Southern California Club Xterra

Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX General Discussion => Topic started by: CVXTERRA on December 07, 2015, 04:07:03 PM

Title: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: CVXTERRA on December 07, 2015, 04:07:03 PM
Hey guys and gals! I have just finished the first round of camp mods on the X. This is my still kinda new to me 2005, Canteen Green, 6spd. M/T "S". I recently ordered a 4 inch mattress topper that is 1.5 memory foam and  2.5 high density foam which is plenty enough to keep 200lb me and my 120lb fiance' from sinking through at any point on the bed. this includes laying on your side. My Father in law was kind enough to help me cut up the foam and give some camping pointers.
Also purchased the action packers to gain the extra bit of space and storage and increase the sleeping footprint.
For privacy/light I strung up some curtains I had in the garage with paracord tied from the from oh S*** handle through the back seats' to the cargo hooks and back around. I am also using the sun shade windshield blockers placed just behind the pillows to block out the front. This isn't the ideal set up but it didn't cost any money. The purpose of this was to keep it simple, light weight, and cheap.  In the near future I'd like to just use window inserts for the rear 3 windows and a small stand alone curtain for the two back doors.
this design will surely be improved upon and I am open to any suggestions you more experienced lot may have. The fiance' and I will be taking the rig out this week for an overnight to test it out and enjoy the end of a long and stressful quarter at Cal Poly.

When I get back I will comment and post pictures of our little adventure.
Thanks for looking

folded up for quick transport. when long term storage is needed it is wrapped with tie downs and rolled up night and snug. both ways keep it below the line of sight which is a pretty nice coincidence.
(http://i.imgur.com/oyo50Epl.jpg)


seats out and action packers in, fair bit of room left for camp gear.
(http://i.imgur.com/RSzqn1Sl.jpg)

yea thats right.. polk-a-dot sheets...but they are flannel... and free...
(http://i.imgur.com/w5j6Rg9l.jpg)

couple shots from the back
(http://i.imgur.com/WienoeBl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/oUfTOkwl.jpg)

shot from the inside out. much more space than it seems since the curtains hang away from the windows quite a few inches. still has the space when you are in it. just looks smaller.
(http://i.imgur.com/p9fIDsYl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/JTm62YBl.jpg)
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: JFanaselle on December 07, 2015, 09:11:18 PM
Nice, looks good!
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: Jayrat on December 07, 2015, 09:53:18 PM
I love sleeping in the back of the X
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: Celt on December 08, 2015, 01:02:40 AM
Looks good, now get out there and do some camping in it to smooth out your setup. I've been sleeping in the back of my X for years now but I still don't have the fancy setups you guys do. I still go redneck and throw down a air mattress and a folded up Carhart for my pillow. Maybe one day I'll join the cool guys club and get some curtains or some such.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: CVXTERRA on December 08, 2015, 08:32:09 AM
Thanks everyone! I like to think the fancy set up is for the lady, but the truth is she is probably more rugged than myself. Just gotta get through finals and Im gone! only 3 left! and in one day.... >:(
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: CVXTERRA on December 11, 2015, 10:37:05 AM
Alrighty! Drove the X through Cleghorn to Silverwood lake campground and stayed overnight. The X is absolutely brilliant in terms of storage and sleeping capability (also in just bad assery). We had plenty of space to sit up and read for a while and keep some of the more important gear in the front seats. Curtains and shades kept out all light and made it comfortable to sleep. I was able to fit most of the camp gear within the action packer (stoves, and lanterns and the such). Also, before we left I ran to the Home Depot and purchased a roll of screen that I used to make window screens as well as a screen for my rear hatch.
Overall this was an awesome experience and I had a blast.
Just a side note, Silverwood lake campground was quite nice. running water, showers, laundry tubs and lots of activities. however, not for the quick overnight I was looking for at a steep $45 a night. got there late in the day since we were driving all around Cleghorn so didn't really have much time to get the full experience out of the camp site. mostly just a place to sleep, make dinner/breakfast, and have a fire. Ill be back but I'd make more time to use all of the things you gain access to.
(http://i.imgur.com/lVOzIZ2l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/X3XKqgVl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/5Ik0KQSl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/mBubPOXl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gGw9Oi4l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/GYyfpQYl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/sY2ogW6l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/V5070GQl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/AHDj7nFl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Hcb06qhl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/IMJEe5cl.jpg)
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: JFanaselle on December 11, 2015, 12:41:21 PM
Awesome, looks like a great trip (sans the $45 camp fee... ouch!). I absolutely love your in-rig sleeping setup. I wish I could convince my wife to take a minimalist approach to camping... sure would make things easier to sleep in the rig like that. :)
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: Celt on December 11, 2015, 01:04:03 PM
JF, I struggle with that minimalist approach myself on the runs if I have She that bosses me around along.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: CVXTERRA on December 11, 2015, 02:30:16 PM
Thanks! it is actually more comfortable and spacious than it appears. It is pretty great to have a self contained rig.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: Toro on December 11, 2015, 10:13:12 PM
That's a comfy looking set up. Nice work.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on January 27, 2016, 08:25:17 PM
Definitely makes me want to step up my game a little.  I love sleeping in the back of the X.  The only thing I would like to figure out is how to make it a little warmer.  The Mojave Winter Run was pretty freaking cold in the car at night.  Felt more like I was in a fridge than a truck.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: CVXTERRA on January 27, 2016, 10:34:09 PM
I actually just got back from out in Johnson Valley area last weekend and we stayed in the X. Friday was pretty mild out but Saturday night was frigid outside and was insanely windy. Even with that we had a comfortable nights sleep. And with both windows cracked about 4"s each. I think that the curtains help a lot in keeping the warm in and also having the flannel sheets and using a comforter and quilt makes quite a difference.

What is your set up?
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on January 28, 2016, 08:18:06 AM
Full size matress pad x3
blanket overtop of that
covered up with a mexican blanket and sleeping bag

I might have to get the flannel sheets...that might do the trick
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: CVXTERRA on January 28, 2016, 09:15:19 AM
Yeah I do think they make a difference
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on January 28, 2016, 11:00:08 AM
I like the Action Packer setup to gain a little more leg room.  How far did you move the seats up, and did you cut your mattress to fit around the center console?
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: CVXTERRA on January 28, 2016, 12:16:01 PM
seats have to go almost all the way forward for the action packers to work. but the gain in space is substantial. I trimmed the foam around the wheel wells but did not cut for the center console. I have not had any issue with this decision thus far. I was more worried about rolling over from one side and smacking my face agains the console than just leaving it. plus we sleep two in my x, me and my fiancé so that helps maximize the sq footage.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on January 28, 2016, 12:54:04 PM
seats have to go almost all the way forward for the action packers to work. but the gain in space is substantial. I trimmed the foam around the wheel wells but did not cut for the center console. I have not had any issue with this decision thus far. I was more worried about rolling over from one side and smacking my face agains the console than just leaving it. plus we sleep two in my x, me and my fiancé so that helps maximize the sq footage.

Thanks!  I am 6'3", so sleeping comfortably in the back has been a challenge, to say the least, but I make it happen.  What size are the packers?
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: knightrider on January 28, 2016, 01:14:34 PM
heres a picture from thenewx for reference.  2  8 Gallon action packers and 2 cases of mobil 1 :D

(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af112/surfandsnow71113/Xterra/P6080135.jpg)
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on January 28, 2016, 02:25:59 PM
heres a picture from thenewx for reference.  2  8 Gallon action packers and 2 cases of mobil 1 :D

(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af112/surfandsnow71113/Xterra/P6080135.jpg)

Excellent, thank you very much!
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: RikRong on January 28, 2016, 02:48:57 PM
heres a picture from thenewx for reference.  2  8 Gallon action packers and 2 cases of mobil 1 :D
I noticed you have the bottoms of the rear seat removed.  Are you able to scoot the front seats all the way back with the packers in there?
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: CVXTERRA on January 28, 2016, 05:38:47 PM
if the top of the rear seats are down and action packers are in place then the seats need to be moved pretty far forward. almost all the way
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: knightrider on January 28, 2016, 06:47:57 PM
the seat bottoms need to be removed to extend the sleeping platform, easily done by lifting the 2 red latches on each side, i normally would put the removed seat bottoms into the front seat or leave them at home.   I think my seat bottoms have spent more time in my garage than the xterra.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: RikRong on January 28, 2016, 08:22:04 PM
Makes sense now, you don't keep them down there while driving, but you move them to sleep. Did I get that right?

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: CVXTERRA on January 28, 2016, 09:01:10 PM
correct! while driving I put the seats up and move the packers .
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: RikRong on January 28, 2016, 09:16:22 PM
correct! while driving I put the seats up and move the packers .
I guess I should've gone back and looked at the pics at the beginning of the thread again. Ha-ha

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: knightrider on January 29, 2016, 12:05:24 AM
You could leave the action packers behind the seat but you would have to be about 4' to drive in that position haha.  Most normal size people have to remove the action packers from the floor to slide the seat back to a normal position.

Sent from my rooftop tent while stargazing

Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: RikRong on January 29, 2016, 05:07:41 AM
You could leave the action packers behind the seat but you would have to be about 4' to drive in that position haha.  Most normal size people have to remove the action packers from the floor to slide the seat back to a normal position.

Sent from my rooftop tent while stargazing
That's what I figured, I just wanted to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: Jayrat on January 29, 2016, 07:53:38 AM
That's how we roll ..Remove babyseat lol, remove seat bottoms, move seats forward, put action packers in,  blow up mattress, blanket on mattress and sleeping bags,
it fits me ,my girlfriend and our 3 year old son comfortably
Title: Re: Make your bed! (my first attempt at car camping)
Post by: FrankB on January 29, 2016, 10:22:42 PM
The Action Packer thing does work really well, I've been using that for quite a few years now.  I leave the rear seat bottoms at home if I know I'm camping. 

Another thing that I've found to be really helpful for sleeping the the X is to have vent shades on the windows.  I like the WeatherTech brand, but there are other brands as well.  You can keep the windows cracked a bit for fresh air without a lot of wind or bugs or rain getting in. 

I've never tried one, but I hear that some of the 12V electric blankets work well.

The Raingler interior ceiling net is a lot easier on your head if you sit up quickly in the night compared to those hard wire steel shelves I see some people using.

I've found it helpful to replace the interior dome lights in the center and back with red LEDs.  You don't lose your night vision or end up in a fishbowl if you have turn on the light in the night.  For white interior lights I found some little battery operated ones from Black Diamond that will run on lithium AAA batteries.  While the lithium batteries are way more expensive than alkaline they won't leak and destroy the light.  I have a couple of those hanging from the ceiling net.

Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: CVXTERRA on March 04, 2016, 05:14:44 PM
Well I was going to make a whole new post for this but decided I'd just modify my title and add to what I have going.

Best friends birthday overnight and some shooting. Some great shots (see what i did there ;)) of the X and the gear as well as my new awning and room combo, which worked better than I could have expected. Very happy with the route I went.

anyway, here are some pics

(http://i.imgur.com/aCFyEQ7l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ln8hOj1l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/h1l8YISl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/4XWCJqxl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/jRC1pBnl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/JZSLjzbl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LhzDGIal.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/oSKWdNNl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hkGnZoOl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/tzu01ufl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/SXUSkRXl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/aQTWzssl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/3r0HPMPl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/EQ5KoFjl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/P1iwYZJl.jpg)
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: JFanaselle on March 05, 2016, 06:33:04 AM
Looks awesome, and looks like a fun trip! I'm glad the setup is working exactly as you hoped it would. :)
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: CVXTERRA on March 05, 2016, 06:54:29 PM
Yes! It is awesome! I cannot wait to get back out there!
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: CVXTERRA on April 28, 2016, 11:56:52 AM
Camping and climbing in Joshua tree. Got in late Thursday night and all the usually camp spots were taken so on our way to the BLM found a couple of spots in cottonwood spring campground. Never stayed at this campground before but it was really far out and wasn't much climbing near by so that was a bit of a drive but there were some nice hikes and real flushing bathrooms so that was cool.

I am pretty new to camping but this was the first time I have focused on reducing waste. Including reusable silverware and dishes, reusable towels, bio soap, and water can. Had no paper plate/cup/silverware waste and did not bring disposable water. small steps but I felt pretty good about it.
Still working on refining what is needed and what is over the top but I am pretty pleased with my progress.

Here are some shots from the trip. Pic heavy.
Pic heavy.

my one eyed cat trying to come along
(http://i.imgur.com/1GQwqsNh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/2E8vQrzh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/S3KAK2Ph.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/A382aL0h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/WgG6VbMh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/4K3eyG1h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/TU7oWGih.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eYQCUuMh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XpoBJd9h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/fBCCpvjh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/U30mmJ7h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LSvwY0Hh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Lw488yEh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/l98sBhvh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/fmtNc7Zh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/59yY9J3h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/k35YwKUh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/kYIlxXKh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/KGNkOpBh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/HGR47qsh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/tuAJzFfh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hyAs9a0h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/SmbV5h7h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ekqftH7h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/W5SuLYBh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/42FaZNMh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hJHBmeBh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UmTo4iah.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/kGfS6BOh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PiUDNYJh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/wxFr3Vhh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Y5oiQioh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/KWYFH9hh.jpg)
Title: Re:
Post by: JFanaselle on April 28, 2016, 03:19:42 PM
Looks like a fun trip! What's the story behind the avocado with what looks like a bite taken from it?
Title: Re:
Post by: steve c on April 28, 2016, 03:31:10 PM
Looks like a fun trip! What's the story behind the avocado with what looks like a bite taken from it?

He was hungry, obvi. 

No time for knives. 
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: CVXTERRA on April 28, 2016, 04:59:22 PM
Looks like a fun trip! What's the story behind the avocado with what looks like a bite taken from it?
He was hungry, obvi. 

No time for knives. 


I have very tiny teeth :D

Really though. Went to bed and it was untouched. Woke up and something got to it in the night. Not sure what it was exactly but it was pretty neat.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: Ghost65 on April 29, 2016, 09:34:01 AM
Aliens.


Sent from Cygnus X-1
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on May 21, 2016, 01:37:24 PM
What awning/room did you go with?  I really like that setup.
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: CVXTERRA on May 22, 2016, 10:08:43 AM
This is the ARB awning 2000 and the corresponding annex room. This is really one of the greatest things I have ever purchased. I use the awning all the time independently of the room and when I am all the way set up for camping its a hit. Room provides a place for gear to go since we sleep in the X and it is everyones favorite place to change since you can actually stand up. When the doors and windows open it gets great air flow and is a cool place to eat lunch away from heat and bugs.  I cannot recommend this enough.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Outdoor-Lifestyle-and-Camping/Retractable-Awning-2000.aspx?t_c=88&t_s=565&t_pt=9575&t_pn=ARBARB4402A

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Outdoor-Lifestyle-and-Camping/Touring-2000-Awning-Room-with-Floor.aspx?t_c=88&t_s=565&t_pt=9575&t_pn=ARBARB4412A
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: CVXTERRA on October 06, 2016, 07:17:05 PM
Hey all, its been a little while since I have posted so I thought I would drop by and upload some pictures from my trip to the eastern sierras last month. Spent about a week up there and had an absolute blast hiking, fishing, and hanging in hammocks!

I've made a couple of changes to my set up after an almost year of camping. I swapped out my wrap around curtains for the reflectix insulation cut to the size of all the individual windows. I also swapped out my mattress topper for an actual 5" trifold mattress, which works much better for anything more than 2 or so nights of sleeping.

As always, I could not be happier with the performance of the X and how it fits my needs. Makes camping for the two of us easy and comfortable. plus I pulled 20.5 mpg the whole way up with a fully loaded X :)

(http://i.imgur.com/za817h6l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LLTV4ERl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/2NS9tTPl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hyffebMl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/k2xAmt5l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/oUGDboLl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/QvrG9uCl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/MzJVxRNl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/t34Zpxwl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vq9BxoJl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/dDm8e41l.jpg)
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: SyK0 on October 10, 2016, 04:02:12 PM
I'm digging your setup! Awesome trips you've taken with the X  8)
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: JFanaselle on October 11, 2016, 12:17:48 PM
Beautiful photos, looks like an awesome trip!
Title: Re: Make your bed! (M̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ car camping (plus other stuff album))
Post by: CVXTERRA on February 21, 2017, 03:51:15 PM
Spent a couple nights just outside of Anza Borrego. We stayed at Culp Valley Primitive Campground, which was free and absolutely beautiful. The wet winter we've had so far made the views stunning. So much green! This was also the first time I was able to test out my "little red campfire", which performed flawlessly and put of decent heat for its size. Think I may be going this route for my campfires from now on. The ease of packing two small ish items (pit and tank) beats lugging firewood and hoping you don't run out or have to keep buying more. All and all, another great trip in the books for me. If you get a chance, I highly recommend the site. Would have loved to stay longer but the weather was changing so we were grateful for the two days of sunshine and clear skies.


(http://i.imgur.com/k5teXhjl.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/FTrIRZHl.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/R3OvxBhl.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/4mHW01Ql.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/qcyeEtxl.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/hxKgWKGl.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/YTtDZNYl.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/KwLtwxUl.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/PVfcVhKl.jpg)