Anna, I spent 11 years in the Army, mainly sleeping on the ground, on a foam mat. I can highly recommend a folding camp cot. It is a game changer. I used just the basic type, but these days there are great folding camp cots with extra cushioning, often aimed at the fishing market. Add your inflatable mat on top for even more. It also provides a place to sit too, and I think it would make life much more comfortable for you and they are relatively inexpensive too. The camping hiking ones will be more basic, less comfortable, but lighter and pack away smaller. The other end of the spectrum will be good for car camping, will be bigger, heavier, but much more comfortable, some with added padding or a thin mattress too.

Is that microphone attached to a fork?

The 12V fridge is key. Just got back from a month in Canada. Reloading ice was a PITA. That's my next update for my minivan camper. Have a safe trip.

Anna.....you positively crack me up...a true minimalist....here speak into my fork .I love the new format of your videos...very light hearted .and fun to watch ... Drive safely 🙏

Years ago I had a motorcycle riding buddy who owned a Honda Element. He towed a tiny Teardrop trailer behind it. The Teardrop was essentially his "hard side tent".

I continually change/improve my minivan setup. All my storage is cardboard boxes - free and versatile. Messing around with ideas is super fun and entertaining.

It is truly wonderful to see your positive energy, enthusiasm and excellent intellect Anna. You are a treasure.

You're so much fun Anna! So happy you've returned here :)

Sounds like a plan! 7 key items! If you get one of those foil (reflective) windshield shades..you can use it under your air mattress or up in the pop top for insulation! Double duty! Safe travels. Enjoy and so happy you’re back! Can’t wait to see future plans for Mango

Love this video - your sense of humour and ability to just flow is so refreshing and inspiring! Can’t wait to follow along your road trip

Good job girl ! I have to work 3 days a week at a location 2 hours away from my house so I went through all the portions what I can do to make my stay comfortable ! Since I am not handy or creative , I eventually decided to buy a sprinter van and have it built by a professional . It’s almost done and I am super excited ! I will check back to see how you are doing ! Enjoy your trip!

Having a raised bed is good for storage, because you can store a lot underneath it. I love the minimalist plan, you still need food, clothes, and camera/laptop etc. These things take up my extra room every time :)

Spare tire (longer term): a number of Element owners/KZfaqrs have come up with swing mount setups on the rear, so that’s a possibility if you’re going to opt for a permanent build that can’t be easily removed on the side of the road when you get a flat. FYI: You’ve got me shopping for an Element now. My new obsession with learning everything I can about these vehicles is ALL YOUR FAULT! 😂 Seriously though, have a safe & fun road trip!

Anna, you are a trip and a half - love your new take on vids and really enjoy your bright attitude on the road. Be safe and stay 💪 to a lovely human being 🚙🌬🌬🌬

Great to see you again! My thought on the spare, is mounting on the front of the vehicle. Also, I love to see how simple you have made this. Many folks make you feel like you need a very fancy set up. You go girl!

So glad you're back, Anna.

You might want window covers for privacy/darkness. And a small chair so you can lean back and not be in the car. Could use it in the future at your shelving unit/desk. Have fun designing and deciding! Safe travels!!

Heck yeah! Your setup is what i love about minimalist car camping!

I'm so glad your back! ..you look beautiful and I love your camper❤

Mango is such a cute camper/suv! You are always joyful & fun to watch as you prepare for a long trip! Stay safe on your journey!! 💜🇦🇺😁🍻

Definitely a comfortable pillow, a military blanket (if it gets too cold and could be used on top of your inflatable mattress), pepper spray and some paper towels & toilet paper rolls. Let's roll baby! Have a wonderful and safe trip!

Love your laid back and humorous approach to your videos! 😊

how fun. good luck on your adventure!

I’m in this limbo where I just moved to the PNW and planned to build a van out, but I would really like a more practical vehicle for non-adventure stuff. So I’m right there with you brainstorming ideas for somewhat “portable” work stations… the dream is almost exactly what you described but also completely removable so when I’m not out adventuring it still just serves as a normal vehicle I can drive in with several passengers 🤔

As a former Element owner who did a lot of stealth camping in mine, I'm surprised you didn't just leave the passenger side rear seat in and then did the matching up with the reclined front seat for a bed. I found this quite comfortable. (Even though it's not completely flat.) And as you noted in a previous video, you can flip it up out of the way. I would usually just leave the driver's side rear seat out unless I really needed 4 seats.

My spare tire is still in the wheel well and I use all the space around it to store extra stuff that I don't need every day. There's spare toiletries, winter clothes, hand warmers, cooling towels, a small jerry can in case I need to leave my car to get gas, and my scrubba wash bag to wash clothes when there's no laundromats nearby, all wrapped in trash bags and pressed right up against my tire. Even if you don't move the spare tire for storage or just more leg room, you can definitely still put extra things in there that don't get used often.

Have fun on your trip. Will be watching the videos

Love a break down to the functional and foundational! I make KZfaq videos in a similar spirit as you and am living on the road in my Volvo XC70 and am coming up on a year now 🎉. This week I am literally heading to my storage unit to do a gear/clothes swap out and i want to cut down even more - so this was a perfect video to inspire and realign to my “keep it simple” intentions (a case of the “what ifs” are REAL). Have a great time on the east coast! ❤

Good summary and minimalist approach. Thanks for sharing.

I would definitely watch a vlog of your trip! I know that can be a safety issue so even a few blended together post trip would be fun ❤

Love the simplicity

Have a safe and fun trip out east!

Element owner here. 04’ same mango color as you E. I did the rear hatch opener modification on my E. It’s not hard, lots of videos on it. Way easier than climbing over the front seats to get out. Putting a swinging spare tire mount on, would make getting out the back more difficult. Make sure your spare has air! Safe travels! Edit. I watched your introductory video. I didn’t know Honda put a door opener on the newer Elements. Way cool!

This is so cool! Thanks Anna!

Awesome video girl!!! Have fun on your trip! You should drive thru Tennessee on your trip. Lots of beautiful country roads that you can travel if you have time.

Good for you Anna, glad your doing this again

My previous car was a Green Honda Element that I named Iguana. I camped in it on many fun road trips. Elements make great camper vehicles.

I love your vibe! Following along!

As an ex Element owner, but still a fan, I’m interested in seeing just how much permanence you can fit in Mango. Carry on! 😊

Yay! ForkMic(tm) is back! :) (and, you too, of course! Missed you both!) Thanks for the quick videos! Hope you have a great trip w/ Mango!

You can get a 28 inch wide heavy duty shelf, six feet long that can hold a 28 inch mattress on top, storage underneath, but easily removable if you need to get to the tire. The tire can go an a read door mount, or on the roof rack,

I just wanna say: I LOVE your Forkraphone 😜 I have no doubts that whatever you do with your CampingCar, will be an exercise of pragmatic thinking. I can’t wait to see how it all pans out 👍🏼

I love your approach and positivity

Ok I love your fork microphone 🎤. Looking forward to seeing your new adventures in mango! I'm all the more excited to see how it works for you as I continue to plan for my future element. My minimalist setup would have to include a toilet bucket though. As a lady of a certain age, when I gotta go, I gotta go! 😅

Love your video. Keep it simple. See so many trying to make tiny Van super Delux luxurious. It’s camping! I bring a small portable 100w solar panel to charge my Jackery. Have fun.

Nice video 👍🏻 be safe on your trip. Most people take things for granted because if you really think about it we barely need anyting & the rest of everything is luxuries.

Can’t wait to see how your minimalist setup works on the road! So delighted to see you again! 🌷

This just popped up on my "recommended" tab, but I instantly got hooked, and I just subscribed!

So excited for your next journey!!!!!!!!!

Love the element! I have a 2000 odyssey. I use an airbed cot by intex, the smallest airbed they have. Cigarettes socket electric motors are available. It fits under my bench seat during the day. Its been wonderful. I really like your new setup. It really reminds me of mine! Enjoy your trip!!!!!! P.s. I hope you have something ready for an emergency bathroom. I use a 5 gal bucket but to each their own.

Probably really low on your priority list, but I think you might find a swivel for the passenger seat very useful.

I used to just sleep in the drivers seat or front passenger seat on road trips for weeks at a time. Stretching is key to staying comfortable when sleeping in a reclining car seat. One can get all of the other "stuff" at nearly any big box store or sporting good store nearly anywhere in the country. I like using a second car battery that fits my vehicle for a power supply. The vehicle you have is a castle compared to the little Volts-wagon Rabbit I use to car camp in.

can't wait to see your next journey

Ty !! minimalism is the way to go. ❤ Mango so excited for your road trip enjoy. Your microphone on a fork 🤣🤣. Good to see ya and look forward to your future videos of Mango. ✌️

Great ideas for minimalistic car camping. "the 12 volt socket" (3:59) .. keep it simple. ;) In future these weird plugs might be replaced by more common USB-C plugs. FYI: having a small 12 volt cooler is very handy while traveling, as they greatly reduce, or eliminate the need for ice and the mess of melt water. Since they are solid state heat pumps that operate utilizing the Peltier effect. Essentially like a solar cell, but move thermo energy vs. converting light energy into electricity. They typically create a temperature difference of ~20ºC between inside and outside. They work best if items are pre-chilled. Regarding spare tire, a big consideration if planning to include a shelf unit, etc. is access to the tire should need. There are external mounting options, with could free up interior storage space. Also the current mounting for the tire could be repurposed to anchor a bench, or shelf. BTW: Most new vehicles for last 5-10 years no longer come with spare tires. Really depends of the 'safety' aspect based on where you'd be traveling.

Hope all goes well,have fun and safe travels ❤️

If your future build makes it difficult to access the spare in an emergency, then put it on the outside. An outside rack can be used to carry additional items you might want, but don't want inside the vehicle. Plenty to think about and I'm sure you'll figure it out as you go. Enjoy the adventure! 😎

Your microphone/fork combo is my favorite thing! 😄

Nice! And you made it to 8 minutes 😁 Have fun on your trip, can't wait for thr video ❤

love the fork hand-held mic usage :)

Made me smile. Thanks!

Thank you so very much for simplifying camping essentials ❤😂🎉!!

Have fun and enjoy the road trip.

Safest travels heading to the East coast!!

I love your setting cause it's minimalistic.

Great presentation. Surprising how little you need...look forward to your next journey.

I'm a huge fan of the fork mic, keep up the good work

Anna you are so inspiring. I admire you and love watching you live my dream. 💗💗💗

Sooo adorable!

I heart they already make prefab shelves for the element Best of luck Looking forward to seeing your next videos 👍

Love your videos Anna and as a fellow Element owner can’t wait to see what you do with Mango 🥭

Have a good trip, Anna!! East is waiting for ya 😀😀😀

Super well done!👏

Hey Homegirl, a handy roll of napkins has always been useful for me and someone already mentioned here a 6gallon jug to use as your on the go personal tap for washing dishes etc.

Just a thought as you plan more trips- as a big fan of smooth highway ride- when I have made some transport trips w big loads in my 2017 CRV, the heavier i was packed made a huge improvement on the ride enjoyment and overall trip enjoyment. Have to take into consideration possible elevation driving that we don't have much of here in the Southeast US, but a couple of the thickest Manduka or top quality yoga mats, some extra water bottles, food, washer fluid type items can add some weight while still being in the necessity category, the mats give you some nice room to stretch out and use full sleeping space, and can be used outside for workouts/ yoga fyi- have fun!

I see a folding foamie slide out sits inside collapsed, so you can still sleep on top inside if needed parked it slides out. Unfolds and gives you a ton of room, more storage a hitch shelf bike rack. We have a transit connect. Have thought a lot in this subject.

Anna, enjoy your trip eastward. Have fun, be safe, take care of you. 😂😂❤❤

Keep it simple, what you described sounds perfect, it's all you need really, that little Element fits you to a T.

I've got an empty van and for weekend trips the single camp mattress goes straight on the floor. I have 3 plastic tubs with my stuff off to the side and that's it. For longer trips I have a platform for the mattress and more space. I don't even use a fridge anymore.

I missed your thoughts. I missed hearing your calming voice weekly. As far as Mango goes. The doors use the doors for things when you close them u can put whats on the doors in the passenger seat floor. Using the Bed and bath app, now on line only they have a lot of different types of hanging items that will stow easily. Put your clothing in material or quilting type bags? Stuff your cloths on your pillow or better use a pillow case that doubles as a place to stash your jeans, sweaters, underwear. I was a flight attendant for years u learn to stow your stuff in different small ways. Glad your back. I did love your red van. Shelley

Just bought an 06 element 5speed awd, excited to start camping

Looking forward to your adventures w/ Mango. Thank you Anna.

Hell yeah! That's how I travel the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley, minimum weight and minimum gear.

Get swivel seats! Ive always thought that they are the key to opening up extra space for camper setups inside smaller vehicles. You are lucky to have a car for which there are conversation kits for, so I'd take advantage of it

Hi Anna, you mybe able to get a swing away rear wheel carrier for your spare, it will move out to one side then lower your tail gate, this will free up spare wheel space for a water tank 😉 love your video ❤ always stay creative this is the love of life, stay safe, love the forkmic 😅 from rick in Perth, Australia 🇦🇺 😊❤

Love it! Just got a 2004 ex last week. Was hoping for awd but couldnt find one with low enough km's.

You should a 6 gallon water container not for drinking but just for washing dishes or for just getting ready in the morning using a camping water basin or solar shower.

Good choice of stove. I have the exact same one and it works great.

Hello 👋 Anna, thank you for sharing this informative video. You offered some great tips. I like your multi purpose microphone 🎤 holder. It also serves as a fork, a comb, a weapon and a mini shovel. Take good care of yourself and stay safe out there. 😊

That is all a person needs to live in a van or car plus 1 plastic tub for food and 1 plastic tub for clothes etc although i would add a 12v shower with a plastic flexible bucket for the shower & 2 x 100 watt foldable solar panels to power the power station etc In the uk theree is no need to have a fridge or freezer in vanlife or generally as in the uk a person can get chilled or frozen food delivered within 30 mins etc

my cousin got a freezer/fridge for his outings for a birthday present, it ran off the 12 volt ciggy lighter or the 110 port, however obviously for the 110 the truck needed to be running, for the 12 volts the accessory needs to be on or you need one that you can manually switch on when the vehicle is locked, other than that it worked real good.. we would run it on 12 volt ciggy at night, then run the engine in the day time for 20 minutes or so and it stayed frozen, at times it was completely off, as long as you don't open it and its not super hot in the vehicle it stayed frozen.. park in shade so forth it really matters how cool the vehicle is or the area its placed, you can set the temps as you like for each space fridge or freezer or set them both freezer or both fridge however you like which is cool if you're say out hunting and you need freezer space, set em both to freezer good to go .. also nothing ginst the east coast other than its way over populated and there are roads and hiways everywhere, head out west in a 4 by 4, you can thank me when you actually get here and experience it for yourself... some cool places on the east side of the USA, but the grand canyon, death valley Olympic peninsula so forth can only be experienced on the west side, where you should be! you'll get there! did you see the video of that guy that converted the 4 wheel drive Mercedes van to a camper then drove it to the north pole dead winter... WAY COOL like being on another planet for sure.. enjoy

Well done Anna. Love the minimalism. Safe travels East.

I'd like to suggest a tarp, two telescoping poles, bungees, stakes and paracord to allow you a covered space outside your tailgate. It looks as if all this could live on top of your spare tire when not in use.

Back in the 1980s they made removable interiors for vans. It wasn't the easiest to get in and out, but for a full sized E150 Ford van it took 4 people to slide in or out.

Have a great trip! If you come to Virginia, we’ve got some cool spots to see and camp at.

I have a 2002 Dodge Durango that I occasionally trot out for weekend overnight trips, like when my wife goes out of town to see family and I don't have enough paid time off to burn a week. With the rear and middle seats folded down, a twin airbed fits very nicely. Depending on weather, I'll use a sleeping bag or a few blankets. Room for a medium-sized cooler on one side of the airbed, with a tote full of essentials behind it. Duffels with clothes and extra things go in the footwell of the middle seat. A 5 gallon insulated water jug fits in the foot well of the front passenger seat. The other 98% of the time, it's my daily driver. It hauls 8' lumber (not sheets, but boards fit if you use the front arm rest), has 2 car seats in it for my boys, and it tows reasonably heavy trailers. Not bad for the $500 I paid for it.

Great idea and information. Thank you!

Safe travels always.

Finally! Minimalist! Where do you put your clothes? I do love how clean the set up is

I am so glad that you are back, I've missed your. I hope you are headed to NC on the East Coast if so, please come through Charlotte and stop in and see me. I can hook you up with a FREE swim and shower (in a public facility...not my home), lol. Stay safe and I'm loving the new minimalist outlook in your life. ✌🤟🚙