Home on the Road: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Homemade Camper is an invaluable guide for anyone who dreams of leaving behind the comforts of home and embarking on their own travel adventures. This book provides a detailed account on how to transform a regular vehicle into an extraordinary camper van.
Kellie Hall and freelance designer Pete Johnson made the most of their flexible work schedules by traveling throughout America in their 1976 Dodge Sportsman camper van, fondly known as Uncle Rico.
Turning Your Car Into a Camper
Camperizing your car can be an inexpensive DIY project that allows you to explore nature. There are various methods for doing so; just keep in mind your individual needs before beginning. For instance, if you intend on sleeping in it at nighttime and require plenty of storage space. Similarly, long distance drivers might benefit from having their own fridge/stove combo in their camper to ensure food and beverages remain cool and fresh during long drives.
Your choice of vehicle can also have an impact on how comfortable your camping rig will be. If you own a large truck, consider using a truck camper kit which provides a tent-like roof over the back and can be tailored specifically to each size truck - ideal for anyone wanting the comfort of home without investing in more costly campers.
An easy and straightforward way to add style and comfort to your car camper is by switching out its cushions - instead of opting for standard RV brown, consider opting for something a bit brighter. Or you could give your kitchen an instant upgrade by installing peel-and-stick backsplash or modern wallpaper such as this Art3d Leaf design available from Target.
Create a comfy car camper by building a plywood platform as your bed. When covered in blankets and sleeping pads, your ride will become even more relaxing. To prevent your vehicle from overheating while sleeping, window covers made of Reflectix fabric may help block heat while still allowing visibility out the windows.
Making a Tent
One of the key components of any camping trip is having an effective tent. Not only should you consider comfort when choosing your tent; also keep safety and security top of mind. When camping outdoors, it is crucial that your shelter withstands nature as well as potential threats from outsiders in the wilderness.
Consider your budget, weight and sleeping needs when making this important choice. When backpacking, lightweight tents may reduce packing costs but may restrict movement inside. Unfortunately this also means less room to stretch out comfortably before bedtime.
Consider also the features of your tent, such as its number and placement of pockets and whether or not it comes equipped with a vestibule for wet clothing and footwear that needs to be shed before entering the sleeping area - something especially handy should it rain, or you are camping near water bodies.
Once you've decided on the ideal tent for you, it's time to begin building it. Start by cutting a sheet of fabric into its proper dimensions - in our case 14" by 53", before sewing the longer side along its shorter edges using a 1/2" seam allowance.
Once your fabric has been attached to the tent frame, it's time to connect the dowels. Push one dowel through one of the long edges and connect it with its counterpart on the other side - once all three dowels have been connected it will be time to add your tent top!
Making a Bed
If you are camping in an active environment, your bed must be constructed with extra strength. Parker recommends purchasing piano hinges in 90-inch lengths from McMaster Carr and cutting to size; these are similar to cabinet door hinges in homes. He also suggests using 1.5-inch square delrin spacers from McMaster Carr for reinforcing side rails where it meets bottom of van; these more durable than standard RV hinges will not rust.
Step two in creating a bed involves installing both the boxspring and mattress.
Making a Kitchen
If you plan on living full-time in your camper, it is imperative that you create a functional kitchen. When doing so, keep in mind the needs and wants of both yourself and your family members and how you use your home on the road. Once this has been determined, create a list of everything necessary.
Fixer Upper fans may already know Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano of Johnnyswim; husband-and-wife musical duo Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano make up Johnnyswim. Magnolia Network recently announced that these musicians will star in a six-episode series called Home on the Road with Johnnyswim that will cover their tour across North America while raising two young children together. Home on the Road with Johnnyswim premieres February 19th on Discovery+.
Making a Shower
Installing a shower in your van conversion may seem intimidating at first, but installing one is not nearly as complicated as you may imagine.
Fixer Upper fans likely recognize Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez of Johnnyswim, a husband-and-wife music duo who are featured in Magnolia Network's six episode show called Home on the Road which will follow them touring North America with their children.
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