Nissan Murano Camping Guide: Comfort Meets Capability

The Nissan Murano has become increasingly popular among car campers seeking a balance between comfort and capability. With its crossover design, the Murano provides approximately *39.3 cubic feet* of cargo space with the rear seats folded, creating enough room for a comfortable sleeping arrangement plus essential camping gear. The vehicle's unibody construction offers a smooth ride, while its standard all-wheel-drive option on many trims ensures you can access moderate off-road camping spots. The Murano's height and interior width make moving around the cabin easier than some sedan-based crossovers, and its climate control system helps regulate temperature during temperature-variable camping trips. The integrated roof rails typically come standard, providing excellent anchor points for roof racks or cargo carriers if you need to expand storage capacity.

What You'll Learn

• Vehicle Specs & Dimensions
• Sleeping Setup Options
• Storage & Organization
• Power & Electrical
• Climate Control
• Pros and Cons
• Frequently Asked Questions

Maximizing the Murano's interior requires strategic planning. The cargo area measures approximately *39.3 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded flat, creating a roughly 6-foot-long sleeping platform when measured diagonally. To create a comfortable sleeping surface, use a high-density foam mattress topper (typically 2-3 inches* thick) cut to fit the cargo area's dimensions, or invest in an inflatable camping mattress designed specifically for vehicles. The vehicle's rear hatch opens fully and locks securely, reducing wind intrusion at camp. Consider installing window coverings or privacy curtains that attach to the existing interior trim, as the Murano's windows are relatively large. Store essential items in weatherproof bins organized along the sides, utilizing vertical space behind the front seats. The Murano typically has cupholders and door pockets useful for daily items. Remove the spare tire cover and utilize that storage space, as modern tires can be stored in weatherproof bags underneath the vehicle.

Creating a proper sleeping environment in your Murano significantly impacts comfort. A queen-size inflatable mattress (approximately 60 inches wide) fits reasonably in the cargo area when positioned diagonally, though a three-quarter or full-size camping mat may be more practical for straight-across positioning. Layer your sleeping surface with moisture barriers—the cargo floor can be cold and potentially damp in humid conditions. Add insulating blankets beneath your mattress and thermal sleeping bags rated for the season you're camping. For ventilation, crack the windows to allow air circulation while maintaining security—many campers use window shades with small gaps or magnetic window covers that provide ventilation without completely opening windows. The Murano's climate control can run on battery power for short periods, though extended idle engine running for AC isn't recommended. Install a battery monitor if you plan frequent climate control use. Consider adding a small roof vent or using a battery-powered camping fan positioned strategically in the cargo area. During humid conditions, place moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or activated charcoal around the interior to reduce condensation.

The Murano's electrical system provides limited direct power for extended camping. The standard 12-volt outlet supplies approximately 10 amps continuous power, sufficient for phone charging, LED lighting, and small fans, but inadequate for larger equipment. Installing a secondary battery system (typically 100-200 amp-hours) with an inverter allows you to run laptops, portable refrigerators, or heated elements safely. Many Murano owners install a dedicated auxiliary battery mounted in the cargo area with professional-grade wiring and circuit protection. This setup typically costs $800-$1,500 installed but provides 2-4 hours of continuous power for moderate loads. Water storage requires external solutions—mounting a 5-10 gallon food-grade water container on a roof rack or in the cargo area covers basic washing and drinking needs. A portable camp stove remains the best option for cooking, as it keeps cooking heat outside the vehicle and minimizes interior odor absorption. For bathroom facilities, pack a portable waste system and invest in biodegradable toilet paper and waste bags. Some Murano campers mount simple propane shower systems outside the vehicle for refreshing rinses.

The Murano's standard insulation is adequate for mild to moderate weather camping but requires enhancement for cold conditions. Interior window insulation using reflective bubble wrap or custom-fit thermal panels significantly reduces heat loss. Many car campers apply adhesive-backed weatherstripping to reduce drafts around doors and windows. For colder seasons, supplemental heating through a portable propane heater (designed specifically for vehicle use) or an electric ceramic heater running on auxiliary battery power maintains comfort. The cargo area floor can be insulated using closed-cell foam underlayment before placing your sleeping surface. This creates a thermal barrier that typically reduces temperature loss by 5-10 degrees in cold conditions. Weather-resistant exterior cargo covers protect your setup from rain and debris when parked. In hot-weather camping, reflective window covers combined with ventilation management keep interior temperatures manageable. Some dedicated campers install awnings that attach to roof rails, creating shade and allowing you to keep windows open safely during warm-weather camping without concerns about pests or intrusion.

Efficient organization transforms your Murano into a functional basecamp. The vehicle provides approximately *39.3 cubic feet* of storage, requiring careful categorization of gear. Create storage zones: sleeping gear in sealed vacuum bags at the rear, cooking equipment in weatherproof containers along one side, personal items in smaller labeled bins, and safety/emergency equipment in an easily accessible location. The Murano's under-floor storage areas and door pockets accommodate smaller items—maps, keys, snacks, and toiletries. Vertical organization using hanging organizers on the interior sidewalls maximizes space. Mount a power inverter near the 12-volt outlet to avoid cable clutter. Use magnetic hooks on metal surfaces (typically found on door frames) for headlamps and water bottles. Keep frequently accessed items toward the hatch entrance. Establish a 'camp setup kit' containing everything needed for immediate setup (sleeping pad, pillows, cooking stove, cooler) that's kept together and loaded last, allowing quick access first at camp. Weight distribution matters—heavier items toward the center of the vehicle maintain stability, while lighter items toward the hatch opening allow easy access without unloading everything. The Murano's available ProPilot Assist technology makes long highway drives to camping locations easier, reducing driver fatigue on extended trips. Three rows of seating mean families can distribute passengers and gear flexibly. Winter camping in the Murano benefits from available heated seats and steering wheel—critical for maintaining comfort during cold-weather expeditions. The independent rear suspension provides excellent ride quality on rough camping roads. Consider upgrading to all-season tires for winter camping, or invest in a tire warmer system for improved traction in snow. When packing for remote expeditions, distribute weight evenly across the Murano's three rows to maintain proper suspension performance and fuel economy. Some owners install roof-mounted cargo boxes (typically 200-400 lbs capacity) for additional gear storage, though this slightly reduces fuel efficiency. The all-wheel-drive system with multi-mode capability enables safe driving on snow and gravel camping roads without carrying emergency recovery equipment. Smart packing means rotating gear seasonally—spring trips require different equipment than winter expeditions. Develop a camping checklist specific to your vehicle and refine it after each trip, recording what worked and what caused problems.

Q: Can you sleep flat in a Murano with all seats folded? A: Yes, the cargo area creates approximately a 6-foot-long diagonal sleeping space when both rear rows are completely folded. Straight-across sleeping requires positioning the mattress diagonally or using a narrower sleeping surface.

Q: What's the fuel efficiency for long camping trips? A: The Murano typically achieves 20-24 mpg on highways and 18-22 mpg in mixed driving, depending on trim and driving conditions. Calculate fuel costs for your destination and plan refueling accordingly.

Q: Is the Murano good for rough terrain access? A: The Murano is a crossover, not a true off-road vehicle. It handles fire roads and maintained dirt roads well but isn't designed for extreme terrain. All-wheel-drive trims provide better ground clearance, approximately 8.6 inches.

Q: How cold can you camp safely in a Murano? A: With proper insulation and supplemental heating, the Murano accommodates camping to approximately 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit comfortably. Below freezing requires additional insulation investment.

Q: What auxiliary battery capacity do you need? A: A 100-amp-hour lithium or AGM battery typically provides 4-6 hours of continuous power for LED lighting and fan operation, or 2-3 hours with a refrigerator.

Q: Can you install a roof tent on a Murano? A: The roof rails support approximately 150-165 pounds, limiting roof tent options. Ground-based tent sleeping remains more practical for Murano camping.

Q: How do you manage condensation in humid conditions? A: Crack windows slightly for ventilation, run the climate system periodically, and use silica gel or activated charcoal moisture absorbers throughout the cargo area.

Q: What size mattress fits best? A: A queen-size inflatable mattress (60 inches wide) fits when positioned diagonally. Full-size or three-quarter camping mats work well for perpendicular positioning.

Q: Is the rear hatch secure for overnight camping? A: Yes, the Murano's rear hatch locks securely and can be reinforced with additional security bars if desired. Many campers add privacy shades for additional security.

Q: What's the best cooler size for a Murano? A: A 60-90 quart cooler fits comfortably in the side storage, allowing room for other essential gear. Larger coolers may require roof-rack mounting.

Q: Can you run the AC on battery while sleeping? A: Minimal AC usage drains a standard battery quickly (typically 15-20 minutes on standard power). An auxiliary battery system is necessary for extended climate control.

Q: What maintenance should you do before long camping trips? A: Check tire pressure and condition, top off fluids, ensure battery health, test all exterior lights, inspect weatherstripping, and verify cargo securing systems are functioning properly.