Free DIY Camping Box Plans – Build a Car Bed & Storage in a Weekend
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.
Plans Comparison
| 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 | Email |
| Premium | $29 | 6–10h | Beginner | Custom — 30+ specific models | Priority |
Materials
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.
Budget breakdown
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.
Compatible vehicles
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a DIY camping box?
- A DIY camping box is a removable wooden module — typically built from 15mm plywood — that converts your car trunk into a sleeping platform with storage drawers underneath. It fits SUVs, station wagons, hatchbacks and pickups, costs $150–$300 in materials, and weighs 25–40 kg depending on size.
- How much does it cost to build a camping box?
- Total material cost is $150–$300 depending on car size. Our reference build (Dacia Dokker) comes in at ~$194 (~136 €): one 1525×1525 mm sheet of 15 mm birch plywood, 40×40 mm battens, screws, brackets and finish — plus $15–$30 for tape, sandpaper and oil. A pre-made camping box costs $750–$3,000, so you save $600–$2,800.
- How long does it take to build a camping box?
- Most beginners complete the build in a weekend — about 10–12 hours spread over two days (planning 1.5h, prep 2h, cutting/frame 3–4h, platform/finish 2–3h, final assembly 1h). Experienced DIYers finish in 6–8 hours.
- Do I need woodworking skills?
- No. Campboxy DIY plans are designed for complete beginners. If you can follow an IKEA manual, you can build a camping box.
- What tools do I need?
- Basic toolkit only: tape measure, drill/driver, hand or circular saw, carpenter’s square, 4 clamps, sandpaper. Total cost if buying everything new: $80–$150. No professional workshop required.
- Will this fit my car?
- The Free plan uses a universal layout for SUVs, station wagons, hatchbacks, vans and pickup beds. The Premium plan ($29) gives a configuration tuned to your specific vehicle (Skoda Octavia, VW Passat, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Ford Ranger and more).
- Plywood or MDF?
- We recommend 15mm birch plywood: strong, lightweight (~9 kg/m²), moisture-resistant. Avoid MDF and OSB — they are heavier, fragile at edges, and absorb humidity.
- Can I remove the camping box when I don’t need it?
- Yes — every Campboxy plan is 100% removable and modular. The box installs in 5–10 minutes using anti-slip mats and straps. No drilling into the car body, no impact on resale value or insurance.
- What is the weight capacity?
- A correctly built Campboxy platform supports up to 250 kg evenly distributed — enough for two adults sleeping plus storage gear underneath.
- What’s not covered by these plans?
- Plans don’t cover vans taller than 2.5m, pickup beds without a canopy, full electrical wiring (12V solar systems), or roof-mounted setups.
- Why is the Free plan free?
- The Free plan stays free forever — our way of giving back to the DIY community and proving the system works before you pay for the Standard ($9) or Premium ($29) plans.
- What if I don’t finish my build?
- Every paid Campboxy plan comes with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If the plan doesn’t help you finish your build, we refund your payment — no questions asked.
About the author
Bartek Światowski — founder of Campboxy. DIY camping box plans tested by real builders, reviewed quarterly. Last updated: 2026-04-30.