Summer is calling, and the open road awaits. It's time to hit the road, forge new trails, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
For all you seeking the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation - the thrill of outdoor adventures with the convenience of having your vehicle close by - car camping offers an ideal getaway.
According to Minivan Campers - Bill VS:
"[Car camping] has seen a surge in popularity, becoming a favoured way for many to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature… ideal for those who wish to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the luxuries or taking on the challenges of carrying gear over long distances."
Car camping provides a level of comfort and convenience that appeals to a wide range of individuals, including families, seniors, and those new to camping.
Compared to other forms of travel or vacationing, car camping is also often more affordable as it requires minimal investment in gear and accommodations.
Thinking about going car camping this season? Before you buckle up and hit the road, we gathered 10 must-have car camping equipment so you can make the most out of your car camping experience.
1. Portable Air Compressor
A portable air compressor is a versatile and invaluable tool that will help immensely when it comes to tire maintenance, assisting in emergencies, and inflating camping gear.
Tire Maintenance & Emergencies
Ensuring your tires are properly inflated is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and optimal vehicle performance. Tires with the right pressure provide better traction and reduce the risk of blowouts when driving on rough or off-road terrains.
When driving on sand, mud, or rocky surfaces, you can lower your tires’ pressure for better grip and re-inflate using an air compressor once you return to standard roads.
If you get slow leaks or punctures, you can also re-inflate your car tires temporarily until you can get them repaired or replaced.
Additionally, if you’re planning to bring a bicycle with you to explore your campsite’s surrounding area, you can use a portable air compressor to maintain your bike’s tires.
Inflating Car Camping Gear
An air mattress is often a staple of car camping for added comfort. A portable air compressor can quickly inflate your mattress and save you a lot of time and effort compared to manual pumps that require physical effort to operate.
A portable air compressor will also prove to be very handy if you’re bringing along footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, or inflatable kayaks for recreational activities.
2. Tire Repair Kit
We’re counting a tire repair kit as one of our car camping essentials as it provides a quick, cost-effective, and convenient solution to tire punctures and small leaks - a common issue during off-road travels.
They are compact, taking up little space in your vehicle, and most of them can repair a variety of punctures caused by nails, screws, or sharp rocks, which are common hazards in camping environments.
Quick Repairs on the Go
Being able to fix a tire quickly reduces the risk of being stranded in unsafe or isolated areas.
Tire repair kits allow you to do exactly that without needing professional assistance. They are designed to be user-friendly and often include detailed instructions.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Even if you have a spare tire, using a repair kit can be faster and less cumbersome than changing to one, especially in difficult conditions.
Aside from that, repairing small punctures promptly can extend the life of your tire, delaying the need for a replacement.
In case you experience tire problems in remote areas where help might not be readily available, you can save on the cost of towing services by using a tire repair kit.
Not only that: repairing small punctures promptly can extend the life of your tire, delaying the need for a replacement.
3. Lug Wrench and Jack
Having a lug wrench and jack on hand is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's mobility and ensuring you can handle tire changes safely and efficiently.
Choose a lug wrench that fits your vehicle's lug nuts perfectly and make sure your car jack is in good working condition.
Lug Wrench
A lug wrench (also called a tire iron or a wheel brace) is a relatively inexpensive tool for loosening and tightening the lug nuts that secure the wheel to the vehicle.
Lug wrenches are typically used to replace a flat tire with a spare, but they can serve other practical purposes as well; you can use them to rotate your tires to ensure even tire wear, and to remove your car wheels to inspect or replace brake components.
In case you don’t have a lug wrench, below are some tools you can use.
Torque Wrench
Torque wrenches are generally more expensive compared to lug wrenches, but they’re more accurate when it comes to applying torque.
Using a torque wrench allows you to tighten your wheels’ lug nuts according to the recommended specifications of your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Properly torqued lug nuts help you prevent wheel damage, rotor warping, and uneven brake wear, thereby enhancing overall vehicle safety.
Therefore, a torque wrench is good to have in order to avoid over-tightening or under-tightening.
Impact Wrench
The primary benefit of an impact wrench is its ability to quickly and easily loosen lug nuts with its high torque output, which may be difficult to do with a manual wrench.
However, while impact wrenches are excellent for quickly removing lug nuts, they lack the precision of a torque wrench when it comes to tightening.
They are generally not recommended for tightening lug nuts as over-tightening can cause damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, the wheel, and it can also make it difficult to remove the wheels in the future, potentially leading to stripped threads or broken studs.
MotorWeek mentions this problem in their episode about impact wrenches and torque wrenches and says that in the case of over-tightening,
“...the tools that you might have even put in the car are not going to be capable of loosening those lug nuts. So you’re stranded because you can’t get the wheel off with the flat tire on it.”
If you do have an impact wrench available though, it can still prove to be useful while car camping when it comes to assembling or disassembling camping gear with nuts and bolts (e.g. roof racks, tent poles, camping chairs, tables, etc.).
If you would like to read more about the maintenance of hand tools, you can check out our quick guide to properly maintaining hand tools.
Car Jack
Don't forget your car jack; it may not be the flashiest tool in your kit, but when you're in a pinch, you'll be glad it's there.
Your car jack isn't just for tires—it's your go-to for all things maintenance. With a little lift, you'll have access to whatever's beneath your vehicle, so you can tackle any roadside repairs.
Determine the weight of your vehicle and select a car jack with a weight capacity that exceeds this value. It's crucial to choose a jack capable of safely lifting your vehicle without straining or exceeding its limits.
Other important factors to consider when choosing a jack are the maximum lift height, portability, durability, and the inclusion of safety features to prevent accidental lowering or collapse while lifting the vehicle.
Additionally, consider jacks with wide bases or stabilizing feet for added stability and security during use.
4. Jumper Cables / Jump Starters
Both jumper cables and jump starters offer valuable benefits as car camping tools; choosing what to bring with you should depend on what will be more useful during your trip, what fits your budget, and where you’ll be camping.
Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are straightforward to use and have long been a reliable and simple solution for jump-starting vehicles, making them a staple for car trips.
One of the primary advantages of jumper cables is that they do not require charging and they can be used to jump-start a car from any compatible vehicle or portable power source.
As long as there is another vehicle with a charged battery nearby, a dead battery can be revived without much hassle.
Additionally, jumper cables are typically more cost-effective than jump starters, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious campers.
They also offer versatility, as they can be used to jump-start a car from any compatible vehicle or portable power source.
Make sure to choose heavy-duty cables with sufficient length for easy maneuvering.
When to choose jumper cables:
- If you are on a tight budget and/ or if you have limited storage space
- If you’ll be camping for a few days or if you’ll be camping near urban areas
- If you’ll be camping in a place where there will be other vehicles
- If you prefer simple tools and don’t want to worry about keeping a device charged
Jump Starters
Jump starters, or jump packs, are compact, portable devices that contain their own battery, allowing you to jump-start your car without needing another vehicle. They are particularly useful when camping in remote areas where other vehicles may not be available.
Many jump starters come with additional features like USB ports for charging electronic devices, built-in lights, and more. Some brands and models, like the NOCO GBX155, also include safety features such as reverse polarity protection and overload protection, to prevent damage to your car’s electrical system.
When to choose jump starters:
- If you need to be self-sufficient in isolated areas where there won’t be other vehicles
- If you’ll be camping for days, or an extended period of of time
- If you’ll be camping in unpredictable or extreme weather
- If you want a tool that is multi-functional and/or offers additional safety features
5. Flashlight or Headlamp
Flashlights and headlamps are indispensable tools for car camping, offering versatile illumination for various tasks and activities, like setting up camp in the dark, cooking dinner after sunset, and navigating around your campsite at night.
When choosing a flashlight or headlamp for your camping trip, it’s advantageous to opt for rechargeable models.
Although they may have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money in the long run by eliminating the ongoing expense of purchasing disposable batteries.
6. Multi-Tool
Having a multi-tool with you saves space and reduces weight in your camping gear, compared to carrying a toolbox filled with individual tools.
A multi-tool combines several tools into one compact package, including screwdrivers, a knife, and more. Whether you need to cut rope, tighten screws, or open a bottle, it equips you to tackle a wide range of tasks efficiently.
In case of first aid situations, a multi-tool can also be used to cut bandages or fabric for makeshift slings.
7. First Aid Kit
Accidents and injuries can happen when you're out in the wild, and as we just mentioned first aid situations, it goes without saying that having a first aid kit is highly important.
Your kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, pain relievers, and personal medications. Make sure to check and replenish your first aid kit regularly so it's always ready for use.
8. Fire Extinguisher
Safety should always be a top priority when camping. A portable fire extinguisher can help you quickly put out small fires before they become big emergencies.
Look for a compact model that's easy to store in your vehicle and make sure everyone in your camping party knows how to use it.
9. Foldable Shovel
A foldable shovel is incredibly useful for a variety of campsite tasks. You can use it to dig fire pits, clear debris, or level the ground for your tent. It can handle tough jobs, and since it’s compact, you can easily store it in your car.
However, in case you don’t have one available, you can also use a garden trowel, a pry bar, or this digging bar from DeWalt.
10. Tow Strap
The first couple of items on our list were for avoiding situations where you’ll need towing.
However, if you do find yourself stuck, a heavy-duty tow strap with strong hooks or loops on each end will allow you to safely and efficiently recover your vehicle by providing a means for another vehicle to pull you out and get you back on track.
Even if you don’t happen to encounter towing scenarios, tow straps are still handy to have for other camping applications such as these:
- Clothesline: You can use a tow strap to create a makeshift clothesline for drying wet clothes, towels, or gear by stretching the tow strap between two trees or car racks.
- Shelter support: Use a tow strap to secure a tarp or rainfly to trees or to your car to create a makeshift shelter or additional covered space.
- Hammock suspension: If you have a hammock but lack dedicated straps for it, a tow strap can serve as a sturdy suspension system.
- Gear hoist: If you need to tie up food or other items to keep them away from animals, you can use a tow strap to hoist them into a tree.
- Securing items: You can prevent gear, coolers, or other items in your car or campsite from shifting or blowing away by strapping them down.
- First aid: In a pinch, a tow strap can be used to immobilize an injured limb as part of a splint. It can also be used to create a makeshift stretcher.
- Tensioning line: You can create tension in other setups, like securing a tent in high wind conditions or stabilizing a canopy.
- Pulling heavy objects: Move logs, rocks, or other heavy items around your campsite more easily by leveraging the strength of a tow strap.
- Tie-down for boats or other equipment: Secure boats, kayaks, or other large items to the shore or to your vehicle.
- Camp furniture repair: Use the strap to mend or secure parts of broken camp chairs or tables temporarily.
- Improvised harness: In the case of an emergency, a tow strap can also be fashioned into a harness for pulling or lifting someone or something.
Car Camp Like a Champ - Equip Yourself for Epic Summer Escapades
Having the right tools and gear is the secret sauce to an awesome summer car camping trip. We handpicked everything on our list to keep your adventures safe and fun.
At MPR Tools & Equipment, we've got a selection of top-notch car camping gear perfect for the great outdoors. You’ll find cool stuff from the most trusted brands, so you know your gear is built to last.
We’re all about quality, durability, and keeping our customers happy. Plus, we’ve got some sweet perks: personalized customer service, free shipping on orders over $150, free tools for orders over $400, a one-year Price Match Guarantee, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
So, dive into our catalog today and get ready to make some epic memories this summer!
Happy camping!
Sources:
https://motorweek.org/goss_garage/impact_guns/
https://mprtools.com/blogs/news/a-quick-guide-to-properly-maintaining-your-hand-tools
https://mprtools.com/blogs/news/revive-dead-batteries-in-seconds-noco-gbx155-jump-starter
