I used to think bringing a small e-bike on a car camping trip was kind of unnecessary. One more thing to load, one more thing to strap down, one more battery to think about, and one more muddy object trying to ruin the inside of the car lol. But I brought my Globalkeep Solei-X8 on a short car camping trip near the Mogollon Rim, and honestly, it made more sense than I expected. I was sleeping out of the back of my SUV, so space was already a little annoying. Cooler on one side, storage bin on the other, sleeping pad shoved in, camp chair somehow always in the wrong spot. The e-bike had to go on a hitch rack, because there was no way I was putting dusty tires next to my sleeping stuff. Once camp was set up though, it was actually really nice to have.

The next morning after coffee, I wanted to check where one of the forest roads went, but I did not feel like breaking down camp or moving the car just for a ten-minute look. So I used the Solei-X8 for the little camp errands. Rode down a rough gravel road. Checked a viewpoint. Went farther down a side road to see if there were better dispersed spots. Took a short ride after breakfast just to look around. Nothing hardcore. No hiking trails, no MTB trails, no riding through crowded campgrounds like an idiot. Just forest roads, gravel, washboard, shallow ruts, and short dirt sections. That is where it felt useful. Not because it replaced the car, but because it stopped every tiny trip from becoming a whole process.

The quiet part was probably the best surprise. Around camp, being able to go look around without starting the car or making a bunch of noise felt pretty nice. Battery still made me cautious. I turned around early, because pushing a dead e-bike back to camp would be miserable and also exactly the kind of thing my friends would bring up forever. The downside is obvious: it is still another thing to pack, charge, lock, cover, and clean. But I expected it to be one of those looks cool at camp, barely gets used things. It ended up being more useful than half the stuff I packed.

Anyone else bring a small e-bike or electric dirt bike car camping? Do you actually use it, or does it usually end up being extra gear you regret hauling?

How do I get a flat sleeping area when there's such a difference in height between the boot floor and the back of the seats?

For context I drive a Volkswagen Tiguan-- I know, not super reliable, but it got me all the way to San Francisco from Alberta last year with no issues. I'm leaving beginning of October and have most of the way mapped out with the ability to stop wherever, but this is gonna be the longest trip where I'll be car camping (will hopefully make it all the way to Nova Scotia/NB if i have the money and will be back before Halloween) I was wondering if anyone had some advice? I know I'll try to stay in hostels when I'm in the major cities if I can afford it but sometimes I get paranoid at night depending on where I park. I know this time I'm buying window covers since I didn't have that last time and a battery for my phone to charge it (but im hoping to keep in plugged in when im driving) etc etc. Does anyone have food tips specifically?

I know I'll pack some food for the first leg of my trip all the way to Winnipeg then to Lake Superior, but whats a way I can bring food to last me awhile but still is filling/nutritious? My drive to San Fran I ended up not really eating anything until I got there and it wasn't great. Again, I'm going to be a bit tight on money since I want to make sure I'm able to see everything and get the farthest East I can since I probaly won't ever be taking a trip like this again. I dont have any friends who travel, let alone car camp, so any advice or tips would be great!!

For my setup so far I already have a small cooler and I'm leaving my back seats down with a foam bed and everything. I don't think I want to buy a stovetop since again, thats a lot of money I dont have, so is it better to meal prep before the trip or pack lighter ingredients to make sandwiches while on the road? And for water, do you guys just tend to buy a big jug of it before you leave? I was thinking I could fit a decent amount of ice in my thermos water bottles and cooler to help keep things cool and I can use it up whenever (I hate lukewarm water) but if theres a better setup, id be happy to try it out. Thanks guys!

Today I completed the final round of upgrades and accessories for my 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek. The vehicle is now equipped with a Yakima LockNLoad platform, Pelican cargo case, side awning, and—installed today—a Rich Solar Mega 100 Slim Onyx solar panel.
The solar panel is mounted to the Yakima platform using BougeRV claw clamps, which provided an excellent fit and a secure installation with no modification required.
This setup gives me a reliable solar charging solution for both my EcoFlow River 2 Max and EcoFlow Delta 3 Max power stations. Together, they provide ample power for my refrigerator/freezer, electronics, lighting, and other camping equipment, making the vehicle well-prepared for extended road trips and off-grid car camping adventures.

Hi all,
My partner and I are planning a trip to Iceland from September 5-20, the idea is to camp for ~5 nights and stay in hotels for the other 8-9 nights. There are two options for the car rental:

• To rent a 4x4 with a rooftop tent
• To rent a 4x4 that converts into a sleeping space inside (like a dacia duster or subaru)

Both don't have heaters and 4x4 is needed for exploring highlands. Which one would you recommend? Are the winds intense around this time?
PS: We did look at 4x4 campers, but they are super expensive, considering we would only camp for few nights.

Any input is appreciated, thank you