The Top 8 Car Camping Essentials by Toyota of Orlando

Are you looking for a way to experience the great outdoors without having to pitch a tent? (It’s a lot of work for us too…) Car camping is the way to do it, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to give you recommendations for the top car camping gear you’ll need to make the most of your trip. Let’s go!

Which car camping gear do you need?

#1: Camp shower: Let’s not be dirty, nor reuse dirty gear – we can get you a nice, refreshing shower with a camp shower. This car camping gear is one of the easiest ways to get clean when you’re camping, especially when it’s a scorching hot day and you want to cool off. It has a pressurized tank and hose, and depending on the season, you can warm the water by setting the shower in the sun for a few hours. 

#2: Camp stove: There are times when you can not even use a campfire because of the wet weather or wind. That’s where the camp stove comes into play because it is an easy way to cook, while you’re on the go. It runs on tiny propane tanks and it is a reliable way to make sure you have fresh meals throughout your trek, and most of them are small enough to fit in your car. 

#3: 12V cooler: If you plan to be camping for a few days, a 12V cooler is definitely a top car camping essential. This car camping gear will plug into the 12V outlet in your Orlando Toyota and keep your food and drinks chilled while you’re away from the real world. This car camping gear is definitely essential for all beginners.

#4: Trash container: Let’s be environmentally conscious, especially with the climate we have going on now, find a portable trash container – like a trash dry sack. Grab the waterproof ones that can be sealed shut, so you don't risk any leaks or the build-up smell. Another point to mention is to hang it from a tree to keep wildlife away. 

#5: Rooftop tent: Car camping doesn’t mean you necessarily have to sleep in your car. A rooftop tent is a great way to have a sleeping space without having to pitch a full tent every time you make camp. Rooftop tents sit on the roof of your car or truck and are easy to put up and take down. Most of these car camping gears offer enough space for two adults plus vents and windows to ensure you get a breeze.

#6: Fold-up camp table: Don’t depend on your tailgate – invest in a fold-up camping table to prepare your meals, eat on, and use for storage at the campsite. Just make sure this car camping gear folds up small and is slim enough to fit in your cargo space.

#7: Sleeping pad or air mattress:
If you’re making the car your sleeping space, you need something soft to pad the bottom of it. (Trust us). We recommend investing in a slim air mattress or a cushiony sleeping pad to make your nighttime routine that much better. Make sure you measure it before you purchase it to ensure it fits into your Orlando Toyota without issue. This is definitely a car camping essential for us at Toyota of Orlando because we love a good night's sleep. 

#8: Solar generator: It’s nice to have power when you’re off the grid – but don’t rely on your car to supply it. That’s why we recommend having a solar generator as part of your car camping gear. It charges in the sun so that you don’t have to worry about bringing fuel along for the ride, and you’ll also have a spot to charge up devices, run electrical when you need it, and more.

Check off your car camping essentials checklist at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about car camping essentials? We can help. Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. We’re located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road!

Toyota of Orlando answers the five most common auto service questions

At the Toyota of Orlando auto service center, we hear a lot of different questions on a day-to-day basis. We make it our business to provide the best answers possible so you can care for your car confidently every time you visit us. Today we're talking five of the most common auto service questions we get - here's what customers most often want to know + the answers they get.  

What are the five most common auto service questions? 

#1: How long will it take for my auto service? 

There's no straight answer for this one, to be honest. Different auto services take different amounts of time, and the make and model of the car you drive can also affect how long things take to complete. Here's the good news, though - your Toyota of Orlando auto service tech can give you an estimate of how long your appointment will take, and they'll text you and give you regular updates throughout the process so you know what's going on. Additionally, we have a comfy waiting area with wifi, TVs, and a cafe to keep you busy while you wait. 

 #2: What's the cost of my auto service? 

There's no definitive answer to this one, either. Different auto services have different costs. For example, an oil change has a different cost than a battery replacement. And an oil change on a Corolla will cost a different amount than an oil change on a big diesel truck. But again, our auto service techs at Toyota of Orlando will keep you in the loop. They'll inspect your car and figure out what needs to be done, and then they'll give you an estimate before they get started to ensure you approve. Plus, we offer service specials to help you save money, as well as service and parts financing to help you stretch your payments out and handle the bill more comfortably. 

#3: What’s included in my auto service at different mileages? 

This one depends on the mileage your Orlando Toyota is at. For example, at 5,000 miles you need a tire rotation and an oil change. At 15,000 miles you'll need both of those things again, but you'll also need a new air filter. So the auto service recommendations change with the mileage markers, but our auto service techs can keep you on track by getting you on a routine auto service schedule designed specifically for your car. We can send you reminders and keep your car in top shape all year long. 

#4: Will my car be washed after my auto service? 

Yup! Every single time you service your car at Toyota of Orlando, we’ll run it through the car wash so it comes back to you in like-new condition.

#5: Do you provide transportation? 

We can definitely help you with transportation. First of all, we have a rental car office onsite so if your car is going to be in for repairs for a while, you can get a set of wheels to get you around in the interim. If your auto service appointment is going to take a few hours, we have a convenient and free service shuttle that can take you to anywhere you need to go within a five-mile radius. We can get you to the Millenia Mall, a large variety of restaurants, Target, the Outlets... and when you're ready to be picked up, all you have to do is call. 

Schedule auto service last Toyota of Orlando and get answers to your questions 

Have more questions? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. Schedule your auto service today and don't forget to ask about our money-saving car care specials!