@@intheopenair3725 I was going to comment same. I have a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7. Has the gate door, too. This would be perfect design. Thanks! You earned a new subber. Looking forward to checking out your channel.
thank you for this video! today i had the realization that instead of being sad that i can't afford a camper, i can turn my 2002 CRV into one! fell into an internet hole (as one does at the start of any new adventure) and this is the best walkthrough i've found :)
Hey Brad, thank you so much for your amazing videos! You have totally inspired me and I have now converted my 2006 CRV into a mini camper for me and my dog. I made a bed frame which folds at the head end so that I can put my seat back when I'm driving, I have plenty of storage under the bed, drawers in the back, the Jackery 240, the clip-on USB fan, the Luci LED lights, I can cook, I have water and I made my own reflective window coverings. Finding your channel has changed my life and I just want to say a huge 'thank you' from the UK.
I love how organized you are with your clothes! I used to have a Honda Accord hatchback. For weekend camping or festivals, it was perfect as was, without alterations. Load up the food (I prefer to not cook for a trip of just a few days), throw in my sleeping bag, sheets, foam pad, suitcase, plastic bin of gear. All set! I made a mosquito net that would fit over THE WHOLE CAR, with elastic around the bottom like a sheet, with open windows and the hatch popped up, so I could sleep without bugs or being closed up. It worked great!
@@tonybucca5667 Yes i know what you mean but it is not folding flat like a bed does, you are referring to the recliner style seats with front and backs seats joining . I feel honda could make a better design.
@@tobywarrington7463 my hopes for 2021 are to find a 2018 CRV XLE. Yours is the build I like the most. Do the seats on 5th Gen also configure to almost flat?
Have been looking for a way to convert my Honda HR-V to a camper for so long. Best setup that I have seen or read about. It's perfect for what I need. While watching the video, ordered the Heatshield window covers, foam mattress and the back seat organizer. I finally have a solid plan! Thanks for posting.
I had that exact car in 2004 and I loved it so much! It was my first SUV. I was a driving locker room for my son and his friends/teammates. It made me happy to see how useful you have made this car.
I don't if many CRV owners know this but if you slide the rear seats all the way back and slide the front seat all the way forward you can take of the headrests off the front seats and the front seats will lay all the way down flat flush with the rear seats. This gives a nice rest area and may not be necessary to make a sleeping area in the rear. I've used this set us when I had my son in the car seat in the rear passenger seat. It allowed him to see all the way forward and I had a better view of him when I turned my head to see him while I am in the driver's seat.
I have a RAV4 . I set it up just like you (no shelf across the back) but I left the seat up like you and it works out great. I can sit and relax, watch movies, read, watch UA-cam videos. Only camp for a few days at a time, so I don’t need so much storage. I put a fridge under the bed platform and that works great.
Finally! A set up in a CRV about the age of mine (2006). Mine is underway and won't be as elaborate, but you have some great ideas for me to work with. Good job!
Mine is a 2006 as well I based my design off this I have a mattress that blows up for the back seats if I keep it but I do want to get a small taught since I can't build anything in case I have to live in it right now it's just a bug out vehicle for me my 3 chi's and indoor duck 🦆
Absolutely love this build out. Simple, not expensive, and very well organized which is what I need for my 2018 Kia Soul. I’ve gotten great ideas from you and ready to begin.
Damn, love it, what a smart way to organize. As it so happens I converted my 2004 CR-V into a camper this summer. I ended up using a Schumacher power station hooked up to a roof mounted 100w solar panel, and a collapsible 5 gal water container. Instead of building a back-mounted rack, I ended up just making a flat bench with a roll-up mattress and storing all of the functional stuff under it, so I had to run a hose into the 5 gal container that was underneath and hook it up to a 12v electric pump to bring the water up. I also ended up building a small sink and grey water tank into the bench, because I reasoned that I wouldn't want to be getting out of the car to use the water if I was camping in cold-ass upstate NY. I think what you did was a lot more common-sense, and very feature-rich given the available space. Gotta love the second-gen CR-V, what an unbelievably versatile and reliable platform.
Aw thanks so much! Your build sounds really cool too. But yes, I wanted to make everything as comfortable and accessible as possible. Always improving! More to come.... Thanks for being here!
im thinking of downsizing from my 2005 honda odessey, after seeing what you've done with a smaller vehicle. amazing job. very simple. thanks for sharing.
Dude! Love the car and the build out. - Do you use the fold out table that comes stock with the 2004-2006 CRV? The donut tire cover doubles as a table. - Do you ever fold the front seat flat to make a lounge chair? Take head rest off, fold forward, fold all the way back and it will fit perfectly with the backseat chair pushed back.
I just watched another guy's CRV conversion. He built a full width bed behind his seats with cubbies underneath. I commented to him that I like to quick recline my driver's seat when I pull into a rest area for power naps. You can do that with your set-up...AND have a lounge to boot. I like your set-up much better, even from a weight-saving perspective. 1x2 framework and 3/4 ply starts adding weight...as a motorcyclist, we say "weight is the enemy" I have a 99 CRV that I'm working on now, after having had 11 different vans since 1973!
Thanks Tony!! I fully agree. I think people are just accustomed to seeing the full width bed/platform build. I’m very happy with how livable my setup is and I’m glad you enjoy it. Thanks again!
I retired from trucking this past April of 2020. About a week later I bought a Ford Transit van 2016 model. Mid high roof and I moved into it. I went to Lowes an bought a roll of reflectives, and cut the pieces to fit the windows. The van doesn't have any back windows. I then spray painted them to give the appearance of blacked out windows for boondocking. I found the van on Car Gurus. It already had medal shelving and fiberglass insulation in the walls and ceiling. I use a jug and 5 gallon bucket for the rest room. I have a domedic refrigerator freezer that I'd used when I was trucking.
Thank you so much! I’ve watched all your CRV videos and I’m converting mine too! It’s a work in progress but I have a bed platform and bins underneath, dialing in the rest and taking the maiden voyage this week! Thanks so much for the inspiration and detailed guidance, it has helped a ton!
I have a 2004 Honda CRV that looks identical to yours except the exterior is white. I bought the CRV used & I've owned this car for 7 years now & I absolutely love it. This is a very dependable CRV with very few problems. Thanks for showing us how you did your build. You did a great job!
Also have a silver 2nd Gen Honda CRV (2003 manual trans 5-speed). Got it with 87,000 miles and removed right rear seat. Installed Yokohama ATV tires on the stock 15" rims. Driven it from Philadelphia to the Southwest twice. These little SUV's are reliable, handle well, easily repaired, have parts available everywhere. I also feel they might be less prone to theft since they are older and very commonplace. Very cheap to run. Thanks for all the good info on your channel!
Nice micro rv/nomad rig. Your awning mount is unique & clever; an inexpensive & lightweight solution using the plastic pipe. I’ve turned my 2015 Toyota Highlander into a similar stealth camping rig. The key to these homemade mini rvs is to remove most or all of the back seats like you did. I took all of mine out & it really opened the entire interior up! The extra space is wonderful & it reduces the weight of the rig. I use the same Jackery 240 too. It’s the smallest & most efficient way to power small items up. Well done on your build.
Hey bud Marmalade here (PCT class of 2019). Thanks for putting this video together, loving your setup. I’m planning on starting with living out of my SUV then phasing into van life. Going to use a lot of your ideas in my build. Yeah wondered where you put your back and backpacking gear. We backpackers have a whole other set of gear we have to somehow store. Thanks again just wanted to tell you that!
Hello fellow PCT’er!!! 🤙 Thanks for you kind words, I truly hope you enjoy yourself out and about. I keep my backpacking gear in one of the bins under my bed, I talk about it more in my Build video. Cheers!
Beautiful job! Besides being carefully designed and organized, the aesthetics are so pleasing. I'm really impressed. I have a 2013 CRV which I camped in for 2.5 weeks at the RTR in 2019 ... a whole new experience. It's the only time I have camped in decades and I had to build out my CRV for sleeping / eating / lounging etc. My layout was very similar to yours though my bed was behind the drivers seat because that's where the double seat is. Anyway, your meticulous and thoughtful organization are a true inspiration ... a big step up from what I did. It makes me think maybe I wouldn't mind camping in my CRV again. I've been longing for a compact van as a replacement, but not enough to buy one. :-)
whew! glad I was clicking on all your links earlier today, looks like you removed a lot of them. I am so glad I found this as I just bought a 2004 CRV and this is absolutely brilliant. Thank you :)
I’ve had my crv since May & ALWAYS wanted to convert it to a camper & do road trips on the weekends & you’ve inspired me to buy a shit ton of things that I will need. I’ll also be copying your bed/shelf idea. Thank you sir, good luck & safe travels🤙
Love this idea, I tore apart my current 3rd gen 4runner build and am rebuilding it like this. It is myself, my shepherd and 2 cats living full time in it. Space is the most important issue for us.
Those cardboard dividers in your big bins? Genius! I really enjoyed your thorough tour, and usually I just fast forward through van tours. I watched yours til the very end. Very informative. Great work there! Hope you are enjoying your adventures, I just subscribed.
I have a large 6 birth modern motorhome (RV). I also have a 20yr old CRV, and I love what you have done to your CRV, if I ever had the opportunity to escape my loverly family for a weekend, i will pack my old CRV like this and enjoy the cosy mini camper. Enjoy👍
My friend and I are hoping to do a long road trip this summer (we have experience backpacking and weekend car camping). Minimalism isn't the issue, it's trying to find a way to organize our stuff in an accessible long-term way. Usually on weekends it's easy to just dump everything into a backpack and a bin and say done. It's harder to build out a car-camper for 2 people because you can't steal one side for storage 🤣 I like your shelf in the trunk that sits over the foot of the bed, I've never seen something like that!
Watching this whole video a second time lol, I really enjoy your videos. I loved when random things fit perfectly in a spot when I was putting together my SUV camper!
Thanks, you've inspired me to go stealth camping in my own CR-V 2005, but I'll make sure I design it so i can get access to the camping table in the back. I also got some great ideas from you, thanks again.
This is my favorite micro suv conversion. I like the fact that you used bins as the base of your bed. The problem is my 2002 Rav 4 has an uneven floor. Maybe I can find different height bins to make it work. You just answered my question. I am going to do this for myself. I like that you left the rear seat in place.
Smaller bungee cords would work on the back shelf as well instead of twine. I have a Honda CRV which I have stayed in several times and travel between Alaska and several states. This is very helpful information.
Wow, I got so many “new” videos that popped up on my feed today. I’ve been watching SOOOO many van, mini van conversions but what I love most are the “no build” conversions because I need my SUV for every day driving as well. I’m not looking to go full time I’m just tired of spending $$$$ in hotels/Airbnb. Question....did you secure the bed to the floor of the SUV? Subbed!!!!
Hi Esther! Thanks so much for the sub. The quick answer to your question is NO, I did not attach the bed to the floor. If you want a more thorough look, I just posted another video that gives a much more detailed view of how I put everything together. Cheers!
Best build I’ve seen in a small SUV! Not too much unaffordable things, love the awning and crates. Bed looks super cozy! Nice job, will look forward to anything you post!
Very nice, simple and organized! I'm gathering ideas for my Honda Pilot. I also have a shuttle bus, but sometimes I want better gas mileage or something more stealthy. I really appreciate your detailed tour. Thanks for sharing your build with us! Best wishes to you!!
Carolyn!! I finally found you. Listen... I want to thank you so so very much for your wonderful and thoughtful recommendation on your channel. It was so kind. I hope you are well, and happy trails out there - Brad 💛
I’m agreeing with plenty of the other comments here on this video as well as spreading the love across your entire channel after witnessing your creativity through the UA-cam portal definitely without a doubt inspired. Thank you so much for sharing the lifestyle you have been so gracefully blessed with and am looking forward to your next video be safe continue being awesome and thanks again
Great conversion. Smart man! for using 1/2" ply for your bunk. So many times people make everything out of 3/4" plywood. Sure if you're going to park a car on it. For cutting those tight contours. My old stand by is to just take a bunch of Amazon boxes, flatten them into sheets, tape them together to make the size sheet you need. Scribe those contours, cut them out, patch in more cardboard if you cut too much out. It really doesn't matter what the pattern looks like - so long as it works. (I'm about to make some pull over screens for the door/windows and pop-out windows of an old passenger van a friend and I bought for camping. I'm going to use the cardboard pattern method. (I have pull over screens like the one on your CRV, they work great on my Prius V, but are too short to use on the bigger van windows. ) And later still I'll reuse the same cardboard to cut out insulation/privacy panels for the windows. When that cardboard finally hits the recycling bin it's going to look like Frankenstein. Your pull over screens work great. I've been using the same four since 2017. They're a bit short. Anyone who makes them 3" longer and 2" wider and sells them at twice the price is going to make a lot of money. (The one's I'll be making for the van won't stretch, and I'll add two sew-on magnets to the bottom outside hem. Yours could use them too. K&M Magnetics) For water tank I just use those 2.5 gallon jugs from the store. I cut out a small flap and refill them several times. And if I need more, you can buy them at any grocery. Ghee's a great idea for butter as it keeps longer. I made some ghee but it got moldy in less than a week (back to the instructions for me) Amazon sells a really nice memory foam, three fold mattress, in a cover that's 25" x 75" x 4" really comfy. I'd rather have my mattress be an inch or two wider than my bunk. Less like to get an 'owie' bumping into the edge of the wood. And planing, sanding, or using a router with a round over bit convert those uncomfortable edges into less painful ones. 72" bed? My 75" squeezes into the back of my Tesla Model Y, it also fits about the same in the back of the Prius V, and I'll bet it would fit into your 72" bed space. I think anyone looking at all three vehicles would think they had very different interior dimensions. Apparently not. (but my seats aren't as far forward as your front seat) I have a folding Al table like yours. Also a beach chair with a tall back (you can nap in it). All my fold up stuff has to fold into a cylinder, not just flat. I find that this gives me many more options for stowing it. Like your tarp/fly. Simple effective. If you ever see a Telsa Model Y or an old passenger van with a lot of your tricks going on - that will be me and you'll know where I got them.
I’m so glad I clicked on this video!! I’ve watched hundreds of SUV build videos and I’m always worried about how much weight people add to their vehicles with all that wood for their platforms, storage, and shelving…and then they end up not even able to sit on their bed. Your video confirms everything I was thinking: why can’t I just throw some bins in my car and sleep on them? 😂 I literally own everything I would need for a build like this, except for the plywood and long screws. I’ve accumulated lots of camping gear over the years so there’s really nothing else I need. Great DIY awning idea!! I would probably buy some cheap mosquito netting to add to the tarp to keep all the bugs out. Definitely subscribed. 😊
This is simply amazing!! I made my 2010 4Runner into a micro camper last year for a trip to Glacier National Park. I was not organized at all! I brought way to much gear. It was such great fun. Thanks for sharing. This is simply put together so well. How long did it take you to get to this level?
It's no wonder Jeff Bezos is so wealthy. Just those of us who do car camper conversions (mine is a 2016 Jeep Compass) shop constantly on Amazon. Probably 85% of my overland camping gear is from Amazon including my fridge, Jackery and Mr. Buddy Heater. You have done an awesome job with your conversion; neat, simple and well organized. You gave me a great idea for an awning. I have a Jeep awning that normally attaches to the spare tire but I attach it to my rooftop basket and it extends behind the Compass. Super job!
This is a nice, simple build that's highly functional. Definitely a different use of space from what I had built out in my CR-V, I like how you kept the smaller driver side back seat as well... I tried to incorporate something like that into my new 4Runner build but found the bed space to be a little too narrow for my liking with the back seat in there. One thing you can try to secure the PVC pipe to the crossbars of the roof rack are some U-bolts with connector plates, using a U-bolt over the PVC pipe on both sides of each crossbar then connected underneath with two connector plates, you want to make sure the U-bolts are the same width as the pipe and long enough where you have at least an inch of the bolt thread under the crossbar. You'd need 4 U-bolts, 4 connector plates and 8 hex nuts.
Dude, as a woman, I have to ask two important questions: what flavor was the ice cream, and did you eat it before you used it for your kitchen gear storage 😋🤗💞! Because that's reduction reuse and recycle! Love the build. Thanks for the hospitality and thanks for keeping the environment a safe place for us as a professional camper! 🌈🌼✌️🧗🚣🌍🦌🦃🦆🐿️🦅🔥🍁🍂🌾🌱🌲🌳🌹
Very nice setup 👍. I have a '02 same color as yours. I just love this little beast of an SUV. I sometimes have a hard time between my CR-V and Prius when car camping. Both unique in their own little ways. For off the beaten path, the CR-V is my choice. Thanks for sharing!
Love what you've done! Just might steal a few things. When I saw how your back door opened, my first reaction was: "I would put a fold-down table on that door for cooking outside!"
You are a clever young man! I am curious what your story is, why you are by yourself. My husband has a car much like yours that he enjoys taking on camping trips. I'm going to show him your video so maybe he'll get some ideas!
I Love your SUV RV, great job 👍😀👍 I have done kida the same to my 2001 Isuzu Trooper. Except no shelf or drawers have girls potty chair is back there where your drawers are and clothes are hanging on a bar across the back. But my bed is on containers loaded with everything it works great tho I Love your awning idea. 👍😀
I really like this design. I have an Xterra I plan on converting to a camping vehicle. Have you found maybe you have to much stuff? I have watched alot of videos on this lifestyle. Many say they found they didnt use alot of what they had. Thank you for sharing your home, This is by far the best design I have seen,
Love it! I have something similar but with a full size mattress as I travel with my GF, also in a CRV :) I'll steal a few ideas, keep making videos, subbed!
Did you ever discover the picnic table that is hidden in the back under the carpet. It's where a spare tire would usual be stored. Our daughter bought a 2004 this past December and loves her CRV and all the hidden features.
One of. the smartest designs I've ever seen for a small - medium size SUV!
THANKS SOOOO MUCH!!!
I have seen cleaner builds but some good ideas and a start...
@@intheopenair3725 I was going to comment same. I have a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7. Has the gate door, too. This would be perfect design. Thanks! You earned a new subber. Looking forward to checking out your channel.
I second this
@@sidha-tantrik-returns I third it.
Small and compact, this is one of the best builds I've seen that utilizes the most.
Thanks Ben!
thank you for this video! today i had the realization that instead of being sad that i can't afford a camper, i can turn my 2002 CRV into one! fell into an internet hole (as one does at the start of any new adventure) and this is the best walkthrough i've found :)
So happy it helped! Have fun out there!
I need more diy like this. Shows that you don't need to have that custom build to have this lifestyle. Very creative!
Hey thanks so much!!! I appreciate the support. More vids coming soon ;)
Hey Brad, thank you so much for your amazing videos! You have totally inspired me and I have now converted my 2006 CRV into a mini camper for me and my dog. I made a bed frame which folds at the head end so that I can put my seat back when I'm driving, I have plenty of storage under the bed, drawers in the back, the Jackery 240, the clip-on USB fan, the Luci LED lights, I can cook, I have water and I made my own reflective window coverings. Finding your channel has changed my life and I just want to say a huge 'thank you' from the UK.
Your organization is incredible. You have a house full in that thing.
Honestly, I enjoyed this video more than some of the van conversion ones that I've seen...minus the bathroom and shower🤷♀️
Thank you!!!
I love how organized you are with your clothes! I used to have a Honda Accord hatchback. For weekend camping or festivals, it was perfect as was, without alterations. Load up the food (I prefer to not cook for a trip of just a few days), throw in my sleeping bag, sheets, foam pad, suitcase, plastic bin of gear. All set! I made a mosquito net that would fit over THE WHOLE CAR, with elastic around the bottom like a sheet, with open windows and the hatch popped up, so I could sleep without bugs or being closed up. It worked great!
Honda should make the crv with a bed in the back as standard
I have a 99 CRV...ALL the seats DO configure as a large sleeping platform! The rear seat bottoms actually rise up to level things out!
@@tonybucca5667 Yes i know what you mean but it is not folding flat like a bed does, you are referring to the recliner style seats with front and backs seats joining . I feel honda could make a better design.
@@tobywarrington7463 Yeah...I know it isn't a flat bed...but it's REAL comfortable when the temp drops...or it starts raining (I don't use tents)
@@tonybucca5667 if they could make it flat it would be great
@@tobywarrington7463 my hopes for 2021 are to find a 2018 CRV XLE. Yours is the build I like the most. Do the seats on 5th Gen also configure to almost flat?
This is an excellent design. Some really good ideas make is easy to build but still have everything you need. Thanks for posting.
Clever design with limited space. You managed every nook and cranny while putting it to good use! WOW
Have been looking for a way to convert my Honda HR-V to a camper for so long. Best setup that I have seen or read about. It's perfect for what I need. While watching the video, ordered the Heatshield window covers, foam mattress and the back seat organizer. I finally have a solid plan! Thanks for posting.
How much does the Heatshield Window covering cost?
Im going to have to call them. All I see in the link is for the windshield.
Don’t copy him exactly, there is a risk you’ll get sued. Just use it for basic inspiration.
Wow!! Thanks so much!! I’m so happy you found it helpful. You are more than welcome to use any and all ideas I’ve posted about. Thanks for being here!
No no, I would never do that. Just happy to help people out. Cheers!
Boy some really great ideas for a smaller rig. I love what youve done. Very cozy. Thanks for sharing
Hey Bonnie! Thanks so much! More on the way...
I had that exact car in 2004 and I loved it so much! It was my first SUV. I was a driving locker room for my son and his friends/teammates. It made me happy to see how useful you have made this car.
Aw thanks Mimi! I appreciate it. I just love it!
I don't if many CRV owners know this but if you slide the rear seats all the way back and slide the front seat all the way forward you can take of the headrests off the front seats and the front seats will lay all the way down flat flush with the rear seats. This gives a nice rest area and may not be necessary to make a sleeping area in the rear. I've used this set us when I had my son in the car seat in the rear passenger seat. It allowed him to see all the way forward and I had a better view of him when I turned my head to see him while I am in the driver's seat.
This is a great tip! Thanks so much!!
Wow! Will chk that out, thanks!
I have a RAV4 . I set it up just like you (no shelf across the back) but I left the seat up like you and it works out great. I can sit and relax, watch movies, read, watch UA-cam videos. Only camp for a few days at a time, so I don’t need so much storage. I put a fridge under the bed platform and that works great.
It's not a problem that the back doesn't lay flat?
Finally! A set up in a CRV about the age of mine (2006). Mine is underway and won't be as elaborate, but you have some great ideas for me to work with. Good job!
Thanks!!! Please consider subscribing ;)
Mine is a 2006 as well I based my design off this I have a mattress that blows up for the back seats if I keep it but I do want to get a small taught since I can't build anything in case I have to live in it right now it's just a bug out vehicle for me my 3 chi's and indoor duck 🦆
Short and sweet. To the point. No slow moments while you talk without showing. Love it. Good video. Like the drawer set up for stove.
Thank you, Trish! I appreciate you being along for the ride!
Absolutely love this build out. Simple, not expensive, and very well organized which is what I need for my 2018 Kia Soul. I’ve gotten great ideas from you and ready to begin.
Yay!! Thanks Cindy!!! Let me know if you need any more help! Happy trails
I have watched hundreds of van builds and I am so impressed with this one. You are awesome. Very smart build.
Only thing missing is a dog.
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it and wholeheartedly agree about the dog... ;)
Going from the wallet burning 2009 BMW 535i to a 2005 CRV and I am SO PUMPED TO JAZZ THIS RIG UP!!! This video is amazing, I’m so excited!
Damn, love it, what a smart way to organize. As it so happens I converted my 2004 CR-V into a camper this summer. I ended up using a Schumacher power station hooked up to a roof mounted 100w solar panel, and a collapsible 5 gal water container. Instead of building a back-mounted rack, I ended up just making a flat bench with a roll-up mattress and storing all of the functional stuff under it, so I had to run a hose into the 5 gal container that was underneath and hook it up to a 12v electric pump to bring the water up. I also ended up building a small sink and grey water tank into the bench, because I reasoned that I wouldn't want to be getting out of the car to use the water if I was camping in cold-ass upstate NY. I think what you did was a lot more common-sense, and very feature-rich given the available space. Gotta love the second-gen CR-V, what an unbelievably versatile and reliable platform.
Aw thanks so much! Your build sounds really cool too. But yes, I wanted to make everything as comfortable and accessible as possible. Always improving! More to come.... Thanks for being here!
im thinking of downsizing from my 2005 honda odessey, after seeing what you've done with a smaller vehicle. amazing job. very simple. thanks for sharing.
Thanks Bessie!!! I love my CRV but I’m sure the Odyssey could work just fine too! Safe travels!!!
Dude! Love the car and the build out.
- Do you use the fold out table that comes stock with the 2004-2006 CRV? The donut tire cover doubles as a table.
- Do you ever fold the front seat flat to make a lounge chair? Take head rest off, fold forward, fold all the way back and it will fit perfectly with the backseat chair pushed back.
That second idea is cooool. Thanks! I’ll have try that. I don’t use the table much, since it’s the floor under my bed and stuff. Cheers!
Okay, second comment: guess where I got this? Amazon! I love your sense of humor! I'm sure Amazon would love your build, too! 🤗🌈💞
I just watched another guy's CRV conversion. He built a full width bed behind his seats with cubbies underneath. I commented to him that I like to quick recline my driver's seat when I pull into a rest area for power naps. You can do that with your set-up...AND have a lounge to boot. I like your set-up much better, even from a weight-saving perspective. 1x2 framework and 3/4 ply starts adding weight...as a motorcyclist, we say "weight is the enemy" I have a 99 CRV that I'm working on now, after having had 11 different vans since 1973!
Thanks Tony!! I fully agree. I think people are just accustomed to seeing the full width bed/platform build. I’m very happy with how livable my setup is and I’m glad you enjoy it. Thanks again!
I am starting my CRV camp life soon and this video has been soooo helpful! I love how neat and organized you are! Great job!
I retired from trucking this past April of 2020. About a week later I bought a Ford Transit van 2016 model. Mid high roof and I moved into it. I went to Lowes an bought a roll of reflectives, and cut the pieces to fit the windows. The van doesn't have any back windows. I then spray painted them to give the appearance of blacked out windows for boondocking. I found the van on Car Gurus. It already had medal shelving and fiberglass insulation in the walls and ceiling. I use a jug and 5 gallon bucket for the rest room. I have a domedic refrigerator freezer that I'd used when I was trucking.
Sounds perfect, David!!! I hope you’re enjoying the road as much as I am! Cheers!
Thank you so much! I’ve watched all your CRV videos and I’m converting mine too! It’s a work in progress but I have a bed platform and bins underneath, dialing in the rest and taking the maiden voyage this week! Thanks so much for the inspiration and detailed guidance, it has helped a ton!
I’ve been watching a lot of those bus and van conversion videos lately and never thought about doing it to a CRV. It looks so neat!
I have a 2004 Honda CRV that looks identical to yours except the exterior is white. I bought the CRV used & I've owned this car for 7 years now & I absolutely love it. This is a very dependable CRV with very few problems. Thanks for showing us how you did your build. You did a great job!
Hey, great job. Enjoy the build. Crvworldmods
Love how you use the large storage bins and plywood as the platform for your bed .. No building required! Thank you!
Thanks!!! Yeah, I agree! It works so well! Still no problems with it and a very comfy sleep every night :)
Also have a silver 2nd Gen Honda CRV (2003 manual trans 5-speed). Got it with 87,000 miles and removed right rear seat. Installed Yokohama ATV tires on the stock 15" rims. Driven it from Philadelphia to the Southwest twice. These little SUV's are reliable, handle well, easily repaired, have parts available everywhere. I also feel they might be less prone to theft since they are older and very commonplace. Very cheap to run. Thanks for all the good info on your channel!
Thanks!!
Nice micro rv/nomad rig. Your awning mount is unique & clever; an inexpensive & lightweight solution using the plastic pipe.
I’ve turned my 2015 Toyota Highlander into a similar stealth camping rig. The key to these homemade mini rvs is to remove most or all of the back seats like you did. I took all of mine out & it really opened the entire interior up! The extra space is wonderful & it reduces the weight of the rig.
I use the same Jackery 240 too. It’s the smallest & most efficient way to power small items up. Well done on your build.
Thanks so much! Your Toyota sounds rad 🤙
I love it man, your so creative and smart on how you did converted your Crv into a camper
Thank you so much, Fabian!!!
Hey bud Marmalade here (PCT class of 2019). Thanks for putting this video together, loving your setup. I’m planning on starting with living out of my SUV then phasing into van life. Going to use a lot of your ideas in my build. Yeah wondered where you put your back and backpacking gear. We backpackers have a whole other set of gear we have to somehow store. Thanks again just wanted to tell you that!
Hello fellow PCT’er!!! 🤙 Thanks for you kind words, I truly hope you enjoy yourself out and about. I keep my backpacking gear in one of the bins under my bed, I talk about it more in my Build video. Cheers!
Awesome. You have inspired me to do this ☮️🤙🏼👣
This is amazing, I'm so fascinated by everything you fit in there and still have it feel spacious! So well thought out
Thank you so much, Angie. Nice to have you here with us :))
Beautiful job! Besides being carefully designed and organized, the aesthetics are so pleasing. I'm really impressed. I have a 2013 CRV which I camped in for 2.5 weeks at the RTR in 2019 ... a whole new experience. It's the only time I have camped in decades and I had to build out my CRV for sleeping / eating / lounging etc. My layout was very similar to yours though my bed was behind the drivers seat because that's where the double seat is. Anyway, your meticulous and thoughtful organization are a true inspiration ... a big step up from what I did. It makes me think maybe I wouldn't mind camping in my CRV again. I've been longing for a compact van as a replacement, but not enough to buy one. :-)
Thank you very much for the kind words! I’m so happy to have you along. More to come!
whew! glad I was clicking on all your links earlier today, looks like you removed a lot of them. I am so glad I found this as I just bought a 2004 CRV and this is absolutely brilliant. Thank you :)
The links are still active. Give it another try. Cheers! Enjoy your crv and thanks for watching!
U r a very smart man and this is the best setting for small car. Well done.
Thank you so much!! I greatly appreciate your kind words
I’ve had my crv since May & ALWAYS wanted to convert it to a camper & do road trips on the weekends & you’ve inspired me to buy a shit ton of things that I will need. I’ll also be copying your bed/shelf idea. Thank you sir, good luck & safe travels🤙
I love this!!! So happy to hear I’ve helped. Have fun out there!! More videos coming soon....
@@intheopenair3725 Thank you, stay safe & I’ll have a video of what I do with my conversion🤙
Love this idea, I tore apart my current 3rd gen 4runner build and am rebuilding it like this. It is myself, my shepherd and 2 cats living full time in it. Space is the most important issue for us.
Great set up. My husband has the same SUV. Eager to show him this. We could do some nice traveling. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely loved the detailed tour and everything is so organized😍
Thank you very much!!! Glad you found it helpful
Those cardboard dividers in your big bins? Genius! I really enjoyed your thorough tour, and usually I just fast forward through van tours. I watched yours til the very end. Very informative. Great work there! Hope you are enjoying your adventures, I just subscribed.
Aww thank you!! I really appreciate it. Yep! Just cardboard and tape. They are still holding up well.
This is so sick, I just bought a CRV and I’ll definitely use some of your ideas to transform it into a part-time camper!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Lauren. So glad you enjoyed it. Please like and Subscribe if you wanna see more like this. Cheers!
I have a large 6 birth modern motorhome (RV).
I also have a 20yr old CRV, and I love what you have done to your CRV, if I ever had the opportunity to escape my loverly family for a weekend, i will pack my old CRV like this and enjoy the cosy mini camper.
Enjoy👍
Needing the jar, I was forced to buy Talenti. Making dividers for your bins is a great idea. Might borrow that one.
Dam you are very organized and your place dose not look cluttered and seems very clean. You did an excellent job.
Thanks!!
One of the best rig setups I have seen!! 🎉
My friend and I are hoping to do a long road trip this summer (we have experience backpacking and weekend car camping). Minimalism isn't the issue, it's trying to find a way to organize our stuff in an accessible long-term way. Usually on weekends it's easy to just dump everything into a backpack and a bin and say done. It's harder to build out a car-camper for 2 people because you can't steal one side for storage 🤣 I like your shelf in the trunk that sits over the foot of the bed, I've never seen something like that!
Thanks Hannah!! I hope it’s helped with some ideas. Have fun out there!!
I like that you tapered the bed where your legs go. Most people need the bed wider for the upper body.
Watching this whole video a second time lol, I really enjoy your videos. I loved when random things fit perfectly in a spot when I was putting together my SUV camper!
Aw thank you so much! Happy to have you back!
Thanks, you've inspired me to go stealth camping in my own CR-V 2005, but I'll make sure I design it so i can get access to the camping table in the back. I also got some great ideas from you, thanks again.
Right on, Tim! Happy to help. Enjoy yourself out there!
This is my favorite micro suv conversion. I like the fact that you used bins as the base of your bed. The problem is my 2002 Rav 4 has an uneven floor. Maybe I can find different height bins to make it work. You just answered my question. I am going to do this for myself. I like that you left the rear seat in place.
Thank you, Debra!!
Smaller bungee cords would work on the back shelf as well instead of twine. I have a Honda CRV which I have stayed in several times and travel between Alaska and several states. This is very helpful information.
Thank you, Lynn!!! Agreed regarding the bungee cords 👍
Heat shields are excellent. Have walmart stealth camped with my heat shields in my rogue many times. Great design!
Yeah! They’re fantastic. Glad I took the plunge 🤙 THANK YOU!
Man this thing is amazing, how did I not see it sooner? It’s so similar to mine too but done on a second gen 😱 congrats on the build, looks sick!
Thanks Lindsey! Appreciate your kind words. Keep on truckin! 🤙
Wow, I got so many “new” videos that popped up on my feed today. I’ve been watching SOOOO many van, mini van conversions but what I love most are the “no build” conversions because I need my SUV for every day driving as well. I’m not looking to go full time I’m just tired of spending $$$$ in hotels/Airbnb. Question....did you secure the bed to the floor of the SUV? Subbed!!!!
Hi Esther! Thanks so much for the sub. The quick answer to your question is NO, I did not attach the bed to the floor. If you want a more thorough look, I just posted another video that gives a much more detailed view of how I put everything together. Cheers!
InTheOpenAir thank you . I’ll keep checking out your vids. I’m currently looking for the heat shields!!! 🤣
Yes same here ! I wanna do that for the same reasons . Where to begin lol
Best build I’ve seen in a small SUV! Not too much unaffordable things, love the awning and crates. Bed looks super cozy! Nice job, will look forward to anything you post!
Yay!! Thanks Bailee! So happy to have you along for the ride 🤙
That water can looks really practical, only thing is the spout is positioned so high that you can't get the last 25% out without having to tilt it
It works great. Just takes a little tilt to get the last of it out. Not a big deal and pretty standard for such things. Cheers!
Very nice, simple and organized! I'm gathering ideas for my Honda Pilot. I also have a shuttle bus, but sometimes I want better gas mileage or something more stealthy. I really appreciate your detailed tour. Thanks for sharing your build with us! Best wishes to you!!
Thanks so much, Shannon! I’m so happy to have you along for the ride
This is a perfect setup for my 99. Enough room for my furmissle too.
I love CR-V's. One of the most durable vehicles being produced.
Excellent video. Still looking at ideas for my minivan. Thanks!
Carolyn!! I finally found you. Listen... I want to thank you so so very much for your wonderful and thoughtful recommendation on your channel. It was so kind. I hope you are well, and happy trails out there - Brad 💛
@@intheopenair3725 My pleasure!
@@CaravanCarolyn 👏👏🙌🙌
Love you Carolyn, thank you for sending us to this awesome channel. Miss your comment section.
I’m agreeing with plenty of the other comments here on this video as well as spreading the love across your entire channel after witnessing your creativity through the UA-cam portal definitely without a doubt inspired. Thank you so much for sharing the lifestyle you have been so gracefully blessed with and am looking forward to your next video be safe continue being awesome and thanks again
Great organization! I want to do similar with my RAV 4. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Susan! Do it! RAV4’s are great vehicles too.
Great conversion. Smart man! for using 1/2" ply for your bunk. So many times people make everything out of 3/4" plywood. Sure if you're going to park a car on it.
For cutting those tight contours. My old stand by is to just take a bunch of Amazon boxes, flatten them into sheets, tape them together to make the size sheet you need. Scribe those contours, cut them out, patch in more cardboard if you cut too much out. It really doesn't matter what the pattern looks like - so long as it works. (I'm about to make some pull over screens for the door/windows and pop-out windows of an old passenger van a friend and I bought for camping. I'm going to use the cardboard pattern method. (I have pull over screens like the one on your CRV, they work great on my Prius V, but are too short to use on the bigger van windows. ) And later still I'll reuse the same cardboard to cut out insulation/privacy panels for the windows. When that cardboard finally hits the recycling bin it's going to look like Frankenstein.
Your pull over screens work great. I've been using the same four since 2017. They're a bit short. Anyone who makes them 3" longer and 2" wider and sells them at twice the price is going to make a lot of money. (The one's I'll be making for the van won't stretch, and I'll add two sew-on magnets to the bottom outside hem. Yours could use them too. K&M Magnetics)
For water tank I just use those 2.5 gallon jugs from the store. I cut out a small flap and refill them several times. And if I need more, you can buy them at any grocery.
Ghee's a great idea for butter as it keeps longer. I made some ghee but it got moldy in less than a week (back to the instructions for me)
Amazon sells a really nice memory foam, three fold mattress, in a cover that's 25" x 75" x 4" really comfy. I'd rather have my mattress be an inch or two wider than my bunk. Less like to get an 'owie' bumping into the edge of the wood. And planing, sanding, or using a router with a round over bit convert those uncomfortable edges into less painful ones. 72" bed? My 75" squeezes into the back of my Tesla Model Y, it also fits about the same in the back of the Prius V, and I'll bet it would fit into your 72" bed space. I think anyone looking at all three vehicles would think they had very different interior dimensions. Apparently not. (but my seats aren't as far forward as your front seat)
I have a folding Al table like yours. Also a beach chair with a tall back (you can nap in it). All my fold up stuff has to fold into a cylinder, not just flat. I find that this gives me many more options for stowing it. Like your tarp/fly. Simple effective. If you ever see a Telsa Model Y or an old passenger van with a lot of your tricks going on - that will be me and you'll know where I got them.
I’m so glad I clicked on this video!! I’ve watched hundreds of SUV build videos and I’m always worried about how much weight people add to their vehicles with all that wood for their platforms, storage, and shelving…and then they end up not even able to sit on their bed. Your video confirms everything I was thinking: why can’t I just throw some bins in my car and sleep on them? 😂 I literally own everything I would need for a build like this, except for the plywood and long screws. I’ve accumulated lots of camping gear over the years so there’s really nothing else I need. Great DIY awning idea!! I would probably buy some cheap mosquito netting to add to the tarp to keep all the bugs out. Definitely subscribed. 😊
Astounding. Amazing. Dude!! You are amazing! Thank you. I learn some from EVERY video I watch. You’ve taught me MANY things awesome. Thank you.
Lots here I can use for a completely different car setup. Great design, very DIY and also great video!
Thanks Meg!! Feel free to subscribe and check out my other suv Vanlife videos. Have fun with your build!!
My dream have car like this to around my country Indonesia.
Greetings..
Hi 👋 thanks for following along!
That shelf is key to the set up
It sure is! Thanks for watching
This is simply amazing!! I made my 2010 4Runner into a micro camper last year for a trip to Glacier National Park. I was not organized at all! I brought way to much gear. It was such great fun. Thanks for sharing. This is simply put together so well. How long did it take you to get to this level?
My dream vehicle except for the gas mileage! I can't go back to 15 MPG after driving a Prius for 16 years
I'm going to be doing this to my 98 CRV and you had some really great ideas. Now if I was only as organized as you LOL
Thanks for the tour! Really helped me wrap my head around the dimensions.
Good job young man. I like the cardboard divider idea. And also the shelf box set up. God bless you with safe travels.
Thank you!!
Nicely done! I can see how it would adapt to my Outback.
My Mom has an Outback. They are great adventure mobiles. This would work perfectly :)
New to the channel and I’ve got to say you’ve got it going on 👍
Well, thank you!!
It's no wonder Jeff Bezos is so wealthy. Just those of us who do car camper conversions (mine is a 2016 Jeep Compass) shop constantly on Amazon. Probably 85% of my overland camping gear is from Amazon including my fridge, Jackery and Mr. Buddy Heater. You have done an awesome job with your conversion; neat, simple and well organized. You gave me a great idea for an awning. I have a Jeep awning that normally attaches to the spare tire but I attach it to my rooftop basket and it extends behind the Compass. Super job!
Thanks Alexander!!
This is a nice, simple build that's highly functional. Definitely a different use of space from what I had built out in my CR-V, I like how you kept the smaller driver side back seat as well... I tried to incorporate something like that into my new 4Runner build but found the bed space to be a little too narrow for my liking with the back seat in there. One thing you can try to secure the PVC pipe to the crossbars of the roof rack are some U-bolts with connector plates, using a U-bolt over the PVC pipe on both sides of each crossbar then connected underneath with two connector plates, you want to make sure the U-bolts are the same width as the pipe and long enough where you have at least an inch of the bolt thread under the crossbar. You'd need 4 U-bolts, 4 connector plates and 8 hex nuts.
Very cleaver use of space and bed set up using totes!!!
Dude, as a woman, I have to ask two important questions: what flavor was the ice cream, and did you eat it before you used it for your kitchen gear storage 😋🤗💞! Because that's reduction reuse and recycle! Love the build. Thanks for the hospitality and thanks for keeping the environment a safe place for us as a professional camper! 🌈🌼✌️🧗🚣🌍🦌🦃🦆🐿️🦅🔥🍁🍂🌾🌱🌲🌳🌹
Thanks so much, Dawn! I appreciate you being here! I believe it was Salted Caramel.... yumm yummmm :))
I love salted caramel! And if course, the ever faithful smooth chocolate, indeed, yummy!
Nice to know I could live in my '06 CRV ! Nice job.
And it’s super fun!!!
Very nice setup 👍. I have a '02 same color as yours. I just love this little beast of an SUV. I sometimes have a hard time between my CR-V and Prius when car camping. Both unique in their own little ways. For off the beaten path, the CR-V is my choice. Thanks for sharing!
Love what you've done! Just might steal a few things.
When I saw how your back door opened, my first reaction was: "I would put a fold-down table on that door for cooking outside!"
Nice idea 🤙
The tapered bed is an excellent idea.
Thanks for the links, I own a 2009 CRV, and you made me believe it can be done!
I have a 2003 (same gen. as yours). They really pack a lot, I love mine. Nice video.
Thank you!!!!
You are a clever young man! I am curious what your story is, why you are by yourself. My husband has a car much like yours that he enjoys taking on camping trips. I'm going to show him your video so maybe he'll get some ideas!
Thank you very much for your kind words
I Love your SUV RV, great job 👍😀👍 I have done kida the same to my 2001 Isuzu Trooper. Except no shelf or drawers have girls potty chair is back there where your drawers are and clothes are hanging on a bar across the back. But my bed is on containers loaded with everything it works great tho I Love your awning idea. 👍😀
I really like this design. I have an Xterra I plan on converting to a camping vehicle. Have you found maybe you have to much stuff? I have watched alot of videos on this lifestyle. Many say they found they didnt use alot of what they had. Thank you for sharing your home, This is by far the best design I have seen,
Yep. You’re not wrong. Too many clothes!
You're so organized. :) Great SUV build!
Thank you so much!!
I just found the heat shield window coverings thanks to someone using that Terminology. I was at the wrong site
What a easy way to make a bed!!! Very smart!
Thanks Mia!!
Smart, functional, cozy and organized! Great set-up, wel done!
Thank you!!
Love it! I have something similar but with a full size mattress as I travel with my GF, also in a CRV :) I'll steal a few ideas, keep making videos, subbed!
Hey thanks so much! More videos coming soon...
You did a fantastic build. Love it!
Thanks sooo much!
Did you ever discover the picnic table that is hidden in the back under the carpet. It's where a spare tire would usual be stored. Our daughter bought a 2004 this past December and loves her CRV and all the hidden features.
Yes!! The hidden table is a super cool feature. I love my CRV-rv :)