12 Questions Answered About Living in a Car Full-Time

Living the Nomad Life: A Deep Dive into Car Camping

Author

Ark
June 09, 2025

Introduction

Eric, a 48-year-old nomad, has been living full-time in his Subaru Forester for two years, embracing a lifestyle that allows him to explore the United States on his own terms. In this article, he answers common questions about his nomadic journey, from sleeping arrangements to safety, work, and the challenges of living out of a car. This glimpse into his life offers insights for anyone curious about or considering the nomad lifestyle.

Sleeping in a Subaru Forester

One of the most frequent questions Eric gets is how he, at 6 feet tall, manages to sleep comfortably in a compact car like a 2020 Subaru Forester. The key is a custom mattress from Deep Sleep Overland, designed specifically for various vehicle makes and models, including Subarus, Jeeps, Fords, and Toyotas. By sliding the front passenger seat forward, Eric creates enough space for a cozy sleeping setup. He uses a 10° Sea to Summit sleeping bag, which keeps him warm even in cooler months, and a simple sheet for warmer nights. To ensure airflow and keep bugs out, he equips his windows with mosquito netting, allowing him to sleep comfortably in remote locations, like his current spot just outside Las Vegas.

Finding Places to Sleep

Eric relies on the iOverlander app to find safe and suitable places to camp. This community-based app allows users to pin locations and describe road conditions, cell phone coverage, and amenities like water, laundry, or Wi-Fi. The free version provides ample functionality, while the paid version offers offline access, which is crucial in remote areas with no cell service. Eric uses iOverlander to locate Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, where he can camp for up to 14 days, ensuring he’s never far from other campers in case of emergencies.

Why a Car and Not a Van?

Many wonder why Eric opts for a car instead of a larger van or RV. The answer lies in practicality and circumstance. Eric originally purchased his Subaru Forester as a daily driver for its fuel efficiency and compact size. When he decided to embrace nomad life, the car was paid off, making it a cost-effective choice. Unlike a van, which would require significant modifications and potentially lose the tech and gas mileage benefits of his Forester, the car is nimble, ideal for stealth camping in cities, and capable of navigating narrow dirt roads. While Eric hopes to upgrade to a larger vehicle someday, the car’s advantages suit his current needs.

Making a Living as a Digital Nomad

As a freelance video editor and part-time YouTuber, Eric operates as a digital nomad, relying on public Wi-Fi to work. Libraries are his go-to for free, reliable internet, though hours vary by location. Occasionally, he supplements his income with DoorDash deliveries. While he’d love to stay in scenic, remote areas like his current campsite, work often requires him to visit cities for Wi-Fi access. Starlink, a satellite internet solution, is too expensive for his budget at $500–$600 for hardware and $170 monthly. Instead, he maximizes library visits and occasionally recharges his Anker portable power station at gyms like Planet Fitness.

Safety and Solitude

Safety and loneliness are common concerns, but Eric finds both manageable. He enjoys the freedom of traveling alone, setting his own pace, and exploring at will. His nomadic lifestyle also allows him to reconnect with friends across the country, from California to Maine, alleviating any potential loneliness. For safety, Eric trusts his instincts, avoiding areas that feel unsafe. He ensures cell phone coverage at every campsite and uses the Find My app to share his location with family. For protection, he keeps bear spray, mace, and a serrated machete within reach, though he’s never faced a serious threat from humans or animals—except for mice chewing through engine wires, which once forced him to relocate in the middle of the night.

Managing Supplies

Eric’s frequent city visits for work make it easy to restock supplies. He carries a personal water container and a one-gallon jug, refilling them at Planet Fitness or library water fountains. His dual-zone fridge, which functions as a refrigerator, holds about three days’ worth of food, though he could stretch it longer if needed. Cooking is done outside, which can be challenging in bad weather, but Eric adapts by parking strategically and securing lightweight items to prevent them from blowing away in windy conditions.

Powering the Nomad Life

To power his fridge, laptop, and phone, Eric uses an Anker portable power station with 1,800 watts, which serves as a battery, charge controller, and inverter. He recharges it at libraries or gyms for quick charging or uses a 110-watt EcoFlow solar panel when boondocking in sunny areas. While he wishes for a larger solar panel, his current setup meets his needs for now.

Challenges of Nomad Living

The biggest challenges Eric faces are weather and the need to find Wi-Fi. Rain, snow, or high winds complicate outdoor cooking and daily tasks, as everything must be done outside his small car. Windy days, like the one he’s currently experiencing, can scatter lightweight items or knock over equipment. Additionally, the necessity of finding Wi-Fi forces him to leave beautiful rural areas for cities, disrupting his preferred lifestyle. Despite these hurdles, Eric finds the trade-offs worthwhile for the freedom and adventure nomad living provides.

The Allure of the Canadian Rockies

When asked about his favorite destination, Eric doesn’t hesitate to name the Canadian Rockies, including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Waterton Lakes. The region’s teal glacial waters, waterfalls, wildlife, and towering mountains leave him in awe, with every stop feeling like “the most beautiful place on earth.” He encourages anyone to visit, promising they won’t be disappointed.

Advice for Aspiring Nomads

For those considering nomad living, Eric strongly recommends a trial run. He suggests taking two weeks to a month to live out of a vehicle in an unfamiliar area to test the lifestyle. This approach helps determine if the constant search for water, safe sleeping spots, and solitude suits you. Eric himself tested nomad life for a month, traveling from Florida to Utah, and fell in love with it within two weeks. He advises maintaining a home base, like his small storage unit in Florida, for security and sentimental items, especially for those new to the lifestyle.

Conclusion

Eric’s journey as a nomad highlights the freedom, challenges, and rewards of living out of a car. From clever sleeping setups to strategic use of apps like iOverlander, he’s mastered the art of minimalism and mobility. While the lifestyle isn’t without its difficulties—weather, Wi-Fi access, and the need for constant adaptability—Eric’s passion for exploration and independence shines through. For anyone intrigued by nomad living, his story serves as both inspiration and a practical guide to hitting the road.

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