How Living in an SUV Can Help You See the U.S.
Traveling the United States can be costly, but living out of your SUV while you see the states can be a great way to save money and have an unforgettable experience.
Is It Legal to Live in an SUV?
Yes and no. I know, maybe not what you wanted to hear. It all depends on the area you’re in, as the laws about vehicle dwelling vary from place to place. The biggest one you’re likely to run into is parking restrictions. This is where apps like iOverlander and Campendium come in handy; they include user-generated reviews of potential areas to stay the night.
I have found that the West Coast is definitely more lenient when it comes to these codes and restrictions. As a traveler though, you’ll be better able to fly under the radar because you’ll be on the move.
Is Living in an SUV Safe?
Living in your SUV can be safer than you’d think! Your biggest asset is being prepared. This includes researching where to park for the night, being able to easily access your driver’s seat while in “camping” mode, knowing self-defense, and having shades to keep people from realizing you’re in the vehicle.
As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe in my SUV. If an area didn’t feel good, I simply left and found a new place to park for the night.
I would recommend knowing self-defense and carrying items like pepper spray that will better help you to protect yourself while on the road. I never had to use these items, but I was always glad I had them!
Why Do People Live Out of Their SUVs?
There can be many reasons people decide to live out of their SUV, including to save money, to travel, or because they want to try something new. Each SUV-dweller will have their own reasons!
For me, living out of my SUV allowed me to see the United States while saving money and having a place to call my own. I turned my SUV into my home and got to stay at some really amazing places that no hotel or rental could get me.
The Cost of Living Out of an SUV
Many people think you save a ton of money living out of your SUV. This can be true to an extent, it just depends if you decide to live on a budget or live it up where money is no object. Whatever your budget is, you can find ways to make it working while in your SUV!
Are you trying to stick to a budget? Dispersed and stealth camping will be your BFF. If you’ve got the money to spare, campsites can be a great way to have a dedicated spot to park and access to some amenities.
Keep in mind the cost of maintaining your vehicle as well. All of those miles will mean that your fluids will need to be changed out more frequently and that you’ll run through your tires.
Let’s not forget the ever-changing cost of gas. If you want to travel on a budget, going during the peak summer season, when prices are higher, may not be the way to go.
Making Money While Living in Your SUV
If you’re planning on living in your SUV for longer than a weekend road trip, you may be wondering how you’ll earn a living on the road. There are a few things you can do to rake in the cash and live your traveling dreams.
You’d be surprised at how many freelancing opportunities there are. Upwork and Fiverr are places you can check to pick up the odd jobs. There are also seasonal work opportunities you can take advantage of while going to different states.
After the pandemic, a lot of companies have switched to remote work. I currently have a remote job that I work while traveling. I use my phone as a hotspot and I’m good to go!
Things You’ll Need to Comfortable Live Out of Your SUV
Please note that there is no one item you absolutely must have in order to make your SUV living a success. I’m a firm believer that you can make it work with what you’ve got. That being said, there are items that will make your life a little easier while you’re out there on your adventure.
A Place to Lay Your Head
This is probably one of the first things someone thinks about when you tell them you’re living out of your car. “But how do you sleep at night?” Quite comfortably, actually.
You don’t need to get fancy with your sleeping arrangements. I simply laid down the back seats of my car and used a car air mattress and an old mattress topper I had. My car bed was way more comfortable than a lot of hotel beds.
Some people take out their seats and then build a sleeping platform with storage underneath. Honestly, do whatever works best for you! If it’s your first trip in the car, maybe plan a short drive and then do a test run with things you already have. You’ll quickly begin to learn what makes you comfortable as you sleep.
Finding a Place to Park Your SUV at Night
Knowing where you’re going to sleep for the night can help you to feel at ease with your travel plans. Finding a place to park depends on what you’re doing for the day. When I’m trying to make it long distances, I typically sleep at a rest area or truck stop. If I’m looking to stay around town or a specific area, I’ll turn to dispersed or parking lot camping.
There are apps and communities to help you find good places to park. Keep in mind that each area has its own laws when it comes to people sleeping in their cars and overnight parking. For the most part, I’ve found that if you keep quiet and stay inconspicuous, you’re way less likely to be bothered and asked to move. Be respectful of your environment and always have a backup plan in case your first few areas don’t work out.
Powering Up Your Electronics
The power you’ll want to get greatly depends on your needs for the trip. For most people, having a few rechargeable battery packs will be enough.
For my trips across the US, I know I’ll be working a lot from my laptop, and I need a reliable way to recharge without having the car on. This is why I invested in a lithium battery “generator.” Not only was I able to keep my laptop charged, but I could also have a fan running at night and use a rice cooker to prepare meals.
Storing and Cooking Food in Your SUV
Just like sleep, food is an important aspect of living out your adventure in your SUV. When you’re doing a long road trip, fast food every meal is not really a great plan.
Your setup should contain some way to store food safely and keep it cool, even if it’s not meant to be refrigerated (the sun can do terrible things). You can plan on having anything from a small cooler to a mini fridge that runs off of a power station.
I advise thinking about what you really need and what plans you have for meals. I opted for a Yeti cooler because I wanted to do more cooking and I typically eat a lot of things that need to stay cool.
As for cooking, this will depend on your power setup. If you have a power station, you’ll be able to use something like a hot plate. If not, a camping stove may be the way to go. There are also plenty of meals that you can make that require zero cooking.
Outdoor Fun Items for Your SUV Living
Extending your living space to the outdoors will help you to feel less cramped in your SUV. Although you can definitely make the inside of your car a cozy place, sometimes it’s nice to be able to get outside!
All you really need is a camping chair and a foldable table. I found a cheap one at Target for $10 that folds flat. With these two items, I was able to enjoy some gorgeous evenings in nature while eating and chilling.
Another item I loved having on the road was a hammock. I was constantly bringing it to parks, spending hours chilling and working while being comfortable.
You may think that you need to go all out on camping gear, but work with what you’ve got. As long as it is fairly compact, it’ll be a great addition to your setup!
Oh the Places You Can Go in an SUV
There is so much to see and do on a U.S. road trip! One of my favorite things to visit was the National and State Parks.
These parks boast gorgeous views and lovely hikes. They’re a great way to get out of the car and see what’s out there.
Don’t be afraid to explore the cities and towns you stop in either. You may be surprised what fun things you can find that don’t show up on any map. I enjoyed many evenings picking an area to walk around in and seeing where the day took me.
TLDR: Is Living in an SUV Worth it?
Short answer? Absolutely. My time spent camping out of my SUV has created some of my favorite memories. I think it’s a great way to see the states that is truly unique. Don’t let the idea intimidate you. Just hop in your car and get to exploring!