30/09/2026 7:35 am
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So I finally put down a reservation for the Rivian R2 because honestly the size looks perfect for my weekend trips around the Pacific Northwest. I have never been camping in an EV before, let alone something like this, so I feel completely out of my depth. Ive been watching videos of people sleeping in their cars but I have no idea what actual gear is supposed to make that not miserable.
My budget is around 500 bucks to start getting some basic stuff ready for whenever it actually arrives next year. Im mostly just worried about how to power things or if I need special attachments for the trunk area. Do I need some kind of air mattress specifically for this model or will any random one off Amazon work? I feel like there are a million accessories out there and I dont want to buy junk.
- What are the absolute essentials for a beginner?
- Should I be looking for specific electrical adapters for camp cooking?
Sorry if this is a total noob question, I just really want to be ready to go once I get the keys...
4 Answers
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30/09/2026 7:35 am
Congrats on the R2! Honestly, skip the expensive stuff for now. Just grab a Luno Life Air Mattress and a solid Jackery Explorer 300 Plus 288Wh for your smaller electronics.
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30/09/2026 8:40 am
Building on the earlier suggestion, I definitely agree that you should keep your initial spending modest. Being cautious with your budget is smart since you dont want to overload on gear before you even know how the layout feels for you. For cooking, please prioritize safety over anything else. I have been using the Coleman Classic Propane Stove 2-Burner for years without a single issue and it is super reliable for outdoor meals. Just be super careful with ventilation if you ever try to cook near the car. Also, grab a Anker 737 Power Bank 24000mAh 140W if you just need to keep your phone and tablet topped off overnight. It is way more affordable than a full power station and keeps my gear running perfectly. Honestly, just pack a heavy blanket first and see how the temp feels before splurging on specialized liners.
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30/09/2026 8:20 am
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
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30/09/2026 8:10 am
> I have no idea what actual gear is supposed to make that not miserable. Like someone mentioned, you really dont need to go overboard early on. I remember my first trip out in an EV, I spent way too much money on custom fit stuff that I ended up hating. I basically ended up using a high-quality foam sleeping pad because it was way easier to pack than those bulky air mattresses that always leak halfway through the night. Trust me, waking up on the floor of your trunk because of a pinhole leak is the worst way to start a morning. As for power, I just used the built-in outlets in the back for my coffee maker, but be super careful about leaving things plugged in if youre worried about range. I once drained way more battery than expected running a heater all night, so just keep an eye on your percentages!