For one night, my Armada was my tiny home on wheels — my first test run into the nomad life I’ve been dreaming about.
Why I Tried It
I’ve been planning for my next chapter — life on the road — and this was my first real experiment.
No van. No RV. Just me, a car, and a simple goal: see what it actually feels like to sleep in my vehicle overnight.
Bentley
Bentley didn’t join me on this adventure. He stayed home with my daughter this time. I wanted to make sure I could handle the basics first — sleeping, organizing, staying comfortable — before adding his needs into the mix.
I already know he’ll be the perfect travel companion, but this night was for testing my systems first.
What I Learned
1. I Don’t Need as Much as I Think I Do
I basically brought bedding, a charged laptop, and a toothbrush and I was fine. I didn’t have a toilet, a power source, air conditioning or heating, and everything was ok. I brought snacks I didn’t eat. So many of the things I’ve been thinking about packing are really just “wants” not “needs.”
I was happy to have my little portable USB fan though!
(You can get yours using my affiliate link here: https://amzn.to/3MLsdfa)
2. Being Level Matters
If your car isn’t level, you will feel it. A slight slope means restless sleep and maybe some soreness. I was not level the first time I parked, and my neck was hurting by the time I finished watching my movie. After going to a gas station to use the bathroom before bed, I found a level spot for the rest of the night. That made a huge difference! And if you have to be slightly unlevel, park in the direction that will elevate your head, not your feet.
3. Comfort Is Personal (and Sometimes That Means Shorts)
Simple things can make a big difference. Turns out, I hate sleeping in pants and I didn’t bring additional clothes since I was planning to head home first thing in the morning. From now on, I’ll always bring shorts with me when I’m going to be out on the road, no matter the weather.
Your comfort rules are yours alone. Don’t question them.
The Morning After
When I got home, I didn’t let myself dump everything in the garage or leave in the car for later. I forced myself to unpack immediately, even though I didn’t want to. I’m glad I did. Everything went into a dedicated camping bin and is ready for my next adventure!
This process is about building systems, not perfection. Each round gets smoother.
Next Time, I’ll Add…
Now that I know there will be a next time, these are the items I’d like to have.
- A port-a-potty — for the late night, early morning bathroom needs.
- Proper window coverings — so I can use a light without people being about to see in.
That’s it for now.
And eventually I’d want to bring a real power source.
What I’d Tell Anyone Thinking About Trying It
If you’ve ever been curious about sleeping in your car or starting vanlife, start small. One night. Somewhere familiar. I was 15 mins from my house.
Bring only what you think you’ll need, nothing else. You can always run back home to get something you realize you need later.
It’s humbling, grounding, and surprisingly freeing to realize how little it takes to feel content.
Final Thoughts
The car is just a car again now — but it’s also a reminder. That I’m capable. That I can adapt. That adventure doesn’t require perfect conditions.
Bentley will come along next time when I know I can make it comfortable for him too.
For now, the bin is packed, the lessons are logged, and I’m already dreaming about the next night out on the road — hopefully with my favorite puppy dawg snoring beside me.
Your Turn
If you’ve done any car camping (solo or with pets), I’d love your advice: What are your “must-have” supplies for next time?
Drop them in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram @andnowshewanders or TikTok @andnowshewanders.