I just got a 2015 Explorer as my first car and was thinking about using it for car camping. It’s just going to be me or me and my partner. Has anyone tried sleeping in the back with the seats folded down? Is it comfortable enough to actually use for camping trips?
I camp in my 2016 Explorer a few times every year. It’s perfect for one person and works okay for two. I use foam sleeping pads and lots of blankets. The only downside is the floor slopes a bit towards the hatch, so I sleep with my head towards the front seats.
Make sure to have a CO2 detector and crack a window. In winter, I let the car idle with the rear heater on and let the auto idle timer shut it off. If it gets cold, I turn it back on until it shuts off again. It burns about 0.3 gallons per hour when idling.
You can find window blockers for all six side windows on eBay, and they work great. When I camp in it, it’s pitch black inside.
@Bliss
How did you figure out the 0.3 gallons per hour idle rate?
Bao said:
@Bliss
How did you figure out the 0.3 gallons per hour idle rate?
I use the OBDLink app with the OBDLink MX+ scanner. It’s a super useful tool, especially on road trips. The Explorer’s dash doesn’t show things like coolant temp or tire pressure all at once, and it doesn’t show battery voltage or transmission temp at all.
With the OBDLink, I can monitor all of that: coolant temp, trans fluid temp, battery voltage, fuel usage, and more. It’s crazy that the car tracks all this info but doesn’t let you see it.
@Bliss
Thanks! Is that for the 3.5 NA engine?
Yep, sure is! Love the 3.5 NA engine… except for the water pump. Just finished replacing it yesterday, and it was a pain!
Yep, sure is! Love the 3.5 NA engine… except for the water pump. Just finished replacing it yesterday, and it was a pain!
I’m at 120,000 miles on my 2016 and I’m pretty sure mine’s going to go any day now.
@Bao
Check your coolant often. If you start seeing puddles under the front passenger side of the engine or green stuff on your alternator, that’s your warning sign.
@Bliss
Is the OBDLink MX+ really $139.95? The app’s free to download though, right? I’ve been looking for a way to monitor my transmission fluid temp. My old 1994 Explorer overheated on a 98-degree day and leaked trans fluid. I try to avoid driving it on hot days now. Thanks for the tip about the app!
@Aeron
Yeah, it’s pricey, but worth it in my opinion. Works on every car I’ve tried, including BMWs. It’s compatible with Forscan and Bimmercode for changing settings on the car.
You can get cheaper OBD2 scanners, but they don’t all work as well. Ford not showing the trans temp is so frustrating. I’ve seen mine hit around 205-215°F, but anything over 225°F makes me nervous. It’s only gone higher during long uphill drives at 80+ mph. The temp difference between driving 70 and 80 mph is pretty noticeable.
@Bliss
Do you know what temp it’s at when it starts leaking onto the pavement?
Aeron said:
@Bliss
Do you know what temp it’s at when it starts leaking onto the pavement?
Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve never had a car overheat that bad. My guess? It’s probably super hot.
@Aeron
Explorers used EEC-IV until '95, so that tool probably won’t work on a '94. Could be wrong though, not sure how it works.
Fold the seats down and get an air mattress, or even better, a memory foam one. It’s going to be way more comfortable than a tent.
Also, grab some window blockers to keep the sun out in the morning, and crack a window at night to air it out a bit. I use these magnetic mesh window covers to let air in without letting bugs in. Works like a charm.
@Storm
Thanks so much for the tips! I’ve got a foam camping pad for now, but I’ll definitely upgrade to an air mattress soon.
Emerson said:
@Storm
Thanks so much for the tips! I’ve got a foam camping pad for now, but I’ll definitely upgrade to an air mattress soon.
I camp in my old Explorer all the time in the fall. I use a 3-inch cushion pad and a knit hat for cold ears. Parking under a tree helps block the morning sun. I also bring a Duraflame log to burn if I’m at a campground and a cooler that plugs into the car for snacks. It’s awesome.
Amazon has air mattresses made to fit Explorers for under $100.
I removed the rear seats and built a plywood platform that’s level with the hatch. It has storage underneath, and it’s great for one person with plenty of space. For two people, it’s tight—basically the size of a two-person backpacking tent. Still doable if you move stuff to the front seats.