Lifestyle – Jeep Life

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Jeep Life is essentially a subset of minimalist living with a focus on adventure, similar to VanLife, but more downsized and far less expensive. For three years, I lived and traveled out of my Jeep, stripping life down to its essentials and exchanging square footage for freedom. I reduced the amount of “stuff” I owned, leaned into simplicity, and used the money I saved to prioritize what mattered most to me: travel and exploration.

During that time, I learned how little I actually needed and how much clarity comes from removing excess. Jeep Life taught me that choosing a smaller physical footprint can create a much larger experiential one. It also reinforced my belief that travel is the one thing, aside from basic survival truly worth the effort I put into building and growing my career.

Although that chapter has come to a close, the values I developed during those years still shape how I think about money, space, and what’s worth pursuing. For that reason, I’ve kept the section below exactly as I originally wrote it, in present tense as a means to preserve the mindset and reasoning behind how I committed to this lifestyle.

Why?

There isn’t a simple answer as to why I’ve committed to this particular lifestyle. It’s a multi-faceted choice driven by aligning with my values and shaping the person I aspire to be, while shedding what no longer contributes to my growth. As I delve into this discussion, you’ll notice that many of my points intersect across different realms of reasoning, albeit viewed from diverse perspectives.

Fewer Responsibilities

Time Savings – Cleaning

While I still have to attend to cleaning tasks such as dishes and maintaining my Jeep, the overall cleaning workload has significantly decreased. An additional, less obvious benefit of this time-saving approach is that both the office building and gym I frequent undergo automatic cleaning. It’s akin to having a personal cleaning service, albeit without the conscious effort. I’ve merely rearranged my lifestyle to capitalize on an existing amenity that operates seamlessly in the background. This shift prompts the question: why invest time in cleaning an apartment when public and work environments already provide similar services?

Said, I would like to voice that I very much appreciate these services and will not act unnecessarily messy because I know I have access to these already automatic services. This gratitude underscores my commitment to maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in shared spaces, recognizing the convenience and privilege afforded by these amenities.

Time Savings – Moving

Relocating is streamlined, eliminating the typical expenses related to logistics, planning, physical moving, and unpacking. This efficiency extends beyond moving my home base to preparing for trips. While I don’t often pack at the last minute, I can now pack my bag in the airport parking lot before my flight since I always have everything on me. Additionally, if I have an early morning flight, I sleep in the airport parking garage to maximize and prioritize my sleep.

Focus (Mental Real-estate) – Work

I work best with a single focus, and any distractions, such as being behind on cleaning, can impact my job performance. For instance, the stress of clutter or disorganization in my living space can carry over to my work environment, hindering my ability to concentrate and be productive.

Here are some benefits of this lifestyle that enhance my work efficiency:

  1. Improved Organization:
    The simplicity of my living space fosters better organizational habits, which translate into my work environment. One aspect that comes to mind, was my previous habit of late-night eating, alongside being a heavy sleeper as discussed in the upcoming section “Focus (Mental Real-estate) – Home Life,” often led to rushing out the door for work. However, thanks to this environmental shift, I now more easily prioritize my diet and sleep health, no longer compromising my ability to arrive at work on time.

  2. Efficient Use of Time:
    By cooking all my meals at once during a scheduled weekly meal prep session, I’ve streamlined my routine, allowing me to quickly grab, heat, and eat pre-organized meals in just five minutes. Now that I’ve incorporated showering at the gym before work (because I have to), I encounter less resistance to fitting in a workout beforehand. This shift is well-known to contribute to increased energy levels and clearer focus throughout the day.

  3. Prioritizing Performance:
    I recognize that my food choices reflect my character and can be judged by anyone in the office who sees me heating up my meals. This awareness motivates me to eat healthier by focusing on necessities. By choosing foods like salmon and asparagus, I ensure that I perform my best at work, which positively impacts my overall life as well. While I could have always made these choices, now I have no way to hide poor choices behind closed doors in an apartment.

Overall, living simply and staying organized helps me maintain focus and efficiency, at work.

Focus (Mental Real-estate) – Home Life

When I lived in an apartment, especially before I started planning meals, I often ate out of boredom and lounged around after work, making it easy to neglect things I wanted to do, like writing this blog, researching, and planning trips. In short, I made it easy for myself to be lazy. Although I had a comfortable home, I was constantly reminded of my laziness. Now, things are different. While I still experience ruts, I have more control over them because I no longer put myself in an environment where lounging around is an option.

Well-Being Note:

Now that I’m in a healthier environment, I’ve noticed I can get out of a rut more quickly by focusing on my diet, sleep, and exercise. Once I take the initiative to get back on track, it usually only takes a few days to start feeling good again.

Simply put, by removing the ability to lounge around easily, I have been able to focus more clearly on what is best for me in the long run instead of the short-term pleasure, and therefore, I’m no longer postponing the not urgent, but important tasks that contribute to a future now that I want to exist in.

Focus/Mental Real-estate – Minimalism

This concept draws from minimalism, where owning fewer things significantly reduces stress. Each item you own adds to your mental inventory, bringing with it various concerns:

  1. Reflection: What does this item reveal about me?
  2. Storage: Am I storing this correctly?
  3. Mobility: How easily can this be moved if I relocate?
  4. Durability: How long will this item last?
  5. Utilization: Am I using this item to its full benefit?
  6. Relevance: Do I still use this item?
  7. Replacement: Where can I find this item if I need to replace it?

These considerations are part of my daily thought process. By owning less, I’ve greatly reduced my stress levels.

Independence – Housing

I’ve moved from apartment to apartment many times due to various education, internship, and work opportunities that were far from home. Most of the time, I had to rely on others, usually my aging family members, to help me move. While this reliance is natural, it’s also a hassle. It makes me feel trapped, taking up a lot of mental energy in the week before packing, moving, and unpacking in a new location. Signing a lease is also stressful. If you don’t like your job or get let go, getting out of your lease can be challenging, not to mention the effort required to understand the lease terms. For example, once I had to give a 90-day notice to terminate the lease for renewal. Although I can read and understand the lease terms, it’s still work that has to be done. This dependency and the need to adhere to lease terms are exhausting, and I don’t want the stress.

To many, this seems like the only game in town, and for those who have children, you will be required to deal with it. Since I don’t have children, I don’t think it is necessary to unnecessarily stress myself out.

Independence – Employment

While I’ve been fortunate to work in a well-paying field, I understand that many jobs require in-person service in high-cost-of-living cities. Now that I live in a Jeep, I no longer have to consider these costs when accepting a job. In the worst case, I’ll be parking in above-ground paid garages. Additionally, I avoid the mental gymnastics involved in finding a place to live, such as considering commute time, noise levels, having a yard, neighbors, the possibility of roommates, parking, proximity to public transportation, the quality of the place and its amenities, lease restrictions, rules, and safety.

Without the need to find a place and move, I no longer feel trapped. I can leave whenever I want without worrying about breaking a lease, which often involves a costly buyout fee or precise timing.

Financial Burden

I would like to point out that these are financial expenses that societal norms led me to believe were necessary, but now that I’ve eliminated them from my life, I’ve realized their true impact:

  • Cleaning supplies:
    As mentioned under “Time Savings – Cleaning,” I no longer need to buy cleaning tools or products for apartment maintenance since cleaning is provided.

  • Furniture:
    No longer is there the pressure to fill an apartment with furniture, nor do I need to spend money on moving or storing it. I would like to note that I do have some furniture in my parents’ basement, which they kindly offered to store. If not for this option, I would have sold it. The added cost of storing those large items isn’t worth the gain in my mind.

  • Things:
    I think twice before adding anything to my life since I have limited storage space. This lack of temptation allows me to save money and focus on things that genuinely bring joy.

  • Apartment/Utilities:
    Similar to “Things” I have more money to allocate to focus on the actual things that bring me joy, with extra to spare largely due to the fact that rent is a large allocation of funds for the typical person.

  • Moving:
    Everyone has to move eventually, often requiring a truck for larger items, and while I’ve been fortunate to have family help with moves, that’s not always feasible, especially for long distances.

I want to acknowledge that a vehicle isn’t a permanent residence and it was never intended to be which leads me to my next reason why…

Financial Benefit

It’s more cost-effective to live unconventionally when you’re young and agile because of the power of compounding. Essentially, time is more valuable than money—the more time you have to save, the less money you need to contribute. For example, if your past self chose not to spend $1000 on new furniture and instead opted for a second-hand item at no cost, here’s an approximation of how much that $1000 would grow if invested in the US Total Market Fund (VTSAX), which includes every publicly traded US stock, over 30 years:

Given an average inflation rate of 3%, the value of your money would be roughly half its original amount in today’s dollars. Nevertheless, this is still a substantial sum. Now, imagine if you were to invest your rent money in the same way on a monthly basis. While it’s challenging to create a perfect example, as there may be months where you prefer to treat yourself, let’s consider the median rent in Maryland, which is currently $1845 (as of 2024, according to Zillow’s market data). If you invested this amount every month for the next 30 years in the same mutual index fund, VTSAX, you could potentially accumulate approximately $3.6 million. This should be more than enough to retire on using the 4% rule, which suggests you can withdraw 4% of your investment annually without touching the principal. This would allow you to withdraw about $144,000 per year in retirement. However, it’s important to remember that, due to inflation, the actual value of this money would be closer to half its worth in today’s dollars, which in my opinion is still a considerable amount of money.

While this “Why” reason for Jeep Life came later as motivation to keep persisting early on while still acclimating, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate the financial benefits of switching to Jeep Life. This lifestyle has exceeded my expectations in terms of financial rewards.

Why am I considering a timeframe of 30 years? Do I envision myself living out of my car for that extended period? No, I utilized this timeframe merely to showcase the power of compound interest. Regarding my specific investment choices, I prefer not to disclose them as they involve higher risks. However, if you know me personally, I’m open to discussing them offline. Why do I take such risks? Because I trust in my ability to navigate the market using slow weekly stochastics to mitigate potential losses. Although I don’t invest in it myself on the regular, if you’re seeking an option for parking your money for the next decade with a slightly more aggressive approach than VTSAX, QQQM is worth considering. It’s essential to recognize that higher growth potential typically comes with increased risk. Interestingly, when I embark on trips, I often allocate my funds to QQQM which has less of a draw down than my usual investments to provide peace of mind while I’m away. 😅

What is my actual plan?

My goal is to achieve financial independence while still working, allowing me to pursue lower-paying jobs that I enjoy without worrying about retirement. It should be known that I enjoy my current job; however, I do not yet know what it’s going to feel like to hit my financial independence number. Am I close to this goal? Not yet, but with the many benefits of this lifestyle, I don’t mind continuing until I reach my financial target.

It’s important to note that I cannot predict the future. However, my decision to invest money in the stock market is an educated guess based on a significant amount of historical evidence. For example, refer to the image below illustrating the performance of the US Total Market Index Fund over the last 152 years (which was used as the example fund above):

Note: VTI is the ETF of VTSAX. They are basically the same thing.

Fear

While I advocate for confronting challenges head-on and not allowing them to escalate, I believe Jeep Life offers one of the most effective means of combatting them with minimal sacrifice, or at least the ability to choose which sacrifices to make.

Though many advise addressing problems only when they arise, I propose a more proactive approach to preparing for eventualities. The rationale behind waiting to deal with issues as they come stems from the notion that we can’t anticipate what those challenges will be. However, in this case, one can reasonably predict the primary inconvenience: financial strain. Assuming money remains as pertinent as it has been for centuries, most problems can be alleviated with financial resources. While other challenges may arise, tackling the foremost issue – the financial one – can significantly ease the journey ahead.

As one might infer from my earlier discussion on the financial advantages, embracing the Jeep Life enables me to bolster my savings for potential future hardships. While I cannot pinpoint when such challenges may arise, I harbor concerns regarding the relevance of my current skill set as a Quality Assurance Engineer. Although the demand for individuals with such expertise currently requires direct human intervention to ensure optimal outcomes, the evolving landscape of our world grows increasingly uncertain with each passing year. While I remain confident in our ability to persevere, my fear lies in the transitional phase that appears to be already underway.

While this fear remains a constant presence, it’s important to note that we can’t always trust our brains. Our amygdala tends to exaggerate the perception of negative outcomes, often magnifying them 2-5 times greater than the actual risk. Recognizing this bias, I regularly check in with myself to discern whether my actions are truly in my best interests or merely driven by fear. I ask myself, would I make the same decisions if fear weren’t a factor? Since you’re reading this, it’s evident that I still believe pursuing this path is worthwhile. However, I believe it’s prudent to articulate this thought process. If you’re reading about how fantastic an idea this is but haven’t examined your fears to reassess whether this direction aligns with your long-term goals, I urge you to deeply think on this.

Acceleration of Growth

Among all the reasons why I’ve embraced Jeep Life, this one stands out as my favorite. The pace at which I’m saving money now, compared to when I had an apartment, makes it feel like I’m experiencing accelerated growth. This lifestyle enables me to enjoy more frequent travels and take on bigger adventures like the Tour du Mont Blanc. With both the funds and the time to meticulously plan every detail myself, I often find more cost-effective arrangements than hiring external assistance for everyone in my party, allowing me to share the experience with friends.

Besides the travel-related growth, which involves planning logistics, communication, and photography, I’ve also been able to complete my work more efficiently and be available at a moment’s notice if needed. Additionally, when I’m caught up on errands and don’t have immediate blogging tasks after work, I can focus on career growth prospects, such as automation, keeping up with news in the quality assurance community, or learning about better tools and techniques to enhance my skills. Simply put, this environmental shift has given me ample time and headspace to commit to important but non-urgent tasks that I previously tended to put off.

Living in the Present

While living in an apartment, I often felt like life was passing me by, as if I were merely existing rather than actively pursuing something meaningful. I refuse to let that sense of stagnation dominate my life. I want an intentional life. While routines and the comforts of apartment living can easily blend into the background, I crave more than that—I yearn for adventure. Sure, there are inconveniences, like being woken up in the middle of the night by someone checking out my car, but most nights, I find solace under the stars.

Known Sacrifice

Note:

Though there are certainly other aspects of this lifestyle that some may consider sacrifices—like comfort, storage, and exposure to weather—I view them as benefits for the sake of remaining present. Furthermore, security and privacy are not major concerns for me. Initially, they were, but with time, I’ve become accustomed to the situation, realizing that as long as I don’t draw attention to the fact that I sleep in my car, there’s little reason for concern.

Relatability

As you might guess, living this way doesn’t have many relatable qualities. While I can connect with those who are also living similarly, they are few and far between. When it comes to reactions from people who find out about my lifestyle, responses range from avoidance and concern to being labeled as “weird.”

Projects

Due to space constraints, I’m unable to pursue non-software projects at the moment. Among other interests are cooking, woodworking, gardening, and Raspberry Pi automation projects. However, like everything else in this section, they hold importance for me, but they rank lower on my priority list.

Intimate Relationships

I’d consider this the most significant sacrifice. I do not actively seek this type of relationship. In fact, I’ve been intentionally ignoring all the cues I encounter – the glasses I now wear daily greatly aid in this regard, though I can’t discern whether I’m receiving fewer signals due to my appearance in them or if it is because of my reduced peripheral vision. 😅

Why am I avoiding it? I turned down arguably the best match I’ve encountered, in place of this lifestyle, so it wouldn’t make sense to even entertain the idea of someone else. Therefore, the plan is to prioritize friendships (which I find more challenging than intimate relationships) and postpone any romantic interests until I’ve achieved my goal. Only then will it logically make sense to pursue any romantic endeavors.

It’s conceivable that I might meet someone else who also desires this particular life direction, but that’s almost as delusional as looking for a guy in finance, trust fund, 6’5″, blue eyes, so I don’t count on it.

Edit (July 2024):

My friend persuaded me to give it a shot, so I’m taking steps to stay receptive. I’ll see how things unfold—perhaps I’ll even exceed my own expectations.

Sleep

When it comes to sleeping, I initially devoted considerable effort to avoiding attention. However, over time, I realized that most people don’t really care. Nevertheless, in this pursuit, here are some things to keep in mind to avoid drawing attention:

  1. Park in locations where the parking doesn’t have a one to one relationship with the buildings nearby – examples such as apartment complexes, hospitals, hotel/motels, trailheads, garages. Avoid schools and churches (they typically offer day-care) for obvious reasons.

  2. Try not to attract attention to your vehicle. The only external modification I have are my rain guards. I haven’t even tinted the windows. I prefer to convey the message that I have nothing to hide.

  3. Invest in tinted rain guards. With these installed, you can keep your window slightly open at night for ventilation without it being obvious to passersby’s.

  4. At least all-wheel drive (AWD): You don’t want to find yourself stuck in a place you have no association with. This was the primary reason I opted for the Rubicon package on my Jeep. However, having experienced it, you can manage with just AWD, unless you’re planning to explore off-road trails for added privacy in mountainous terrain.

  5. Choose parking spots within locations such as parking garages or apartment complexes that have minimal foot traffic. You can usually determine this by observing the placement of sidewalks, but in general, it’s a matter of common sense.

  6. Rotate your parking spots regularly. I suggest avoiding the same spot more than once every two weeks. Ideally, you should have at least 30 different locations in your surrounding work area to prevent people, especially those who are observant, from noticing patterns.

  7. If you’ve parked in a certain area before, pay attention to any new parking signs that may have been put up. New signage usually means you’ve been noticed, and it’s best to avoid parking there again in the future. I’ve had this happen to me twice, and I’m not keen on finding out what happens if you disregard the signs.

  8. Ensure you present yourself in a manner that doesn’t invite unwanted attention or seem unusual. Maintain good hygiene, dress appropriately, and adhere to social norms, especially when you’re closer to densely populated areas. However, if you’re traveling in the mountains, these considerations might not be as critical.

  9. Dress in attire you’d feel comfortable being seen in if caught, particularly crucial during warmer months when shedding layers might attract attention if someone were to peek into your car while you were sleeping.

Considerations that may or may not be imagined:

  1. My Jeep gives off an impression of disposable income, typically the primary observation for most people at first glance. Consequently, this initial impression often doesn’t prompt them to consider the possibility of someone sleeping in it (well, unless I had external mods – which I don’t).

  2. My Jeep also gives the impression that I go off-roading or overlanding, which closely resembles someone going car camping for the weekend and not bothering to unpack afterward. This helps mask my actual use of the car. If anyone asks, I can easily explain, as I do occasionally off-road and car camp.

  3. Police officers often check license plates if they see vehicles parked in areas they deem suspicious. I happened to find a job in the same area where I grew up, so when my plates are looked up, they’re linked to my parents’ house. I believe most police officers disregard my plate when they see that I’m a local. Therefore, I suggest figuring out how to tie your plates to a local address. A P.O. Box might not suffice. Otherwise, I’d be more cautious about where you park. From my observations, spots in wealthier neighborhoods, trailheads closer to cities, and industrial parks after normal hours tend to attract police suspicion. If you don’t regularly change your parking spots, your plate might also draw attention.

Routine

The following is primarily to provide insight into my daily life. I often receive questions about how it all works, so outlining my day-to-day activities seems like the best way to answer them.

Typical Weekday:

  • Wake up: Check surroundings to ensure no one sees me moving from the back to the front of the car.
  • Morning Routine:
    • Pick up coffee from Panera.
    • Go to the gym and shower there.
    • Eat breakfast (typically Greek yogurt with extras).
    • Fill a water bottle (this is where I typically get all my water needs, forcing me to stay hydrated and take breaks from the computer for bathroom trips).
  • Work:
    • Start working at 10 AM, often earlier if I’m caught up on personal errands.
    • Work until lunch.
    • Make sure I’ve finished my coffee before noon (affects sleep).
    • Heat up lunch in the break room (usually salmon & asparagus).
    • Clean dishes in the break room sink.
    • Continue working until 6 PM or later.
  • Evening Routine:
    • Work on my blog or handle personal errands requiring a computer.
    • Heat up dinner in the break room (typically something heavier than lunch).
    • Take medication (kept at work for safe storage and as a reminder).
    • Decide Evening Plans:
      • Summer: Stay out later or go out to make use of the daylight.
      • Winter: Have ability to park for the night since it is typically dark at this point but usually fill my time with activities.
      • Pleasant Weather: Work on my blog at an outdoor seating area, typically a coffee shop.
      • Inclement Weather: Stay later in the office until weather passes.
      • Mood – Decompression: Park in a spot with low foot traffic where I can relax with headphones and something to watch.
  • Prepare for Sleep:
    • Use the bathroom – I can handle it in the middle of the night, but I prefer not to, as it helps reduce unwanted attention.
    • Check available sleeping spots and choose one.
    • Park and ensure no one sees me moving to the back of the car.
    • Change clothes if necessary (gym bag prepped with overnight clothes).
    • DO NOT cover the windows with anything. I have reflectors for every window, but I only use them when it’s acceptable to show such signs that you are sleeping in your vehicle, like at a music festival or campground.
  • Bedtime Routine:
    • Warm Months: Turn on the battery operated fan at the lowest setting to conserve battery and reduce noise.
    • Cold Months: Turn on the electric blanket if the temperature is below 20°F.
    • Look at my phone if I can’t sleep right away, being cautious of light and noise.
    • Take melatonin if still awake by midnight.
      • Can’t risk oversleeping in some locations and setting an alarm isn’t and option.

Monday:

  • Heat up frozen lunch (prepared during meal prep from the previous week) in the break room.
  • Grocery shopping after work.
  • Meal prep and laundry at my parents’ house (most convenient and a good opportunity to see them).
    • Laundry includes pillowcases and liners every other week, weekly during the summer due to increased sweating.
  • Collect any mail – it’s more convenient to use my parents’ address for all mail-related matters. I had this practice even when I had an apartment.
  • Replenish toilet paper or paper towels: To my surprise, I’m still using the stockpile from my apartment in 2021, mostly for emergencies like digging cat holes and paper towels really only when I’m car camping.
  • Typically stay the night at rents house (or in driveway), unless I have more work to do.

Typical Weekend:

  • Eating:
    • I typically eat out on weekends which I’ve budgeted for. Plus, weekends are usually too chaotic to know where I’ll be.
  • Sleeping:
    • City: Sleep in a parking garage or on the street where my friend’s house is located.
    • Rural: Sleep off-road or at a trailhead where I’ll be hiking next.
    • Travel: Jeep is typically parked at one of the four major airports in this area.
    • Home: one of the typical week day spots.
  • Being:
    • Stay Home: If I have no specific plans or a lot of work with a tight deadline, I’ll go into the office on the weekend, which is thankfully allowed. If I have personal projects like blogging, I’ll usually find a quiet place, typically a coffee shop, to work throughout the day.
    • Not Home: Out with friends or traveling.

Monthly:

  • Opt for a car wash, which I get for “free” with the purchase of my vehicle, usually on a monthly interval. I could go more often, but it’s not something I care to prioritize.

Quarterly:

  • Vacuum and clean the inside of the car.

Semi-Annually:

  • Swap out winter and summer clothing/gear stored in my parent’s basement between warm and cold seasons.

If Sick:

  • Since committing to this lifestyle, I’ve noticed fewer instances of sickness. This could be attributed to reduced exposure to people daily. However, if I do fall ill and require constant access to a toilet, I aim to stay at my parents’ house. If I’m not up for it, I opt for hotels, although typically staying with my parents when sick isn’t a problem.

Setup

I prefer to not expose my Jeep to the public in great detail to the world more than I already have, so if you know me and want a tour, reach out, but for the internet’s sake, I’m for the most part so going to describe to you what has been working for the past three years, unless it is difficult to explain.

Please note that since I conducted my research, much has evolved. Although I committed to a build in 2021, I recognize that there are now superior setups. While alternatives exist, the one I have is the only one proven to work for me. I initially sought a raised sleeping system with increased storage, but such systems were niche and custom-made, exceeding my budget constraints.

Sleep

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sleeping Setup Requirement – Height 6′ or Shorter

The distance from the tailgate to the front seat is about 6 feet, so taller individuals would need to have their feet hanging over the center console to sleep comfortably. However, this setup isn’t ideal because anyone walking by could see your feet through the non-tinted front windows. Additionally, there are no reliable modifications to push the passenger seat forward, so proceed with caution if you’re taller than 6 feet and want a Jeep to sleep out of full time.
  • Stealth Sleep System
    • For a level sleeping space, this setup is particularly effective due to its modular design. It serves multiple purposes simultaneously. For example, as you’ll see in the “Kitchen” section, the module holding the fridge and burners can be screwed into the pre-existing holes on the stealth system.

  • Sleeping Bag Liner
    • I use this as my primary cover in the summer.

  • Milliard Tri Folding Mattress (75″ x 25″ x 4″)
    • During the first year, I used this mattress alone for sleeping. In the second year, I added a Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Folding Mattress (75″x25″x4.5″) on top of my original one, which significantly improved my sleep quality. I attribute this largely to now reaching the height of my center console, allowing me to stretch out comfortably over it. I recommend getting a fitted sheet with your purchase or constructing something similar, as the mattress alone is not comfortable to the skin during the summer months.
    • Their snug fit allows me to position them in the back of my vehicle upright, where they grip firmly between the wheel well and the camp kitchen slider module, providing me with additional flat space for various activities with zero fear of movement. Additionally, their folding nature enables easy access to the storage underneath the mattress.

  • 20F 2-Person Sleeping Bag
    • This is a two-person tent, so you have the space to move around while you sleep. I chose this one so you can adjust the coverings based on the outside temperatures.

  • 20 F Down Sleeping Bag
    • I rely on my backpacking sleeping bag, although it’s a discontinued model and no longer available. If you’re not into backpacking, you needn’t focus on weight or down insulation. Technically, you could omit this altogether, but I use it to enhance warmth inside my 2-person sleeping bag. If you’re interested in something similar to what I have, I’d suggest the REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag.

  • Electric Heated Blanket
    • This is the one I purchased. The only thing I wish I had paid more attention to was the auto-off timing, set at 10 hours. For power conservation, I recommend getting one set to 8 hours.
    • I chose a model with a typical AC outlet instead of DC, so it could have multiple uses outside of my vehicle.
    • During the winter, I place this beneath my sleeping bags.
    • This is plugged into my portable battery overnight.
    • I only rely on this if the temperature drops to 20°F or lower, which thankfully isn’t too common in Maryland.

  • Portable Fan:
    • Purchased this specifically for its ability to wrap around my roll bars.
    • I do regret not choosing one with a USB-C, but it’s not a major issue.
    • If this device runs out of power, I can use it while it’s plugged into my portable battery, conveniently mounted high up on top of the fridge slider module, secured with load straps to the roll bar. It needs to be pointed at my face to help me sleep comfortably during high heat nights.

  • Tinted Rain Guards:
    • Fortunately, cars aren’t airtight. However, lacking expertise, I have these devices so I can crack open the window for ventilation without it being obvious. This allows for air to cycle during my sleep.


Kitchen:

Disclaimer:

Since I routinely prepare my meals in a kitchen in a meal prep format on a weekly basis, I lack sufficient experience with this specific aspect of my setup. Therefore, I cannot confirm if this cooking arrangement is optimal, as I haven’t had the opportunity to refine it through trial and error.
  • JetBoil Zip Cooking System
    • In a backpacking setting I swear by this, but it’s made for backpacking so something to keep in mind.

  • Goose Gear Tailgate Table
    • Costly, but incredibly handy for providing a flat surface for organization and cutting.
    • Keep in mind that there is one less inch of sleeping space with this addition.

  • Camp Kitchen 2.3 – 25″ Deep Module
    • This module comes at a higher price due to the heavy-duty slider required to support substantial weight.
    • Initially, I sought an open module, but opting for this one proved rewarding. Not only does it offer a usable surface on top, but it also provides side space akin to a garage. Here, I store larger items and miscellaneous gear, including:
    • Items atop the CampKitchen 2.3 Module:
      • Jackery Explorer 1000 – Portable Battery
        • Strapped securely to the roll bar using heavy-duty load straps, primarily powering the fridge within the module.
        • I can run my fridge continuously for five days without needing to recharge.
        • I possess the capability to recharge using Jackery solar panels, yet I have not taken steps to install them, nor do I perceive any immediate benefits given my current lifestyle.
      • Front Runner Flat Pack – Pantry
        • Houses all dry food goods.
    • Within the Camp Kitchen 2.3, I have:
      • Engel MT35 Platinum Fridge Freezer:
        • Renowned for its minimal power consumption and kill switch.
        • The only downside is the inability to keep the lid open due to the fridge’s elevated position within the setup. While slightly inconvenient, it’s a worthwhile trade-off for increased storage.
        • Secured with four load straps (two in front, two in back).
        • Primarily used for car camping activities, as workplace fridges suffice for daily needs.
      • Coleman Classic Propane Gas Camping 2-burner stove
        • A standard stove, sparingly used—approximately three times since acquiring the setup.
        • Came in handy during a backpacking trip with zero dining options, where it was used in a grocery store parking lot while waiting for Conor after getting separated during inclement weather the previous night.

Dan utilizing the kitchen to its fullest while awaiting Conor

  • …
    • Due to the shape and positioning of the screw holes for attaching the Camp Kitchen to the stealth sleep system, there’s an inch of space on the side to accommodate another kitchen object.
      • Vehicle Desk:
        • This surface was initially designed to provide a flat space for dining, which can be achieved by attaching it to the bottom of your steering wheel. While it’s useful for meals like takeout, I rarely use it since it’s much more convenient to eat anywhere with a surface, such as a park bench or even at work.

  • Awning System
    • Utilized to protect the cooking area from rain or excessive heat.
    • The only awning system I found that doesn’t necessitate a roof rack.
    • I’ve used this on about five occasions, and while it gets the job done, there are better awning systems out there. However, if weight is as important to you as it is to me, this option is by far the lightest.
    • I keep the poles positioned between the ceiling and roll bars for storage.

  • Two Pot Cook Set
    • I’ve used this pot as frequently as my two-burner stove.
    • I use the bowls daily for reheating meals during lunch and/or dinner though.
    • As seen on the sleep stealth system, there’s a door at the back that utilizes the factory compartment where this pot is stored along with most of the other small loose kitchen items.

  • Sandwich Press – Tramezzino
    • I’ve utilized this for making grilled cheese and salmon, and while it gets the job done, it’s crucial to recognize its small size, which can lead to spills. While I recommend a similar product, I don’t specifically endorse this one.

  • Utensil Holder
    • I chose this one mainly because it was pre-labeled and cost-effective.
    • This is where I keep my loose utensils such as tongs, sporks, scissors, and fingered oven mitt.

Storage

If you’re new to Jeeps, one of the first things you might miss from your previous vehicle is the storage space. That’s why I’ve added these storage solutions to my Jeep:

Roll Bar Clothes Hanger in Action
  • Navigation holder (JLRail)
    • Honestly, I don’t think you could find anything better.
    • Just a note: I didn’t do any of the drilling, only used the existing holes for the screws.

  • Console Organizer
    • Highly recommend

  • Trunk Bag Organizers:
    • Highly recommend
      • Be sure to install these first before your other mods if you Jeep.
    • These are perfect for tucking away odds and ends like travel-sized toiletries, a first aid kit, and backpacking gear that doesn’t have a designated spot.

  • Wheel Well Corner Storage Bin:
    • Highly recommend
    • This serves as my nightly nightstand.

  • Roll Bar Clothes Hanger
    • This is actually what I missed the most in terms of storage from a traditional car, but I believe I’ve solved this issue with its current placement.
      • The coherence of this aspect of my build gives the impression of careful planning. See the video above to witness how well it functions in action.
  • 60% Seat Delete Bracket
    • Initially, it may be difficult to grasp the purpose behind this modification, but essentially, it allows you to secure your rear seat, keeping the smaller seat in the back of the vehicle (seat shown in video above). This prevents the entire rear space from being converted into storage with the Goose Gear Stealth Sleep System. Initially, I removed all the seats in the back, but later realized that I didn’t actually need the extra space. I preferred having the additional seat in the back to retain the option of accommodating another passenger.

  • Goose Gear Stealth Sleep System
    • Fortunately, this sleep system serves multiple purposes, offering:
      • A level sleeping surface.
      • Lockable storage space, which I’ve been using to store clothing.
      • Place to screw in additional mods such as my fridge slider.

Jeep

Why a Jeep?

At first, I was captivated by the allure of Van Life (perhaps even romanticized it a bit), but on the East Coast, it proved neither cost-effective nor stealthy. So, I shifted my focus to Car Life. However, in 2019, I stumbled upon venture4wd’s YouTube channel, where he’d been living out of his Jeep Wrangler for almost two years non-stop. Although he eventually upgraded to a Winnebago Revel Van, his review comparing the van to his experience with the Jeep Wrangler reassured me to stick with the Wrangler.

I also considered the Honda Element for its budget-friendliness. Fifth Element Camping has a nice convert for the vehicle into a camper, but overall it lacked the rugged vibe of the Jeep. Ultimately, I believe I made the right choice, even if it was a bit pricey, though I do admit it was unnecessarily expensive.

Here’s why I ultimately chose a Jeep over other options:

  • New Experience: It was a departure from my usual identity and comfort zone.

  • Mods: The overlap between Jeep Life and Overlanding made it feel like the market was tailored for Jeep Life.

  • Sleep Options: Off-road sleep options and the ability to stay out of sight.

  • Roll Bars: Sleeping under a tree with a Jeep felt safer.

  • Peace of Mind: It’s the least likely vehicle to get stuck in.

  • Manual Transmission:
    • I preferred manual over automatic for my daily driver.
    • The added security is a bonus.

  • Resale Value: Jeeps hold their value well.

  • Community: The welcoming culture of Jeep owners felt like being part of a tight-knit community.

  • Disposable Income Image: It provided a mask of disposable income to divert attention.

  • Mobility

Future

As mentioned in my “Financial Benefit” section, I’ve outlined my plans. The primary goalpost for potentially ending Jeep Life is when I’ve reached my FI (Financial Independence) number. However, despite this milestone, I genuinely enjoy this lifestyle, as detailed in my “Fewer Responsibilities” section. Therefore, I’ll address that transition when the time comes.

At some point after FI, the plan is to travel across the country with one of these on top of my Jeep:

Given my strong desire for an Ursa Minor Jeep Camper, I might consider purchasing it before achieving FI. The enhanced airflow at night would significantly improve camping experiences, not to mention the added space for extra people. Clicking on the linked photo reveals its high price, attributed to it being a full top replacement rather than just a rooftop tent, with the car integrated into the tent structure to the extent that one can stand inside. If that isn’t lifestyle creep, I don’t know what that would be. 😅

Further out, there are long-term plans to build a house, although the timing is yet to be determined. I have a location in mind and have even drafted blueprints for a modern log cabin, a project I’ve contemplated long before owning a Jeep. This cabin, while not large, prioritizes minimalism and adaptability. It’s somewhat challenging to articulate, so I’ve included my Pinterest board to provide a visual representation of my vision. It will certainly not be as nice as the Pinterest board photos, but in general, that’s what I’m aiming for.