Converting your car into a camper involves creativity, practicality, and a touch of adventure.
What if the ordinary sedan parked in the garage could be more than just a tool for commuting? What if it could become a sanctuary on the go, a craft for adventure? For some, a longing for an adventurous life outdoors might be obstructed but the fact that it costs money. But everything that costs money can also cost less – if you know which costs to cut.
The blueprints that you scoured the internet for are your bible. If you own a good old four-door sedan, the back seats are the first to go, folded down as flat as possible like pages in a book. Size does not matter, even a two-door or a hatchback will do. Plywood becomes the canvas on which to present your dreams so, consider the space when you remove the back seats. If there’s enough room for you to lie down flat, you can create a bed. Otherwise, rooftop tents are an option. Attachable rooftop storage boxes and built-in storage under your bed platform are great space-saving options, but you will need to think about your camping activities to decide what gear you need and how many people (and pets) will be using the space.
Memory foam mattresses are a current fad, but an inflatable bed might save lots of space. However, speaking from experience, they really are only good for a night or two. They move about, make odd noises, and I have never been able to escape the feeling that I was sleeping on top of what is, essentially, a balloon. Make curtains, makeshift or custom-made ones, just anything to stop strangers from peeking in while you’re in airplane mode and, when the windows are covered shut, consider another rechargeable light source to help with fixing the bed sheets or any other form of rummaging around.
After you have properly transformed the car’s interior into a symphony of storage, next is how you solve your food problems. Kudos if you can survive on only peanut butter and jam sandwiches, but come on… At least, you need to try making your ancestors, who invented the concept of game meat on wood burned by a lightning strike, proud. Cooking in your house on wheels offers a whole lot of options, from portable stoves -electric or butane gas powered- to outdoorsy cooking utensils. Adding a chiller or refrigerator to keep your food fresh and your beer cool might seem like an essential, although doing so will lead to arguably your biggest purchase for this slice of freedom. Power stations.
When it comes to powering your campervan, a reliable portable power station is essential to keeping your lights on, appliances running, and devices charged during your off-grid adventures. You will need to browse for information regarding brands like Jackery, BougeRV, or Anker, and find the one you need based on capacity, robustness, outlets, ease of use, safety, size, and their solar charging compatibility.
Now you have your foldable chairs, a portable stove, and a guitar stored next to your hiking boots and weathered jacket, the sedan’s interior holds the promise of sunrises over mountains, moonlit beaches, and stranger skies. Remember, the beauty of a car camper conversion lies in its simplicity. If you use your car for everyday errands or family activities, make it easily removable. Prioritize practical comforts based on how often you’ll use the camper.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an epic road trip, your car can be your cozy sanctuary. Happy camping!
