Turn your SUV into a camper!
The SUV camping gear I utilize supports the no build camper conversion approach, which enables you to easily transition from SUV to camper, and back again. It will also enable you to go anywhere, camp for free, and be prepared for anything.
This page is organized by the need the camping gear meets. You can jump to a section using these links:
Food & Water
Protection, Tools, Safety, and Security
Light, Power, Heat, and Cooling
Sleep & Comfort
Personal Care
Clothing & Footwear
Here is how I qualify recommendations:
Use = I use this item, but do not necessarily recommend it and/or there is nothing unique about it.
Recommend = I use it and it works well.
Highly Recommend = I use it, it works great, and is essential.
I utilize the Amazon Affiliate Program to support this website, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if the affiliate links are utilized to make a purchase.
Food & Water
Stove - Use
My Primus stove was recently stolen, so this is its replacement. I like the solid metal fuel connection. The Primus had a hose connection and it was hard to connect and always seemed to be in the way. So far this stove has performed very well. The question is how long will the ignitor last, because the Primus did not last that long. UPDATE November 2023: The igniter stopped working and the left knob is broken, so I am downgrading this to “use”. I am in the process of trying out an old Coleman 2-burner white gas stove.
Table - Recommend
This is a great camp table, primarily because it folds very flat, but also because it is easy to set up and tear down. The only reason I do not highly recommend it is because it is no longer essential when I use my hitch bin carrier kitchen setup (see the Configurations page)
Pot & Fry Pan - Use
These are just a basic non-stick fry pan and pot that have served me well over the years. The WearEver fry pan is pretty worn out and apparently that company was bought out, so I will be seeking a different solution. The T-Fal pot has held up really well - keep in mind I use it less. My main point is these are the only two pans I need and they fit well in the bins!
Cutting board - Use
They key to this cutting board is it fits in a bin and it cleans up easy, but it is a bit small, so I am search of a better solution.
Collapsible bowl - Highly Recommend
I use this bowl to mix and pour, but I also eat from it and use it to wash dishes. It folds flat and fits nicely down the side of the kitchen bin. I just wish I knew who made it, so I could direct you exactly where to buy it! The link below gets you to some other collapsible bowl options.
Silverware - Use
This is an old Coleman camping silverware set that came in a nice carrying case that kept them from rattling around. I’ve had these for 20+ years. They are lightweight, the knives do a decent job of cutting, and have been very durable. Based on the link below, it looks like all they have changed 20+ years later is the color!
Spatula - Use
There is nothing unique about this item, I just want to point out that other than my pot and pan, this slotted spatula is the most essential item for camp cooking. This one is a Revere Ware brand and it has held up really well over the years!
Plates - Use
There are plenty of options out there for plates. I picked these up from Target many years ago for an RV we owned at that time and they still work great. I was unable to find an exact match, so the link connects you to similar items. The key features are durability, a height that fits in a 17 gallon bin, and the fact they have some depth so they contain some liquid. I only have two of these as eating right out of the pan is always an option!
Cup and Koozie - Recommend
I only keep one cup in my kitchen bin and that is the Hydroflask Tumbler. It does a good job of keeping a beverage cold or warm. The Yeti koozie was a gift and I like it because it works for both cans and bottles.
Knife - Highly Recommend
I only use one knife and that is this Wusthof Chef’s Knife. I was in the food business for a while and my mom gave me a complete set of Wusthof knives and I “borrowed” this one for camping. I am showing it with an edge guard on it as that is how I safely store it in the kitchen bin. These knives are worth every penny!
Coolers - Highly Recommend
I use the Yeti for ice storage and the Coleman for my food and beverages. I’ve had the Coleman for years and it has always served me well. One really nice thing is it fits perfectly into a 17-gallon bin lid, which allows it to be securely stacked to save space. The Yeti Tundra 35 was just too small to hold much and it is very heavy and a bit awkward to move around, but it is great at keeping ice, so that is all I use it for. UPDATE November 2024: I had to replace the Coleman cooler - the plug broke off an the hinges were starting to fall off. Since I had the old one for 10+ years, I replaced it with the same model - just green instead of red because I am color blind and thought I ordered red!
Water Jugs - Use
I use the ubiquitous smaller Coleman 5 gallon jug on most camping trips unless my access to water will be limited and then I will carry one of the 7 gallon Jerry Can style jugs. Both jugs fit nicely in the back of the Suburban. I do not recommend carrying the 7 gallon jugs on your cargo rack - they are just too heavy and will likely cause you to exceed your roof load limit.
Protection, Tools, Safety, and Security
Canopy - Highly Recommend
For several years, I utilized an REI Alcove as my primary canopy. It fits the Suburban very well and it is very light and durable. Unfortunately, they don’t make them any longer. When I started doing more winter camping (wet where I live!), I realized the REI Alcove would not stand up to the weather, so I sought another solution. I went with the much more robust Shelter Logic 10x10 canopy. Trust me, I looked long and hard and I am sure this is the best solution, but it requires some modifications. The canopy out of the box is way too tall with its 9’6’’ roof height, which makes it a very large wind sail. So, I cut a foot off the the lower leg sections and now it is perfect! The roof tarp is a good thickness, the ties downs are solid, the poles are strong tubular steel, and the price is right! The walls you see in the picture are just shower curtains. Check out the video page to find out more about all the aspects of the canopy setup. Please note the link takes you to the 10x20, but you can choose the 10x10 size. UPDATE November 2023: I am in the process of switching the walls to tarps because the shower curtains took too much time to set up and there were too many pieces in the puzzle!
Shower Curtains - Use
Yes, that is right, shower curtains! This is what I use for the canopy walls. They are light, water-resistant, dry quickly, and clean up easy (also machine washable). The link below takes you to great source - they seem to have every size imaginable. I am currently using four 72x96 for the side walls. I am testing out a back wall setup and will update this once it is dialed in. Also, these, hooks, clips and pipe insulation are essential to make it all work. UPDATE November 2023: I am in the process of switching the walls to tarps because the shower curtains took too much time to set up and there were too many pieces in the puzzle!
Windshield Sun Shade - Highly Recommend
This fits the Suburban perfectly! I use it for sun protection and privacy. It has a silver side for hot weather and a white side for cold weather. It rolls up nicely and has a Velcro strap attached to secure it.
Sandbags - Highly Recommend
Don't leave home without them! These are just some sandbags used for photo/video applications, but they have become an essential tool. They keep the canopy weighed down, enable canopy walls and quick shelters, may help you get unstuck in the snow, and you can use them for a workout!
Work gloves - Highly Recommend
I like to work on cars, so I use work gloves. One day I decided to throw a pair in with my camping gear and now these are the only gloves I use while camping no matter the weather. I carry several pairs and if one gets wet, then I swap them out for another. I have tried various brands, but have found these Wells Lamont gloves fit great, provide good grip, and are very durable.
Mallet & Hatchet - Use
A rubber mallet is essential for driving stakes in the ground and this one is just a generic one. I pack the Gerber hatchet, but rarely use it as I am not really a fan of campfires. I do like how compact it is and that it comes with a nice and safe cover.
Adjustable bungee cords - Highly Recommend
Bungie cords are an essential item for camping and I use plenty of them. After buying five or so multi-packs over time and hunting and pecking my way through them to find the right size, I finally came upon these adjustable bungies. I buy the 36 inch 10-pack and they pretty much serve all my needs.
Insect Repellent- Highly Recommend
Bugs are a part of camping and I have been using this repellant for years. It is strong and effective. I like the small size and the liquid application - a little bit goes a long way!. I also carry one with me on hikes and while fishing. Don’t leave home without it! Please note the link is for the spray, but I recommend the liquid.
S-Biner Dual Carabiner - Highly Recommend
I use these in various sizes for many applications. The picture shows the high and low end of the size range. They make it easier to tie down the canopy and I have a bunch of them hanging from the cargo net rod to hold headlamps, keys, glasses, etc. I also found these rotating versions, which are the perfect solution for hanging the curtain rods for the cargo nets! Update November 2024: The rotating caribiners did not withstand the stress of the curtain rods, so I am now using regular carabiners. I still like to the rotating ones, but they need to be limited to light-duty applications.
Cable Ties - Highly Recommend
I carry regular cable ties, but have found these Velcro versions to be much more useful, and I like the fact they are reusable. They are not as strong as the plastic ones, but you can double them up to make them stronger.
Dog tie out cable - Use
These are available in many forms. I like this one because it is plenty long, it is easy to wind up, and the smooth covering makes it easy to clean.
Mats - Highly Recommend
These are basic outdoor mats that somehow perfectly fit the back of the Suburban! I use six (yes 6!) of them in my setup. I use three of them in the back and they provide a nice layer of insulation and make it easy to clean up. The other three are available to use where needed at a campsite. I typically put one where I stand to cook and one by each rear door. Trust me, it is nice to land on one of these when you exit the vehicle. If you have trouble locating these Apache Mills mats, just be sure to get an alternative in the same size, which is 30” x 47”. Please note for my solo camping setup, I have one of these cut to fit the space left when the right rear passenger seat is lifted.
Window screens - Highly Recommend
These are made by Skeeter Beater and are just plain genius! They utilize magnets to attach to the vehicle and they make them to fit all kinds of vehicles. I have a set that covers all the door windows and the sunroof. I keep the corresponding screen in the storage compartment closest to the window it covers, which saves time installing them. As you can see from the picture, I also use rain guards and highly recommend them so you can keep the windows cracked for fresh air when it is raining. I reviewed the Skeeter Beaters in this video.
Leveling blocks - Highly Recommend
These are critical to a good night of sleep! I tried ONCE to sleep in an unlevel spot and will not do that again. I carry a small torpedo level (see below) and place it on top of my mattress to level everything up. Don't forget to use a wheel chock on the grounded wheels - in the picture I used my jack stand on the driver side rear wheel for this purpose.
Level - Highly Recommend
This is a small torpedo level I use to level the Suburban at a campsite (see above) and to level the stove when I utilize my hitch cargo carrier kitchen setup.
Ratcheting Cargo Bar - Highly Recommend
I discovered these when I was looking for cargo nets and now I use three of them! One keeps the liftgate at full height - it has a tendency to lower down a bit - so these keep me from banging my head on the liftgate! I use the other two to stabilize the hitch cargo carrier when I use it for my kitchen setup. I also use them in conjunction with the cargo net (below) to secure the load in the back when traveling.
Cargo Net - Highly Recommend
It is critical to secure your load to protect passengers from the load shifting. This 4’x8‘ heavy duty cargo net is designed for trailers, but it is a prefect fit for the back of the Suburban. It comes with four cargo straps with a hook on one end a a carabiner on the other. I secure the straps to the Suburban with the hooks - one under each middle seat, and one to each of the cargo tie down loops in the back and then I just keep the the straps connected all the time. I cover the load and connect the carabiners to the net and tighten down all four corners. When I arrive at a campsite, I simply unhook the carabiners in the back and roll up the net it and leave it behind the front seats.
Hose with spray nozzle - Use
I carry a short collapsible hose with a spray nozzle, so when I have access to water, I can clean up gear, and perhaps take a quick shower!
Emergency hammer - Highly Recommend
This is an absolutely essential item when sleeping in a vehicle. I have one mounted between the front and passenger windows on both sides of the vehicle, and I have another one in the center console. Please review the Safety Page and my Safety Video BEFORE you camp and sleep in a vehicle.
Fire Spray - Highly Recommend
I have a full size fire extinguisher permanently mounted in the back of the Suburban so it can be accessed from the inside and outside. I also keep a can of fire spray in my kitchen bin, so it will be handy in the event of a grease fire while cooking.
Theft Prevention Toolkit - Highly Recommend
Light, Power, Heat, and Cooling
Power Strip - Use
Surge protection is essential when plugging into campground power or generator power. I have two 4-plug power strips mounted in the back of the Suburban. They are tied into one heavy duty outdoor extension cord, which I plug into the generator or campsite power. I carry the bigger surge protector in the picture as an extra one to use when plugging directly into campground power.
Generator - Use
This is the first stand-alone generator I have owned and I am still testing it. It starts right up, is as quiet as advertised, and fits perfectly on the floorboard of the front or rear passenger seats. Please note the link below is for the 2100W, but mine is the 2000W. Also one thing I learned is that is the startup wattage, but the running wattage is 1500 and the max output is 13 amps.
Deep Cycle Battery - Highly Recommend
So far this Renogy 100 amp hour deep cycle battery has served me well. I just did three nights of camping with temps below freezing and it powered my electric blanket for two of those nights without recharging. I probably could have gone a third night, but I did not want to push my luck. The true test is how it performs over time, so at this point it is a recommend item. Please note deep cycle batteries are very heavy - this one weighs 64 pounds, so plan accordingly. My original thought was to haul this in the hitch bin carrier, but after lifting it up to the top basket several times, I decided that was not wise, so now it always sits at the foot of the bed, and I only lift it when I load it and then unload it at the end of the trip. UPDATE November 2023: It is still going strong after three years of use, so I now highly recommend this battery!
Battery Charger - Recommend
I use this charger in conjunction with an inverter to charge the battery while traveling, when power is available at a campsite, and at home to trickle charge the battery. It works well, but at 4 amps it is quite slow, but that is how deep cycle batteries are supposed to be charged. I like the simplicity of it, and how it completely automates the process. I am sure a higher amp charger would work faster, so I may add a 4-8—12 amp charger to carry with me, and then just use the 4 amp charger at home.
Multimeter - Recommend
An inexpensive multimeter is all you need to monitor your battery’s performance. 12.7 volts is fully charged and 12.2 volts is 50% charged and you should not go below that level with a deep cycle battery.
Inverter - Recommend
I thought I would need a 2000W unit to power all kinds of things, but all I use it for is charging my deep-cycle battery with my 4 amp charger, and charging camera batteries, which do not draw much power! Anyway, I wanted a unit with an info screen showing voltage and wattage and auto-shut off features, both of which this one has, and I have been happy with how it has held up.
Solar Panel - Use
This is a 20W solar panel. I have it mounted to a bin lid, so it can be placed on a bin in the hitch cargo carrier and charge the battery while traveling. The panel and regulator are weather resistant, and I have put it to the test of pouring rain at 70 MPH and lots of fresh snow and it is going strong! I really like the bracket, which allows for multi-angle positioning and somehow its mounting holes lined up with the screw hole channels in the bin lid, so it is very secure! Update November 2023: Once I realized just how long it would take this panel to fully charge my deep cycle battery (days!), I stopped carrying it. My inverter in conjunction with my battery charger is a much better solution!
Headlamp - Highly Recommend
I used battery powered Petzl headlamps for years. When I started working on cars, I realized I needed a more powerful solution and I found this Slonik rechargeable headlamp. No pun intended, but the difference is night and day! The Slonik will light up an entire campsite! I bring two on every trip, so I can use one and charge the other, but I still have my Petzls available as backup. They also come with a very nice hard cover carrying case and a charging cord.
Lantern - Highly Recommend
I love these lamps! Two of them are hanging inside the Suburban from the rear passenger handles, so all I have to do is reach up and pull down to turn a light on quickly. The wire hangers are removable, which enables more hanging solutions. Update November 2023: These will open while traveling and run down the batteries, so you need a system in place to keep them closed while traveling. I wrapped a tarp tie down around the rear passenger handles, so all I have to do is pull it down and around the base of the lamp. You just have to remember to do it before leaving camp!
Electric blanket - Highly Recommend
A 12 volt electric blanket is the most feasible and safe solution for staying warm when it is freezing or below outside. I really like the simplicity of this RoadPro blanket. It is either on or off and there are no heat settings or timers. No electric blanket will work well when exposed to really cold air - the key is to put it inside your sleeping bag. I fold it up into a long rectangle and put it on top of me and before long, I am quite warm! At that point, I simply push it down by my feet and it will continue to radiate heat and keep my body warm and my feet super warm! Winter camping is a great time to avoid crowds, so I highly recommend an electric blanket setup! Here is the video I produced about electric blankets.
Space Heater - Recommend
I had this space heater, which only lasted for about 10 hours of use, so I decided to spend more and buy a better unit. The Vornado unit is larger, but the wide base makes it more stable. I trust this electric space heater because any slight movement will cause it to shut off, but I do not use it while sleeping. Like all space heaters it is power hungry, but it does have the ability to switch between 750, 1000, and 1500 watts, which lines up well with my generator. Keep in mind these have limits on raising the temperature when it is really cold, but I will take +10 degrees when it below freezing inside the Suburban!
Propane Heater - Use
Please review my safety page. I will not use a propane heater inside the vehicle! My original one is the one on the left. I like its size and output, but the pilot light is prone to blowing out. I am trying out the one of the right, which is the BuddyFLex, which features wind protection for the pilot light, and it offers higher BTUs with 180 degree coverage, so my thought is this will be better for providing heat under the canopy. I am still testing it out, but I can tell you I just got back from a trip to a windy canyon and I could not get it to stay lit.
12 volt fan - Recommend
This fan produces good airflow, but it is loud, particularly on high. I sleep with a fan at home, so I am OK with the level of sound, but some might find it to be disruptive. The specs do not say what amperage it draws, but I believe it is in the 4-6 DC amp range, which is good. I know it will run for two nights without having to recharge my 100 amp hour battery, and I believe it can go for three nights. The foldable legs are a nice feature along with the handle on top, which you can use to hang the fan by a window. Here is a complete product review video on this fan.
Propane gauge - Highly Recommend
Once I started using a 30 gallon propane tank, rather than the canisters, I realized I better get a handle on how much propane is in the tank, so I bought this gauge and it is working very well. I still carry some canisters for backup, but this gauge allows me to manage my propane supply very effectively. The 30 gallon tank is heavy when full, so I am considering going with a 10 or 20 gallon tank.
Power Station - Highly Recommend
When you camp in remote places, you need a backup to your backup! I can charge my car battery with my generator and battery charger, but this power station will give me a quick jump start. It also has an air compressor, which I have used to air up a flat tire, an inverter for 200 watts of AC power, and several USB DC power outlets for charging devices.
Sleep & Comfort
Mattress - Highly Recommend
This is a 3-section memory foam mattress, which is 4 inches thick and it is all I need under me to sleep comfortably. It is the perfect length for me, fits nicely down one side, and still allows room for one bin at the foot of the bed. The sections allow it to be fold up into a nice rectangle for easy packing and storing. Please note two of these are a very tight fit and I recommend some modifications - here is a video on that. The cover enables it to fold up and it is removeable and washable, but you will quickly discover the zippers are not very durable, so I recommend using a cot sheet, so you can just keep the cover on it.
Sleeping bag - Highly Recommend
I have used the North Face Cat’s Meow model for 15+ years. This is my second one and the only reason I had to replace it was the my first one was stolen. I use it for all seasons. It is comfortable in the summer and will keep me warm when temps are close to freezing, but I typically team it up with an electric blanket when temps are below freezing.
Blanket - Highly Recommend
I don’t like being completely enclosed in a sleeping bag, so I usually zip mine up 1/2 to 3/4 and use this blanket to keep my upper body warm. It is just the right weight and packs up nice and tight. I also have a couple of these to use as curtains if needed - they fit my curtain rod setup perfectly.
Chair - Highly Recommend
The Director’s Chair on the left is my main camping chair. It is nice and flat when folded up and the side table with cup holder comes in very handy. It is very sturdy, so I also use it as a step ladder by placing wood slats across the seat. The Alps Mountaineering Chair on the right is very compact when folded up and sits really well on the rear window shelf for loading purposes. It is very comfortable and light and comes in a nice carrying case.
Personal Care
Toilet - Highly Recommend
This popup privacy tent folds up into a small and completely flat circle for easy storage. There is an art to folding it up and I am still learning to master it! The toilet is the Cleanwaste Go anywhere system. It utilizes disposable bags containing moisture absorbing gel. It folds up into a rectangle box that fits right into the lid of a 17-gallon bin!
Pee bottle - Highly Recommend
Every seasoned male tent camper is familiar with this item. Yes, a Gatorade bottle works well, but this is fit for purpose and should get you through the night! It has a female adapter, but my wife has not tried it out yet!
Clothing & Footwear
I will sharing things I think campers might find useful
Boots - Highly Recommend
I discovered Xtratuf while on a backpacking trip in Southeast Alaska. I showed up in my fancy Vibram soled hiking boots and proceeded to slip and slide my way through the trip and then I noticed everybody was wearing this style of boot. These are my mud boots and they are always in the Suburban ready to tackle any wet conditions or for something to quickly slip on to exit the vehicle.