The Best Cars and SUVs to Turn Into a Camper - Sustainable Living Hub: Homesteading & Van Life

Are you dreaming of hitting the road for an adventure? Turning a car or SUV into a camper is a fun and affordable way to explore the outdoors without needing a big, expensive RV. With the right vehicle, some creativity, and a little work, you can create your own cozy home on wheels. This article will guide you through the best cars and SUVs to convert into campers, plus give you smart tips for buying a used one. Let’s get started!

Why Turn a Car or SUV Into a Camper?Camping in a car or SUV is super popular because it’s easy and flexible. You don’t have to set up a tent or worry about bad weather ruining your trip. Many SUVs have all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), which means you can go off-road or handle snow and sand. Plus, some cars and SUVs are hybrids, saving you money on gas. If you already have a vehicle, turning it into a camper can be a budget-friendly project. All you need is a mattress, a sleeping platform, or a conversion kit to get going!

Best Cars to Convert Into Campers

Cars might seem small, but with some clever planning, they can make great campers. Here are some of the best options:

Honda Element
The Honda Element is a boxy SUV that’s perfect for camping. Its back seats fold flat, giving you a big space for a bed. Emily Mannisto, who built her own camper, loves how the memory foam mattress folds away when not in use. You can add storage underneath and use the back hatch as a kitchen area. It’s great for solo travelers or couples The Wayward Home, 2021.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is small but mighty. It has AWD, which is awesome for rough roads. People love converting it into a camper with a platform bed and storage. One owner even added twinkle lights for a cozy feel! It’s perfect if you want a comfy off-grid setup The Wayward Home, 2021.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car that saves gas, making it great for long trips. Its back seats fold down to create a flat space for sleeping. You can add a lightweight platform and a mattress. It’s best for one person or a light sleeper .
Volkswagen Golf
The VW Golf is a hatchback with a roomy trunk. When the seats are down, it can fit a sleeping bag or air mattress. It’s easy to drive and fuel-efficient, but you’ll need to keep it simple with your camper setup Practical Motorhome, 2025.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is another small car with a magic seat system that folds flat. It’s perfect for a DIY bed and some storage. Its compact size makes it easy to park anywhere .

Best SUVs to Convert Into a Camper

SUVs offer more space and are a top choice for camper conversions. Here are some of the best:

Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee has 4WD, making it great for off-road adventures. Its back seats fold flat, and you can add a sleeping platform. People love its rugged look and ability to handle tough terrain .
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is tough and reliable. It has plenty of space for a bed and storage. Its high ground clearance is perfect for camping in wild places. It’s a favorite among off-road campers The Wayward Home, 2021.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is spacious and has AWD. You can build a simple platform bed with storage underneath. One owner added twinkle lights for a homey vibe. It’s great for families or groups The Wayward Home, 2021.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is affordable and has a flat cargo area when the seats are down. It’s easy to add a conversion kit or DIY bed. Its hybrid version saves gas, too .
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is like a taller wagon with AWD. It’s perfect for a bed and storage setup. Its reliability makes it a top pick for long camping trips Practical Motorhome, 2025.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento offers lots of space and a flat floor when seats are folded. It’s a good choice for a comfy camper with room for gear .
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a wide cargo area and AWD options. You can add a sleeping platform and enjoy its smooth ride on camping trips The Wayward Home, 2021.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevy Equinox is budget-friendly with a flat cargo space. It’s easy to convert into a camper with a simple bed setup .
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is stylish and has AWD. Its back space is perfect for a DIY bed and storage. It’s great for short trips Practical Motorhome, 2025.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue offers a flat cargo area and good fuel economy. It’s a solid choice for a beginner camper conversion .

Best Vans to Convert Into a CamperVans give you the most space for a camper setup. Here are some great options:

Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is popular for conversions. It’s affordable and has a car-like drive. Companies like Swift use it for their camper vans Practical Motorhome, 2025.
Mercedes Sprinter
The Mercedes Sprinter is spacious and reliable. It’s a top choice for custom builds, though it can be pricey Quirky Campers, 2025.
Volkswagen Transporter T7
The VW Transporter T7 is a classic camper van base. It’s updated for 2025 and great for off-grid living Practical Motorhome, 2025.
Fiat Ducato
The Fiat Ducato is used by many camper builders. It’s sturdy and good for long trips Quirky Campers, 2025.
Renault Trafic
The Renault Trafic is compact but roomy. It’s perfect for a simple camper conversion Brown Bird & Co, 2024.

How to Set Up Your Camper

Turning your vehicle into a camper is fun! Here’s how:

Make a Bed: Fold the seats flat or add a sleeping platform. Companies like Trunk-Mate sell kits that set up in minutes .
Add Storage: Use bins or shelves under the bed for gear.
Power Up: Add a house battery for lights or a fridge. Run the car daily to charge it The Wayward Home, 2021.
Stay Comfortable: Bring a folding table, chairs, and curtains for privacy.

Used Buying Advice

Buying a used car, SUV, or van can save money, but you need to be careful. Here are some tips:

Set a Budget
Decide how much you can spend. Used vans can be cheaper than new ones, which lose value fast Brown Bird & Co, 2024.
Check the History
Get a vehicle history report to look for accidents or big repairs. This helps you avoid problems Quirky Campers, 2025.
Look at the Outside
Check for dents or rust, especially on wheel arches. A beat-up van might need extra work Brown Bird & Co, 2024.
Inspect the Inside
Make sure the seats fold flat and there’s no damage. Look for vents or shelves that might be hard to remove .
Test the Engine
Listen for weird noises or smoke. Rev it up and check for warning lights. Fix any issues before buying Brown Bird & Co, 2024.
Take a Test Drive
Drive it to see how it handles. Make sure it’s comfortable for long trips .
Negotiate the Price
If you find problems, ask for a lower price. Be nice—it works better than being pushy Brown Bird & Co, 2024.
Buy from Trusted Places
Check sites like Quirky Campers or eBay, but always inspect the van yourself Quirky Campers, 2025.
Try Before You Buy
Rent a camper van first to see if you like it. This helps you pick the right setup Quirky Campers, 2025.
Get It Checked
Have a mechanic look at it. This can save you from big repairs later Brown Bird & Co, 2024.

Things to Know Before You Start

Space Limits: SUVs and cars are smaller than vans. You might feel cramped on long trips .
Cost: Conversion kits cost money, but they’re cheaper than custom builds. Start small if you’re unsure .
Safety: Don’t sleep in a hot car during the day. Move to a new spot or get a hotel if it’s too warm .
Practice: Try sleeping in your car before adding a platform to see what works .

Final Thoughts: Turning a car or SUV into a camper is an excellent way to explore the world. The Honda Element, Subaru Forester, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Transit, and Mercedes Sprinter are some of the best choices. With a little DIY work or a conversion kit, you can make it your own. When buying used, remember to check the history, test the engine, and negotiate smartly. Soon, you’ll be camping under the stars in your very own mobile home! Ready to start? Pick a vehicle, plan your setup, and hit the road. Happy camping!

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