Car Camper 2.0, Living in a Honda Civic Hatchback (4K)

[@terrydavis5223]

I have a 2009 Civic. Absolutely best car I've ever owned with 136k. Good on gas, easy to park, starts every time, minimal routine maintenance. Hondas are just good cars. Never occurred to me to camp or live in it!? Mind blown! Excellent content! Great presentation! Liked, Subscribed, saved, left a comment & shared! Pictures at the end? Stunning! Thank you for sharing👍🌞

[@VChameleon]

I agree on the Civic, love this car. Glad you like the pictures, as I wanted to show not only the car camper but what I'm doing with it. For me, sharing some of the sights and experiences while traveling makes for a better video & story.

[@Lyndonkb11]

@@VChameleonsuper cool!! How many kms does the car have on it now?? Likewise to TerryDavis, I have a 2006 Honda Civic sedan, and I can say the best and most reliable car I’ve ever owned, 610,000kms and counting !

[@VChameleon]

@@Lyndonkb11 My civic is at 172,000 km now. Started traveling at 30,000 in May 2020.

[@Lyndonkb11]

@@VChameleon that’s super awesome!! Many many more to go! They’re a great car. My 2006 just hit 611,000kms!

[@vpbalon]

This is, by far, the best video I've watched in terms of living in a vehicle. Thank you for the time and effort in putting this together. Enjoy life and may you live long, if not forever. Cheers!

[@colinl5985]

Agreed. Very thorough and detailed.

[@letscook63]

Agreed!

[@sbombfitness]

Wow, this was an amazing video! I'm definitely do something similar to this when I buy a 2022 civic hatchback later this summer. I live in California, so in 3-6 hours I can so many different beautiful places (Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, Lake Shasta, Sierra Nevada, etc)

[@XabooAlex]

What a charming, adventurous life you lead. Watching video gives me ideas on arranging my car. I have a lightweight mobility scooter which has been a nightmare storing it in my car. You have actually solved that issue for me. Thank you

[@KungFuChess]

Nice! I car camped in a Honda Civic in southern Australia years ago it was a blast

[@elosz2630]

I love it! Thanks for this complete vidéo, I have the same car here in France and I travel and sleep inside. Good job 👍 Amitiés de France 💙🤍❤️

[@Chubbydippin]

This is great, thankyou for sharing. You really have all you need and have it all arranged/organized in a smart way. Most importantly, unlike so many others, you definitely seem happy. I must commend you on achieving happiness. I'm considering this same vehicle and doing something similar with it. My only worry is the vehicle's ground clearance. With approximately 6" of ground clearance and the desire to camp and drive on roads that are unpaved I worry. Have you considered lifting the vehicle and or larger/taller tires to enable safer driving on "mildly" rough unpaved roads and visiting places further off the beaten path? I haven't been able to find a lift kit for a newer civic. Even 2-3" more of ground clearance would help. Thanks again for sharing.

[@VChameleon]

I've never thought of lifting the civic, or using larger tires, though it would be nice to have more clearance. Found lift kit options with a Google search (I'm 10th Gen). I've driven logging roads in Canada, off highway in Utah-Arizona & Death Valley, the Dempster to Inuvik, as examples, but I slow right down, in some cases it takes a lot longer to get from A to B. It's a small tradeoff in what is otherwise this minimalist's dream.

[@letscook63]

@@VChameleon hi thanks for the bed idea, im about to go buy the plywood now , my civic is 2023 hybrid advance, do you know if it’s SAME size car or are there any massive differences I am looking at your measurements … THANKS mate 🇬🇧

[@mistyluv261]

great idea! how do you get in and out..... from the rear door or the hatch? are there any other cars that you think might work better? thank you!

[@VChameleon]

I enter the camper from the driver's seat. I kick off my shoes, slide onto the bed, quickly put up the curtains. From the front seat is easier, faster, quiet, discreet. I shopped around in 2017. At the time, for a compact car, the civic was my favorite for stylish interior, practical space (hatchback), engine reliability, highest customer satisfaction (in Canada). Six years later, other than regular servicing, I've had zero problems with the car. And NO ONE expects a person to camp/live in a Honda Civic. For a minimalist it's been a perfect car and micro-camper setup.

[@mistyluv261]

@@VChameleon I think this is very smart. However, I am not in really great shape, in terms of flexibility and weight. how much do you weigh and how tall are you? i think if i can get flexible and lose weight, this might be the best option. So I guess crawling over the center console is no problem for you? How do you get out of car? is that difficult? It seems like I might get a cramp in my abs or lower back trying to get out of the rear passenger doors. is there a way to pop the rear hatch to get out easier? thank you so much!

[@VChameleon]

I am 6 feet tall, 170 lbs. I get in/out of the car only through the driver's seat. I have no problem with the center console. ... due to minimal space this is not the ideal camper if you are inflexible, get back problems and/or cramps. .... One can open up the side doors or hatch to get in/out, but doing so makes one more visible to others on the street, which dilutes the stealthy part.

[@mistyluv261]

@@VChameleon thanks so much for the info! i love your ideas. i may consider a slightly larger subaru forester, get in much better shape and flexibilty, so that i can go back and forth on the driver side. when you get into the driver side, are you going feet first, or head first? i can't imagine how you get in there?

[@mistyluv261]

@@VChameleon I am guessing but not sure that you go head first from the rear and into the front driver seat, possibly with your feet and torso bent into the front passenger side, and then wiggle your way into the driver side? or is there a much easier way to get from the rear to the front? Thank you so much. This will help me so much!

[@Dcolvin101]

Hi Greg, quick question, what year and model is your civic? I'm looking at getting a civic and yours seems more spacious than some of the others

[@VChameleon]

2017 LX Civic Hatchback, so 10th generation. I opted for no car sensors in the LX.

[@Dcolvin101]

@@VChameleon wow thanks for such a quick reply!

[@BearsSeasonTickets]

What year is your car?

[@VChameleon]

2017

[@BearsSeasonTickets]

@@VChameleon Thanks Greg

[@newtown6654]

Very nice setup! I've always thought about doing someting like that with my civic. It's crazy how stealthy this is! Thanks for sharing

[@bfaith2102]

I have a new integra about the same size and I’ve learned I can comfortably lay in the back - so I’m gonna get some window covers and go for it! ❤BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY❤️ and also, the animals love you back, clearly.

[@YoureNowOnTV]

I hope the universe doesn't recycle you for quite some time. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us ☺👍

[@adanoreyes]

Incredible video… I was looking for camper ideas for my Honda hatch and I think this is all I need, KZbin is amazing sometimes. Thank you for sharing and good luck to you❤️

[@chocAscetic]

I've recently purchased a Civic Tourer for mountain adventures here in Scotland. Have been referencing your video quite often (it's exemplary), trying to adapt some of your solutions, with some success and some difficulties. I'm guessing you had your curtain fabric pre-hemmed, and then you hand stitched the velcro onto it? Also a little confused on the attachment points inside the car: what did you used to turn the visors, roof handles, and rear window into reliable anchors? Is it some sort of fabric and adhesive? Any details appreciated.

[@VChameleon]

Hi violaine70. The pre-made blackout curtains I bought from a supplier on Amazon (link in video notes). I used a sewing machine to add loop velcro to the curtains. The video/pics will explain the hook bases better than I can by text. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6faen15rcytn7ssi=XeFsiTgEQ60TSkIG Velcro curtains do take more time to make than window inserts. If one is traveling for a small trip(s) then inserts are probably easier.

[@Ubergite]

This must be a top result when looking up “car camper” because it is so useful

[@addictedtoart]

Absolutely amazing. The finesse, details and everything in between was just so beautiful to watch. simple yet efficient!

[@letscook63]

Hi what is the fabric called for the black put curtains please? I’m hoping my car is same size I have civic advanced. Hybrid auto GB.

[@lozmorgan7373]

Nice. you are living the dream

[@VChameleon]

😊😊😊

[@letscook63]

Anyone else doing this ? I’m going to buy the plywood tomorrow! Thanks @greg

[@tybarker5038]

Love the way you set it up. Seems very cozy. I’ve got a Type R myself and would love to do this to save money on my travels! Plus I love being able to keep an eye on my car. The lights really make it luxe by the way!

[@johnrolling5974]

Thanks for the video! I recently bought a 2019 Corolla Hatchback and plan on driving around America next year for a month or two. This really helped. Thank you!

[@nail928]

I should have bought me a Honda civic hatchback instead of Honda accord

[@rebeccaforster4500]

You are so amazing!! I especially appreciate your bathing ideas! I love eucalyptus Dr Teals!!. You may be able to create a business where you help others personally get their car hotel in best shape. Blessings to you!!

[@VChameleon]

After initially using eucalyptus and spearmint, I bought Black Elderberry last week. Soooo nice. 😊

[@TaxingIsThieving]

5:05 6:45 power bank 7:14 mattress 8:17 rain guard 9:19 food

[@norreko]

I have a civic hatchback and Ive considered camping in it with my wife when we go on road trips together. seeing this has hugely inspired me to make my own Car camper! Thank you for sharing your setup! The LED with the Tarp and the velcro is absolute GENIUS!!!

[@mdehnavee7491]

Hi Greg. You answered all my questions and even more. I got so many ideas from you, which I believe would keep me from hard lessons that I would have got doing these by myself. Thank you! Peace be with you.

[@Andy-LucyGSD]

Absolutely captivating! The interaction with the fox was amazing.

[@BigMac-e1g]

Cool

[@travelguy1564]

Hey Greg - good job on your Civic! I have a 2018 Civic Hatchback LX that I order new in 2017. I've been stealth camping in it ever since I bought it but only for a few weeks at a time then I drive home. I use cardboard window inserts painted black when I park for the night. They leave more room inside and are very quick to put in place, plus no one can see that you're camping in your car, looks like very dark window tint. I slide my front passenger seat forward then insert a tray behind it for almost 6 feet of sleeping room. I also have a Kayak roof rack and a bike carrier on my Civic, and the best part is that I usually get about 40 mpg on the highway so gas expense is reasonable. I usually park at high end hotel parking lots so I blend right in at night, with most of my trips to Florida to enjoy the beaches and fishing - works really good! Take care!

[@DazzOutdoors-UK1]

Fantastic video 👍😎

[@GlorytotheKing777]

The way the world is going we might actually all have too. Nicely done ✅☺️ I have a Honda Civic 2008 ! Thanks for all the great ideas!

[@welshman64]

Just came across your channel . Love car camping , great ideas of yours, love the sound of rain on the car at night, your set up makes it so comfy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🚙⛺️

[@VChameleon]

A minimalist camper to be a maximalist traveler. 😊

[@kavehfallahziarani]

Thanks a lot for sharing this creatively minimalist set up, pragmatic, efficient, and yet covering all basic needs of privacy, stealth, personal hygiene and nutritional health, simply mind-blowing and extremely helpful.

[@gunner8226]

I have civic ex hatchback and made custom window tints that are easily removable and they blackout to the outside view in and insulate the car from heat and cold. I used reflectolux spray adhesive and black neoprene fabric to make them. I have a trifold cushion just like the one you showed and a body pillow with Tupperware totes for storage clothes water food etc. The best part is when I want to roll out you'd never know someone lives in the car because everything hides away and I fold the seats up😂😂😂

[@mrj1789]

Hey Brother .. So I was reading through your comment. If you still have the window covers where may i see how they were done.

[@gunner8226]

@@mrj1789 do you have a way I can send you pictures?

[@pomperiposse4373]

This is the best video Ive seen in a while. What a guy, and what a frickin nice car and setup. Lets go!!

[@WrestlingPH]

Thanks for your great ideas. Its my dream to travel in a camper car.

[@complexlittlepirate3589]

My favourite is the magical fox encounter. I feel privileged to share in that via your video. Newfoundland would be a dream to me, though I don't plan to reach it this lifetime as I am in Australia and don't intend to fly again. I don't need to anyway, because you have done it for me 🙂

[@TampaBayMan5390]

Valuable content. I hope you are out there studying for answers and finding truth that when your body is recycled you may have hope of more living. My warm regards

[@cosmosklein2277]

Incredible Mr. Wade. My Civic will be delivered tomorrow and I aspire to see what you have.

[@larrymunro691]

Great video and helpful tips on minimalistic living! Thank you for sharing your beautiful pics and videos of your travels across Canada over the last year. Looking forward to hearing more about your travels when you return North of 60. Cheers & Mahsi Cho Greg. Bon voyage aux Etats Unis mon ami!

[@vincem257]

I’m thinking about doing it Cheap planet fitness membership can also bathe you

[@jacies.journey]

"before I'm recycled by the universe" 💀

[@WiskinWaffles]

I am so thankful to have found your video. It's been a long dream of mine to travel the country and live a simplistic life. I own the same car as you and have already started the process of making it a small camper. Just have to save money for the road!

[@jieya817]

This was very informative! I enjoyed the short clips at the end as well. Enjoy life's journey

[@accobra7515]

Great video. Well explained. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@tthacker33]

Well made video and great ideas. I have been looking into ideas for a few weeks now and not many people car camp in Civics so I'm glad I found your videos! Also, that fox is wonderful and I bet that was the highlight of the day there.

[@mdouglasinc]

Recycled by the universe 😅

[@Lunixed]

You are living the dream! The last clips you showed seem like something taken out of a magazine! So lucky!

[@denizsaygin]

Great car camping tips, tricks and attitude. Thank you

[@Mazxlol]

I've camped in my Honda civic coupe for 3 days and slept in the back seat (super uncomfortable). I am trying to figure out a better way sleep more comfortably. I think I just need some kinda of mattress and curtains. It's true in a small car no one ever suspects a camper! I've parked in many spots, even next to someone's house 😂 I had to come back and modify my comment, very nice footage and photos in the end, I especially liked the big fallen tree and the red fox!!!

[@VChameleon]

I'm traveling the southern US states, currently in Texas. Even after all the time I've lived in the Civic camper, the freedom it gives me to travel anywhere, sleep anywhere, still astonishes me. It never gets old.

[@Mazxlol]

@@VChameleon i would like to do what you do my only issue is an addiction to internet / TV / computers. but ive camped in my honda civic coupe (i wish i bought a bigger car, but at the time i didnt plan on sleeping in it). so far i only traveled to Oregon and California but i would like to travel across all states at some point, maybe just live in the car full time and stop paying rent on apartment altogether.

[@letscook63]

@@VChameleonamazing. I found your channel a few days ago, I’ve been campervan hunting for 4 months, what I want is a lot of £. I can afford it but I have the civic hybrid ‘23 plate fantastic car. I am so excited that I’m going to try what you do from south east coast UK to Norwich. I🚗 got the mattress! have a plan B just incase I can’t cope with the car at night but I think I’ll be OK. I’d love to make those blackout curtains!!! When are you going to EUROPE? 🇬🇧 ? thank you for sharing ! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😀

[@VChameleon]

Both UK and Europe are due for a tour in future years, though uncertain when. The developed world is easier to travel than developing, so I've mainly traveled the latter in my younger years. Lockdowns pushed North America to the forefront earlier than expected.

[@ChrixMadHeck]

You are awesome, man. Thanks for all the details you explained. 👍💪🏻

[@ScotmanUK2000]

Great video demo

[@stevensnell5825]

I just bought a touring and I’m really considering doing something like this. I want to explore and get out of my small town

[@TheNinjoala]

Greg, please let us know where you got the cot size 4" deep zippered sheet, I'm struggling to find them. Thanks!

[@VChameleon]

I found the zippered sheet in a second hand store, Value Village (Savers in USA). It's twice as big as my mattress, I tuck the excess underneath.

[@robwillie226]

Hey Greg. How does the previous bed compare to your current bed set-up? Also, did you find the previous lighting tolerable/sufficient and okay if you were taking a shorter trip, or was it annoying for you?

[@VChameleon]

The current bed is far more comfortable than the first, but i slept 5 months on the first so yes it will work for shorter trips. In the beginning I used a headlamp at night to supplement the car lighting. Worked fine.

[@thehauntedstream7206]

Amazing bro

[@taraelmore99]

You seem really cool 😎

[@clifficus]

Excellent vid, full of ideas, thanks for sharing 👍😃

[@josephbach1]

You just open my mind.

[@DavesGuitarPlanet]

This guy is incredible, and very unsentimental.

[@rileym8346]

This guy knows how to live.

[@colinl5985]

Love this video and you make car camping so easy and accessible.

[@vkhiev]

Amazing 👏. It's challenging enough for me to do weekends camping 🏕

[@thehauntedstream7206]

3:50, did not believe you till you actually showed us from the outside 👀

[@VChameleon]

😁 It was/is no good to me otherwise. Twice the blackout curtains are tested in the video. Once from the inside during daylight (4:13), second from the outside at night (5:24). I lucked out finding exceptional quality 100% blackout curtains. I put the curtains to the test using far brighter light sources, not just the LEDs. Combined with learning to use a sewing machine, overlapping the curtains, trial and error with the velcro, created my ideal of a stealth micro camper.

[@thehauntedstream7206]

@@VChameleon my friend you have an absolute beauty of a setup on your hands. I will definitely turn my hatchback into a micro stealth camper too and so far your vid is my best inspiration! Haha goodluck on your adventures, I subbed.

[@stephenh7344]

awesome video, thank you for the great content

[@deepwoodsengineering3763]

You kick ass bro, I love it. That curtain is world-class

[@MagnusWolf]

Thanks for the video. God bless and good travels.

[@AndyMatrix]

This dude is a machine 🤣 I'm interested in a Honda Insight Hybrid for long distance travel, is the Insight bigger than the Civic?

[@VChameleon]

Appears Honda discontinued the Insight as of June 2022, focusing on a Civic hybrid. As for space, no idea. I've never seen an Insight or measured its interior.

[@feelosophy1921]

I really appreciate the complete black out of light with your curtains.

[@VChameleon]

It took me a while to get the curtains right, but glad i took the time. Love the freedom of camping anywhere.

[@AbdulRehman-w5g8e]

Civic is Civic! Civic is best. And only Civic helped in Soichiro Honda success

[@NebulaLuna]

What type of curtain material is that and where did you get it? I like that it doesn't fully block out the front two driver/passenger windows so someone walking by at night could see no one is in there which further increases the stealth in my opinion over putting things in the windows.

[@VChameleon]

Bedsure is the supplier on Amazon I bought from. The curtains are 100% triple-woven Microfiber Polyester. I used a light far brighter than my LED lights to test the curtains to make sure they are 100% blackout. I dislike individual window insertions. I think the curtains are far better for long term travel / living. Amazon link: www.amazon.com/Bedsure-Textured-Blackout-Curtains-Bedroom/dp/B08GWZ6CB2/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Bedsure%2BBlackout%2BCurtains%2Bblack%2Binches&qid=1636665206&sr=8-5&th=1

[@evamaria644]

Very nice I'm transforming it into my mobile massage. Have you ever thought about removing the passenger seat? I'm considering converting my passenger seat to a hybrid portapotty. A gas can won't work for me. I am a massage therapist who massages in customers' homes, offices, or hotel rooms. I was surprised that most of my clients wanted to come to me. I started looking for travel trailers, but the trailers my car could tow were like the back of my hatchback.

[@VChameleon]

I have not removed any passenger seats. On occasion I use the front passenger seat when driving with a friend. I fold the bed up, move things into the hatch, to clear the front seat. It's nice to have this option.

[@desmondrikkerink9460]

10 years out of a 60L backpack omg

[@iPiht]

great job on this video

[@johncool8653]

Amazing thanks for sharing, great tips.

[@Alicia-tf7py]

This is so amazing! Thank you!! 😍

[@adrianstone2605]

Really excellent video, beautifully shot and edited. Thanks for so much information, really handy stuff that's genuinely useful. I'm in the UK and looking to car camp in my VW Golf, not so different to your Civic, just older! This is by far the best car camping video I have come across, thank you. I did want to ask how you dealt with condensation in the car, not using thermal screens on the windows?

[@VChameleon]

Thanks Adrian! I find condensation depends on environment, local humidity, dryness, temp, etc, but generally ... Warmer than 5°C (41°F) I put a couple windows down 1-2 inches to circulate the air, I get little to no condensation buildup. The rain guards hide the open windows. Colder than -5°C (23°F) I close all windows to avoid the cold/wind, let the condensation build up overnight as it's the lesser of two evils. In the morn, upon starting the car, I wipe the condensation off the windows with a cloth, heat on high, windows open, and drive to air the car out. The last female friend to sit in the passenger seat, knowing I live to travel in my car, exclaimed "It doesn't even smell in here!" and noted how clean I keep the car. So I must be doing something right.

[@nist87]

Hey, I'm curious if you have the link to the mesh bag you're using to hold the batteries. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@VChameleon]

Bought it at Canadian Tire. Any store that carries car accessories will have a variety of backseat organizers. www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/autotrends-backseat-organizer-0371505p.html

[@Kypcia]

Awesome video, love the Honda.

[@romaniac82]

Great vid! Very detailed ! Very systematic

[@notherenow-f2b]

This video is very informative and concise.

[@gastawnn8961]

This guys fucking intense

[@RajeevKapila]

Very Inspiring, hope to do the same some day.

[@ramoztv346]

living the life , gonna do this as well

[@TaxingIsThieving]

“Hatchback”

[@genbtc]

Thanks for the update video! Why did u opt for curtains over custom premade weathertech window shades?

[@VChameleon]

I started out making my own shades. But I quickly realized to install a shade in each window every time I wanted privacy was going to be a pain. Strike 1. The silver reflectors, to me, are not stealth, it's an advertisement I'm sleeping in the car. Strike 2. I find the foil the shades are made from too noisy. Strike 3. I can't open the windows with window shades. Strike 4. With curtains I am able to open windows to allow air flow in the car. It comes down to how much time is one going to spend on the road. A week or month? Buy premade or make your own shades. If months or years, the curtains & LED combo initially take more time to customize but are more practical for long term living. My take only.

[@bertsbug]

Awesome setup very simple.... Keep it up love it.

[@jaleesa00]

You're very professional. What did you do for a living

[@VChameleon]

I (partially) jest that travel is my profession, paid-work is a side activity. I have no degree or profession in the conventional sense.

[@rose415]

great video, thx for giving dimensions

[@christophed4579]

Very interesting and inspiring, thanks.

[@rosianegoroncio4327]

Good. Great. Beautiful place

[@ENFPerspectives]

Wow....

[@DeTAYL.]

Unreal setup!

[@iamalexanderp]

Stealthy and simple❤

[@paulam9911]

where do you keep the plywood when not sleeping on it

[@VChameleon]

In the hatch. I rarely use the back seats for passengers.

[@Brandon-lz5xc]

Good video. Thank you!

[@spellerlittlewing]

Love your battery setup

[@ginnieporter641]

Which Honda civic do you have??

[@VChameleon]

2017 Civic LX hatchback (10th generation)

[@sergioramirez1693]

This a nice amazing setup