Tips for turning a mostly stock 200 into an emergency temporary domicile

[LCNOLA]

I'm in New Orleans, storm is coming in. I'm at my in-laws and good. However, we are almost out of beds. If my brother or others end up coming here if displaced, it crossed my mind that maybe I could turn our 2019 200 into a temp sleeping spot for 1-2 people.

Not saying I will, but just gaming it out. If I did, what would Mud's tips and advice be for using already owned common household items (can't order anything before storm) to make a mostly stock 2019 200 a decent place to sleep for a night or two?

I've never been camping in this vehicle, never slept in the back, so I don't have any experience with it.

the front seats go all the way down and kinda line up with the back seat, is that the best spot for a normal size adult?

Or would a makeshift sleeping platform in the rear be better/more comfy?

What about the alarm? Does interior movement trigger it?

Last caveat: it's HOT here, like real hot. It's a little cooler at night but not cool. Fan in an open window that's on ext cord from inside, seems not ideal?

Most likely not going to come to this but thought it would be neat to hear everyone's thoughts nonetheless.

 

[andyp]

I’d rather post up on a floor indoors.

 

[LCNOLA]

I’d rather post up on a floor indoors.

Yea, this is likely the way it would go. I was thinking more like if I absolutely had to use the 200 to sleep in, kinda dumb I guess, not likely really.

 

[DPA200]

Any plans to keep the 200 up and outta threat from flood damage? Was just watching the news, the storm sounds pretty bad Currently.

As far as the 200 go, I think i know somebody who used to fold the 3rd row, and the 2nd row all the way up and sleep in the back like that. I'll see if i can find a pic somewhere.

 

[18Cruiser]

A veteran of many a Boy Scout campout with my son's troop here.

I have two words for ya'. MegaMat

 

[DPA200]

Got Plywood and a couple plastic boxes? If so....

 

[DPA200]

 

[redeye]

@DPA200 off topic, but where'd you get that interior tire carrier?

 

[AnyMal]

If i was in a pinch I would take out the third row seats and throw an air mattress in it. But probably would drive outta town too.
Not sure what the point of staying would be if I were confined to the car though.

I have lived through many storms in Houston. Pretty much Allison 2001 through Harvey 2017. There was always something that would hamper your preparedness efforts.
What I learned in all those years is that with events of that scale, there is not much you or anyone (even the military) is going to be able to do when SHTF.

If i didnt know people out of state or whatever I would 100% camp in my car somewhere nice rather than camp in my house like a third world country in a war-zone.
Specially if your power and internet is out. There is literally no point.

And don't be the people who leave when the evac orders are given and be stuck dying on a highway like during Rita.

Im a bug out kind of guy, the only problem then becomes making the choice of when.
Personally at this point I dont think Ida will be that bad, just looking at the storm now, its proximity to the coast and its metrics.
That is a tough thing to gauge though, as usually everyone gets it wrong.
Harvey is the perfect example of this. Something always throws off expectations.

 

[DPA200]

@DPA200 off topic, but where'd you get that interior tire carrier?

Hit up @FlightMedic178 .He designed and built it, and has sold several to other mud members. Those pics were from his old truck not mine. I’ve seen his in person though and it’s a really nice design! He sold his truck a few months ago still haven’t seen who ended up with it

 

[WarDamnEagle]

A veteran of many a Boy Scout campout with my son's troop here.

I have two words for ya'. MegaMat

I have two other words: leave now.

 

[LCNOLA]

I have two other words: leave now.

Wow, you'd think that folks here on mud would be a little more resilient than that. Didn't leave for Katrina, not leaving for this one. Thing is I kinda know what's good and what's up with this city so I kinda know that I'm prepared. Shocking I know, but we'll be just fine.

 

[LCNOLA]

View attachment 2770842View attachment 2770843

Very cool rig man, great and simple sleeping set up, thanks for sharing.

 

[LCNOLA]

If i was in a pinch I would take out the third row seats and throw an air mattress in it. But probably would drive outta town too.
Not sure what the point of staying would be if I were confined to the car though.

I have lived through many storms in Houston. Pretty much Allison 2001 through Harvey 2017. There was always something that would hamper your preparedness efforts.
What I learned in all those years is that with events of that scale, there is not much you or anyone (even the military) is going to be able to do when SHTF.

If i didnt know people out of state or whatever I would 100% camp in my car somewhere nice rather than camp in my house like a third world country in a war-zone.
Specially if your power and internet is out. There is literally no point.

And don't be the people who leave when the evac orders are given and be stuck dying on a highway like during Rita.

Im a bug out kind of guy, the only problem then becomes making the choice of when.
Personally at this point I dont think Ida will be that bad, just looking at the storm now, its proximity to the coast and its metrics.
That is a tough thing to gauge though, as usually everyone gets it wrong.
Harvey is the perfect example of this. Something always throws off expectations.

All great points! I've lived through many hurricanes, big and small. There's a whole bunch of info to take into account as far as bugging or bunkering. I'm a bunker kinda guy, math works out that way for me.

 

[AnyMal]

All great points! I've lived through many hurricanes, big and small. There's a whole bunch of info to take into account as far as bugging or bunkering. I'm a bunker kinda guy, math works out that way for me.

Im really well prepared now and really comfortable in my house, HOWEVER, we live in an extreme wildfire danger zone apparently.
So its really always something that fs up your plans and im so tired of it to be honest.
I have a bug out plan in place for that reason. Otherwise i am stay home kind of guy too.

I have to say that it really depends on your structure and location though for that choice.
People have obligations too, elderly, pets etc. Cant forget thats its a personal decision.
Unless you live in the flood plane or something. I dont get why those houses are allowed to be built anymore. The laws have not caught up with reality.
In Missouri city, a houston "suburb", some people have rebuilt 3 times now in the last 15 years.


Im on a hill here so if it floods its pretty much biblical and no point of prepping for anything.
I just dont understand why people like you are often ostracized for hunkering down. It is after all the best plan for almost any situation like that.
Unless you own a bunker and then its a matter of beating traffic.
You just cant plan for all the variables, especially in the nick of time decisions like those that have to be made in emergency situations.

 

[AnyMal]

@LCNOLA What is your status?

 

[LCNOLA]

@LCNOLA What is your status?

I'm good thanks for asking, storm was bad but not Katrina bad, esp not the aftermath. I was in a super solid home that's never flooded with an industrial generator that's tied into the natural gas line so me and mine ride it out just fine. Had to come to Houston today to catch a flight for work from here on Friday. Incredible amount of line work to do there in the aftermath, don't envy those guys.

 

[AnyMal]

I'm good thanks for asking, storm was bad but not Katrina bad, esp not the aftermath. I was in a super solid home that's never flooded with an industrial generator that's tied into the natural gas line so me and mine ride it out just fine. Had to come to Houston today to catch a flight for work from here on Friday. Incredible amount of line work to do there in the aftermath, don't envy those guys.

Good to hear. This storm was a perfect example of the unpredictability of impact. Did not deteriorate anything like we thought.

I hope getting the grid back goes quickly for all your sakes. It sounds like you are setup well though!