
Car camping in the city requires a different kind of awareness than camping somewhere remote. Someone recently talked about a person walking up to their parked vehicle and peeking through the window, which made me think about the habits I use whenever I bring the 4Runner into a populated area. I cannot control every…

Sometimes nothing obvious happens, but a campsite still does not feel right. You may notice a vehicle passing several times, people watching your camp, signs of recent trouble or activity that does not match the setting. Perhaps the access road looks harder to navigate than expected, the surrounding area offers no visibility or another…

Many people may not realize they already have roadside assistance coverage—or they may assume it covers any roadside emergency. Credit card companies, auto insurance policies, and even mobile phone providers often include some form of roadside assistance. However, these services are typically limited. For example, some plans only cover towing up to 50 miles,…

Being prepared with the right tools can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a trip-ending disaster. Whether you’re heading into the mountains, desert, or just to a local campsite, having a well-stocked toolkit ensures safety, comfort, and preparedness. Below is a list of must-have tools for car camping, divided into key categories.…