This Affordable $1,145 Kit Transforms Your Crossover or Minivan into a Cozy Camper
Everything seems increasingly costly these days, and the RV world is no exception. A $13,000 investment might get you a travel trailer that will last for about five years, while $15,000 could buy you a teardrop trailer with minimal amenities. But what if you could spend considerably less? Camp N Car aims to make car camping accessible with its modular kits that can convert your minivan, commercial van, and soon-to-be crossover into a cozy camper, all at a significantly lower cost.
Car camping has gained significant popularity. Many people are uninterested in tent camping but don’t have either the funds nor the storage space for a trailer. It’s particularly disappointing when you see the cheapest campers, as they often only provide walls without any other features. Despite the Pontiac Aztek’s tent, most vehicles aren’t ideal for camping. Indeed, some of the worst nights sleeping were in the back of a Volkswagen Touareg.
Consider that old van in your driveway. Camp N Car suggests you might turn it into an adventure-ready vehicle for as little as $495, or $1,145 if you’re aiming for something a little more homey. And for those countless drivers of Toyota RAV4s and similar crossovers, there is good news.
This is essentially a variation on the camping box that has been around for a while. It’s comparable to the $1,950 VanLab SUV Kit discussed previously, as well as the $1,315 123camp miniB portable camping box and products from Ququq. The diversity out there allows you to choose the ideal option for hitting the road.
Camp In Your Car
If you are that kind of person, forget about buying the latest and greatest camper van when you can convert your current car into a camper.
This story takes us back to the late 2010s. Steve Moore, like many Americans, was working diligently in an office in a city. However, Moore desired something more than office work. He felt a calling to live on the road and explore what the nation has to offer. Moore resigned from his job, determined to drive his Honda Element on a journey to Alaska.
Moore’s plan was to live in the Element and use his musical talents to fund the trip. So, the Element had to be converted into living space. Moore contacted his childhood friend, Martin Nerbovig, to help him build out the Honda into a camper, once the plan was set.
They used 3D modeling and a CNC machine to develop a modular kit that transformed Moore’s original crossover. The kit included a basic bed platform with storage, cabinets, and an extendable bed.
That wasn’t much, but it was enough for a home on the road. Moore then embarked on his journey to Alaska, spending six months exploring the North. People were impressed with Moore and his camper, so they suggested he and Nerbovig produce kits for others to enjoy.
In 2019, Camp N Car was established in Port Townsend, Washington, with the goal of making car camping doable without breaking the bank. Camp N Car sells kits for a wide range of vehicles, including beds, drawers, and furniture that could fit in various cars and crossovers. If kits don’t work, Camp N Car also offers to convert your cars into campers, whether they’re a Chevrolet Express or a Toyota Highlander.
Forget That Camper Van
Camp N Car’s entry-level offering is the $495 Basic Bunk.
This is literally just a bed, as the picture illustrates. The company says that the Basic Bunk is made of maple plywood, and assembly only requires a screwdriver. The bed comes apart into two main sections, each weighing around 15 pounds. Camp N Car claims the bed is perfect for individuals simply seeking a place to sleep on a trip without paying for a hotel room. Just set up the bed in the back of your vehicle and get ready to relax.
The Basic Bunk is available in various heights, sizes, and with leveling pieces to ensure the bed sits flat in vehicles with uneven loading areas. Under-bed storage is available for an additional $295, and a standalone shelf can be added for another $295, if it fits your vehicle. The Basic Bunk may be a good option for hotshot drivers or anyone interested in converting their Mitsubishi Mirage into a tiny camper.
Next is the $795 Trunk Bunk. At its core, the Trunk Bunk is similar to the Basic Bunk, in that it begins as a bed. But this one has second bed platform that flips out, offering either significant space for solo campers or room for a companion. The Trunk Bunk can also be customized in numerous sizes, and leveling legs can be added to make the fit perfect.
Promotional images show the Trunk Bunk in the back of a Toyota Tacoma, Volkswagen Tiguan, and a Honda Element, but it could work in many cars. The Trunk Bunk would be great for that old Chevy HHR in the yard.
The Home On Wheels Kit is Camp N Car’s premier product. The kit includes the Basic Bunk and two shelving units. It was designed to allow you to purchase an older minivan and install all the parts to create a small camper. Then, add your camping gear, some form of heating or cooling, and running water to make a budget camper. You can order it with the Trunk Bunk instead of the Basic Bunk if you want the kit for more than one person.
As with the other kits, the Home On Wheels Kit is assembled with instructions and a screwdriver. All kits convert your cars into campers without changing them. Remove the Camp N Car kit when you’re done camping, to return your car to its original state.
If you like the Home On Wheels Kit, but it doesn’t seem to fit your crossover, Camp N Car has some good news. Soon, it will offer a kit to add shelving, beds, and slide-out drawers to popular crossovers. The company claims that the kit is in response to customers seeking kits to convert vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4.
There’s one more product to mention: the Frontier Futon.
This is a sturdy $1,995 plywood futon that converts into a bed and has drawer space. This one is not meant to be installed in the back of your Dodge Grand Caravan, but may help configure your Ford Transit. The same applies to the aforementioned bed kits and the shelf kits.
Finally Camp N Car offers a full custom camper van conversion. These are more than sleeping platforms; they are full-blown campers like the van shown in the image.
Basic, But Affordable
One thing I’ve noticed about these kits is that none of them are what you would call aesthetically pleasing. However, that goes for practically all car camping kits. Similarly, many car camping kits do not require any tools for construction. I do think having to use a screwdriver is a step down.
That being said, Camp N Car is priced more competitively than its competitors. Even the full Home On Wheels Kit is less expensive than many other kits on the market. It may not fold neatly into a box, and I can forgive it for that price. Camp N Car can take care of the bed, futon, and shelving if you want to build a van camper but don’t know where to begin. For some, this will be all they need before including comforts. So, Camp N Car is another option if you feel like David Tracy and want to camp in a car rather than an RV.
I am always happy to see even more options for those who want to go camping without having to mortgage their homes.
