Anna, I spent 11 years in the Army, mainly sleeping on the ground, on a foam mat. I can highly recommend a folding camp cot. It is a game changer. I used just the basic type, but these days there are great folding camp cots with extra cushioning, often aimed at the fishing market. Add your inflatable mat on top for even more. It also provides a place to sit too, and I think it would make life much more comfortable for you and they are relatively inexpensive too. The camping hiking ones will be more basic, less comfortable, but lighter and pack away smaller. The other end of the spectrum will be good for car camping, will be bigger, heavier, but much more comfortable, some with added padding or a thin mattress too.
@@nic.frasca I think the simplest solution I've seen, maybe only once or twice, was someone strung a hammock diagonally. Seconds to setup, no moving of cushions etc, and a very short build time to put two fixing points in.
I keep a 4" tri fold mattress in the back of my car. Doesn't take up much room, Can double as a seat if you are putting in your desk for your computer.
I have a fridge that I keep in freezer mode all summer long and refreeze large ice packs every day that I then use at night to stay cool. Once winter rolls around, I'll be able to put the ice packs in my spare tire well again and switch it back to fridge mode and store things other than frozen veggies and hot pockets!
@@MyVanHavenI’ve used a freezer and a cooler on longer trips. That way I’d have stuff that needed freezing and cold drinks and whatever. Does take up extra room though.
Years ago I had a motorcycle riding buddy who owned a Honda Element. He towed a tiny Teardrop trailer behind it. The Teardrop was essentially his "hard side tent".
Sounds like a plan! 7 key items! If you get one of those foil (reflective) windshield shades..you can use it under your air mattress or up in the pop top for insulation! Double duty! Safe travels. Enjoy and so happy you’re back! Can’t wait to see future plans for Mango
Great to see you travelling again. I love the minimalist setup, not sure I could cope with that but with your experience will be fun to follow. Interested to hear how long your road trip takes. Stay safe, have fun x
Definitely a comfortable pillow, a military blanket (if it gets too cold and could be used on top of your inflatable mattress), pepper spray and some paper towels & toilet paper rolls. Let's roll baby! Have a wonderful and safe trip!
Anna.....you positively crack me up...a true minimalist....here speak into my fork .I love the new format of your videos...very light hearted .and fun to watch ... Drive safely 🙏
Good job girl ! I have to work 3 days a week at a location 2 hours away from my house so I went through all the portions what I can do to make my stay comfortable ! Since I am not handy or creative , I eventually decided to buy a sprinter van and have it built by a professional . It’s almost done and I am super excited ! I will check back to see how you are doing ! Enjoy your trip!
Having a raised bed is good for storage, because you can store a lot underneath it. I love the minimalist plan, you still need food, clothes, and camera/laptop etc. These things take up my extra room every time :)
'Things' take up room, but, for me, 215 lbs, 6'4", size 15 feet, my minimum size car for camping is a VW California. Anything smaller feels like a 'straight jacket'. Lucky You, those under 6' 😁 PS Honda never sold the Element in Europe, Honda seems to have trouble to understand the market.
@@j.r.arnolli9734The Element looks like a really handy car, especially with the pop up! Never had them here in Australia either. Not understanding the market is also why Mitsubishi didn’t export the Delica to most of the world. I ended up getting an imported D5 which I guess is quite similar to the California, but quite a bit cheaper here. It’s such an awesome car for camping & touring, & AWD to boot. Madness that they didn’t see their value.
I continually change/improve my minivan setup. All my storage is cardboard boxes - free and versatile. Messing around with ideas is super fun and entertaining.
You might want window covers for privacy/darkness. And a small chair so you can lean back and not be in the car. Could use it in the future at your shelving unit/desk. Have fun designing and deciding! Safe travels!!
Love your video. Keep it simple. See so many trying to make tiny Van super Delux luxurious. It’s camping! I bring a small portable 100w solar panel to charge my Jackery. Have fun.
You can get a 28 inch wide heavy duty shelf, six feet long that can hold a 28 inch mattress on top, storage underneath, but easily removable if you need to get to the tire. The tire can go an a read door mount, or on the roof rack,
My spare tire is still in the wheel well and I use all the space around it to store extra stuff that I don't need every day. There's spare toiletries, winter clothes, hand warmers, cooling towels, a small jerry can in case I need to leave my car to get gas, and my scrubba wash bag to wash clothes when there's no laundromats nearby, all wrapped in trash bags and pressed right up against my tire. Even if you don't move the spare tire for storage or just more leg room, you can definitely still put extra things in there that don't get used often.
Spare tire (longer term): a number of Element owners/RUclipsrs have come up with swing mount setups on the rear, so that’s a possibility if you’re going to opt for a permanent build that can’t be easily removed on the side of the road when you get a flat. FYI: You’ve got me shopping for an Element now. My new obsession with learning everything I can about these vehicles is ALL YOUR FAULT! 😂 Seriously though, have a safe & fun road trip!
You will want to relocate that spare tire if you plan on building anything more permanent in the back as you will have to remove anything you build just to get that spare tire out.
Ok I love your fork microphone 🎤. Looking forward to seeing your new adventures in mango! I'm all the more excited to see how it works for you as I continue to plan for my future element. My minimalist setup would have to include a toilet bucket though. As a lady of a certain age, when I gotta go, I gotta go! 😅
Anna, you are a trip and a half - love your new take on vids and really enjoy your bright attitude on the road. Be safe and stay 💪 to a lovely human being 🚙🌬🌬🌬
Finally someone is doing a simple bed! and Finally using the more modern charging (Lithium based none the less) battery . Y Other BS: the 12V internal socket - I would use caution with that depenind on the exact car model and year - because some (auto/suv/car et) models draw more mover out of that socket than needed , which if the electrical of the vechicle is not implemented and designed properly might drain your battery , mess up your vehicles fuses (the cheap ones,) and if desinged in a more bad way could mess up a bit more on your electrical (and yes including your batter :). Yes this does happen! It depends on the vehicle and model (and sometimes even the relays ... which is part of the fuse box) You might be better off accessing the battery area from the hood directly with specific clips , and do not access the ground of the battery of any vehicle directly. And you might be super better off , its more of a process and money, of installing an all weather socket connected in an electrically safe way to the car internally either battery and some ground, or some other way depending on the wiring diagram and load etc of the vehicle. And that socket could also be a 12V socket or someother type , again please go to an vehicle electric specialist only for that. Basically the 12V internal (cigarettle lighter) plugs in and is an inverter and if it draws too much power (wattage) could screw up your vehicle, best is to pop the hood get clips for positive hookup there and a safe ground and thats usually a part of the chasis - however please wear eye-sun-glasses type protection for sparks protection especially during humid/mositure that can get build up.
I’m in this limbo where I just moved to the PNW and planned to build a van out, but I would really like a more practical vehicle for non-adventure stuff. So I’m right there with you brainstorming ideas for somewhat “portable” work stations… the dream is almost exactly what you described but also completely removable so when I’m not out adventuring it still just serves as a normal vehicle I can drive in with several passengers 🤔
I'd like to suggest a tarp, two telescoping poles, bungees, stakes and paracord to allow you a covered space outside your tailgate. It looks as if all this could live on top of your spare tire when not in use.
That is all a person needs to live in a van or car plus 1 plastic tub for food and 1 plastic tub for clothes etc although i would add a 12v shower with a plastic flexible bucket for the shower & 2 x 100 watt foldable solar panels to power the power station etc In the uk theree is no need to have a fridge or freezer in vanlife or generally as in the uk a person can get chilled or frozen food delivered within 30 mins etc
I missed your thoughts. I missed hearing your calming voice weekly. As far as Mango goes. The doors use the doors for things when you close them u can put whats on the doors in the passenger seat floor. Using the Bed and bath app, now on line only they have a lot of different types of hanging items that will stow easily. Put your clothing in material or quilting type bags? Stuff your cloths on your pillow or better use a pillow case that doubles as a place to stash your jeans, sweaters, underwear. I was a flight attendant for years u learn to stow your stuff in different small ways. Glad your back. I did love your red van. Shelley
Great ideas for minimalistic car camping. "the 12 volt socket" (3:59) .. keep it simple. ;) In future these weird plugs might be replaced by more common USB-C plugs. FYI: having a small 12 volt cooler is very handy while traveling, as they greatly reduce, or eliminate the need for ice and the mess of melt water. Since they are solid state heat pumps that operate utilizing the Peltier effect. Essentially like a solar cell, but move thermo energy vs. converting light energy into electricity. They typically create a temperature difference of ~20ºC between inside and outside. They work best if items are pre-chilled. Regarding spare tire, a big consideration if planning to include a shelf unit, etc. is access to the tire should need. There are external mounting options, with could free up interior storage space. Also the current mounting for the tire could be repurposed to anchor a bench, or shelf. BTW: Most new vehicles for last 5-10 years no longer come with spare tires. Really depends of the 'safety' aspect based on where you'd be traveling.
Awesome video girl!!! Have fun on your trip! You should drive thru Tennessee on your trip. Lots of beautiful country roads that you can travel if you have time.
Just wondering, have you tried putting on the spare tire yet? You’d be surprised how many people don’t know how to change a tire… hopefully the jack and lug wrench is in that blue bag. Also a tire plug kit would come useful for your long journey as well..
Nice video 👍🏻 be safe on your trip. Most people take things for granted because if you really think about it we barely need anyting & the rest of everything is luxuries.
Element owner here. 04’ same mango color as you E. I did the rear hatch opener modification on my E. It’s not hard, lots of videos on it. Way easier than climbing over the front seats to get out. Putting a swinging spare tire mount on, would make getting out the back more difficult. Make sure your spare has air! Safe travels! Edit. I watched your introductory video. I didn’t know Honda put a door opener on the newer Elements. Way cool!
As a former Element owner who did a lot of stealth camping in mine, I'm surprised you didn't just leave the passenger side rear seat in and then did the matching up with the reclined front seat for a bed. I found this quite comfortable. (Even though it's not completely flat.) And as you noted in a previous video, you can flip it up out of the way. I would usually just leave the driver's side rear seat out unless I really needed 4 seats.
I've got an empty van and for weekend trips the single camp mattress goes straight on the floor. I have 3 plastic tubs with my stuff off to the side and that's it. For longer trips I have a platform for the mattress and more space. I don't even use a fridge anymore.
Some vehicles have a swing-gate, spare tire mount attachment to the back that can be opened to access the rear hatch. Im uncertain there may be one available for your honda, if there is make sure your spare is locked on to it. Heading east for hurricane season? 🤔Hmmm. One thing is certain, Anna. You appear more relaxed with your mango than you were with the van. Cheers 🥂. Greg 🇨🇦 0:49
Once your Jackery bites the dust, get one that uses lithium iron phosphate batteries instead lithium ion. They're much safer and you can recharge them up to several thousand times instead of about 500 times for lithium ion. Also look into one or two 200 watt solar panels to charge it up---free energy. Though they cost more, you can now get powerful solar panels that are very thin and lightweight.
I used to just sleep in the drivers seat or front passenger seat on road trips for weeks at a time. Stretching is key to staying comfortable when sleeping in a reclining car seat. One can get all of the other "stuff" at nearly any big box store or sporting good store nearly anywhere in the country. I like using a second car battery that fits my vehicle for a power supply. The vehicle you have is a castle compared to the little Volts-wagon Rabbit I use to car camp in.
I am so glad that you are back, I've missed your. I hope you are headed to NC on the East Coast if so, please come through Charlotte and stop in and see me. I can hook you up with a FREE swim and shower (in a public facility...not my home), lol. Stay safe and I'm loving the new minimalist outlook in your life. ✌🤟🚙
You should a 6 gallon water container not for drinking but just for washing dishes or for just getting ready in the morning using a camping water basin or solar shower.
Just a thought as you plan more trips- as a big fan of smooth highway ride- when I have made some transport trips w big loads in my 2017 CRV, the heavier i was packed made a huge improvement on the ride enjoyment and overall trip enjoyment. Have to take into consideration possible elevation driving that we don't have much of here in the Southeast US, but a couple of the thickest Manduka or top quality yoga mats, some extra water bottles, food, washer fluid type items can add some weight while still being in the necessity category, the mats give you some nice room to stretch out and use full sleeping space, and can be used outside for workouts/ yoga fyi- have fun!
Love the element! I have a 2000 odyssey. I use an airbed cot by intex, the smallest airbed they have. Cigarettes socket electric motors are available. It fits under my bench seat during the day. Its been wonderful. I really like your new setup. It really reminds me of mine! Enjoy your trip!!!!!! P.s. I hope you have something ready for an emergency bathroom. I use a 5 gal bucket but to each their own.
Saw someone a few days ago that was using several of those icebags that are for headaches! Then when it melted it was still in the bag and could be poured out, instead of having all their food floating in water.
Love a break down to the functional and foundational! I make RUclips videos in a similar spirit as you and am living on the road in my Volvo XC70 and am coming up on a year now 🎉. This week I am literally heading to my storage unit to do a gear/clothes swap out and i want to cut down even more - so this was a perfect video to inspire and realign to my “keep it simple” intentions (a case of the “what ifs” are REAL). Have a great time on the east coast! ❤
I see a folding foamie slide out sits inside collapsed, so you can still sleep on top inside if needed parked it slides out. Unfolds and gives you a ton of room, more storage a hitch shelf bike rack. We have a transit connect. Have thought a lot in this subject.
my cousin got a freezer/fridge for his outings for a birthday present, it ran off the 12 volt ciggy lighter or the 110 port, however obviously for the 110 the truck needed to be running, for the 12 volts the accessory needs to be on or you need one that you can manually switch on when the vehicle is locked, other than that it worked real good.. we would run it on 12 volt ciggy at night, then run the engine in the day time for 20 minutes or so and it stayed frozen, at times it was completely off, as long as you don't open it and its not super hot in the vehicle it stayed frozen.. park in shade so forth it really matters how cool the vehicle is or the area its placed, you can set the temps as you like for each space fridge or freezer or set them both freezer or both fridge however you like which is cool if you're say out hunting and you need freezer space, set em both to freezer good to go .. also nothing ginst the east coast other than its way over populated and there are roads and hiways everywhere, head out west in a 4 by 4, you can thank me when you actually get here and experience it for yourself... some cool places on the east side of the USA, but the grand canyon, death valley Olympic peninsula so forth can only be experienced on the west side, where you should be! you'll get there! did you see the video of that guy that converted the 4 wheel drive Mercedes van to a camper then drove it to the north pole dead winter... WAY COOL like being on another planet for sure.. enjoy
I just wanna say: I LOVE your Forkraphone 😜 I have no doubts that whatever you do with your CampingCar, will be an exercise of pragmatic thinking. I can’t wait to see how it all pans out 👍🏼
Great to see you again! My thought on the spare, is mounting on the front of the vehicle. Also, I love to see how simple you have made this. Many folks make you feel like you need a very fancy set up. You go girl!
Hey Homegirl, a handy roll of napkins has always been useful for me and someone already mentioned here a 6gallon jug to use as your on the go personal tap for washing dishes etc.
Minimalist rhymes with mango. Wait. No. I guess it doesn’t. That being said both are what we need more in life. Less is more imo as I just finished my own van build and I kept to the essential elements too. Van has more space than mango, however, just the essentials are in and I have plenty of room to move around and everything i NEED. I did opt for a cassette toilet you’d be amazed at a little space they take and can double as seating. Good luck on your adventures. Excited to watch you go and grow. 🐾
I just took a road trip in my caravan and slept in it and it wasn't a bad experience. I just hang out at parks/truck stops/Walmart during the day. I'm thinking of maybe doing the truck stop showers for 5 day trips I had a cooler with frozen bottles that melted by the 3rd day. But it was 90+ degrees all weekend. I've decided that I'm going to get a car fridge, once I figure out how big of a solar generator I want. I'm thinking 1500 wh. I won't be using solar panels. Just charging as I drive. No build. Just sleeping on the floor overnight, my Steam Deck and phone to watch videos on.
Back in the 1980s they made removable interiors for vans. It wasn't the easiest to get in and out, but for a full sized E150 Ford van it took 4 people to slide in or out.
Anna, I spent 11 years in the Army, mainly sleeping on the ground, on a foam mat. I can highly recommend a folding camp cot. It is a game changer. I used just the basic type, but these days there are great folding camp cots with extra cushioning, often aimed at the fishing market. Add your inflatable mat on top for even more. It also provides a place to sit too, and I think it would make life much more comfortable for you and they are relatively inexpensive too.
The camping hiking ones will be more basic, less comfortable, but lighter and pack away smaller. The other end of the spectrum will be good for car camping, will be bigger, heavier, but much more comfortable, some with added padding or a thin mattress too.
Great idea. Never seen a van video with a camp cot
@@nic.frasca I think the simplest solution I've seen, maybe only once or twice, was someone strung a hammock diagonally. Seconds to setup, no moving of cushions etc, and a very short build time to put two fixing points in.
I keep a 4" tri fold mattress in the back of my car. Doesn't take up much room, Can double as a seat if you are putting in your desk for your computer.
Listen to the milspec guys
Is that microphone attached to a fork?
its a mic-ork
Yummy circuitry... 😋
Microfork
It's a fork lift !
That's why she's so aggressive with the Microphone! The eyes see the fork and Brain thinks about Food!🤷
The 12V fridge is key. Just got back from a month in Canada. Reloading ice was a PITA. That's my next update for my minivan camper. Have a safe trip.
I have a fridge that I keep in freezer mode all summer long and refreeze large ice packs every day that I then use at night to stay cool. Once winter rolls around, I'll be able to put the ice packs in my spare tire well again and switch it back to fridge mode and store things other than frozen veggies and hot pockets!
What in the world are you talking about lol , I’m high & don’t understand lol , I’m being funny, it’s 4:20 time lol
@@MyVanHavenI’ve used a freezer and a cooler on longer trips. That way I’d have stuff that needed freezing and cold drinks and whatever. Does take up extra room though.
Years ago I had a motorcycle riding buddy who owned a Honda Element. He towed a tiny Teardrop trailer behind it. The Teardrop was essentially his "hard side tent".
That sounds much safer
Sounds like a plan! 7 key items! If you get one of those foil (reflective) windshield shades..you can use it under your air mattress or up in the pop top for insulation! Double duty! Safe travels. Enjoy and so happy you’re back! Can’t wait to see future plans for Mango
Three…privacy at night
Great to see you travelling again. I love the minimalist setup, not sure I could cope with that but with your experience will be fun to follow. Interested to hear how long your road trip takes. Stay safe, have fun x
Can’t wait to see how your minimalist setup works on the road! So delighted to see you again! 🌷
Awe thanks 🙂 I appreciate your support so much! Looking forward to sharing more about the roadtrip soon!
All ears!👂👂👂
Definitely a comfortable pillow, a military blanket (if it gets too cold and could be used on top of your inflatable mattress), pepper spray and some paper towels & toilet paper rolls. Let's roll baby! Have a wonderful and safe trip!
Anna.....you positively crack me up...a true minimalist....here speak into my fork .I love the new format of your videos...very light hearted .and fun to watch ... Drive safely 🙏
Good job girl ! I have to work 3 days a week at a location 2 hours away from my house so I went through all the portions what I can do to make my stay comfortable ! Since I am not handy or creative , I eventually decided to buy a sprinter van and have it built by a professional . It’s almost done and I am super excited ! I will check back to see how you are doing ! Enjoy your trip!
You're so much fun Anna! So happy you've returned here :)
Having a raised bed is good for storage, because you can store a lot underneath it. I love the minimalist plan, you still need food, clothes, and camera/laptop etc. These things take up my extra room every time :)
Yup, agreed .... and a pull-out "gaucho" style bed can give the full single bed width and a comfy sofa when not deployed as a bed.
What did Anna say ' but you also need, but you also need. Nope I say, just like Anna.
Doomsdayers?
'Things' take up room, but, for me, 215 lbs, 6'4", size 15 feet, my minimum size car for camping is a VW California.
Anything smaller feels like a 'straight jacket'.
Lucky You, those under 6' 😁
PS
Honda never sold the Element in Europe, Honda seems to have trouble to understand the market.
@@j.r.arnolli9734The Element looks like a really handy car, especially with the pop up! Never had them here in Australia either. Not understanding the market is also why Mitsubishi didn’t export the Delica to most of the world. I ended up getting an imported D5 which I guess is quite similar to the California, but quite a bit cheaper here. It’s such an awesome car for camping & touring, & AWD to boot. Madness that they didn’t see their value.
So glad you're back, Anna.
I continually change/improve my minivan setup. All my storage is cardboard boxes - free and versatile. Messing around with ideas is super fun and entertaining.
Yay! ForkMic(tm) is back! :) (and, you too, of course! Missed you both!)
Thanks for the quick videos! Hope you have a great trip w/ Mango!
My previous car was a Green Honda Element that I named Iguana. I camped in it on many fun road trips. Elements make great camper vehicles.
You might want window covers for privacy/darkness. And a small chair so you can lean back and not be in the car. Could use it in the future at your shelving unit/desk. Have fun designing and deciding! Safe travels!!
Love your video. Keep it simple. See so many trying to make tiny Van super Delux luxurious. It’s camping! I bring a small portable 100w solar panel to charge my Jackery. Have fun.
You can get a 28 inch wide heavy duty shelf, six feet long that can hold a 28 inch mattress on top, storage underneath, but easily removable if you need to get to the tire. The tire can go an a read door mount, or on the roof rack,
Have a safe and fun trip out east!
It is truly wonderful to see your positive energy, enthusiasm and excellent intellect Anna. You are a treasure.
Good summary and minimalist approach. Thanks for sharing.
My spare tire is still in the wheel well and I use all the space around it to store extra stuff that I don't need every day. There's spare toiletries, winter clothes, hand warmers, cooling towels, a small jerry can in case I need to leave my car to get gas, and my scrubba wash bag to wash clothes when there's no laundromats nearby, all wrapped in trash bags and pressed right up against my tire. Even if you don't move the spare tire for storage or just more leg room, you can definitely still put extra things in there that don't get used often.
Love the simplicity
Spare tire (longer term): a number of Element owners/RUclipsrs have come up with swing mount setups on the rear, so that’s a possibility if you’re going to opt for a permanent build that can’t be easily removed on the side of the road when you get a flat.
FYI: You’ve got me shopping for an Element now. My new obsession with learning everything I can about these vehicles is ALL YOUR FAULT! 😂 Seriously though, have a safe & fun road trip!
haha 😂 guilty as charged. Good luck on the search!
You will want to relocate that spare tire if you plan on building anything more permanent in the back as you will have to remove anything you build just to get that spare tire out.
An element camper is unique but a pickup with a leer or ARE camper shell would give more room. Mav on youtube has a nice setup.
Ok I love your fork microphone 🎤. Looking forward to seeing your new adventures in mango! I'm all the more excited to see how it works for you as I continue to plan for my future element. My minimalist setup would have to include a toilet bucket though. As a lady of a certain age, when I gotta go, I gotta go! 😅
love the fork hand-held mic usage :)
Anna, you are a trip and a half - love your new take on vids and really enjoy your bright attitude on the road. Be safe and stay 💪 to a lovely human being 🚙🌬🌬🌬
Heck yeah! Your setup is what i love about minimalist car camping!
Love this video - your sense of humour and ability to just flow is so refreshing and inspiring! Can’t wait to follow along your road trip
Anna, enjoy your trip eastward. Have fun, be safe, take care of you. 😂😂❤❤
Finally someone is doing a simple bed!
and Finally using the more modern charging (Lithium based none the less) battery . Y
Other BS:
the 12V internal socket - I would use caution with that depenind on the exact car model and year - because some (auto/suv/car et) models draw more mover out of that socket than needed , which if the electrical of the vechicle is not implemented and designed properly might drain your battery , mess up your vehicles fuses (the cheap ones,) and if desinged in a more bad way could mess up a bit more on your electrical (and yes including your batter :).
Yes this does happen! It depends on the vehicle and model (and sometimes even the relays ... which is part of the fuse box)
You might be better off accessing the battery area from the hood directly with specific clips , and do not access the ground of the battery of any vehicle directly. And you might be super better off , its more of a process and money, of installing an all weather socket connected in an electrically safe way to the car internally either battery and some ground, or some other way depending on the wiring diagram and load etc of the vehicle. And that socket could also be a 12V socket or someother type , again please go to an vehicle electric specialist only for that.
Basically the 12V internal (cigarettle lighter) plugs in and is an inverter and if it draws too much power (wattage) could screw up your vehicle, best is to pop the hood get clips for positive hookup there and a safe ground and thats usually a part of the chasis - however please wear eye-sun-glasses type protection for sparks protection especially during humid/mositure that can get build up.
I’m in this limbo where I just moved to the PNW and planned to build a van out, but I would really like a more practical vehicle for non-adventure stuff. So I’m right there with you brainstorming ideas for somewhat “portable” work stations… the dream is almost exactly what you described but also completely removable so when I’m not out adventuring it still just serves as a normal vehicle I can drive in with several passengers 🤔
Good for you Anna, glad your doing this again
I'd like to suggest a tarp, two telescoping poles, bungees, stakes and paracord to allow you a covered space outside your tailgate.
It looks as if all this could live on top of your spare tire when not in use.
That is all a person needs to live in a van or car plus 1 plastic tub for food and 1 plastic tub for clothes etc although i would add a 12v shower with a plastic flexible bucket for the shower & 2 x 100 watt foldable solar panels to power the power station etc
In the uk theree is no need to have a fridge or freezer in vanlife or generally as in the uk a person can get chilled or frozen food delivered within 30 mins etc
I missed your thoughts. I missed hearing your calming voice weekly. As far as Mango goes. The doors use the doors for things when you close them u can put whats on the doors in the passenger seat floor. Using the Bed and bath app, now on line only they have a lot of different types of hanging items that will stow easily. Put your clothing in material or quilting type bags? Stuff your cloths on your pillow or better use a pillow case that doubles as a place to stash your jeans, sweaters, underwear. I was a flight attendant for years u learn to stow your stuff in different small ways. Glad your back. I did love your red van. Shelley
Great ideas for minimalistic car camping.
"the 12 volt socket" (3:59) .. keep it simple. ;) In future these weird plugs might be replaced by more common USB-C plugs.
FYI: having a small 12 volt cooler is very handy while traveling, as they greatly reduce, or eliminate the need for ice and the mess of melt water. Since they are solid state heat pumps that operate utilizing the Peltier effect. Essentially like a solar cell, but move thermo energy vs. converting light energy into electricity. They typically create a temperature difference of ~20ºC between inside and outside. They work best if items are pre-chilled.
Regarding spare tire, a big consideration if planning to include a shelf unit, etc. is access to the tire should need. There are external mounting options, with could free up interior storage space. Also the current mounting for the tire could be repurposed to anchor a bench, or shelf. BTW: Most new vehicles for last 5-10 years no longer come with spare tires. Really depends of the 'safety' aspect based on where you'd be traveling.
Awesome video girl!!! Have fun on your trip! You should drive thru Tennessee on your trip. Lots of beautiful country roads that you can travel if you have time.
Just wondering, have you tried putting on the spare tire yet? You’d be surprised how many people don’t know how to change a tire… hopefully the jack and lug wrench is in that blue bag. Also a tire plug kit would come useful for your long journey as well..
I see the day coming soon when car manufacturers outfit cars and SUVs with a place to sleep and do just this. There is such a market for it.
how fun. good luck on your adventure!
Nice video 👍🏻 be safe on your trip. Most people take things for granted because if you really think about it we barely need anyting & the rest of everything is luxuries.
So excited for your next journey!!!!!!!!!
Element owner here. 04’ same mango color as you E. I did the rear hatch opener modification on my E. It’s not hard, lots of videos on it. Way easier than climbing over the front seats to get out. Putting a swinging spare tire mount on, would make getting out the back more difficult. Make sure your spare has air! Safe travels!
Edit. I watched your introductory video. I didn’t know Honda put a door opener on the newer Elements. Way cool!
Hell yeah! That's how I travel the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley, minimum weight and minimum gear.
As a former Element owner who did a lot of stealth camping in mine, I'm surprised you didn't just leave the passenger side rear seat in and then did the matching up with the reclined front seat for a bed. I found this quite comfortable. (Even though it's not completely flat.) And as you noted in a previous video, you can flip it up out of the way. I would usually just leave the driver's side rear seat out unless I really needed 4 seats.
I've got an empty van and for weekend trips the single camp mattress goes straight on the floor. I have 3 plastic tubs with my stuff off to the side and that's it. For longer trips I have a platform for the mattress and more space. I don't even use a fridge anymore.
Your microphone/fork combo is my favorite thing! 😄
Keep it simple, what you described sounds perfect, it's all you need really, that little Element fits you to a T.
I love your approach and positivity
Nice! And you made it to 8 minutes 😁
Have fun on your trip, can't wait for thr video ❤
Have fun on your trip. Will be watching the videos
Some vehicles have a swing-gate, spare tire mount attachment to the back that can be opened to access the rear hatch. Im uncertain there may be one available for your honda, if there is make sure your spare is locked on to it.
Heading east for hurricane season? 🤔Hmmm.
One thing is certain, Anna. You appear more relaxed with your mango than you were with the van. Cheers 🥂.
Greg 🇨🇦 0:49
Once your Jackery bites the dust, get one that uses lithium iron phosphate batteries instead lithium ion. They're much safer and you can recharge them up to several thousand times instead of about 500 times for lithium ion. Also look into one or two 200 watt solar panels to charge it up---free energy. Though they cost more, you can now get powerful solar panels that are very thin and lightweight.
Hope all goes well,have fun and safe travels ❤️
I love your setting cause it's minimalistic.
I used to just sleep in the drivers seat or front passenger seat on road trips for weeks at a time. Stretching is key to staying comfortable when sleeping in a reclining car seat. One can get all of the other "stuff" at nearly any big box store or sporting good store nearly anywhere in the country. I like using a second car battery that fits my vehicle for a power supply. The vehicle you have is a castle compared to the little Volts-wagon Rabbit I use to car camp in.
I am so glad that you are back, I've missed your. I hope you are headed to NC on the East Coast if so, please come through Charlotte and stop in and see me. I can hook you up with a FREE swim and shower (in a public facility...not my home), lol. Stay safe and I'm loving the new minimalist outlook in your life. ✌🤟🚙
You should a 6 gallon water container not for drinking but just for washing dishes or for just getting ready in the morning using a camping water basin or solar shower.
I'm a huge fan of the fork mic, keep up the good work
I would definitely watch a vlog of your trip! I know that can be a safety issue so even a few blended together post trip would be fun ❤
Just a thought as you plan more trips- as a big fan of smooth highway ride- when I have made some transport trips w big loads in my 2017 CRV, the heavier i was packed made a huge improvement on the ride enjoyment and overall trip enjoyment. Have to take into consideration possible elevation driving that we don't have much of here in the Southeast US, but a couple of the thickest Manduka or top quality yoga mats, some extra water bottles, food, washer fluid type items can add some weight while still being in the necessity category, the mats give you some nice room to stretch out and use full sleeping space, and can be used outside for workouts/ yoga fyi- have fun!
I heart they already make prefab shelves for the element
Best of luck
Looking forward to seeing your next videos 👍
As an ex Element owner, but still a fan, I’m interested in seeing just how much permanence you can fit in Mango. Carry on! 😊
Love the element! I have a 2000 odyssey.
I use an airbed cot by intex, the smallest airbed they have. Cigarettes socket electric motors are available. It fits under my bench seat during the day. Its been wonderful.
I really like your new setup. It really reminds me of mine!
Enjoy your trip!!!!!!
P.s. I hope you have something ready for an emergency bathroom. I use a 5 gal bucket but to each their own.
Safest travels heading to the East coast!!
Thanks!
Thank you so much Gary 🙏
Saw someone a few days ago that was using several of those icebags that are for headaches! Then when it melted it was still in the bag and could be poured out, instead of having all their food floating in water.
Have fun and enjoy the road trip.
Mango is such a cute camper/suv! You are always joyful & fun to watch as you prepare for a long trip! Stay safe on your journey!! 💜🇦🇺😁🍻
Probably really low on your priority list, but I think you might find a swivel for the passenger seat very useful.
Hope to see you when you come through my state
Love a break down to the functional and foundational! I make RUclips videos in a similar spirit as you and am living on the road in my Volvo XC70 and am coming up on a year now 🎉. This week I am literally heading to my storage unit to do a gear/clothes swap out and i want to cut down even more - so this was a perfect video to inspire and realign to my “keep it simple” intentions (a case of the “what ifs” are REAL). Have a great time on the east coast! ❤
Just bought an 06 element 5speed awd, excited to start camping
I see a folding foamie slide out sits inside collapsed, so you can still sleep on top inside if needed parked it slides out. Unfolds and gives you a ton of room, more storage a hitch shelf bike rack. We have a transit connect. Have thought a lot in this subject.
my cousin got a freezer/fridge for his outings for a birthday present, it ran off the 12 volt ciggy lighter or the 110 port, however obviously for the 110 the truck needed to be running, for the 12 volts the accessory needs to be on or you need one that you can manually switch on when the vehicle is locked, other than that it worked real good.. we would run it on 12 volt ciggy at night, then run the engine in the day time for 20 minutes or so and it stayed frozen, at times it was completely off, as long as you don't open it and its not super hot in the vehicle it stayed frozen.. park in shade so forth it really matters how cool the vehicle is or the area its placed, you can set the temps as you like for each space fridge or freezer or set them both freezer or both fridge however you like which is cool if you're say out hunting and you need freezer space, set em both to freezer good to go ..
also nothing ginst the east coast other than its way over populated and there are roads and hiways everywhere, head out west in a 4 by 4, you can thank me when you actually get here and experience it for yourself... some cool places on the east side of the USA, but the grand canyon, death valley Olympic peninsula so forth can only be experienced on the west side, where you should be! you'll get there! did you see the video of that guy that converted the 4 wheel drive Mercedes van to a camper then drove it to the north pole dead winter... WAY COOL like being on another planet for sure.. enjoy
I just wanna say: I LOVE your Forkraphone 😜
I have no doubts that whatever you do with your CampingCar, will be an exercise of pragmatic thinking. I can’t wait to see how it all pans out 👍🏼
Have a good trip, Anna!! East is waiting for ya 😀😀😀
This just popped up on my "recommended" tab, but I instantly got hooked, and I just subscribed!
Finally! Minimalist! Where do you put your clothes? I do love how clean the set up is
Great to see you again! My thought on the spare, is mounting on the front of the vehicle. Also, I love to see how simple you have made this. Many folks make you feel like you need a very fancy set up. You go girl!
Hey Homegirl, a handy roll of napkins has always been useful for me and someone already mentioned here a 6gallon jug to use as your on the go personal tap for washing dishes etc.
Michigan, upper peninsula. Best state in the lower 48 outside of the west.
I recommend watching what The Brothers Make did to their van. I especially like the way they did their desk.
can't wait to see your next journey
This is so cool! Thanks Anna!
Mount spare tire on the back door and use the space the spare tire was for a pop up desk/table🤙🏻
Looking forward to your adventures w/ Mango. Thank you Anna.
Bring a camp chair, the cooler is a table or foot rest too!
Made me smile. Thanks!
Love it! Just got a 2004 ex last week. Was hoping for awd but couldnt find one with low enough km's.
Safe travels always.
Minimalist rhymes with mango. Wait. No. I guess it doesn’t. That being said both are what we need more in life. Less is more imo as I just finished my own van build and I kept to the essential elements too. Van has more space than mango, however, just the essentials are in and I have plenty of room to move around and everything i NEED. I did opt for a cassette toilet you’d be amazed at a little space they take and can double as seating.
Good luck on your adventures. Excited to watch you go and grow. 🐾
Great presentation. Surprising how little you need...look forward to your next journey.
I just took a road trip in my caravan and slept in it and it wasn't a bad experience. I just hang out at parks/truck stops/Walmart during the day. I'm thinking of maybe doing the truck stop showers for 5 day trips
I had a cooler with frozen bottles that melted by the 3rd day. But it was 90+ degrees all weekend. I've decided that I'm going to get a car fridge, once I figure out how big of a solar generator I want. I'm thinking 1500 wh. I won't be using solar panels. Just charging as I drive.
No build. Just sleeping on the floor overnight, my Steam Deck and phone to watch videos on.
Sooo adorable!
Anna you are so inspiring. I admire you and love watching you live my dream. 💗💗💗
Back in the 1980s they made removable interiors for vans. It wasn't the easiest to get in and out, but for a full sized E150 Ford van it took 4 people to slide in or out.
I am guessing that you are going to Virginia to Shenandoah National Park to see the leaves change color in October. It’s spectacular!
I'm going to make you some fill blocks for the seat bracket recesses. I'll leave them at the Mt.Hood ski area lost and found on Feb 27.