My No-Build Jeep Camping Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Elisabeth

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My No-Build Jeep: Dependable and Fun
Just because I upgraded to a truck doesn’t mean you need a new vehicle to camp in comfort. For years, I made do with my trusty 2015 Jeep Cherokee, and with a few simple tweaks, you can turn almost any car into the perfect camping rig to live out your road-tripping dreams!
Beatrix and I have shared some amazing camping experiences in the Jeep. If it was up to me, I’d have kept the Jeep forever and just made it magically capable of holding more stuff. I loved the ease of folding the seats down and settling in with my dog curled up next to me as I lazed around at Texas State campgrounds, reading books and snacking the day away, just enjoying doing nothing.
This Jeep also took me over 5,000 miles the summer of 2024, across 6 states, through four national parks, and over endless miles of stunning scenery. It was reliable and comfortable, and I depended on it to keep me safe and happy. Almost any vehicle can be your perfect road trip rig if you keep an open mind.

Here’s a step by step guide to how I use my Jeep for camping.

Step 1: Create a Sleeping Space

By putting the seats down in the back I was able to create a sleeping space in my Jeep that was big enough for Beatrix and me. You’ll find a ton of info out there about building out sleeping platforms and things like that, and while I’ve done that for my truck to get some extra storage space beneath the bed, that’s not absolutely necessary for camping. Folding down your seats the old school way works just fine.

If your back seats don’t fold completely flat, you might need to fill the gaps for better support. I used plastic totes to create a level surface—and as a bonus, they double as storage!

No build Jeep sleeping setup
The whole setup with the back seats folded down

These plastic totes fill the space between the seats so my sleeping pad is supported all the way across. I store my electronics in the top tote. Why yes, that is a vintage Little Mermaid bed sheet pilfered from my family linen closet!

Check out my comfort camping post to find out more about how I chose my mattress pad.

Step 2: You’ve Got to Have More Power!

Power is essential to comfort camping. For trips at a powered state park site, I can rely 100% on this little Jackery battery. I plug an extension cord into the park’s shore power, and into the Jackery to power it, then I power everything else off of the Jackery. As you can see in the photo below, I have the extension cord plugged in to power the battery. The little fridge is charging off of the battery in the 12v spot. When I drive, I power the battery from the car, using the 12v connection in my trunk.

I just run the extension cord through my back window, which I leave open for airflow anyway, protected by a window screen (more info below).

Jackery powering no build Jeep setup

Here, the Jackery is being powered by shore power through the extension cord. While driving, I power it with the car through the 12v in the trunk, which you can see to the left. The fridge is plugged into the Jackery battery’s 12v spot.

Step 3: Figure Out Food Storage

Having a fridge really levels up your camping experience. It provides you with everything from cold drinks to leftovers you can simply transport and heat up over a small propane stove.

The number one reason I got a fridge was to transport Beatrix’s medicine, which has to be refrigerated. That’s why I’m so careful with making sure I have enough power all of the time, and why I usually choose powered campsites.

I’ve used this BougeRV fridge since last summer when we took our big cross-country road trip, and I love the little guy. It’s affordable and does a great job, and holds everything you need.

BougeRv fridge in no build Jeep setup

Getting my fridge packed up before my road trip last summer. As you can see, a whole oat milk and a giant bag of apples can fit in there, along with other snacks and my dog’s medication.

Step 4: Keep Safety and Privacy in Mind

You don’t anyone walking by to just be able to peer in at you, you know? I swear, one of the easiest ways to create a little privacy is by hanging a simple bed sheet. I have a navy top sheet that lives permanently with my camping supplies and comes on every car camping trip with me.

A simple bed sheet does the trick.

As you can see, I just tie a corner of it it to each of the little handles and pull it tight (What are those little handles called? As a kid we called them “oh sh*t bars” but somehow I doubt that’s the technical term).

As you can also see, it’s not totally perfect. You can still see partway in. If you want to stealth camp at a truck stop I recommend something a little more substantial than tying a sheet to the “oh sh*t bars.” But I feel perfectly comfortable camping at Texas State Parks like this. Plus, you want a little bit of moonlight to be able to come through or how else are you going to bask like a nature witch bathing in the moonlight?

Keeping your windows down a bit is essential for airflow when the weather is warm. In fact, cracking your windows a bit is also essential even when it’s cool, so you don’t wake up with condensation all over the place (did you know you breathe out a ton of water when you sleep?)

But you still want some privacy and you absolutely do NOT want any bug in the vicinity to just be able to fly on in, so window screens are the perfect solution.

Gosh Beatrix, can you just not look like a hostage in my window screen pic? Kthanks.

I use window screens like this. They have a stretchy part at the bottom and you just pull them over the door frame.

Step 5: Temperature Control

Temperature control is essential to your comfort. I tend to avoid temperatures below the upper 30s and above, like, 70 degrees F. I find it a little easier to stay warm in cooler temps than to stay cool when it’s hot.

No matter what the forecast says, it’s a great idea to bring along a fan. I use this little USB rechargeable fan and it can make it through almost two whole nights on one charge. If you have to camp in warmer temps, then fans, parking in the shade, and reflective sunshades can help keep things cooler.

I also swear by a heated blanket, like this one. When I’m at a site with shore power, I simply plug it in to my Jackery. Electric blankets draw a lot of power though, and even with the Jackery plugged in and drawing charge all night, I’ll notice using the blanket drains my Jackery to 60 or 70% by the morning. However, Beatrix loves it on a chilly night, so it’s worth it! I’ve heard that 12v blankets use less electricity, so if I end up trying one of those, I’ll let you know how it goes.

Could you see yourself camping in a setup like this? Or do you have your own tricks for turning a car into a comfy camper? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!

Top 5 Comfort Camping Tips

by Elisabeth

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Think camping has to mean suffering? Think again. Comfort is the key to making any trip enjoyable—especially if you’re not into “roughing it.”

When I talk to people about my love of camping and being outdoors, I get some side-eye from people who know me well. The other day my dad was like, “you know, of all the people in this family, you’re the last one I would’ve guessed would be into hiking and camping.” And I totally get it! I’m not, like, a get-your-hands-dirty kind of person. I’m not into “roughing it” in any way, shape or form. I never really liked being outside and I’ve never been a big nature person until my late 30s.
A lot of that probably has to do with the fact that I grew up in Texas. While there is some beautiful landscape here, I grew up specifically in the land of concrete and highways. There’s practically no public land where I’m from. I was just never really exposed to nature until I got older and explored it on my own, mostly in places that weren’t Texas.

But that’s only part of it. Another thing I learned when I got older is, it’s actually possible to camp comfortably.

This is me camping uncomfortably. After one night of sleeping on the ground at Enchanted Rock in 2023, I swore I’d never do it again—and I meant it.

Once I learned a few tricks, I realized that camping didn’t have to be miserable. If you love the idea of camping but hate the thought of being uncomfortable, read on for my top 5 comfort camping tips:

1) Your car is way comfier than the ground.
Let’s be real—sleeping on the ground isn’t fun. Rocks, roots, uneven terrain… no thanks. Sleeping in your car gives you a flat, insulated, and secure space to get actual rest. If you’re curious how I turned my Jeep into a comfy mini camper, check out my no-build Jeep camping set up here!

2) A hard sleeping pad is almost as comfy as a real mattress.
Amazon has a ton of Japanese sleeping mat options, which are similar to futon mattresses. The specific one I have is no longer available, but there are some others, like this mattress, that look like they’d be great, too. These mats offer way more support than traditional camping pads or inflatable mattresses. At first, I tried sleeping on a yoga mat—big mistake. I felt everything. Yoga mats are good for yoga, not for sleeping in your car.

Yoga mat sleeping pad. I do not recommending if you’re a Princess-and-the-Pea type like me. I felt everything.


3) Sleeping bags are fine, but when the weather is mild, a bunch of soft blankets are the comfiest.
Unless you really need a sleeping bag rated for low and freezing temperatures, a bunch of blankets can be so much more comfortable. Especially if you’re like me and you toss and turn. Sleeping bags aren’t my favorite for that reason, so even when it’s chilly, I just pile on more blankies. You can adjust them easily as the temperature changes. If you’re not camping in freezing temps, you can skip the restrictive sleeping bag.

You can layer soft and comfy blankets like these and add and subtract them depending on your personal levels of comfort and the weather.


4) Bring TWO Pillows.

Just grab your own pillow off your bed. Better yet, grab two! There’s no reason to suffer.
If you don’t want to bring your inside bed pillows out into the wild, you can invest in some that are just for camping; but don’t skimp on quality!
Something like these comfy memory foam pillows will work perfectly.
I currently have these pillows on my bed and always take them camping with me. I just swap out the pillow cases for clean ones when I get back.

5) Not having access to a toilet doesn’t mean you have to pee on the ground.

One of the biggest concerns for new campers is where to go when there’s no toilet around. My favorite solution? A spill-proof female urinal. (Yep, “spill-proof” is key—trust me). There are a lot of options, but this female urinal is my favorite.

You can dump it outside if you’re way out in the bush, or if you’re at a campground and just don’t want to walk all the way to the bathrooms in the night, empty it into a toilet in the morning. Once you get home, you can clean out the container in the shower with some Dawn dish soap. Using vinegar also eliminates odors.

What are your essential comfort camping tips? Let me know in the comments!

The Most Important Red and Green Flags to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car Online (Part II of my saga)

by Elisabeth

If you read Part 1 (How I Almost Committed to the Wrong Truck and the Lessons I Learned), you know my first online truck purchase turned into a nightmare…bad brakes, leaking power steering, a rusted exhaust. I was days away from getting stuck with a $5,000 mistake. Thankfully, I was able to utilize Carvana’s test-drive period and return the vehicle. I still needed a truck, but I didn’t want to get burned again.
So how did I make sure my next truck was a winner? I learned to spot the biggest red flags and green flags when buying a car online. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t get burned like I almost did.

Top 3 Red Flags:

Red Flag Number 1: Multiple Owners

If a vehicle has changed hands every year or two, that could be a warning sign that something’s wrong. During my second search I found a cool truck that fit a lot of my specifications, but the last owner only had it for about a month before it was sold again. This didn’t automatically mean something was wrong, but it raised a red flag. Why did the last owner ditch it after just a month?

I was looking for a truck that had, ideally, only one owner. Always check the Carfax report to see how many times a vehicle has been bought and sold.

Red Flag Number 2: Prior Accidents, Even Minor Ones

The first truck I bought had been in a minor accident and was under a recall notice according to the Carfax report. Even a minor accident can hint at deeper issues. Did the previous owner neglect maintenance? Was it patched up cheaply? It doesn’t always mean you shouldn’t buy it, but it is something to keep in mind.

Red Flag Number 3: Body Damage

The damage my first truck had-dented splash guard, some scratches on the side, bent tow hitch-indicated it might have been driven hard and treated poorly. Again, body damage on its own isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but keep it in mind as part of your overall evaluation.

Now, onto the Top 3 Green Flags!

Green Flag Number 1: A Single Owner

When I found my 2022 Tacoma, I was pleased to see it only had one owner. This truck had not been passed through multiple hands. Single-owner trucks are surprisingly rare, especially used Tacomas. Many have been passed around, so finding one with just one owner was a big deal. It’s more likely in a new vehicle, of course, and it makes sense that a 2022 only had one owner as opposed to the older 2019 I had to return for all of its mechanical issues. But I wanted my next truck to only have one owner, and I’m glad I didn’t compromise on that value.

Green Flag Number 2: Consistent Service Record

This is where the Carfax report can really come in handy. My truck got every oil change done at the dealership. The prior owner brought it in for all of its regular maintenance and mileage-based inspections. In my opinion, this makes it a whole lot more likely that an owner who was getting all of the scheduled maintenance and taking it to the dealership for oil changes was babying this truck, which is what you want when purchasing a used vehicle.

Green Flag Number 3: A Good Inspection Report From a Trusted Mechanic

I brought my second truck to the same mechanic who had diagnosed all the issues with the first one, and he gave it a clean bill of health. “This is a solid purchase,” he told me. “This is a beautiful truck.” Most mechanics will inspect a used vehicle for fee; I paid about $170, and every dollar was worth it.

And this time, I got a winner.

Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she beautiful?

In the end, patience and a little bit of knowledge helped me find the right truck. Have you ever bought a car online? What red or green flags did you run into? Drop a comment below as I’d love to hear your experiences!

How I Almost Committed to the Wrong Truck…And the Lessons I Learned (Part I)

by Elisabeth

Buying a car online? Sounds risky, right? That’s exactly what I thought when I decided to purchase my dream truck through Carvana. Turns out, I was right to be cautious—but not for the reasons I expected. In fact, I almost ended up with the wrong truck entirely.

Spoiler alert: I eventually found my perfect vehicle, but not before making some mistakes, dealing with stress, and learning some hard lessons along the way. Here’s what happened when I almost committed to the wrong truck, and the biggest lessons I learned in the process.

Buying a vehicle online is a weird experience. I had my doubts, but Carvana’s process seemed convenient and straightforward, and ultimately, I found my perfect truck. But before I drove off from the Carvana vending machine in my dream vehicle, I had a near-disaster with my first choice.

We’ll get to that in a minute. First, here’s what I learned about buying from Carvana.

There are one major upsides of buying from Carvana: The 7-Day Test Drive

One of Carvana’s biggest selling points is their seven-day test drive period. Basically, you have seven days from the date you pick up your vehicle to decide if you want to keep it. You can return it for any reason, whether it’s too big, too small, has uncomfortable seats, whatever.

But for me, the best reason to return a vehicle? If it’s a mechanical disaster. Which, unfortunately, is exactly what happened with my first truck.

My First Truck: A Costly Mistake Waiting to Happen

The first truck I bought from Carvana was a 2019 Toyota Tacoma access cab. It had 52,000 miles, had been in a minor wreck, had two prior owners, and was under a recall notice. But, it looked cool! It had a sweet storage rack on top and some aftermarket lights. I was excited!

This is the only photo I have of that truck. I’m more prominently featured because I was having a rare excellent hair day.

Then, my son Hunter took one look under it.

“Mom, this thing is rough.”

He wasn’t kidding.

The muffler was rusty, and parts of the exhaust system had been welded in multiple places—never a good sign. The skid plate up front was bent, and the tow hitch was warped, as if, in his words, “an idiot wrapped some chain through there and tried to pull out a stump.”

Yeah, that was not great.

I took it to a shop that I trusted and paid for a used vehicle inspection. When it was complete, they gave me the bad news:

The rack and pinion assembly was leaking, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, there was a hole in the rear exhaust and it was rusted out, and the power steering was leaking and the pump needed to be replaced. On top of that, the front brakes where completely wasted and needed to be replaced ASAP.

The estimated about $5,000 in repairs.

Some of the most visible damage.

I hadn’t even owned the truck for 72 hours.

Thankfully, I was still within Carvana’s 7-day test drive period.

I returned it immediately.

After licking my wounds for a few days, I hesitantly got back on the Carvana app. This time, I was determined not to rush.

Another big advantage of Carvana (and similar online retailers like CarMax) is that they give you access to vehicles across the entire country. You’re not stuck with whatever the local used car dealership has to offer. But that also means you have to be patient and really know what you’re looking for.

I started searching daily, even multiple times a day. I refined my search criteria, set alerts, and kept researching. I knew I wanted a long-bed Toyota Tacoma; I was going to build a mini camper in the back, so my 5’10” self needed the space. Four wheel drive and a V6 engine were essential, too.

I also learned a few crucial red flags to avoid—but more on that in Part II.

Then, after weeks of searching, I finally found it. A 2022 Toyota Tacoma extended cab in a beautiful deep blue. It had low mileage, clean history, no wrecks, and no major mechanical issues. It checked every single box. I knew immediately: This was my truck.

Returning that first truck was a wake-up call. I knew I had to be smarter, more cautious, and way more meticulous in my next search. And after a lot of trial and error, I finally figured out the biggest red flags to avoid and the best green flags to look for when buying a vehicle online.

Want to avoid making the same mistakes I did? Check out Part II—where I break it all down for you.

Have you ever bought a vehicle online? What was your experience like? Did you run into any issues, or did it go smoothly? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Read Part II: The Most Important Red & Green Flags to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car Online

Choosing Your Dream Road Trip Vehicle

by Elisabeth

If you’re like me, you know that the perfect road trip vehicle makes all the difference…especially when traveling with a dog. Read on to see how I made my decision and check out my dream truck at the end!

When I was preparing to take my annual cross-country road trip with my elderly, special needs dog Beatrix, I realized my old Jeep probably wasn’t going to cut it this year. We’d done it before, but the Jeep lacked two main things that kept me from the over-landing trip of my dreams: space, and off-road capability. When we took our 2024 road trip we just stayed in motels. That was still a ton of fun, but I knew that next time, I was ready to camp! I was tired of driving through beautiful scenery that I could only experience through my windshield. I was ready to get out into it.

With the proliferation of van life, over-landing, and road tripping in recent years, there’s a lot of information out there about people taking their dream vacations and living their best lives. So how did I get through all the information and figure out exactly what I needed? I focused on a few specific categories.

1) Off-Road Capability: Why I Considered 4×4 Trucks and Vans

While my 2015 Jeep Cherokee had served me well, it was clear that it wasn’t built for the kind of off-road adventure I had in mind. With only front-wheel drive, I was limited to paved roads and light trails. If I wanted to reach remote campsites and navigate rugged terrain, I needed an upgrade.

I decided pretty early on that I needed a four wheel drive capable vehicle. Many over-landing trails in parks and forest areas require four wheel drive vehicles. Even all-wheel drive can’t always get you everywhere you want to go.

I also realized my four cylinder engine wasn’t going to cut it anymore. I might not need a V8, but I needed a V6. There were times on my 2024 western road trip when I was trying overtake an 18-wheeler or a slower truck on a two lane highway that I’m pretty sure took years off of my life and gave me several new grey hairs. I wanted the additional power a V6 could give me.

2) Space: Why I Considered Slide-In and Pull-Along Campers

Beatrix and I have had some amazing camping experiences sleeping in the back of the Jeep, but I needed more room. Even with the back seats folded all the way down and the front seats pushed all the way up, I barely had room to stretch out comfortably. Since she’s a 17 pound schnauzer, Beatrix herself doesn’t take up too much space. But the problem was, our stuff did. A few nights were fine, but for a long road trip, space was a real issue—not just for sleeping, but for storing gear, changing clothes, and administering Beatrix’s meds. I knew I needed to upgrade my vehicle size. I’d also spent plenty of nights hunched over inside the Jeep while trying to change clothes or administer Beatrix’s medicine. I really wanted a space where I could sit up all the way.

3) Maneuverability: Why I Reconsidered Large Vans and Anything I Had to Tow

As much as I wanted a larger vehicle, I knew my limitations. I didn’t want to be stuck with a huge van or trailer I had to try to maneuver and park on my own. I’ve always felt more confident in smaller to mid-size vehicles. Before my Jeep, I’d driven a two-door Honda Civic for years. While I was willing to get outside of my comfort zone, I didn’t want to go too far as a solo adventurer.

4) Gas Mileage and Cost of Gas: Why I Crossed Vans and Larger Trucks Off My List

Another major factor was fuel efficiency. Road-tripping can get expensive fast, and I didn’t want a gas-guzzler draining my budget.The cost of gas is just something that comes along with life on the road; there’s no way around it. However, not all vehicles are made equally when it comes to gas mileage. Bigger trucks are gas hogs, and vans can drink a lot of gas as well. This sort of went hand in hand with maneuverability; I didn’t want a beast I couldn’t park confidently and that got single digits in gas mileage.

5) Reliability and Longevity: Why I Chose a Toyota Tacoma

If there was one vehicle that was ubiquitous during my travels through and across the west, it was the Toyota Tacoma. Especially in Colorado, it seems like every other vehicle on the road is a taco. Tacomas and camper shells are common sights, often with kayaks and bike strapped to the top and back. After doing a little research, I quickly realized that Toyota emerged light years ahead of other popular brands as a reliable rig that retains value and can run for years if you treat it right. If you’re looking for a truck that can handle adventure, the Toyota Tacoma is one of the best road trip vehicles out there. It’s perfect for overlanding, camping, and long-haul travel with a dog.

Overall, I considered a van, a truck with a slide-in camper, or a vehicle similar to my Jeep but big enough to build out a little more, like a small SUV or Tahoe.

After months of research, I kept coming back to one vehicle: the Toyota Tacoma. Known for its reliability, off-road capability, and strong resale value, it checked all my boxes. With a Leer 122 truck cap, I could build a cozy camper setup while still maintaining fuel efficiency and maneuverability—especially since the Tacoma is one of the smaller trucks on the market.

2022 Toyota Tacoma for road trips

The winner!

Want to hear about how I navigated the used car market? Read Part 1 and Part II of that journey!

What are your must-haves and non-negotiables as you’re choosing a vehicle for your adventures? Are there any YouTubers who have shown you the light, either way? What are the main things you weighed when deciding on your adventure rig? Let me know in the comments below!