Motorman355

I was misunderstood in another thread about car camping. I was referring to the term as unloading the car directly into the campsite versus hiking with all of your equipment on your shoulders to where you plan to set up for the night. I was not referring to sleeping in my vehicle, though I have done so in the past.

I was wondering if there are any Honda Element owners out there? One of Honda’s selling points is you can lay all four seats flat to sleep in it. Has anyone tried it out?

I’m hesitating about downsizing too much from my Explorer XLT. I like the versatility of the Element, but worry I won’t be able to carry my 16’ canoe on top or load it down with camping equipment.

I would appreciate any comments from owners who have done some seriously outdoor field testing with their Elements.

Shannon

Welcome to WildTexas.com!

I'm afraid I don't have a Honda Element so I can't comment specifically. We have a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The rear seats lay flat in our Escape, as well (not the front seats, though). Someday, we'll take our new vehicle camping. So far, she's just been hauling landscaping and home improvement supplies, as well as groceries and such.

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campermom

My Nissan Xterra has enough room with the rear folded flat to put a twin air mattress comfortably in the back, with the front seat providing a nice headrest. I've never slept in there but on the Xterra Owners Club website, there are loads of threads and photos about how folks sleep in their X. I got mine with the intention of primitive car camping on Padre National Seashore. We've gone twice, but the 4x4 was a life or death necessity our last trip. Roof rack is sturdy and the family's rivershoes spend the summer in the roof basket unrestrained.

DH recently got an older Tahoe. I opened the back of that and visualized a QUEEN size airmattress in there. OOOOOOOOOhhhhhh YEA! Sadly enough, we haven't taken it on a trip yet.

CyberCelt

I think these are kind of cool:

Car and SUV tents

Give you a little more room.

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nicholsinic4

I thought those tents were pretty neat too! How nice to know your valuable stuff could be quickly locked up. Like portable tv/dvd player, food and personal gear.
Anyone have a problem with their tent/RV being "broken into" while camping? I'm speaking of man, not wild animals lol

happybooker1

Right after I bought my pop up I posted this same question on several camping boards. Especially I worried since the PUPs are NOT secure -- most doors are only 'velcroed' on to the door frame & even if mine locked (which it doesn't -- didn't get a key) it would be soooo easy for someone to just slip their hand inside & unlock it.

NO ONE said they'd ever had their campsite/RV/PUP broken in to! Several mentioned that they'd lost coolers/folding chairs/floaties/mats etc. from their site (all outside) not one ever mentioned loosing something from inside the camper/tent. So I guess campers are just a different breed of folks.

One even told a story of leaving all their windows unzipped and going off for the day. Along came a thunderstorm and another camper went inside their pup, zipped up all their windows, and left them a note saying who he was & what he'd done!

monkster

i'm a soon to be element owner and one of the main reasons i decided on it was because of the skylight in the rear w/ optional screen seemed a perfect space for camping in the element. from what i've read online a full size aero mattress can fit in the back. when i test drove it i layed down in the back to make sure i had enough room. plenty for me as i'm only 5'-8" but have read of guys over six feet comfortable too. i've read that the folded down seats are uncomfortable but i plan to take out the rear seats and use a mattress.the other reason is it gets great mpg with the new 5 speed automatic: 26 hiway on the 4wd and 28 on the 2wd. also read of people carrying as many as 3 kayaks with no problem. i feel confident my canoe will ride on it without a problem. the towing rate is 1500 lbs. so i reckon it will handle all the weight i need to camp and travel. i'll come back after i get my new element and let you know if i was right, but from what i've read it seems that this honda can withstand the rigors well. they say the element isnt for everyone and i didnt like it at first test drive (an '06) but it stuck in my mind and after researching it and re-test driving it ( an '07 with the 10 HP more and 5-speed automatic) i became hooked. now i cant wait to get it !