How to Make a Camper in a Weekend

Six years ago this autumn, I unceremoniously drove across the country, running away from a mid-20s crisis. Using my 2003 Subaru Forester as an escape pod, I topped out at nearly 150 km/h on the salt flats outside Salt Lake, saddling the underpowered four- cylinder with everything I owned while redlining from California to my parents’ home in Minnesota.

- By Andy Cochrane

The following weekend, in a state of drunken optimism, I converted my beloved hatchback to a tiny home on wheels. Surprisingly, my parents expressed little dismay. My dad even lent a hand, helping me pull out the rear seats and build plywood shelving. Five months later, when my Subaru bit the dust, I upgraded my vehicle to a Toyota Tacoma. My nomadic life chapter ended in August 2020, some 195 000 miles (314 000 km) and 1 000 fuel-station coffees later. Due to a plethora of factors (and, ahem, COVID-19), I was ready for more routine.

Inversely, for many of you, 2020 was a catalyst to get the hell out of dodge. In case you don’t have the time to complete a full Sprinter van or skoolie modification, turning your vehicle into a makeshift camper could be your way to get off the beaten path while keeping the convenience of your own livable space, or just an easy way to travel safely during COVID.

While it’s possible to live out of almost any vehicle, you’ll likely be happier in something a bit larger – a pickup, van, SUV, or even a big hatchback with enough space for storage, a bed, and a simple kitchen. To get started, here’s what you should consider to convert your vehicle into a basic camper, in as little as two days.