Story By:Steph Davis
Photos By:Nick Kelley
Location:Moab, Utah
The American Southwest is a car-camping paradise. Especially if you like to climb or go on long desert hikes. Climber and base jumper, Steph Davis, has been doing it for years. Here are her six lessons for living on four wheels.
STEPH DAVIS
Specialty
Climber
What initially drew me to car and van camping was the independence it allowed. It’s taught me to be so much more creative and self-sufficient because I never know what will happen next.
Back in the early 90’s, I had just quit law school and entered into the climbing world. All that I had to my name was a hand-me-down Oldsmobile Cutlass and some used climbing gear. Now, after decades on the road, a handful of beloved vehicles, and with the built-out Sprinter 2500 we currently travel in, I can say that I stand by my original decision to break with convention.
1
CHOOSE YOUR RIDE WISELY
Think ahead about your gear and your storage needs. So whether you’re planning on tent camping from your car or sleeping in your van, you won’t get too far without having space for everything you need. If you’re driven by your activities like we are, then storage space is key. With our camping, climbing, base jumping, and skydiving gear, we require lots of storage, so we framed out a “garage” under the bed.
2
MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY INCH
When building out our Sprinter van, we found that much of the area around our sliding door was wasted space. We built our kitchen setup half tucked away, and half in the doorway, knowing we wouldn’t miss the extra few inches of the opening. We also use a bench seat for storage.
3
TAKE COVER WHILE COOKING
It’s key that you have the ability to cook with protection from the elements. There’s nothing worse than having to make a meal in a storm because your setup pulls out of the rear of your car and you don’t have cover.
4
THE BUGS WILL FIND YOU
Even in the desert. You can make bug screens or buy them, but either way, having screens over your cab windows and the sliding door can make a huge difference on a sweltering day or evening.
5
HAVING A FAN IS A GREAT IDEA. HAVING TWO IS EVEN BETTER.
Think about air flow and do yourself a favor: spring for the extra fan to keep the air moving, temperatures down, and your sanity in-check. We were given the option of installing two, and I still regret our decision to only get one.
6
HONE YOUR HANDYMAN SKILLS
Recognize that at any moment, anything can go wrong, and you won’t be near a place to find help. Keep vehicle maintenance tools and first aid supplies at the ready and check their status before every trip.
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