Hi folks, just wondering whether there is anyone else out there using their car as a camper? I have a VW Sharan and have removed 4 of the 7 seats and made a bedbase, and currently working on a shelf for the opposite side. I haven't yet used it 'on its own'; have had two outings, but with the use of a Khyam Motordome tailgate awning. However although it's a 'quick erect' awning, once packed down it's very heavy and I'm hoping to get the Sharan to a stage where I can manage using the car as a microcamper.
Any stories/tips/experiences anyone would like to share?!
------------- Life without dogs? I don't think so!
Plenty of threads about car camping if you search UKCS. As to sleeping overnight in a car (which I’ve done in the occasional car park when I’ve had to), some campsites won’t allow it, some will. Condensation is a problem, and you need to keep out light & retain your privacy. I don’t know your vehicle spec, but if the seats aren’t designed to be removed, you’ll need to tell your insurers that you’ve modified it.
Even if you sleep inside the car, I’d just look for a lighter “drive away” awning to run a tent EHU cable into, cook inside & have a table to eat at. Maybe even get a porta-potti.
Hope you get some more replies, sorry if I sound a bit negative. I have many happy memories of lightweight tent camping & only uncomfortable memories of sleeping in the car.
Fiona w, thanks for your thoughts. The Sharan seats quickly unclip and lift out, I haven't told my insurance company I've removed some seats because, as far as I'm concerned, if the seats in an MPV are easily removeable, they're part of an MPVs practicality.
The two times I have slept in the car I didn't have any condensation at all, maybe because I had the awning up, and had left the tailgate open a crack, plus other windows, so plenty of through-draughts. Cold, but not wet!
Both the car camping outings were at Camping and Caravanning Club sites, and neither of them batted an eyelid when I turned up in the Sharan though I understand from some other people that some sites are more particular about letting people sleep in their cars. I really can't see what their problem is, as long as you are not inconveniencing other campers!
I've already got a porta-potti, there is room for it at the end of my bed base; between it and the tailgate. I think a smaller, lighter awning is going to be a must, the Khyam is too big and heavy for me.
MisterB 1959 yes, I've already trawled through a number YouTube videos; interesting to see the layouts of other car campers but it's always to share thoughts with others doing the same camping thing.
------------- Life without dogs? I don't think so!
I can’t see too much issue with semi converting a sharan as I’ve seen them converted to full campers in the past , big cars and ideal i would imagine as a camper for a single person. have a look at an amdro boot jump too , they can be moved from car to car if the Sharan dies,, (I had a sharan years ago and it was very unreliable)
------------- Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Car Camping
via mobile 23/12/2020 at 8:17am
