Camper box DIY

[gymon]

Hey,
I’m planning to build a camper box for my car, and from what I’ve seen, most setups don’t sit on top of the plastic threshold at the back of the trunk. Is there a reason why people avoid doing that?

It would give me an extra 10 cm, which makes a big difference since I have the short version of the car. So I’d really like to make the most of the available space.

P.S. Not even sure if it’s called a “camper box” in English – feel free to correct me!

 

[JumpShip]

We built our own furniture for the van and chose to finish the cupboards before the threshold because of the shape of the rear doors .

 

[Dellmassive]

Measure the gap again from inside with the door closed.

The rear threshold plastics can't take too much weight.

 

[gymon]

Yes it can ;D so I’m wondering if there is any reason to not use that space

 

[CAB]

Is there space vertically? The doors curve in as they go up.

I would keep the weight on the floor and put a cut-out over the threshold so it is just touching.

 

[CAB]

If it is removable I think we'd call it a Camping Pod.

 

[Snoopi-y-Fan]

I'd keep that space without furniture but use it for other items, folding chairs or table, brollies, dog leads, coats, fire extinguisher, wet items etc - the list goes on.

 

[JumpShip]

It's our place for the silverscreen to be stored

 

[roadtripper]

In our Caravelle out kitchen pod does use some of the space, but that's because it's raised up on feet taking the main load.

A full camping pod will obviously be heavier but you could use the same strategy of having a couple of heavy duty planks for it to rest on but allowing it's "base" to overhang less load bearing trim?

 

[Green Giant]

Our tailgate has a little button on the inside panel for the door release, if you have this I would make it accessible if possible, but it’s definitely a space that shouldn’t be wasted, nothing that a bit of bungee cord can’t be used for so things don’t fall out when opening the doors

 

[gymon]

A few evenings of work and this is the result. Unfortunately, I don’t have a finished product. I only took a few photos during the build. Tomorrow I’m heading to Sweden and Norway, so I’ll add some pictures of it in use. The construction is made from 15 mm plywood, with 12 mm plywood used for the drawers. The whole thing is covered with 3 mm felt.