A DIY camping box is a removable wooden module that converts your car trunk into a sleeping platform with storage. Build cost: $150–$300 (reference Dacia Dokker build: ~$194 / ~136 €). Build time: 10–12 hours (one weekend). No workshop, no woodworking experience. Fits SUVs, station wagons, hatchbacks, vans and pickup beds.
Campboxy is highly modular, allowing you to tailor it to diverse needs. Add extra storage for sports gear, extend the sleeping area, or configure drawer layouts to match your lifestyle. The design adapts to families, solo travelers, and couples alike.
The built-in sleeping platform provides a flat, stable surface inside your car. No more uneven seats or cramped positions — you get a real bed experience with under-bed storage for luggage, cooking gear, and essentials.
Forget expensive tools or a professional workshop. Campboxy assembly requires only a hex key, and installation in the car takes under 5 minutes. If you can assemble IKEA furniture, you can build a Campboxy.
The entire system screws together and disassembles to the size of a large suitcase. Store it in a wardrobe, basement, or garage — no other camping conversion lets you do that. Load it into your car in minutes and head out for a spontaneous nature escape.
Built with 40×40 mm pine battens and 15 mm waterproof plywood, Campboxy withstands tough outdoor conditions. These materials are tested by real builders and reviewed quarterly for quality assurance.
Campboxy Club is a community of outdoor adventure enthusiasts who value freedom of travel and modular camping solutions. Open to anyone who wants to discover new places and find inspiration from others. Join the Club
| Plan | Price | Build time | Difficulty | Vehicles | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 8–12h | Beginner | Universal (SUV / wagon / hatchback) | Community |
| Standard | $9 | 6–10h | Beginner | Universal + larger cars | |
| Premium | $29 | 6–10h | Beginner | Custom — 30+ specific models | Priority |
Recommended: 15mm birch plywood (~9 kg/m²) — strong, lightweight, moisture-resistant. Avoid MDF and OSB (heavier, fragile at edges, absorb humidity). Poplar plywood is a cheaper alternative if budget is tight.
Basic toolkit only ($80–$150 if buying new): tape measure, pencil, drill/driver, hand or circular saw, carpenter’s square, 4 clamps, sandpaper (80/120/220 grit). No router, no table saw, no professional workshop.
Total $150–$300 in materials depending on car size. Plywood $60–$100, hardware (screws, hinges, brackets) $30–$50, mattress and upholstery $40–$80, finishing oil $20–$30. Our reference build (Dacia Dokker) lands at ~$194 / ~136 € using one 1525×1525 mm sheet of 15 mm birch plywood and 40×40 mm battens. Pre-made camping boxes cost $750–$3,000 — you save $600–$2,800.
SUVs (Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Skoda Kodiaq), station wagons (VW Passat, Skoda Octavia, Volvo V60), hatchbacks, vans up to 2.5m, pickup trucks with canopy. Weight capacity 250 kg evenly distributed.
Bartek Światowski — founder of Campboxy. DIY camping box plans tested by real builders, reviewed quarterly. Last updated: 2026-04-30.