Camping is whatever you want it to be. Those same people saying it’s not real camping are ok with someone having a $200,000 camper with 4 slide outs and a party patio.
I drive a 1999 Plymouth mini van that I have set up as a camper. I spend a lot of my time in the Ozarks, so I can just camp out at my favorite fishin' holes. If you ever see a maroon and rusted up mini van in Missouri, give me a wave!
The first and last time I went camping was 10 years ago. Someone ended up camping in THEIR minivan, and there was such a debate amidst the other camping members. I think people like to make suffering a competition when it's really just not a big deal. It's like eye contact. It doesn't hurt anyone to avoid eye contact, but some folks just get so butthurt about it because they have some preconceived expectations that they refuse to let go of. I'm glad you're able to enjoy nature through minivan camping :D On a separate note, WOW! I see what you were saying about how you rarely wash the minivan. Sometimes it looks spotless.... Other times, it has a story to tell! Just like your channel :D
So, about that. I might need to cave and wash it. It’ll be a hand job, but the bugs have begun accumulating on the front end. It’s a little muddy here. Also, do they want to have eye contact or avoid it?
I've owned 2 pop up campers, and 2 travel trailers. Those worked great with kids. When I first started camping, it was in a tent, and then my first pop up, but it was all "dispersed" camping. Once the kids were in the picture, it was setting up at state parks, and RV parks. Now I'm back in a tent, and looking to get back into dispersed camping. I don't think it matters how, or where you go, it's the camping experience that matters. Great video, have a good one.
Thanks for the shoutout for submariners brother, but to be honest, of the four submarines I was on, none had as much rack space as your minivan! Great “work” and keep them coming!
I have a 2009 Pontiac Montana, that I plan to turn into a campervan. It gets great gas mileage that you can't get in an RV. I'd rather sleep in it that have a bear walk into a tent. Have you checked out the stove top heaters that you can use on most camp stoves? There's also a tube you can connect to your passenger side air vent to blow hot or cold air into the back to make it a livable temperature when you park. Jon in rural BC, Canada
We agree, two adults & a small dog. This is a well structured, point by point argument proving how we have safe, practical, economical & fun way to camp. Thanks
When did people start defining "real camping?" Anyone who's not sleeping on the ground with moss as their bed and leaves as their blanket, digging holes with their hands to go to the bathroom in, catching meat with their hands and whatever they find in nature, skinning their catch with a rock, using rocks to create a fire, cooking their meat on sticks over the fire, using unfiltered water from a stream, and wearing hiking boots isn't "real camping". Tents, blow up mattresses, containers of water, pots and pans, cooking utensils, shovels, matches, etc. are all luxury items that detract from the "natural experience." I cannot imagine people deciding their level of comfort is real camping and anything over their level of comfort is not. That line of thinking is one of the most narcissistic, egotistical things I've run across in awhile.
Hi Angie, thanks for asking. I have used it in several of my recent videos. You can see it hooked up in this video: ruclips.net/video/TQ7llg5qrw4/видео.html
Ive been wanting to try this forever but I've had both vehicles I've ever owned towed by the police, and both times there was literally no reason. They seem to find a reason to take your car here in Texas.
I’ve heard some wild stories about Texas. There are definitely some places that outright ban vehicle camping. So, be careful with it. My biggest worry is finding a good spot to stop.
I camp in a Jeep and it gets me to some amazing places. But it SUCKS to sleep in. I have several tents, but unless I'm hiking in (which I never do anymore) I just sleep in the Jeep.
@@AdventureGearTV Yeah the prices are insane. I really like both of those vehicles. If I wasn't going to do any mods and just drive it, I'd get a Tacoma. If I was going to mod it, I'd get a Gladiator. Now keep in mind, the Toyota Tacoma is an over engineered wiring nightmare with major gremlins right off the lot. So if you go with the Toyota be prepared for major problems with electrical. Still, that's what warranty is for but still, if you olan to keep it long term, its a consideration
@@DustinRea interesting, I’ve always heard that Toyotas work great. That’s also the experience I’ve had with my Sienna. But, my 2014 was a three year old model where they had the chance to fix everything.
camping is whatever you want it to be. is it a tent and a shovel (for the bathroom)? for some. me i tried tent camping, cant say i enjoyed it. i started with a 30 year old 26 foot trailer. i really just like having an actual bathroom and a shower, other than that a chair and a camp fire is all thats needed. had to get a bigger trailer with having kids, but really unless its bad weather i'm not in it much anyway. i met a guy out camping once, had a new truck, new toy hauler trailer (45' foot) and a side by side thing. talked to him and he's over $250,000 in debt with all of it, for something he uses a few times a year. crazy! maybe people are thinking its not camping because of all the gadgets, a/c, fridge, power stations. things are just cheaper to make and everything is getting made portable and easier to bring along, i have all those things just in trailer form so who knows. the only limiting factor to minivan camping could be ground clearance, getting to some of those out of the way spots. however you can easily get into and out of places that i could never get a larger trailer into, pros and cons either way. in the end does your "camping" get you out of the house and do you enjoy it? thats what matters. been enjoying your videos for awhile now, keep up the good work!
It's real camping! It's car camping, not backpacking. Who's sitting on their couch telling you it's NOT camping? Edit: Unless you're just staging the campsite?? Which does not seem to be the case.
Is this a woke thing? HAHAHAHA, who cares what others think. they do not define me. Its all subjective and open for individual interpretation.... I think, (GRIN).
@@AdventureGearTV I think "camping in a $100,00 class A , B or C...is more like Hotel Camping.... but a mini-van, in my humble opinion is still camping. Weather permitting you are more "Outdoors" than in, just like tent camping..... but hey, what do I know.??? (GRIN)
Real camping is sleeping outside in a fuckin tent or hammock or making your own shelter, hiking in or even if you are driving. If you are sleeping in your vehicle/in a trailer I have a hard time calling that true camping 🏕
Check out my BEST minivan camping trip of 2023! ruclips.net/video/o2Pppq8lUwY/видео.html
Camping is whatever you want it to be. Those same people saying it’s not real camping are ok with someone having a $200,000 camper with 4 slide outs and a party patio.
I’ve seen that before.
I drive a 1999 Plymouth mini van that I have set up as a camper. I spend a lot of my time in the Ozarks, so I can just camp out at my favorite fishin' holes. If you ever see a maroon and rusted up mini van in Missouri, give me a wave!
That’s awesome. MO is a nice place. I plan to explore around here often over the next few months.
@@AdventureGearTV give me a holler. This beautiful state has a lot to offer! I can point you towards some interesting people and places.
The first and last time I went camping was 10 years ago. Someone ended up camping in THEIR minivan, and there was such a debate amidst the other camping members. I think people like to make suffering a competition when it's really just not a big deal. It's like eye contact. It doesn't hurt anyone to avoid eye contact, but some folks just get so butthurt about it because they have some preconceived expectations that they refuse to let go of. I'm glad you're able to enjoy nature through minivan camping :D
On a separate note, WOW! I see what you were saying about how you rarely wash the minivan. Sometimes it looks spotless.... Other times, it has a story to tell! Just like your channel :D
So, about that. I might need to cave and wash it. It’ll be a hand job, but the bugs have begun accumulating on the front end. It’s a little muddy here. Also, do they want to have eye contact or avoid it?
@@AdventureGearTV so many folks *want* eye contact, and i hate it lol :)
I've owned 2 pop up campers, and 2 travel trailers. Those worked great with kids. When I first started camping, it was in a tent, and then my first pop up, but it was all "dispersed" camping. Once the kids were in the picture, it was setting up at state parks, and RV parks. Now I'm back in a tent, and looking to get back into dispersed camping. I don't think it matters how, or where you go, it's the camping experience that matters. Great video, have a good one.
Nice! Congrats on raising the kids. I like to do some dispersed camping in my Sienna. So, minimal setup and tear down.
Great video! Very informative and reassuring as an alternate way of camping.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the shoutout for submariners brother, but to be honest, of the four submarines I was on, none had as much rack space as your minivan!
Great “work” and keep them coming!
Nice! Thanks for posting your experience. It must have been awesome!
I have a 2009 Pontiac Montana, that I plan to turn into a campervan. It gets great gas mileage that you can't get in an RV. I'd rather sleep in it that have a bear walk into a tent.
Have you checked out the stove top heaters that you can use on most camp stoves? There's also a tube you can connect to your passenger side air vent to blow hot or cold air into the back to make it a livable temperature when you park.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Great tip. Thanks for sharing, I’ll check it out b
I love minivan camping! So much fun and easy to pick up and go!
It is very easy to get up and go!
We agree, two adults & a small dog. This is a well structured, point by point argument proving how we have safe, practical, economical & fun way to camp. Thanks
That’s a tight camping party for a minivan.
Best camping rig is whatever's in your driveway! Good video sir
Excellent perspective. I agree. But, I’m always eyeing something bigger.
Looks like fun to me! I camp in my Tahoe! I’d love a minivan to do your style of camping! Thanks!
Wow. I feel like a Tahoe must have quite a bit of room inside. It might be a little tighter than your used to.
Of course it counts! What kind of AC unit are you using please? Tia!
Love your ideas and info.
That’s the EcoFlow Wave 2. I’ve made a few videos with it overall the last few months.
It's safer than a tent too.
Yep. I used to sleep on the ground, no tent. Then, tent camping. Now, I don't feel safe if I'm solo camping!!
Definitely helps keep animals and insects out.
Fixing a 2014 for camping. Looks like yours. Made decision to have tracks out tomorrow. PIA.
Yep! It’s a 2014 model. Still runs great.
I agree! Great way to express the pros and cons!
Nice! Thanks for stopping in!
great ideas thank you
When did people start defining "real camping?" Anyone who's not sleeping on the ground with moss as their bed and leaves as their blanket, digging holes with their hands to go to the bathroom in, catching meat with their hands and whatever they find in nature, skinning their catch with a rock, using rocks to create a fire, cooking their meat on sticks over the fire, using unfiltered water from a stream, and wearing hiking boots isn't "real camping". Tents, blow up mattresses, containers of water, pots and pans, cooking utensils, shovels, matches, etc. are all luxury items that detract from the "natural experience." I cannot imagine people deciding their level of comfort is real camping and anything over their level of comfort is not. That line of thinking is one of the most narcissistic, egotistical things I've run across in awhile.
That’s an excellent perspective. The level of discomfort should not be the measure of what defines camping.
You mentioned a portable air conditioner. What are you using?
Hi Angie, thanks for asking. I have used it in several of my recent videos. You can see it hooked up in this video: ruclips.net/video/TQ7llg5qrw4/видео.html
I prefer inside a vehicle.i feel safer and more comfortable
Inside of a vehicle feels safer, especially in areas with bears.
Ive been wanting to try this forever but I've had both vehicles I've ever owned towed by the police, and both times there was literally no reason. They seem to find a reason to take your car here in Texas.
I’ve heard some wild stories about Texas. There are definitely some places that outright ban vehicle camping. So, be careful with it. My biggest worry is finding a good spot to stop.
I camp in a Jeep and it gets me to some amazing places. But it SUCKS to sleep in. I have several tents, but unless I'm hiking in (which I never do anymore) I just sleep in the Jeep.
It’s funny that you say that. I’ve been thinking about getting a gladiator, or Tacoma to do some overland camping. But, those prices…
@@AdventureGearTV Yeah the prices are insane. I really like both of those vehicles. If I wasn't going to do any mods and just drive it, I'd get a Tacoma. If I was going to mod it, I'd get a Gladiator. Now keep in mind, the Toyota Tacoma is an over engineered wiring nightmare with major gremlins right off the lot. So if you go with the Toyota be prepared for major problems with electrical. Still, that's what warranty is for but still, if you olan to keep it long term, its a consideration
@@DustinRea interesting, I’ve always heard that Toyotas work great. That’s also the experience I’ve had with my Sienna. But, my 2014 was a three year old model where they had the chance to fix everything.
@@AdventureGearTV I've been watching Dirt Lifestyle and he's done both a Gladiator and a Tacoma. With mods. It's worth cleaning some info from there
BEST VID EVER.
Nice! Thanks.
Where did you get your bookcase?
It’s actually a shoe rack from Walmart. It’s not very sturdy, but was perfect for that spot.
camping is whatever you want it to be. is it a tent and a shovel (for the bathroom)? for some. me i tried tent camping, cant say i enjoyed it. i started with a 30 year old 26 foot trailer. i really just like having an actual bathroom and a shower, other than that a chair and a camp fire is all thats needed. had to get a bigger trailer with having kids, but really unless its bad weather i'm not in it much anyway. i met a guy out camping once, had a new truck, new toy hauler trailer (45' foot) and a side by side thing. talked to him and he's over $250,000 in debt with all of it, for something he uses a few times a year. crazy! maybe people are thinking its not camping because of all the gadgets, a/c, fridge, power stations. things are just cheaper to make and everything is getting made portable and easier to bring along, i have all those things just in trailer form so who knows. the only limiting factor to minivan camping could be ground clearance, getting to some of those out of the way spots. however you can easily get into and out of places that i could never get a larger trailer into, pros and cons either way. in the end does your "camping" get you out of the house and do you enjoy it? thats what matters. been enjoying your videos for awhile now, keep up the good work!
It's real camping! It's car camping, not backpacking. Who's sitting on their couch telling you it's NOT camping? Edit: Unless you're just staging the campsite?? Which does not seem to be the case.
That the equivalent to saying playing video games is a sport. It's not. Same for this it's not actual camping lmao 😂😂😂
F the haters. Why someone think that there should even be a definition of “camping”…😂
Nothing really bothers me, but it’s interesting how irate some folks can get about this topic.
What I TRULY HATE IS PEOPLE WHO PUT DOWN VANLIFE!!!!! OR VAN CAMPING!!!!!
Right!
Love it 🚐🚴♂️😎
Nice! I appreciate it!
I think RVing is not camping. It’s RVing. Like a motorcycle is called a bike when it’s not. A bike doesn’t have a motor.
RVing is it’s own thing for sure. Those things are a lot of work to move, but make great temporary homes with plenty of space to work with.
👍
Truth
Yep!
It is vanlife!! The best life. Unless it is them doing the "camping" then it's NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS HOW YOU CAMP
Excellent view point. Thanks for stopping in!
legit? such a wierd word why the f care what anyone else thinks. life is short and do what you want to do.
It seems like an odd word, but it’s common where I am.
If we were to sleep in our minivan, it would be to avoid high motel cost. Camping has nothing to do with it.
It’s an excellent way to save money. There’s a wide variety of reasons to try it.
Is this a woke thing? HAHAHAHA, who cares what others think. they do not define me. Its all subjective and open for individual interpretation.... I think, (GRIN).
I haven’t heard it out that way.
@@AdventureGearTV I think "camping in a $100,00 class A , B or C...is more like Hotel Camping.... but a mini-van, in my humble opinion is still camping. Weather permitting you are more "Outdoors" than in, just like tent camping..... but hey, what do I know.??? (GRIN)
Real camping is sleeping outside in a fuckin tent or hammock or making your own shelter, hiking in or even if you are driving. If you are sleeping in your vehicle/in a trailer I have a hard time calling that true camping 🏕