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Hatchback Car Camper Conversion: DIY Bed, Shower, and Kitchen Setup

This compact hatchback car has been converted into a fully-equipped micro camper with sleeping platform, shower system, and kitchen capabilities. The small vehicle requires reconfiguring for each function, but demonstrates how much utility can fit into minimal space. The hatchback opens to reveal a galley-style setup similar to teardrop trailers.

Design Details

  • Vehicle Type: Compact hatchback
  • Features: Sleeping platform, shower (interior and exterior options), kitchen unit
  • Storage: Custom platform base with compartments
  • Bed: Inflatable mattress on storage platform
  • Water System: Portable tank with pump
  • Shower: Privacy curtain system with drain

Storage Platform and Sleeping Base

Car camper storage platform and sleeping base construction

Images via Camping-205.tk


Platform Assembly Configuration

Car camper platform assembly and setup

Interior Shower Installation

Hatchback interior shower curtain setup

Shower Curtain System

Car shower privacy curtain configuration

Shower Drain Setup

Car shower water drainage system

Interior Shower View

Inside view of car shower enclosure

Exterior Shower Option at Rear Hatch

Exterior shower mounted at car hatchback

Outdoor Shower Privacy Enclosure

Standing outdoor shower enclosure attached to car

Sleeping Configuration with Inflatable Mattress

Car camper with inflatable bed and seats folded

Water System and Bed Layout

Car camper water tank and bed configuration

Sleep-Ready Interior

Car camper interior ready for sleeping

Car Camper on Location

Compact car camper parked at campsite

Lessons from Car Camper Conversions

  • Modular Systems Enable Multiple Functions: Removable components allow the same space to serve as bedroom, bathroom, or cargo area
  • Exterior Showers Free Interior Space: Moving wet functions outside preserves dry living area and simplifies drainage
  • Platform Storage Doubles as Bed Base: Raised sleeping surfaces create accessible compartments underneath
  • Small Vehicles Maintain Daily Usability: Compact camper conversions can still serve as regular transportation
  • Iterative Design Improves Layouts: Testing different configurations reveals which setups work best for actual use

Related Car Camping

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Alex

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
{ 7 comments… add one }
  • Jean
    November 27, 2014, 3:17 pm

    This could be the answer to homelessness. I have traveled in my car and in rentals. Old cars to be scrapped with a good body and glass could make a unique”tiny” community. But campgrounds didn’t want me staying in my car. This would be great if it could be cosidered self_contained. Which seems they were.

  • Rosa harris
    December 3, 2016, 1:54 pm

    To solve the problem of not being wanted in campgrounds I just stay in the tent camp and put up a kiddie tent as a decoy.

    • Natalie
      December 5, 2016, 10:28 am

      Oooh, good idea 🙂 — Tiny House Talk Team

    • Amy
      April 18, 2017, 10:17 pm

      I like to sleep in my minivan on road trips. I reserve tent camp sites at KOA’s and have never had a problem. I like electricity, a hot shower and a safe site so I don’t boondock very often. A lot of people are traveling in cargo & mini vans and enclosed pickups. Only the fancy RV Only campgrounds would object. No decoy tent needed.

  • Rosa harris
    December 3, 2016, 1:56 pm

    Also, in a car you can stay in most Wal-Mart parkinglots without any trouble.

  • Olavo Theodoro
    February 1, 2017, 8:30 pm

    You can by a roof tent and also, stay inside the car, this way, you can stay in both 🙂

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