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Campervan conversions are currently in the spotlight, with some conversions reaching prices comparable to real estate. Previously associated with a lifestyle embraced mainly by those in dire straits, the narrative has undergone a transformation. Thanks to platforms like Instagram, TikTok and other social media, living in a van has become a status symbol. However, this portrayal often emphasises the benefits and downplays the challenges (such as the difficulty of finding a toilet at night).
It’s essential to consider whether an expensive vehicle conversion is really necessary. There are compelling reasons why I choose not to convert my Crosstrek or Flex into full-time campers. These vehicles serve as our daily drivers, with room for car seats, friends, family, and even our medium-sized dog. Given their varied uses, permanent kitchen or bed setups aren’t practical. However, we’ve found budget-friendly sleeping solutions that allow us to spend many nights in the car comfortably. When we get home, a quick cleaning restores the car to its stock configuration. All of this costs less than $500.
Is it the best lineup ever? No. But before you judge, see for yourself.
Sleeping arrangement
Your mattress is probably the most important part of your sleep system. While a cheap air mattress will do, a mattress made specifically for a vehicle offers quite a few features that a regular air mattress doesn’t. One of the worst things about sleeping in your car is that there are a lot of nooks, crannies, and crevices for things to get lost in. This vehicle-specific air mattress helps eliminate some of those nooks and crannies thanks to its shape, which can conform to the interior shape of your vehicle. It also features a pump and four separate air chambers, allowing you to fully inflate it for multi-person use or partially inflate it to 40% or 60% for single-person use, depending on the available space in your vehicle. Add in the two included inflatable pillows and you have a pretty comfortable foundation for your sleep system.
Story time: A few years ago, Autoblog to Iceland to test drive campervans (we were originally there to drive a 70 series Toyota Land Cruiser, but that’s another story). Halfway through our drive around the volcanic island, the diesel engine in our Renault Trafic campervan spluttered and never started again. With no engine to feed the auxiliary battery in the back of the campervan, our heater went out after a few hours and we were stuck on the side of the road overnight in near-freezing temperatures. Luckily I’d remembered to throw a couple of 0 degree sleeping bags in my luggage the day before. We managed to stay pretty warm all night while we waited for the new van to be driven up to us.
These days, I keep those same two sleeping bags in my car every winter, just in case I get stuck in the mountains overnight. Synthetic sleeping bags like the ones above are much cheaper than their down-filled counterparts and, unlike down, will keep you warm even when wet. They don’t pack down as small, but that’s less of a concern if you’re keeping them in your car. Keep them out of their stuff sack to maintain the bag’s loft and longevity.
Window Screen – $8.98
Stagnant air in the car at night is the worst. Well, second worst. Mosquitoes are the worst. Luckily, these fly screens solve both of those problems. They cover the windows completely, so you can roll them all the way down if you want. I only roll them down a few inches. Open enough for good airflow, tight enough that if a bear or other creature comes along, they can’t just get in the car before I wake up and have to get out ASAP.
Homemade Window Treatments – $YMMV
In addition to window screens, blackout window curtains are great for privacy and keeping the heat in or out, depending on what time of year you’re camping. They’re also pretty easy to make; all you need is some foam core, reflective insulation, and some tape. Watch the video above to learn how to make your own.
Another, more permanent option is to tint your windows. Laws on this vary from state to state, so be sure to do your research beforehand, but window tinting can not only add privacy and block harmful UV rays, but it can also help keep your vehicle cooler during those blazing hot summer months.
Extra blankets and pillows — I already have
Most of us already have blankets and pillows. I use the ones I sleep with at home.
Kitchen layout
Last year I got the Blackstone Adventure Ready 17″ Table Model Outdoor Grill Plate as a birthday gift, and it has truly revolutionized my camping experiences. Affordably priced at just $97, this portable griddle has become an indispensable part of my outdoor cooking arsenal. Its compact design and tabletop size make it incredibly easy to transport and set up at any campsite or outdoor gathering. What makes it truly remarkable is its versatility in cooking options—from sizzling bacon and eggs for breakfast to savory burgers and stir-fries for dinner, the griddle’s flat cooking surface ensures delicious results every time. The efficient propane-powered heating system heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, making cooking a breeze. Plus, the nonstick cooking surface makes cleanup a breeze, meaning I can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying the outdoors.
The BougeRV 12 Volt refrigerator Compact size and lightweight construction make it incredibly portable, allowing you to take perishable items with you on outdoor adventures without the hassle of bulky coolers or ice packs. With a 23-liter capacity, it offers ample storage space and still fits easily in most vehicles. Powered by a 12-volt DC power source, such as a car battery or portable power station, this refrigerator provides efficient cooling performance even in remote camping locations. It can quickly chill food and drinks to your desired temperature, with adjustable settings for precise control. Despite its powerful cooling capabilities, the BougeRV refrigerator has a low power consumption, making it ideal for off-grid camping. Its versatility extends beyond camping, making it perfect for road trips and tailgating as well.
5 Gallon Water Jug – $34.99
When my wife and I first went car camping, I bought a 6-gallon jug with a spout. It’s big, heavy, takes up space even when empty, and is difficult to pick up and pour when full. This jug may be almost as big, but it’s better in almost every way. Combine it with the spout underneath and it’s much easier to use. And since you use water for everything from cooking and cleaning to drinking and washing dishes, this is a must-have.
This spout is easy to charge in your vehicle, assuming you have a 12V USB charger, which most of us do these days. It makes filling water bottles and washing dishes a breeze.
Throw these items in your car and you’re well on your way to a budget-friendly version of RV living that’s easy to set up and take down. If you did the math, you might have noticed that this list is a good $50 less than the $500 total. That money can buy a lot of things, whether it’s a table, chairs, or a set of dishes and cutlery—whatever your camping gear is missing. It can be tempting to go all out and buy all the high-end gear right away, but if you go this route, you can easily upgrade based on your needs instead of what looks great on Instagram. And if you find out 16 days in and life in your car isn’t all it seems, you don’t have to sell your house to learn that lesson.