📍Arches National Park, UT We love exploring Arches National Park. There are so many things to see and so many awesome spots to watch the sun rise and set 🌅. Our favorite hike is Delicate Arch. We highly recommend making the trek up there at least twice. The first time to see sunrise, and the second for sunset. Sunrise is especially beautiful, as you avoid the majority of crowds; and get to hike there under the clear starry sky. Definitely try to reserve a spot at Devils Garden Campground, which gets you into the park without a timed entry reservation, as well as close proximity to the hikes! If you get lucky, you might even be able to spot some wildlife! . . . #utah #travelphotography #traveltips #photography #fun #campinglife #love #happy #outdoor #offroad #rav4camper #suvrving #hike #suvcamping #suvcamper #outdoors #hiking #suvconversion #archesnationalpark #mighty5
It’s a beautiful morning here in the Paradise Valley south of Livingston, MT. It was really windy when I got here last night so I spent most of the night in Expedition MotEL. Days and views like this is why this is one of my favorite places to camp when I’m here. #ExpeditionMotEL #ford #fordexpedition #fordexpeditionel #fordexpeditionmax #expeditionel #expeditionmax #suvlife #lifeontheroad #vanlife #overland #ovelanding #carcamping #lovinglife #homeiswhereyouparkit #camping #livingthedream #montana #enjoyingnature #boondocking #suv #suvrv #suvrving #suvliving
Didn’t feel like driving 45 miles out of town to boondock in the wilderness. Then drive 45 miles back into town for tomorrow appointments, so Billings KOA is the place tonight. #ExpeditionMotEL #ford #fordexpedition #fordexpeditionel #fordexpeditionmax #expeditionel #expeditionmax #suvlife #lifeontheroad #vanlife #overland #ovelanding #carcamping #lovinglife #homeiswhereyouparkit #camping #livingthedream #montana #enjoyingnature #boondocking #suv #suvrv #suvrving #suvliving
After spending the winter staying in hotels for business travel it’s nice being back in my “home away from home”. Spending the night in the Expedition MotEL along the Yellowstone River east of Billings, MT tonight . #ExpeditionMotEL #ford #fordexpedition #fordexpeditionel #fordexpeditionmax #expeditionel #expeditionmax #suvlife #lifeontheroad #vanlife #overland #ovelanding #carcamping #lovinglife #homeiswhereyouparkit #camping #livingthedream #montana #enjoyingnature #boondocking #suv #suvrv #suvrving #suvliving
The "what I sat and looked at for hours" pictures...these veiws never got old!!!! . . . . #suvrving #suvlife #suvcamping #suvcamper #suvconversion #vanlife #vanlifediaries #beachlife #coastalliving #coastlinetravel #beachcottage #solofemaletraveler #mexico #bajacalifornia #roadtrip
We loved our campsite at El Coyote for many reasons but the kayaking and snorkeling adventures to find little beaches on the different islands was one of the reasons we ended up staying much longer then we planned!!! . . . . #suvrving #suvlife #suvcamping #suvcamper #suvconversion #vanlife #vanlifediaries #beachlife #coastalliving #coastlinetravel #beachcottage #solofemaletraveler #mexico #bajacalifornia #roadtrip #kayaking #privateisland #privatebeach #snorkeling
We loved our campsite at El Coyote for many reasons but the kayaking and snorkeling adventures to find little beaches on the different islands was one of the reasons we ended up staying much longer then we planned!!! . . . . #suvrving #suvlife #suvcamping #suvcamper #suvconversion #vanlife #vanlifediaries #beachlife #coastalliving #coastlinetravel #beachcottage #solofemaletraveler #mexico #bajacalifornia #roadtrip #kayaking #privateisland #privatebeach #snorkeling
We loved our campsite at El Coyote for many reasons but the kayaking and snorkeling adventures to find little beaches on the different islands was one of the reasons we ended up staying much longer then we planned!!! . . . . #suvrving #suvlife #suvcamping #suvcamper #suvconversion #vanlife #vanlifediaries #beachlife #coastalliving #coastlinetravel #beachcottage #solofemaletraveler #mexico #bajacalifornia #roadtrip #kayaking #privateisland #privatebeach #snorkeling
Another amazing road trip in my beach cottage on wheels, but this time I got to take my Best Friend of 37 years with me to experience the ride 🇲🇽 . . . . #suvrving #suvlife #suvcamping #suvcamper #suvconversion #vanlife #vanlifediaries #beachlife #coastalliving #coastlinetravel #beachcottage #solofemaletraveler #mexico #bajacalifornia #roadtrip
Another amazing road trip in my beach cottage on wheels, but this time I got to take my Best Friend of 37 years with me to experience the ride 🇲🇽 . . . . #suvrving #suvlife #suvcamping #suvcamper #suvconversion #vanlife #vanlifediaries #beachlife #coastalliving #coastlinetravel #beachcottage #solofemaletraveler #mexico #bajacalifornia #roadtrip
This place is so gosh darn scenic. No filters, just the golden hour, working its magic ✨ #goldenhour #goldenhourphotography #4runnernation #4runnercamping #suvrving
Another amazing road trip in my beach cottage on wheels, but this time I got to take my Best Friend of 37 years with me to experience the ride 🇲🇽 . . . . #suvrving #suvlife #suvcamping #suvcamper #suvconversion #vanlife #vanlifediaries #beachlife #coastalliving #coastlinetravel #beachcottage #solofemaletraveler #mexico #bajacalifornia #roadtrip
A weather post: Summer temperatures in #Halland this week even made it into the news ☀️ So glad I went to #västkusten in time - the forecast of new snow ❄️ next week made it into the news as well. Today nothing but rain 💦 and curing sunburn and sore muscles. So before snow arrives, I quickly get all those summer memories out there before they feel unreal again.. From #Ringsegård #bilstrand we went 15min further south to #vesslundanaturreservat and #långasand where we got a premium parking spot for the next night. Just as at Haverdal and Tylösand, Toilets and cold outdoor showers were open at the parking and an uncommon luxury. The only issue were the strong wind gusts that repeatedly blew off my tarp - we were burning up in the sun and urgently needed shade. Problems one doesn’t have when staying home.. the sunset compensated for all the sweat though. 🌅 We had a quiet night, and thanks to the trifold foam mattress and the more robust small platform I built, sleep is no problem anymore. (The dog of course now also got her own small platform and her own foam mattress). The next day we left early - I planned a special stop on the way back east and wanted to make full use of this gorgeous weather 😎☀️🛶 #visitsweden #summerinsweden #roadtrip #suvrving #siberianhusky #spoiltrescuedog
Sleeping room with a view on #ringsegårdbilstrand where one can park directly on the beach. Dogs are allowed until May 15th, cars are allowed all year round 😆 #suvrving #carcamping #feelslikesummer #västkusten #halland #visitsweden
. Installed this new shower head to replace the hose sprayer. Also fixed the filter that shorted a line ways back. Took a look at some other things and…now it looks like my water pump died? It was hot to the touch and the fuse had blown. Not sure what happened there… . . . #vanlife #microcamper #xterra #nissanxterra #vanbuild #vanlifebuild #suvrv #suvrving #xterracamper #microcamper
@subaru_usa you got me from florida to mexico to alaska. over 6,000 miles. reliably, comfortably, and fashionably. subaru, i love you so much. my moving castle. 💖 #jaspernationalpark #jasper #subaru #subaruforester #forester #subielife #suvrving
Off grid living has never been better when you are able to have fresh food and cool beverages whenever you need it. If you are in the market for a 12 volt portable refrigerator, try the Bodega Cooler web site. There are multiple different sizes and styles to meet your needs. Use my unique discount code to get 10% off (RICKYSMALLS). #Bodegacooler #vacation #roadlife #nomad #gokwh #diy #rvlife #rv #muckbang #carcamping #suvrving #vanlife
Everything but electronics on board. So s p a c i o u s. #carcamping #suvrving #4runner
Today is the our 4th day trying out this Bodega 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator with a DIY Solar Generator featuring a 100AH 12 Volt GOKWH Lithium Battery. We have the solar generator being recharged by our vehicles alternator. Our battery bank remains fully charged and our Bodega Fridge is keeping our beverages and food cool and fresh. Off grid living has never been better when you are able to have fresh food and cool beverages whenever you need it. If you are in the market for a 12 volt portable refrigerator, try the Bodega Cooler web site. There are multiple different sizes and styles to meet your needs. Use my unique discount code to get 10% off (RICKYSMALLS). https://www.bodegacooler.com/?click_id=qNSGBM2j (https://www.bodegacooler.com/?click_id=qNSGBM2j) If you are in the market for Lithium Batteries. Take a look at the GOKWH website. There are numerous batteries ranging from 100AH to 300AH. Use our unique discount code to score $20 off (ricky20). Use the link below to get an additional 8% off. https://gokwh.com/?ref=SmallsRV #Bodegacooler #vacation #roadlife #nomad #gokwh #diy #rvlife #rv #muckbang #carcamping #suvrving #vanlife
Today is the our 4th day trying out this Bodega 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator with a DIY Solar Generator featuring a 100AH 12 Volt GOKWH Lithium Battery. We have the solar generator being recharged by our vehicles alternator. Our battery bank remains fully charged and our Bodega Fridge is keeping our beverages and food cool and fresh. Off grid living has never been better when you are able to have fresh food and cool beverages whenever you need it. If you are in the market for a 12 volt portable refrigerator, try the Bodega Cooler web site. There are multiple different sizes and styles to meet your needs. Use my unique discount code to get 10% off (RICKYSMALLS). https://www.bodegacooler.com/?click_id=qNSGBM2j (https://www.bodegacooler.com/?click_id=qNSGBM2j) If you are in the market for Lithium Batteries. Take a look at the GOKWH website. There are numerous batteries ranging from 100AH to 300AH. Use our unique discount code to score $20 off (ricky20). Use the link below to get an additional 8% off. https://gokwh.com/?ref=SmallsRV #Bodegacooler #vacation #roadlife #nomad #gokwh #diy #rvlife #rv #muckbang #carcamping #suvrving #vanlife
*Possibly* my new favorite arrangement; but we shall see 😏 The @bodegacooler video is up next and will be out by the end of the month! #campinggear #overlandinggear #campinggears #nobuildcamper #suvrving
All set up at the Indiana Outdoor Youtubers Spring Meetup in the Hoosier National Forest! @subaru_usa @inspired_overland @rallitek_performance #Subaru #subarucrosstrekwilderness #subarucrosstrek #crosstrek #crosstrekculture #crosstrekwilderness #softroading #suvrving #carcamping #camping #Hoosiernationalforest
Any guesses as to what I’ll be using these for? #carcamping #suvrving #microcamper #campinghacks
I held my breath long enough to do a quick test fit and this might just work. 🤔 #nobuildcamper #suvrving #carcamping #4runnerlifestyle
Nepal? Tibet? Nope. Colorado! I spent the day yesterday visiting several Tibetan Buddhism and Hindu sites in the area around Crestone, Colorado. This stupa is 42 feet high and is called Tashi Gomang Stupa. Inside are buried thousands of items and relics relating to Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the reincarnated 16th Karmapa (essentially the Dalai Lama of a different branch of Tibetan Buddhism), who visited the site in 1980. So much interesting stuff to see out there! . . . . . . #tashigomangstupa #crestone #crestonecolorado #suvcamping #suv #suvrving #suvcamper #carcamping #homeiswhereyouparkit #overland #overlanding #overlander #rav4 #roadtrip #camper #homeonwheels #letsgoplaces #adventuremobile #boondocking #colorado
Me on top of Quandary Peak (14,271 ft) near Breckenridge, Colorado, this morning. This is apparently Colorado's most popular 14er, and so I got up at 3 am and was hiking by a bit after 4 to try to beat the crowds, and it worked! Enjoyed a glorious sunrise from high on the mountain and had the summit and basically the entire mountain all to myself. I didn't see anyone else until I was about 1/3 of the way back down, and then I saw like 50 more people hiking up in total. Great day out! And snow conditions were excellent. Didn't end up needing the snowshoes or crampons. . . . . . . #suvrving #roadtrip #colorado #quandarypeak #14er #hiking #camping #vanlife #overlanding #mountainering
Morning coffee with the bubs. Also, this big honkin’ Bluetti makes a fair foot warmer. The review video goes live tonight! #carcamping #suvrving #4runnercamping
Death Valley National Park . . . . #suvrving #carcamping #roadtrip #vanlifediaries #deathvalley
😍 . . . . #joshuatreenationalpark #carcamping #suvrving #roadtrip #campcooking #salmon #hiking #climb #rocks #bigrocks
😍 . . . . #joshuatree #nationalpark #rockclimbing #suvrving #carcamping #ilovecalifornia #vanlifeadventures #vanlife #lifeisbetterontheroad
😍 . . . . #joshuatree #NationalPark #california #suvrving #roadtrip #vanlife #vanlifediaries #ontheroadagain #travel #getoutanddrive
I just love a majestic mesquite bosque. ✨ #arizonacamping #carcamping #suvrving
Some old-timey Route 66 nostalgia at the Hackberry General Store in Arizona. . . . . . #suvcamping #suv #suvrving #vanlife #vandwelling #vanlifediaries #suvcamper #carcamping #homeiswhereyouparkit #overland #overlanding #overlander #rav4 #roadtrip #camper #homeonwheels #letsgoplaces #adventuremobile #boondocking #camping #adventurerig #suvdwelling #arizona #route66
Made it out, and more importantly — made it back! #suvrving #carcamping #4runnernation #4runnercamping
Loading up for a trip north🤘 #elifecampers #elementlife #vanlife #hiking #camping #michigan #alltrails #element #elementcamping #outdoors #backpacking #overlanding #adventure #adventurevehicle #kayaking #canoeing #explore #dogsrule #suvrving
It was a good trip—finally home. But, we all agree: the west is where we need to be. Go West 3.0 is less than three months away: Arches, Canyon Lands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes. Yes! #gowest3.0 #westwardwego #keywestview #keywest #keywestsunset #travelphotography #suvrving #adventureawaits
Don’t mind me. Just trying to visualize if I can deal with a bed this high 😅 #carcamping #suvrving
An awesome free campsite under a huge Joshua tree in the Nevada desert back in January. #suvcamping #suv #suvrving #vanlife #vandwelling #vanlifediaries #suvcamper #carcamping #homeiswhereyouparkit #overland #overlanding #overlander #landcruiser #roadtrip #camper #homeonwheels #letsgoplaces #adventuremobile #boondocking #camping #adventurerig #suvdwelling #100series
Lookin’ for my bottle of rum. #keywestbound #springvacation #junobeachflorida #roadtrip #suvrving
New YouTube video! My Love Affair with Vans | From Girl Scout to Van Camper My Love Affair with Vans | From Girl Scout to Van Camper https://youtu.be/S7CwX7nokvU
Folly panel updates: 1) a magnetic phone mount 2) “pantry” stocked with biscuit mix, popcorn, oatmeal, and ET bagel seasoning. 3) a smaller fire extinguisher #carcamping #4runnercamping #suvrving
. Day Four! Hanging out at the canyon and some painting (while fighting intense winds…)before departing. . . . #vanlife #microcamper #xterra #nissanxterra #vanbuild #vanlifebuild #suvrv #suvrving #xterracamper #microcamper
. Day Three! Hopped over to the Black Dragon canyon! . . . #vanlife #microcamper #xterra #nissanxterra #vanbuild #vanlifebuild #suvrv #suvrving #xterracamper #microcamper
Day Two! Longish hike, some painting and sun. . . . #vanlife #microcamper #xterra #nissanxterra #vanbuild #vanlifebuild #suvrv #suvrving #xterracamper #microcamper
Initial impressions of the @luno.life hatch screen: 👍🏼 Took less than a minute to deploy. Can’t wait to field test it! #4runnercamping #4runnergear #5thgen4runner #suvrving
. First Day out in the San Rafael Swell! . . . #vanlife #microcamper #xterra #nissanxterra #vanbuild #vanlifebuild #suvrv #suvrving #xterracamper #microcamper
Cassie and I spent half a day in Arches National Park today. I’ve been there literally dozens of times (I’ve even written a hiking guidebook to the park), but it was her first. We had a great time! #suvcamping #suv #suvrving #vanlife #vandwelling #vanlifediaries #suvcamper #carcamping #homeiswhereyouparkit #overland #overlanding #roadtrip #camper #homeonwheels #adventuremobile #utah #moab #archesnationalpark
Alternator belt idler pulley started raising a ruccus so I had to take a few minutes to swap it out! #vanlife #r50 #pathfinder #suvrving
. Quick haul out west! Patient dog…funny enough, been listening to the Stand and as I’m heading down the I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction….so were the four guys sent to talk to Flagg… . . . #vanlife #microcamper #xterra #nissanxterra #vanbuild #vanlifebuild #suvrv #suvrving #xterracamper #microcamper
Earned just enough from merch sales, folly panel plans, and BuyMeCoffees to pull the trigger on this screen from @luno.life I’ll need it for my Fall road trip. Thank you all for your support! 🫶🏻 #4runnergear #4runnercamping #suvrving #carcamping
Ok, enough North Cascades for now. #northcascades #northcascadesnationalpark #nationalpark #washingtonstate #pnwwonderland #pnw #photography #travelphotography #suvrving #carcamping #boondocking #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #natureaddict #roadtrip #happyplace #photooftheday #shotonfujifilm #fujifilm #xt5 #mirrorless
North Cascades - Sep 2023 #northcascades #northcascadesnationalpark #nationalpark #washingtonstate #pnwonderland #pnw #photography #travelphotography #suvrving #carcamping #boondocking #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #natureaddict #roadtrip #happyplace #photooftheday #shotonfujifilm #xt5 #mirrorless
. Diesel Heater box rebuild! I’ve been sitting on the top hardwood piece since last summer when I took over the RinglingCAD wood shop, but ran out of time and real Baltic birch before my move from Florida to VA. Finally found a little time! Should get it installed and tested in the morning. . . . #vanlife #microcamper #xterra #nissanxterra #vanbuild #vanlifebuild #suvrv #suvrving #xterracamper #microcamper
North Cascades - Sep 2023 #northcascades #northcascadesnationalpark #nationalpark #washingtonstate #pnwonderland #pnw #photography #travelphotography #suvrving #carcamping #boondocking #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #natureaddict #roadtrip #happyplace #photooftheday #shotonfujifilm #xt5 #fujixseries
. Prepping for a trip out to the Utah desert for spring break! New shoes! From 265 65 R17 to bF Goodrich KO2s 275 70 17R. Picked up another inch of lift as a result. And finally replaced the spare that was from 2005 (thankfully never needed…) . . . #vanlife #microcamper #xterra #nissanxterra #vanbuild #vanlifebuild #suvrv #suvrving #xterracamper #microcamper
Brake lights above Banks Lake, below Milky Way. #astrophotography #washingtonstate #pnwonderland #pnw #photography #travelphotography #suvrving #carcamping #boondocking #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #natureaddict #roadtrip #happyplace #photooftheday #shotonfujifilm #fujifilm #xt5 #mirrorless #fujixseries
Deception Island #deceptionpass #whidbeyisland #washingtonstate #pnwonderland #pnw #photography #travelphotography #sunset #suvrving #carcamping #boondocking #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #natureaddict #roadtrip #happyplace #photooftheday #shotonfujifilm #fujifilm #xt5 #mirrorless
Ok, but where’s the call to action? #iphonography #shotoniphone #photography #travelphotography #suvrving #carcamping #boondocking #roadtrip
With rain in the forecast, I added an extra layer of bedding and the bedside library has been stocked. Let’s get cozy! #carcamping #suvrving #4runnernation #4runnercamping
5 lesser-known benefits of our TrunkMate sleep systems! ☝️ Keeps you warm in winter - Our sleeping platforms raise your mattress up off the floor of the car, which helps you avoid cold drafts that seep into your car. Heat rises, so a raised bed puts you closer to the warm air! ✌️ Travel discreetly - Our sleeping platforms fold up entirely into the trunk and hide discreetly underneath the cargo cover so nobody peeking in can tell that you're traveling. 🤟 Provides access to a bedside sofa - Our sleeping platforms let you set up just one half of the bed at a time, so you can sit in your back seats with the bed set up and unwind with a book or movie before bed. ✊ Keeps you cool in summer - Our sleeping platforms are thoughtfully designed with airflow cutouts that allow your mattress to breath, reducing moisture buildup and increasing air circulation. 🖐️ Increased gas mileage - Yep, it's true! Overloading your car not only reduces gas mileage, but it can wear out your car's tires, brakes, and suspension faster. Our sleeping platforms weigh just 20lbs per side of the bed which is drastically lighter than most DIY solutions or other sleeping platforms on the market! #carcamping #suvrving #suvcamping #suvcamper #sleepinyourcar #carcampingadventures
🛞💨 #spectreshot #iphonography #shotoniphone #photography #travelphotography #suvrving #carcamping #boondocking #jeep #jeeplove #roadtrip #happyplace #photooftheday
These views!! . . . . . . . . . #quartzsite #desertliving #boondocking #suvrving #wrtr #wrtr2024 #microcamper #suvcamping #girlswithtrucks #toyotagirlsclub #trdoffroad #yotalife #4runnernation #4runnersofinsta #letsgoplaces #wanderlust #explorearizona #exploreoutdoors #arizonaoffroading #yotawanderlust #ladyownedtoyota #arizona4runneroutsiders #swyotas #softroadnation @arizona4runneroutsiders @christinalucido @silverraven4r
When the temps plummet, you need a plan to stay warm when sleeping in your car. Here are 5 tips for car camping in cold weather. 🚙💤❄️ 1. Use a mattress with a high R-value. Don't use air mattresses as they don't insulate well. Instead choose a thick foam mattress. 2. Don't sleep with your mattress directly on the floor of the car. Heat rises so you'll stay warmer if you elevate the mattress onto a sleeping platform. This will also protect you from cold drafts that seep in through the floor. 3. Choose an appropriately rated sleeping bag. Double check the warmth rating on your sleeping bag and understand the difference between survival ratings & comfort ratings. 4. Don't let yourself get cold before going to bed. It's much harder for your body to warm you up if your core temperature has dropped. Bundle up BEFORE you get cold and have your bed all set up before it gets dark. 5. Crack the windows to prevent condensation from building up inside your sleeping bag from your warm breath. Moisture is the enemy of warmth, so make sure your car is ventilated! PS, when the days are shorter and you are forced inside your car earlier, it can be a great relief to have a comfy sitting nook where you can hang out before bed. Our sleeping platforms allow you to set up half the bed at a time, so you can sit in your 2nd row seats with your bed set up! #wintercamping #suvcamping #wintercarcamping #suvcamper #suvrving #staywarm #sleepingplatform
Currently under a blizzard warning, I’m taken back to this summer at Chinook Pass. #mtrainier #mountrainier #mtrainiernationalpark #nationalpark #washingtonstate #pnwonderland #pnw #photography #travelphotography #suvrving #carcamping #boondocking #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #natureaddict #roadtrip #happyplace #photooftheday #shotonfujifilm #fujifilm #xt5 #mirrorless #fujixseries #fujixt5
I added Vacation to the video library. #suvrving #4runnercamping
Light load, this trip! Everything but fridge, electronics, and the dog on board. #4runnercamping #suvrving #microcamper #carcamping
ICYMI: The Winter Camping video is live on YouTube - it’s electric! ⚡️ (boogie woogie woogie!) #4runner #suvrving #4runnercamping
Cozy #vanlife #suvcamping #suvrving