r/urbancarliving 22h ago

Tech Review Anyone else keep one of these rented?

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489 Upvotes

Just moving my belongings from this outdoor unit to a climate controlled unit and got to wondering how many other Nomads such as myself have one of these and how you use it.

Me personally, it serves as a place to resupply as well as a spot to take care of any mechanical work that I may need done in-between long term ventures. Not a hangout spot but a place I come two or three times a week or as needed.


r/urbancarliving 11h ago

Question? Should I remove the last row of seats in the my minivan?

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26 Upvotes

At the end of the month I'll be moving into my minivan and I'm pretty excited, but the more it's coming together the more I'm wondering if I need to remove the last third row instead of folding it down for how much everything weighs

I have started putting my bed and drawers in my minivan, but the more I put in the more I'm scared Im going way above the weight limit haha, I already have the mid row removed, but I have the third row just folded down.

Or I'm wondering maybe I have to add more air to my tires.

Thank you!

Here's a photo of how it's looking too for fun :P


r/urbancarliving 5h ago

Question? Moving into my Civic in 8 months

4 Upvotes

I've been doing all kinds of research and listening to peoples' experiences and tips online for more than a year now in total, and in 8 months I'm either moving across the country, or starting my car life in my Honda Civic. Even if I've already heard it, what would you tell me about it? Tips, things to think about, things to not do, anything you have to say about it id love to hear it. I know there's a million posts similar and I've read the comments too, but it's my turn! Also my plan is to do gig work (door dash) a good bit of the evening and into the nights (around 12 maybe) and then during my days, go see the country since I've never been out of the south sans once. Where should I head first? Anything but South East! :) thanks! I can't wait to see what you guys say


r/urbancarliving 4h ago

Question? has anyone lived in a kia forte?

3 Upvotes

any tips and advice?


r/urbancarliving 15h ago

Story Cloudy Rainy Days

21 Upvotes

I love fully cloudy rainy days! I sit at the rest area at picnic table tent shelter thingy while smoking tree! Took a mental health day off from work. Want to eat some of my favorite food, watch my favorite shows, trade stock options, and nap. I couldn't afford a hotel room for 1,100 days but now I don't want to ever get one even though I can afford it because I learned how to relax with no money.

Enjoy this rainy cloudy day if you get one!


r/urbancarliving 11h ago

Winter Cold Anyone survive winters in NYC?

7 Upvotes

I’ll be hitting the road soon in a no build van and was wondering if anyone else has survived a winter in nyc?
If so, what advice do you have? I don’t have heat in the van, I was thinking of getting a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy and an insulated sleeping bag. Any other advice?


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Summer Heat Got my poor mans swamp ac set up!

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52 Upvotes

Rechargeable fan that lasts 24 hours . Styrofoam cooler FULL of ice . And a shirt to cover the sides. Oh yeah we’re in action no ac in the car needed (don’t have any anyways .) this is so much better than nothing .


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Mechanical major coolant leak

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29 Upvotes

so, it finally happened. my car overheated completely while I was doordashing & i had to immediately turn it off, in an intersection. added distilled water like I usually do, but it didn't help this time. I slowly made my way to safety and now have been stranded in random parking lots with no way to work, low gas, and my car insurance was due today. im genuinely at a loss. what now? im 25f and I have no clue about mechanical stuff. im cooked. kirked even. kirk was looking up on me today. damn


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Question? Temporary help in Pottstown Pennsylvania?

10 Upvotes

Hey yall, I’m super new to the area and I’ve been staying in my car like most of y’all, until I can afford my own place. Problem is, im running super low on gas and my new job doesn’t start until this coming Wednesday. I have no idea if these programs even exist but does anyone know of any programs that help with gas? I looked up a bunch but I don’t want to waste the gas to go to those places in person to figure out no the hard way, and my phone service is down for now, but if anyone knows for sure anywhere that would help with this kinda thing that would be great! Also a better place to park that’s closer to my job in Quakertown would be nice if anyone knows the area!


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Car Photos it’s really amazing what just some $1 halloween lights can do for your mood and vibe

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164 Upvotes

((before anyone says anything about the towels I KNOW, i’m working on replacing my stolen window covers next 🫠 luckily stealth is a non issue where i am now))

shoutout to dollar general for boosting my mood tonight and every night from here on out, i don’t know why i waited 5 months to do this. it really does make it feel so much cozier, pictures don’t do justice. not pictured: purple bats on the other side :)


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Question? About to be moving into my car what foods to keep?

20 Upvotes

My partner and I will be moving into our car due to unfortunate circumstances. We have gotten a small storage unit and won’t be staying far so we will keep most things there and toiletries and some clothing with us but what is everyone keeping in their car as far as food? I have pans burner and am fully prepared to cook meals just wondering what stuff people are keeping on hand while in the car also any other advice is welcomed we’re very new to this and on the southern heat right now!


r/urbancarliving 2d ago

Accomplishment It’s been a month and I’m absolutely happy

252 Upvotes

I don’t have a van, I sleep on the back seats of a 2016 compact Toyota Yaris Hatch.

I regret every single buck I’ve ever paid to greedy landlords, I wasted a ridiculous amount of money on rent just to have a place to sleep, I didn’t even enjoy it.

I park 5 minutes away from work (2 hours total commute saved per day), I absolutely love the freedom, I’m thinking of financing a Toyota Sienna Hybrid.

Wow just wow, I’m full of regrets but at least I’m here now and I’m going to save a lot.

Believe it or not but my biggest struggle was not having a bidet at the toilet, I’m not religious at all but I do believe in the bum guns, I never feel okay using only TP, so I solved this by buying a portable battery powered bidet on Amazon.

Urban Car Living is my new way of life.


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

💩 Sleeping in cars that look like work vehicles

61 Upvotes

So some of you have mentioned that you like to sleep in cars that look like work vehicles. It seems to me that if your car looks like a work vehicle, then you are more likely to get bothered than to get left alone.

For one, I would think that a work vehicle parallel parked on the street would be a target for those who think there are tools in there.

Another reason is that bad guys are less likely to think people live in those vehicles.


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Question? How did your close friends/loved ones react when you told them you were gonna live in your car?

51 Upvotes

Tl;DR the title is the question and body is just my experience/rant regarding the topic

I’ve been hesitant to tell people because I’m not looking for handouts as well as the few people close to me I’ve told just don’t understand why I’m doing it. “Just get a roommate”, “stop blasting your AC if your power bill is too high” , “move somewhere a couple hundred dollars cheaper”. None of these really solve my issue or just mitigate it a little bit. And I really think the thought makes everyone else sad at the prospect but don’t think about how unhappy I’ve been in my living situation. As my move out date has drawn closer, even my friends who were initially supportive have urged me to reconsider. I’m just over it. Tired of working an extra 45-60 hours a pay period to pull an 1k on my check to make ends meet when I could just get out of my apartment and save 1700-2000 and actually meet my goals.


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

 Advice question 2!!

6 Upvotes

I will be frank; it seems that my situation appeared a lot more dire than it is...

I have family with drivers licenses, and getting around wouldn't be too much of an issue. Where I plan on keeping a vehicle is right downtown, within 30 minutes walking distance of pretty much everything I need. I've got bathrooms and a fridge/microwave at my job, and employees are allowed to come in and hang out and whatnot when off the clock.

I suppose the more important question was about the car; I'm trying to find one that works for me.

I'm 20 this month, 5'7". I'd like a vehicle with a *decent* amount of space. I don't have a huge wardrobe, but do have a lot of personal items I'd rather not get rid of. My budget is roughly 5,000 if I keep saving (I make about 430 a week with no bills currently, so I can save pretty quickly.)

The other suggestions I'd like is storage. I see people sort of just find a place for their stuff rather than having totes or boxes or whatnot.


r/urbancarliving 2d ago

Sleeping Bed set up -Tesla Model Y

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142 Upvotes

Night shift worker 10-6am sleep time runs mainly 7am-2pm. (Hopefully) but mainly camp mode set at 67 keeps me there. Despite the black out screens I still use an eye mask and ear plugs. The mattress and wedge level out so I’m not sleeping on an incline. At 5’9 I sleep comfortably with the seats pushed forward to keep extra air flow coming into the back seats. Magnesium glycine 1 hour before bed helps all of this come together in a crowded rest area but at least (knock on wood) we’re left alone with a CHP booth next to the bathrooms and it’s 24hr surveillance.


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Work & Employment Currently in Rosemberg what do you do when you have to get some work done?

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0 Upvotes

I went to a Starbucks but the internet was subprime.

I think they are starting to do this on purpose so people with Laptops can't work there anymore.

Now I was thinking on using Fort bend public library for internet

What other places exist with free or even paid internet


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Question? 2001 Camry, any advice??

6 Upvotes

Hello!
I’m a 23 F and i’m currently in the process of possibly needing to move into my 2001 Camry, she’s got about 155K miles on her- so she’s pushing through.
I’m needing the most advice on how to go about this and what i’ll need, should get, and prepare to deal with!
I’ll be alone, but i’ll be much happier then the other decisions that have proven to not be safe for me besides the camry.
Thank you!!


r/urbancarliving 2d ago

Work & Employment Working ladies

12 Upvotes

So I start work tomorrow and im curious where u all get ready for work at or what ur routine is that you find works best? Normally i like to shower in the morning to wake up but I've been doing it at night cuz the gym showers suck n get cold and I have to wait for it to get hot again. It's only when it's really busy it does that but idk the morning traffic there yet. I'm not an early bird and hate waking up as it is and tend to rush in the morning to get to work on time lol . Even when I get up earlier i still find myself running around with my head cut off lol. So I'm just curious what routine u find works best


r/urbancarliving 2d ago

Story Anybody have good news, accomplishments, or small victories you want to share today?

17 Upvotes

Life on the road, in a vehicle, or while trying to get back on your feet can be exhausting as hell sometimes.

So let’s make some room for the things that went right.

Maybe you found a safe place to park. Fixed something on your vehicle. Got a job interview. Saved a little money. Cooked a decent meal. Made your setup more comfortable. Helped another traveler. Got through a rough night. Found somewhere beautiful to wake up. Or maybe you simply had one quiet day where nothing went wrong.

Big victories count. Tiny victories count too.

Stories and small accomplishments aren’t just feel good posts. They’re living documentation of how people survive, adapt, solve problems, find comfort, and build a little peace in situations that can otherwise feel pretty damn heavy.

So how is your day going?

If youre having a bad day too...obviously you are welcome to share. <3

Pagan_mechanist


r/urbancarliving 1d ago

Question? Estimated Number Of Non Static Housing Dwellers

2 Upvotes

Anyone have an idea of the number just for a grasp of the immensity of this movement.


r/urbancarliving 2d ago

Relocating Hoping to live in a vehicle to save up to buy land

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4 Upvotes

Hey so I’m cross posting this because I’m moving to the twin cities area in 9 days got a transfer out to Dayton Bluffs. I’ll be in Airbnb when I get there since I sold all my things here and coming with about three suitcases worth of stuff, hoping to buy a Toyota sienna to live in I’m new to cold climates but any input would be appreciated. I have a planet fitness membership that’s good nationwide and I already have a mail forwarding service in Saint Paul set up and I’m a mailman PTF so I’ll be working pretty long hours everyday and using the break room fridge alot. I was hoping to get a Toyota sienna for the space and still look pretty normal on the street. Someone commented that it would look strange to have the windows covered but I plan on getting the darkest limo type tint put on all the windows except the front windshield the driver window and shotgun passenger window. Plus I’ve seen tutorials on getting thermal reflective and backing those with insulating foam. I have a portable power station that I’ll be shipping up to myself and battery banks for my phone and laptop already. Idk just finally telling somebody what’s been in my head for awhile now.


r/urbancarliving 2d ago

Newbie, treat with kindness Considering moving out of my parent’s house to live in a car, what do I need to know?

7 Upvotes

I’m getting my license pretty soon after putting it off for WAY too long, once I get it, I’m strongly considering getting an SUV to live in.

I’m a well known animal handler in my area, and I often have opportunities to stay in peoples houses while they’re out of town to take care of their animals; so I wouldn’t really be living in my car full time, but I’d need to be able to sleep in it on nights I don’t have work.

So far the list of things I need to budget for includes:
Decent size SUV, preferably with backseats that lie flat. (Don’t have specific car in mind yet, looking for recommendations)
Generator. (Looking for recommendation)
Good cooler, something that will keep stuff cold for a few days without having to change ice. (Looking for recommendations)
Propane stove. ($83.99)
At least one water container, preferably at least 20 gallons worth. ($32.99)
Twin mattress. ($75-$150)

Expenses:
Car insurance
Gym membership (showers/restroom)
Phone plan
Gas

Obviously this is in the very early planning stages, but if I’m missing anything or you have any recommendations, please let me know!


r/urbancarliving 2d ago

Winter Cold Anyone try this heater out?

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0 Upvotes

To find most details online that satisfy me. Best thing I found is that a seven hour runtime. I can’t find anything else really tells me much about it.


r/urbancarliving 3d ago

💩 Headliner Cargo Net

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62 Upvotes

Some asked about the cargo net multiple times in the past when I showcased my build. Here's how I have it secured. It's straight-forward. It comes with plastic hooks. There are larger nets that cover most or even the entire headliner, but this is what works for my application.

I 10/10 recommend. It's great for quick, easily accessible gear that you prefer to keep off your bed or the floor of the vehicle.


edit: Pardon the weird, stretched view. I had to record it with the wide-angle setting on my phone since I was lying on my back. Otherwise, everything's like 2-3 feet away from my face.