) and a magnesium tablet. Cheap and best of all no sugar or fake sh….flavors/sweetners.

[@samshepperrd]

6:43. Reflectix doesn't just insulate. It reflects radiant heat from the sun's rays. I tried draping a windshield cover over my ice box. Ice lasted twice as long.

[@MapleMarmite]

Nate tells it like it is and speaks a lot of sense on the subject - neat rig and a decent person. Good luck with whatever you do, Nate. 👍🏻

[@soggynomadpress]

Nice build, FANTASTIC dog!

[@markmason4053]

Nate seems like he could be your slightly older brother from up north! Great video!

[@donSparda]

interior roof rack is an amazing idea!

[@Frank-nh9fe]

Like the ceiling storage idea. Doubtful about the cost/ benefit of refrigerator. Hikers don’t have them. Can do without for shorter trips.

[@Zorazora1234]

Thank you for the video… what planning and detailed, learned a few things … creative ideas .. I keep vacillating… do I want a larger vehicle or not! My Honda Element is getting close to 300,000 on its last days .. again thank you .. the coffee cup grinding product is interesting .. gas can on the back good idea ..

[@lanceellis5910]

Love that little Bobby, but Bobby needs a doggie day at the salon! Thx for the tips and tricks to make car living doable.

[@EfficientRVer]

I agree that most builds use way too much volume and weight of wood. I view that as an easy way to prototype and test out configurations, but that once you have the setup you want, it's a good idea to rebuild it with a more engineered solution to eliminate obstructions, reduce weight, and reclaim more useful space. Regardless of vehicle size, creating extra storage space and easier access is a good thing. I was glad to see at 17:06 that he hadn't covered the air inlet/outlet slots on his Vevor 12V compressor fridge. Failing to do that will make the insulation counterproductive. A fridge won't work when sealed in without air flow. Vevor fridges generally (and maybe always, I'm not sure) are just rebranded Alpicool. Some are available with the optional LG (South Korean) compressor rather than Chinese compressor. Those have a big black triangle LG sticker on them in marketing photos. I have the Vevor clone of the Alpicool CX50 with LG compressor, though it's looking like that variation and shape of Alpicool (CX30, CX40, CX50) is maybe no longer made. Their shape happens to be the largest you can fit on the floor (actually spaced up from the floor maybe 4 inches) behind the passenger seat of a 2016-2022 Prius or Prius Prime, after removing its roller-luggage handle, wheels, and axle. It elevates my mattress at the pillow end of a 25x75x4 trifold mattress I use. And yes, I can sleep with the fridge compressor kicking on and off under my pillow. I slept with the fridge next to my bed at home for a couple months before doing that, to get used to the sound. Mine has been running continuously for about 2-1/2 years with zero problems. I chose it for two reasons: being precisely the size and shape I wanted, and that a Vevor was very highly rated in a comparison of 11 12V compressor fridges done by Jasonoid and his father-in-law. They personally owned all 11 fridges, as sort of a hobby/obsession, and that was the video which caused me to subscribe to Jasonoid. Great channel somewhat similar to Hobotech or Will Prowse, though each of the three channels comes at things from different angles.

[@RuggedRunnerOverland]

When he talks about 2x4s and 3/4" plywood, makes me think he's casting shade on me since I had some of the first 2nd Gen Honda CR-V camper conversion videos up on KZbin years ago...lol. One thing I tell people that see those videos to keep in mind, I had absolutely zero skills or experience when I built my CR-V camper conversion build but I at least gave it a try and did it, though it did turn out to be quite a bit over built. Weight wise, I calculated the weight of that build to be roughly around 200lbs of wood but removing the seats offset some of that weight. I've learned a lot from that first CR-V build and improved my design and build quality quite a bit in my current vehicle, a 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner, I still used 3/4" plywood but dropped the weight by at least half cutting out the 2x4s...honestly can't see using anything smaller than 1/2" plywood if you intend on using any kind of hardware like hinges and such. At the end of the day though, these kind of builds should be tailor made to suit the intended use for the owner, we all have different comfort levels and needs. I definitely went overkill on my CR-V build but there were some good ideas I had incorporated with plenty of room for improvement, which I think I was able to do in my 4Runner.

[@80808O]

Please please disable the passenger airbag if the pup will be up there

[@nubiasilva2449]

Súper, que gran trabajo hiciste❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@corpseplague]

Did you turn the airbag light off for the front seat removal? If so how?

[@morningbear3794]

i have the same car i have the same setup. but my gripes are not being able to sit up so i plan to take both seats out of the back and just make the bed plat form as low as possible and just put my bedding on that. at first i went this route to help keep dirt off of my bed which its true this design keeps your bedding cleaner but again not being able to sit up in bed for me is a really big quality of life thing idk just food for thought. i also would love to have a small dometic fridge for eggs and ground beef any ways sick build

[@llorylloyd]

Great vehicle and setup. I encourage you to create a KZbin channel it would be awesome to see your adventures.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

He does well with a small space.

[@smallsailboatbigwater3959]

Watch this one. Great video here! Thanks for making it.

[@blitztim6416]

I have the same car. I love it but don’t think I would totally convert it. I did get some ideas tho from the video. I wonder if he did the lift himself and how difficult it is to do. So where’s Nichole?

[@seanmcarthur3168]

Great ideas

[@appalachianunderground8474]

Awesome video and channel, I subscribed today 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@MickAstoria]

Love this guys effort. Most of his issues would be solved with a t1n diesel sprinter... tons of space and 25 mpg. Super glad I scored mine 3 years ago. It's gonna hit 300k this year and runs like new...........😂❤❤❤❤

[@Mmm...yummymummy]

Who makes them?

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Great video! He has a really nice setup ❤

[@Silas-lf4cc]

It's really not worth the hassle of building a bed, storage etc with ply and 2x4 or whatever into a vehicle this size.The extra weight, not being able to completely remove everything quickly if you need to is just inconvenient. You simply need to remove the back seats, make it flat, insulate the bottom and fit some carpet. Put in a foam mattress, plastic storage boxes, one insulated for keeping food cool and that's it really. Maybe a net strung up with elastic tie outs on the roof for clothes. This way, everything can be removed easily if you need the space back.

[@parsonsrestoration3481]

Nice rig like to find out what sizes tires those bfgs were with the 1.5 lift ?

[@uhuhtapes]

First time I hear a guy in a baseball cap say ‘ive got some bars, i try to keep it as simple as possible’ 😁

[@john-j7e7e]

im looking for a reliable suv or mini van for conversion just for weekend camping trips, 2 people. no need for shower or bathroom. was looking at mazda cx5 but this honda put a kink into my thinking.

[@katmogstad1692]

I LOVE Stōk Cold Brew.

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

great vid! I’m planning a trip in m6 Honda Element. Where to go? That’s why I watch this channel!🦌💌❤️🚙

[@tm8747]

looks great made for you, nut there is one problem in most states the fuel plastic cans CANNOT BE ON THE REAR OF THE TRUCK? placing it there is a FIRE BALL READY TO HAPPEN? im not telling your going to get rearend , but if you did chances are you going not live, . i know in the 11 western states of the united states that a plastic can are not to be on the rear , but a steel cans are?also there is a limit to how much most states ay 5 gals, but if you look at the flat offroad tanks the max. is 4 gals, also i invented a sure way not to develop pressure in the plastic or steel cans , a vent made from valve stem video on you tube, to install with a cut wire cloth hanger, and i took a stem cap and drilled out a small hole in the cap on top, to release the pressure at all times? 1/8" hole!

[@Maddiehere89]

Great info. Thanks.

[@JariLuomanen]

Are those pre-cut/ready made window covers for the CR-V? I'd love a link to the product.

[@AndrzejSawicki-k1n]

Spoko gość ,tanim sposobem ale wszystko przemyślane. Podziwiam kolegę i życzę powodzenia

[@RedFastback11]

Do u get mice inside? Im scared to death of them! I have a Dodge nitro suv and get them under my hood all the time to the point I have to set traps! I tried everything else. The fear of them is preventing me from getting out there. Please, any tips to guarantee I won’t get any inside.

[@Teknakill]

You've been camping in the same spot for to long.

[@cindynichols27]

Really fun video.

[@Trish-j2y]

He is a mess of fun I bet!

[@korling99]

I believe that this version of the CR-V was made from 2002 until 2005 and also came in a manual transmission.

[@SUVRVing]

According to Wikipedia, this is the 2nd generation and was from 2002 to 2006 👍

[@cowboyscoffee]

Great advice

[@kennyc2106]

You guys look like you could be brothers

[@RandomGuy-qm3mg]

The MPG would sure be nice compared to a Land Cruiser!

[@JohnCBurzynski]

Good share.

[@Vshamann336]

So I'm in the market for a CRV but I'm trying to figure out what year would be more appropriate for me. I'm in Florida and I'm going to have to deal with a lot of sand. And I'm a bit worried about that, I don't need to go out too far, but I would like to if I could. And I understand. Maybe I'll need to lift it, but I'm not sure that will give me the desired result. I am also going to be living in the CRV. So I'm looking for what one is best for me and it needs to be great on gas with really around 35 miles per gallon. Plus, I see a few were like 33 and that's fine. That's not a big deal. Anything 30 and below is a no-go because I'm a delivery driver and I need my gas mileage to be great. But I'm seeing where some of the older models maybe a better choice. And it's been hard for me to find good information on using a CRV for off-roading. Now I'm not going to be doing any major off-roading. But the Sandy rhoads get pretty bad pretty quick without going out far and they're extremely easy to get stuck in. Eventually. I'm going to go ahead a pulley hitch on it, that way if I do get stuck I can just go ahead and hook that to a tree and drag myself out. But yeah, what are your thoughts on this and what advice do you have for me? Hopefully I get a response. I see that you probably have a lot of responses and may not get back to me. But if you do awesome and thank you.....

[@luisandrewmiranda4207]

How much u pay on your gas with all of that inside of the CRV?

[@putindead2406]

It's old video because Yukon still alive 🤭

[@godevarcooper9366]

Newfoundland Canada van life

[@harshitsingh6743]

😊

[@emilyseifriz4601]

that dog matted to hell

[@dross24MA]

Nice description and quite a bit of educational information - thanks. I'd love to see your dog have a "lion cut" like my Maltese had -- it was so easy to care for, she looked really perky and she seemed to be happy every time she got groomed.

[@search4truth104]

Honda element is a better choice.

[@kathryntokarska1738]

why?

[@elpatudo3670]

OK buy him one

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Must be small. About 4'.

[@joanies6778]

I don't care how confident I am about things cooling off my pet, I could NEVER leave my pet in the car. In some states it's illegal to leave a pet alone in the car. With temps over 90°-100°F it's much higher in the car... even with the windows cracked and a little fan. Please get a backpack to carry him or leave him home.

[@timothybilotta8090]

No longer than 30 minutes without checking on them. My dog definitely prefers this lifestyle over being left alone in an apt/house for 8 hours a day.

[@appalachianunderground8474]

There is no doubt that this dude loves his dog and takes great care of him.. that dog sees no danger

[@Mike__james]

I'm sure he doesn't leave him in there when it's really hot.

[@whydontyouaskme]

My CAR has 10kwh and an 8kbtu ac it stays 74f all day, and at night it’s 80f for sleep comfort. My cat still chooses to sleep under the blankets when I’m at work, Or in the grocery store. Anyway if a car/van/rv lifer….. doesn’t have an ac that runs 24/7 like me then he should take his pet with him. I don’t understand when people that can barely take care of themselves bring in pets and put them to suffer.

[@whydontyouaskme]

@@Mike__jamesI hope you are right

[@harshitsingh6743]

😊👍🤎

[@Mmm...yummymummy]

That's like mine. I like my old beater. AWD is so great. Notvsmooth as my Cadie tho. All the old lux suv.s r ugly.

[@tonyinfinity]

I don't understand the choices people make in vehicles.

[@pingpongballz5998]

Dude is bleeding on the knuckles

[@Matthewo-b1e]

whats with the ukrainian flag on the car?

[@samshepperrd]

I think we can all do without these advertisements showing a machine gun that never runs out of ammo mowing diwn mass numbers of people. There are unfortunately a lot of impressionable minds here in this country where a high school senior can buy a military grade firearm. I'm not blaming Tristan. I see this ad on a bunch of videos and I am sick of this irresponsible advertising.

[@georgecorreia5314]

Why would you do a video about somebody else vehicle

[@lunatune3714]

Have you been living under a rock...Tristin does these tours of other people's setups occasionally as do many youtubers.....people like to see other people's rigs

[@firstlast-er9jq]

Please cut a hole in the reflector on the fridge so the compressor can breatge