This post and thread aims to answer lots of questions people new to this subreddit ask. Not that we mind people asking, because that's what this subreddit is for, but hey, here's some answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I'm new to car living I need ALL the information about living in cars. Where can I find it?
Build a blanket tent to make a small space in your car to keep warm.
Run the car engine for a while then run the heater.
Drive to warmer locations.
Put insulation (plastic foam, cardboard?) between the sleeping bag and floor surface. Cover the windows on the inside.
Buy and use a heated mattress topper if you have the power to run it.
Use two sleeping bags, one inside the other
Sleep with a hat on and don't sleep in wet or damp socks -- even if your socks are just a little damp with sweat, take them off and put on fresh dry socks or sleep barefoot.
Park in an underground parking lots because they're protected from cold breezes and often the concrete retains heat. Sometimes they're purposely even heated.
Use a misting squeese bottle. Use it in conjunction with your fan.
Drink plenty of cool water.
Soak a cloth in cold water and wipe yourself down.
Buy ice for your cooler.
Cool drinks in your fridge.
Q: Is it scary? I am scared? Does it get better?
A: Yes at first living in a car is scary because it is so far out of most people's comfort zone. It is not uncommon to be hyper-vigilant at first. The first nights then days then weeks can be scary, emotional, confronting. But then you get used to it. You adapt. Your body and mind get use to living in your car. It becomes the new norm.
Most people say the first month of living in their car is the hardest. Bob Wells of https://cheaprvliving.com/ fame wrote that the first night he slept in his box truck he cried. I also tared up the first night of living in my bus because I thought I was a failure, then I realised I actually had a pretty comfortable home with a lot of things many people would dream of having. If you have a safe place to sleep, access to electricity, access to water and access to public toilets you're doing okay.
Q: Where can I shower? Where can I go to the toilet?
A: In the USA joining a gym gets you access to showers. People on this subreddit often advocate using Planet Fitness. We also have a member, Nico, who is a manger at LA Fitness and posts an offer now and then with a promo code that will let you join without the $99 annual fee.
In Australia the National Toilet Map app has locations of toilets and some free showers. There are also often free showers at beaches. Caravan parks will usually let you use their showers for a small fee.
Q: I have pets, how do I look after them?
A: Pets are family. You need to put their needs first. You have to ensure that they have a safe place that is climate controlled, so look at the information on keeping cool and keeping warm. Heat and cold can kill yourself and your pets.
I found the Home to Home Facebook group They also have a web site https://www.instagram.com/hometohomepet They describe themselves as "an interactive web platform created to help families, people, and pets with the difficult task of transitioning pets from one home to another."
Q: What stuff do I need?
A: A lot of the stuff you have already such as bedding, clothes, dishware, cutlery. But probably not as much as you have in a home. Your basic needs are a safe, comfortable place to sleep, clothing storage, bedding storage, food storage, a way to eat (which may involve buying food from external sources, or preparing and storing food in your car), a way to wash, a way to go to the toilet.
A flat car bed or air mattress. Get one with a rubber bung in the hole, not a screw in stopper as those leak. Lots of people also build a flat sleeping surface from wood.
Some way to access wifi, like a modern laptop or phone.
You should also NOT sleep upright. Lots of people in this sub have reported health issues from doing so, such as swollen legs, leg pain, Deep Vein Thrombosis and more.
Q How do I find parking?
A:
You should have multiple places you can park so if one is "burned" you can choose another.
Find places where you can blend in.
Arrive late and leave early if sleeping in urban streets.
Highway rest stops may be good for parking.
In the USA, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands allow parking for extended periods.
In Australia State Parks and National Parks often have camping spots which allow you to camp for one cheap fee ($6 in 2025) no matter how long you stay but with a maximum stay of 7 days.
If parking on a residential street, park where your car is against a blank fence, like on the off side of a corner, away from the house front.
Industrial estates are often quiet at night.
Libraries and sports grounds may be good places to park.
Some people advocate parking near hospitals or churches.
People also use the iOverlander app for Android or Apple.
Q: How do I use Google Earth to find parking?
A: I love Google Earth. It lets me explore the world without leaving my seat. It is also incredibly useful for finding parking spots and making maps to mark them. It is linked to Google Street view so you can check street signs for parking restrictions.
A: It starts by having situational awareness, being aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut and avoid places or situations that look or feel dangerous.
Generally you don't need a self defence weapon. You're in a car, you can drive away if someone is threatening you, or trying to break into your car. Try to avoid parking on the edge of a car park where someone can block you in. Park where you can drive forward to escape.
Usually carrying weapons can be illegal. You are better off having some wasp spray, but don't get it in your eyes, because that stuff hurts like hell and can cause temporary blindness. Also, you're going to need a good heavy duty torch / flashlight. Be careful with it though, those long metal ones would really hurt if you accidentally hit some one with them, and also could cause short term vision problems if you shone it in someone's eyes. But they are genuinely useful in a car for fixing issues at night. And be aware that blowing our horn might startle people and frighten them away.
Understand situational awareness and use it. Tend toward privacy, don't tell unnecessary things to strangers. Have a (BRIEF! don't oversell) made-up story you can tell comfortably that constructs lots of people - some very nearby - who know where you are and would know instantly if you were in trouble.
Carry a cheap ring to put on as a wedding band, and always know the name of the nearest military base to where you are, because that's where your husband/fiancé is right now, and know enough about where you are that you know what kind of business your (enormous, scary, whole-family-loves-you-like-a-daughter) boss is in an hour or two away where nobody's likely to know him.
Know that everything about how you look is telling people things about you, and construct a look that doesn't give anything away. Don't trust people just because they seem to like or be attracted to you.
Men and scammers of all kinds are looking for people like you. Don't fall for their lines, and do what you can to spot them before they spot you. A smaller percentage of those people are looking for you specifically in order to hurt you. Always know where your exits are, do not get boxed in anytime you park for an hour or the night. There's some especially vulnerable places those people wait for people like you - laundromats, gyms, parking lots of same, can/bottle redemption centers. But I've seen men just look over at a stoplight and figure out a woman is living in her car and follow her from there. Head on a swivel, skepticism around your heart, stay out of dead-ends.
I don't live in my van except to travel and camp in it, and I don't get messed with much because my van could be full of large husbands, dogs, and sons even if I look alone, but I have seen women in trouble in the same places I get left alone. Do EVERYTHING you can to keep your car from looking lived-in from outside it - disguise your bedding, hide your trash, hide your food supplies. Get some black sheets and blankets to keep everything inside your car covered. Consider storing your supplies in a (beat up) extra-large dog crate from a thrift store or curb-diving or Buy Nothing group. Because of seeing men being skeevy around women, I have a sign I can hold up or prop up in my windshield that says MY CAMERAS ARE ON. You should carry the same, even if you don't have cameras, just tape a small black box to your dash or windshield near your rearview mirror.
You'll blend in better if you tend to stick to tourist areas - it's not that unusual to seem like you might be sleeping in your car if you're near campgrounds, national parks, and other big outdoorsy tourist attractions. Consider a sticker about your love for your Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd dogs. Anything you can do to give the impression that you're just there for a budget vacation rather than being homeless will raise your status in most people's eyes.
Join any subreddits and facebook groups you can find about each area you're going to. You'll figure out a system over time for using the info you get there to find places you're more likely to go unnoticed. Definitely research every area for cheap campgrounds and "day use" and recreational areas.
Q: How do I make window covers for my car?
A: For covering windows cheaply, you can use cardboard, black cloth or black rubbish bags, and glue, sticky tape or a stapler, and scissors. You basically cut the cardboard to the size of your windows, and then cover them with cloth or black bin liners, then glue, stick or staple the cloth or bin liners in place. That's dirt cheap.
I'd probably use some insulation and black cloth along with duct tape. This video explains it well. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/el_fP-P87yc but it is a good idea to cut the insulation wrap / bubble insulation a little bigger than needed.
Have you heard about or have you tried the viral Boat Noodles? It's all the rage this past few months with Asian aunties. They're the instant form of the famous noodles served off of boats in Thailand. They were selling for $28 a box in NorCal. They were sold out before I left the West Coast. With the way they were being hoarded, they must be worth a fortune in prison. Well, here in this part of the Midwest, there's some at the Asian market near me. I bought a single pack for $1.49 just to try. They're alright. I give them a 5 out of 10. I made this using my Coleman butane burner at the park 😎
My favorite instant noodles is actually the Nongshim Neoguri Spicy Seafood. What's your favorite instant noodles?
Hey UCL community! first and foremost, this is 100% free, and the motive behind is to make the road feel less heavy, reduce decision fatigue and find community you keep in touch with.
I’ve been a nomad since about 23yr old (aging myself, but that’s 15 years now) never really lived ‘anywhere’ and love living everywhere. I started this project originally as a backpacking app because i’d travel to work, but as I lived in my holden commodore in australia, eventually a van full time in USA and now currently full time in a jeep, I work in dog rescue and remote tech - I met so many people on the road and asked 10000 questions, so this was built along the way.
that journey resulted in what this app is today. started building this in 2016, and ran out of money too many times along the way, but it’s finally out.
100% FREE, the app doesn’t capture to sell any data,
the app doesn’t even ask for your name unless you want to add it. and it’s forever free for those who contribute, flag waypoints, scout spots, and help keep our pets on the road safe 🐾
I built this to give back to the community that got me on my feet on the road. No need to download regions and, over 1mil waypoints, and the community get to shape what it becomes.
here’s some key features.
MAP - pretty self explanatory but very helpful with finding what you need. Scouted and verified dispersed camping, potable water, wild camp spots the usuals! + more.
ROADMATES - keep up with where the people you meet on the road are at
BEACONS - proximity based happenings, or help needed, even leftover firewood up for grabs
TOOLS - Gyro rig leveling, Offline Compass that will lead you back to where you started, Altimeter, Solar tracking for solar panel optimization, Storm watch alerts.
PRIVACY - Set your privacy at any time, go ghost, be visible to friends only, or open social.
SECRET SPOTS - got a spot you only want your roadmates to see? don’t blow up a spot but share it forever with those you trust or decide for it to be visible to people who hold merit (contribute to the community)
SAFETY - set up check-ins with your friends, SOS alerts that work without service, close friend location visibility.
FEMALE SPECIFIC SAFETY - Solo female traveler tailored safety features, lets you know if there’s other female travelers in the area if you opt in, female only groups, convoys etc. (female accounts must be verified with either ID or other trusted female travelers can vouch for you)
ROAD THRIFT - Got a jacket you want to give to someone who will appreciate it? place any item of clothing you’d give away or sell, nearby travelers can see the items up for grabs.
MARKET - ceramicist? jewelry maker? tattoo artist? crest a market that you can earn on the road with. showcase your work.
SKILLS - Mechanic? solar electrician? carpenter? If you have valuable skills other travelers may need, repairs, upgrades, skill swap - charge for your work or do it in good will and earn Merit.
COMPANIONS - Add a dog, cat, reptile, goat - whatever is riding shotgun with you. See if there’s other social companions in the area, see organized dog friendly events / play dates.
DOG SAFETY - Dog specific alerts, hazard flags, blue/green algae reports.
ROAD FOSTER & RESCUE - place your intended city you’re heading to, rescues can tap in and pay you to transport rescue dogs to their homes or transfers to other rescues.
COMPANIONS JOURNEY - a recap that collects moment with your pets on the road for a specific area that creates a timeline to look back on with your beloved pets
There’s a lot more but i’ll stop rambling… organize groups, gatherings, convoys, temporary wifi sharing.
EVERYTHING built was a suggestion from people who live on the road, every want, need and wish - whatever helps make the road feel less heavy ❤️
and the team behind this live on the road full time.
If you got this far. thank you.
Ok long story short my 25 year old son has found himself living in his car in Asheville Nc. As a concerned father what does he need ? He has a 2009 ford crown Victoria. Any real world advice for me would be more than appreciated.
Anyone have recommendations for micro DC fridges? I was looking on Amazon for small 10-12qt fridges and most of the reviews say they are more like coolers than fridges.
I want something small for only a couple drinks and maybe a leftover. I don't need or want the 1.1 cu ft ones.
2021 Toyota Sienna LE FWD - Custom Hybrid Stealth Camper (Turnkey Mini RV)
Asking Price: $34,900
Mileage: 104,000 miles (Clean title, no accidents, flawless mechanical condition)
36 MPG
LOCATION: KC, MO
Skip the build time and dealership markups. This turnkey hybrid micro-camper features a perfectly optimized, 100% removable design packed with over $3,500 in premium electronics (BLUETTI Elite 200 V2, weBoost RV20, and Alpicool CF45).
Because it’s a hybrid, you can run the climate control (A/C and heat) all night long directly off the traction battery while barely burning gas. Best of all, NO permanent alterations were made—the entire build can be cleanly removed to return the van to a standard passenger Sienna (original seats included!).
Living Space & Comfort:
* Bed System: Convertible couch-to-bed setup that comfortably sits and sleeps two. Fits a full-sized bed layout.
* Premium Cushions: Custom-cut marine-grade foam (naturally resists moisture/mildew) with completely removable, washable covers.
* Stealth & Climate: Full professional window tints, a stealth blackout curtain separating the cab, and WeatherTech all-weather custom window coverings. Zero light leakage—perfect for city or nature camping (never gotten "the knock").
* Headroom: Well-thought-out layout. At 5'10, I can easily stand hunched at the foot of the bed and smoothly transition the couch modes inside.
Premium Electronics & Smart Off-Grid Power:
* BLUETTI Elite 200 V2: Power Station: BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 (2600W Output / 2073.6Wh Capacity). Easily handles heavy concurrent loads—I’ve spent hours gaming on a PS4 + monitor while streaming Netflix on a laptop and running a slow cooker outside for dinner without draining it.
* Smart App Control: Fully integrated Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor exact power levels, input/output wattage, and manage the entire BLUETTI system right from your phone.
* BLUETTI Charger 1: Smart Charging: Charged directly by the car battery via a BLUETTI Charger 1. It automatically detects when to charge and how much power to draw safely. Includes a convenient master kill-switch right at the head of the bed.
* Outlets: Heavy-duty, 20-amp power strip with 6 outlets mounted securely above the counter.
* weBoost RV20: Cellular Booster: weBoost RV20. A major splurge that completely eliminates off-grid lag. Upgrades dead-zone remote campsites into high-speed hotspots capable of seamless online gaming and Netflix streaming simultaneously. The powerful omnidirectional roof antenna works automatically without even needing to be raised.
Kitchen, Water, & Storage:
* Refrigeration: Premium Alpicool CF45 portable 12V compressor fridge/freezer (48-quart capacity). Extremely energy-efficient, drops down to freezing temperatures without requiring ice, and can also be monitored and controlled via its own Bluetooth smartphone app!
* Sink & Water: Deep kitchen sink built into the custom countertop, featuring an electric faucet. Houses a 5-gallon fresh drinking water jug in the trunk space and drains directly into a 4-gallon gray water jug under the sink. Comes with a custom flush-fit removable sink cover to maximize usable counter space.
* Ample Storage: Incredible amount of storage throughout the build. Includes deep, dedicated cargo storage space in the trunk area alongside the water setup, extensive shelving, and an extra-spacious, completely hidden valuables compartment built underneath the bed frame framework (much deeper than it appears on video!).
Serious inquiries only. Perfect for full-time nomads, weekend warriors, or remote workers who need a stealth mobile office.
I was at a festival recently and met a guy there who camps out of his car long-term. He's new to full-time car living. After the festival, he was heading out of the state for a few weeks and was looking for a place to park his car without paying an arm and a leg. I told him that my neighborhood would be a safe spot and that I've left my car parked for a similar amount of time without any problems. So he agreed to leave his car in my area and thanked me graciously.
Lo and behold to my fantastic luck, literally a SINGLE day after he leaves, the city puts up temporary "tow-away parking" signs on the side of the street that NEVER has any parking restrictions (where his car is). I can't make this shit up.
Since we just met, he did not leave his keys with me which I feel is relatively reasonable since it's his literal home and I'm basically a friendly stranger who conveniently wanted to help save him money. But now I must look incredibly stupid because the single thing I was confident of helping him with changed overnight at the worst timing possible.
I have no clue what I could do in this situation because I cannot move the car. And he will not be back for weeks. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Am I the only one? I do DoorDash and sleep in my car, so besides going to pick up orders, I don’t talk to anyone else. I’ve had an ex that I’m taking space from for weeks now cause they betrayed me back in January…I practically have no friends. I have family but no one checks on me ever. I could be dead and they wouldn’t know. I like the peace but I hate feeling like I’m only one like this, I watch YouTube, podcasts, read books so I have entertainment and I guess “online connection”, one sided…but nothing truly fulfilling like a best friend or anything like that.
Hi all! It's my first week doing this whole car thing so bare with me. It's been me and my partner, but my partner has decided to move back in with their parents states away. I have no where to go like that (I'm estranged from most of my family) so it looks like I am doing this alone, with my service dog. I would love some advice on how to keep us safe and warm this winter. I'm a doordasher so I can work anywhere but I really don't know if my car would survive traveling far distances to stay warm. she's pretty old and already needs work. I'm in South Dakota right now. Thankfully in the bitter cold we have warming shelters available and I'm saving like hell to move in somewhere soon. But until I can get a place, what are your tips for keeping us warm and as comfortable as possible? I am planning on getting her a nice sleeping bag and we have lots of blankets and pillows already. I'm also planning to get a big jackery esque battery so that we can run a heated blanket. Anyone have anything else? Tia!
I frequent this sub, I have for years, but I don’t and have never lived in my car. It first started as an interest, what would it be like? I’ve stayed ever since. I find comfort in this community- people trying to survive and help each other. In many ways I relate. I’m an introvert, have a toxic family dynamic, I have always had a “I need to get away” thing, and I can never seem to find my place in this world. So I dream about it. Maybe one day it’ll become reality for me, car living/van living/RV living. Anyway, I am here and I am grateful for this community. I have learned so much from everyone here.
Hey everyone! First time posting here. A little about myself, I'm a navy veteran (been out for about 10 years now) living in San Diego and long story short, I lost my decent paying job earlier this year ( furniture upholstery) and couldn't find another job to replace the amount of money that I was making. One thing led to another and now I found myself living in my car since June while I try to get back on my feet.
So here's my scenario and question for everyone. Has any encounter "harassers" or people that will bother you for no reason at all other than the fact that you are living in your vehicle? And im talking driving by in circles while honking profusely and/or throwing trash and drinks at you or your neighbors, or video recording/taking photos, assuming to make fun of you online somewhere. I rotate between a few streets to sleep and at least a couple of those streets there's always at least one guy that decides to harass myself and the other cars nearby. Now I'm a pretty protective person by nature and I can't stand people that bully and harass others for now reason. Ive also noticed on one of the streets that I'll camp at, my neighbors are all women, so I feel even more of an urge to protect the heard if you want to call it that. Anyway, just curious if anyone else deals with these things and/or how you handle it?
Car stolen in January , recovered in February and fixed in April. Now I got hit by someone running a red light and they are uninsured of course. I mentally can’t handle this anymore. I had a panic attack at the scene considering that’s my home. I had to rush to get a rental because I would literally be sleeping outside.I only had liability insurance. I swear not being here is going to be a lot stressful than this living hell I’m in.
Female 24. I just really can’t do this anymore. My body is in flight or fight mode and my car is going to be 10k plus to fix also I still have to make payments on because I have a loan🫠 I can’t even drive the car right now.
I've researched this until I'm blue in the face but can't seem to find a solution.
In the UK, you legally need a residential address to register a car, and own a bank account (plus some other things I'm sure). It's how they make car living "illegal by proxy", basically.
I don't have family, but I also don't have friends that would be willing to act as my address if I lived this way, and so if I decided to pack my life into a mini-van, I wouldn't have an address at all.
How do you get around this without actually breaking the law? Even if I used my current address for registering everything, I'd be screwed the moment I got a speeding ticket, FPN, or if I need to replace my licence/bank card, etc.
I’m struggling to figure out if I should get a RAV4 hybrid 2004-2010, sienna 2005-2010 or a Chrysler Pacifica Phev probably 2017-18. budget is about 10k. I plan to live in my car full time. I have a job that pays about a grand a month. I live in the west coast if that helps. This is out of necessity, and due to my disabilities I would not function working any more jobs than I do rn, it’s very hard being severely rent burdened as many of us likely know. I think space is really important. Used car prices are so inflated. I want to make a sound decision both comfort and financial wise. I know out of the 3 Pacifica is unreliable. I’ve downsized a lot but have about a walk in closet worth of small to medium bagged things. I’ve considered a storage unit and a airbnb, but shits so expensive and with gas prices I wonder if ICE engine makes sense so far?
My buddy and I are both in similar positions with needing to go car life here in the next few weeks/months, and are planning to leave the Midwest and head to Washington. Has anyone done this with a friend? As in one person carries certain supplies in their car and the other one, other supplies in theirs? We have a pretty decent friendship, but I’m wondering if I should prepare for the worst just in case on needing the supplies he has, and we have a falling out. Has anyone been in a similar position? How did you handle sharing supplies like that?
Both of us are welders, so finding work isn’t something we are worried about.
Living in my car is my true story - the nights I slept in my car feeling like a ghost in the passenger seat get seat. #carliving #sleepinginmycar. This song is for anyone who’s ever had to be strong 💪 in silence.🎶 #newmusic
Edit!!
I found a rest area off i95. I should he good for the night!
Thank you everyone!
I am new to living in my car afterfleeig a dv situation. I am not sure where in Jacksonville I am. I really need some direction for a safe place to park for the night.
I am scared and alone and I have never done this before.
I just left NC and came back to Florida. I wanted to just do this till I can save up for a place. My car is full of shit and I’m constantly losing stuff. I suppose I just need to invest in storage but money is tight right now.
Ok so I just wasn’t sure if yall had any hacks or tips or tricks to make this go a tad more smoother or less expensive. My house (car) has to go in the shop. Not sure for how long. I only work 1 day from tonight until Friday…I was going to get a hotel for $254.00 total but then the uber to and from work is $25 roughy which I’d have to do 4x like to work back from work until Friday. But technically I’d need to get the room till Saturday bc check out is 11am and I’ll have to get my stuff somewhere and I can’t take it to work. Any advice? I’m afraid to stay at someone’s house bc I know it’ll be an issue in the long run whenever my dad’s wife finds out.
