Okay, so I’ve been dreaming about turning my Volvo XC40 into a little camper for, like, forever. It’s not a huge SUV, but I was convinced I could make it work. Here’s how it all went down, from crazy idea to (mostly) finished project.
The Planning Stage (aka Pinterest Overload)
First, I spent hours, and I mean hours, scrolling through Pinterest and various blogs. I was looking at all these amazing van conversions, but most of them were, well, vans. I needed to figure out how to make it work with my smaller space.
My main goals were:
- Sleep: I needed a comfy sleeping setup.
- Storage: Gotta fit all my gear!
- Keep it simple: I’m not exactly a master carpenter.
The Build (aka Trial and Error)
So, I am begin with measuring, remeasuring, and then measuring again, made sure to get the dimensions of the XC40’s cargo area with the back seats folded down.
Based on my very rough “blueprints”, it is a platform that would extend from the back of the front seats to the tailgate. It needed to be sturdy enough to sleep on but also easy to remove.
and I decided to build a simple wooden frame, used some basic 2x4s and plywood. I’m no expert, so there was a lot of “measure twice, cut once”…and sometimes still mess up, but it is lucky that a friend helped me out with the power tools.
We built the frame in two sections, so I could still access the spare tire compartment underneath. Hinges were my best friends here! We also made sure to leave some space on the sides for storage bins.
The Mattress Situation
This was important. I didn’t want to be sleeping on a yoga mat. I looked at a few options. First, a custom-cut foam mattress is a good choice. It is easy to trim a foam mattress to perfectly fit the contours of the car.
Then I found that a folding mattress is also great. It can fold it up when I am not using it and get more storage, or just choose the one that suits you best.
Storage Solutions (aka Tetris Time)
The space under the sleeping platform was prime real estate. I got some sturdy plastic bins that fit perfectly. One for clothes, one for cooking gear, one for miscellaneous stuff. I even found some smaller bins that fit in the little nooks and crannies around the wheel wells.
For things I needed to access frequently (like my phone, headlamp, and water bottle), I used some stick-on organizers on the back of the front seats and on the inside of the rear doors.
The Finishing Touches (aka Making it Cozy)
Okay, so the basic structure was done. Now for the fun part! I wanted to make it feel less like a car and more like a tiny home.
I added some string lights for a warm *’re battery-powered, so no wiring needed.
I also got some reflectix window covers for privacy and insulation. I just cut them to size and used Velcro to attach them.
and a few throw pillows and a cozy blanket made all the difference.
The biggest improve is my small, portable fan. Circulation is key when you’re sleeping in a small space.
The First Trip (aka The Real Test)
Finally, it was time to take my little camper for a spin! I packed up my gear, threw in some snacks, and headed out for a weekend camping trip.
It wasn’t perfect. I definitely learned a few things (like needing a better way to organize my cooking supplies), but overall, it was a success! Sleeping in the car was surprisingly comfortable, and I loved the freedom of being able to just pull over and camp wherever I wanted. (Well, almost wherever…)
It’s still a work in progress, I’m thinking about adding a small awning to extend the living space and maybe even a roof rack for extra storage. But for now, I’m pretty stoked with my little XC40 camper. It’s proof that you don’t need a massive van to enjoy the #vanlife (or, in my case, #SUVlife) lifestyle.
