People are finding new and very creative ways to travel the world. Technology and affordable used cars give us many opportunities to build our dream camper and leave with everything we need. Some people need a very large luxury motor home, while others are fine with living in a Japanese crossover-turned-smart camper. Nate and his dog Bobby, for example, are the types of travelers who don’t need a multi-million dollar RV to be happy and explore the planet.
As his overlander base, Nate uses an old 2005 Honda CR-V. This second-generation SUV is a rugged and durable vehicle with a boxy shape that leaves enough room for an interior that can be converted into a comfortable living area. Nate is a videographer and photographer and his main goal was to build a camper that seats one person and has enough storage space for all of his professional equipment. And a place where the dog can sleep too.
It’s hard to believe that a living room as small as the CR-V has a fridge inside, but Nate has an electric cooler that sits right under his bed and is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system. He even installed an extra layer of insulation to lower the fridge’s energy consumption and keep his drinks cold.
Of course, organizing such a small space requires as many drawers as you can fit. Nate’s solution is a three-drawer plastic storage organizer and lots of other small plastic drawers hidden in different spaces under and around the bed. Bobby, the dog, has his own spot in the front passenger seat where he sleeps and travels with a view from the crossover’s windshield. Last but not least, there is a small diesel heater with an exhaust pipe cleverly integrated under the vehicle.
Are you considering living life on the road for the next few months in your old SUV? What upgrades might you need? What difficulties may you encounter? Nate can give you (almost) all the answers in the video at the top of this page, where he reviews his 2005 CR-V camper.
