Everything You Need to Live in Your Car: The Ultimate Car Living Essentials Guide

 Everything You Need to Live in Your Car: The Ultimate Car Living Essentials Guide

Thinking about living in your car full-time or setting up for some extended car camping? Whether you're prepping for van life, long-term road trips, or urban stealth camping, having the right gear is key. I've broken everything down into 10 essential categories to help make it easier for you to plan your setup.

1. Power Stations & Banks

Let’s start with the lifeline of modern car living: portable power.

🔋 Togo Power Station

If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend the Togo Power Station. At around $130, you get:

231Wh capacity

200W continuous output

Built-in flashlight & lantern

USB-C 60W port

Real-time usage display

Compared to my Jackery, this one actually shows how long it can run a device — super helpful.

⚡ Jackery Explorer

Jackery is a solid brand, but it uses lithium-ion batteries, which typically last around 500 cycles. I’d recommend going with a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) power station for better longevity. Look into brands like Bluetti (LiFePO4) or EcoFlow (though some are still lithium-ion).

☀️ Solar Battery Bank

Don’t underestimate this tiny powerhouse. With 70Wh, solar charging, multiple output options, and a compact size, this is a fantastic backup or supplement for daily use.

2. Window Covers & Screens

Staying cool, warm, and stealthy all comes down to window setup.

🪟 WeatherTech Window Covers

These double-sided covers reflect sun, insulate against the cold, and provide full blackout. Not the cheapest at ~$140, but they last and work great.

🌬️ Window Screens

An absolute must for airflow. These slip over your windows, allowing you to roll them down without inviting in bugs. Around $15 on Amazon and totally worth it.

3. Storage Solutions

Space is everything in a car, and smart storage can make or break your setup.

Vertical Cargo Nets: Hang one overhead to lay out clothes or gear. Super cheap and space-saving.

Hitch Cargo Carrier: Great for hauling bikes, coolers, or totes. Aluminum ones are lighter and rust-resistant.

Drawer Units: I use a basic $20 3-drawer unit from Walmart for my kitchen setup. It keeps everything handy and organized.

Under-Bed Storage: Build a platform bed and stash gear underneath — it’s hidden and secure.

Roof & Rear Cargo Boxes: Great for long-term storage if you don’t need constant access.

4. Cleaning Essentials

A clean car is a happy (and pest-free) car.

Black & Decker Handheld Vacuum (~$20): Lasts weeks per charge and keeps things tidy.

Cleaning Wipes & Trash Can: Use wipes for surfaces and get a small, leak-proof trash bin (mine doubles as storage for floss, vitamins, and more).

5. Lighting

Whether it’s ambient vibes or cooking at night, you need solid lighting.

Rechargeable Lanterns: Great for camping and emergencies.

Headlamp: Must-have for hands-free tasks like cooking or setting up camp.

Bug Zapper Lantern: Doubles as a bug killer and light source — huge win.

LED Strip or Light Bar: I mount one with Velcro under my awning to light up camp.

Interior String Lights: These $8 colored wire lights go around my entire car. Bright, cozy, dimmable — a vibe.

6. Climate Control

From sweltering summers to freezing nights, comfort is key.

❄️ Fans

Oscillating plug-in fan

Battery-powered side fan

USB fan (uses just 1 watt!)

🔥 Heaters

500W ceramic heater: Great for mild winters.

1500W ceramic heater: Only if you’re using a generator.

Mr. Buddy Heater: Powerful but adds moisture and requires ventilation.

Diesel Heaters: Reliable but require installation and some know-how.

7. Electrical Gear

Expand your charging and power options on the go.

12V Splitter: Turns one port into three, plus USB ports.

400W Power Inverter: DC to AC for things like laptops or game consoles.

Shore Power Strip: If you’re near an outlet, power your whole setup with a simple strip.

8. Emergency Supplies

Always be prepared.

Portable Jump Pack: Starts your car, charges devices, has a light, and even an air compressor.

MREs: Long shelf-life, calorie dense.

Candles, poncho, basic winter kit: Anything you might need if stranded.

9. Fridge or Cooler

Skip the daily ice runs and go electric.

🧊 Traditional Cooler

Works, but takes up space with ice. If this is all you can afford, get an insulated one with a drain plug.

🧊 12V Fridge (Highly Recommended)

I use a 52-quart SetPower fridge. At around $250–$300:

It freezes down to -6°F

Runs off your power station

Has tons of space

Saves money (no ice)

Reliable (8 months running strong)

10. Helpful Apps

Here are my go-to apps for car camping and stealth living:

iOverlander – Find campsites, dump stations, and more.

The Dyrt – Great for finding free or cheap camping spots.

FreeRoam – Map overlays, weather, elevation, and more.

Park4Night – Another solid app for urban stealth camping.

Final Thoughts

Living in your car can be freeing, budget-friendly, and adventurous — if you’re prepared. With the right essentials, your setup can feel like home on wheels. Start small, invest where it counts (power, climate control, fridge), and build from there.