My Escape RV

Turn your SUV or truck into a tent camper - Check this out:

Suanne's blog is about her travels in a Prius - she calls it her Prius RV. She left her husband at home and took off alone, visiting National Parks from April till October in her car.  That started me thinking...I have a small SUV.  Why couldn't I use it as my RV until I buy my Class C?  Suanne, I hope you don't mind me copying your terminology and calling  mine "My Escape RV"?

I was telling my neighbor about this, and he mentioned car/SUV tents.  It's so amazing the things you learn when you talk to people, things you would never have found out by yourself. 

So, I did a little research yesterday, and here's what I found. 

The sleeve on the tent goes right around the opening at the back of the SUV.  You can set up sleeping quarters in the car and use the tent for the "living" room with chairs, table, lamps - whatever.

At night I'd put my electronics in the locked car with me, and along with Katie, I'd feel very safe.

If you want to drive off somewhere, just take the sleeve off the car, and the tent converts to a regular tent until you re-attach it upon your return.

There are four models for station wagons and SUVs - this one has an attached sun room. You can also purchase the floor for the sun room for around $30 extra.



This tent fits on the back of a truck - is this cool, or what?!?

These photos are from Sportz by Napier.  I found a few others, but these looked the best and on Amazon.com, they had all 5 stars in the reviews. They recommend using a sealant of some kind for the seams in case of rain, I think they recommend what to use.  I would probably do that, especially this time of year. One reviewer said he got the sealant at Walmart "as recommended by Napier."

This weekend I'm going to break down and spend some money - I'm going to see what I can get as far as camping equipment goes.  I've been putting that off, thinking I should save my money for the RV Fund, but since that's a year to 18 months away, I think I'll do some looking now.  

I already have a sleeping bag, flashlights, bug spray if needed, cooking stuff (extras from when I lived in that horrible cabin in Georgetown - I HAD to replace the kitchen pots and pans and dishes, etc.  They are in a box in my carport storage area and I'll drag them out tomorrow to see what I have.)  I have two battery operated lamps.  I need to see if I have a car charger for all my stuff :  Kindle-Yes, MP3-Yes, Camera-No, Computer-?  What else?

It's not an RV, but...   I'd have the room provided by the tent, and the safety of sleeping in the car with my car keys close, and doors locked.  That's about the best thing I can think of to get me out there for now.

The weather in the San Diego area has been nice and warm lately, so I might actually be able to do some camping with Katie in a few weeks, after I get all my gear together. There are lots of campgrounds nearby. 

I was talking to one of the guys at work about a campground near his house - he lives on the beach. It's at Solana Beach and he said this time of year (off season) it's not as crowded.  Might even have lower prices. He said dogs are allowed on the beach there.   I drive by it on the way home from work and it looks small and crowded to me, but I'll have to check it out.

Pretty neat, huh?  Now I'm getting excited again. !!! 

From me and Katie - have a great Thursday, everyone! : )