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Hey everyone, newbie here. I bought my Fit in June and converted it into a camper too! The first thing I did was take out the back seats. My bed design is a bit different than many I've seen. Pretty basic, really. Just a piece of wood over the back floor by the hatch and then a second wooden platform that covers half the rest of the back. I left the area behind the driver's seat clear so I could have floor space. I'm so glad I did that because it really makes the interior feel roomy and helps with getting dressed and climbing in/out of the car.
I used some cut wooden poles (the sort that sit in your closet to hang things from) as the legs of the platform and reinforced the bottom with an additional wooden beam because it was bending under body weight. Now it's really secure and solid feeling. It extends as far as the center console, and then when I want to camp for the night, I just move the passenger seat forward, stuff my clothing bags in the space, place a pillow on top, and that extends the bed for extra foot space. I know some people make extendable platforms with hinges and what not, but that felt unnecessary and this works just fine. During the day, I just use the cloth bags that contain all my clothes as extra pillows in the back.
For the mattress, I used a cheap foam pad from amazon. I had to cut it to the right shape since the bed is shaped like an L not a rectangle. After I had the base pad down, I bought a nice memory-foam textured pad to put on top. I got queen size, cut it to the proper shape, and then used everything I had leftover to make memory-foam pillows which are amazing and make lounging back there extra comfortable.
Underneath the bed platform, there's actually TONS of space. Space isn't the issue as much as organization and being able to access what's down there. I have to get in a rather uncomfortable position to actually see down there. I'm hoping I can get it organized in a way that I can just reach down there without looking and feel around for what I need.
I got some solar Christmas lights and a lantern that add a comforting glow and make the place feel cozy. When I'm sitting back there with the lights on, enjoying a meal and watching some Netflix, it really does feel like I'm home.
I've already done a few camping trips and it was awesome! I'm still learning what works and tweaking my setup. I'm headed out again in a couple of days but wanted to post here because other people provided me so much inspiration to do this and I just wanted to share how I did it as well. I'll try to get a few pics when I'm at my next camp in a few days and post them later.
Hey everyone, newbie here. I bought my Fit in June and converted it into a camper too! The first thing I did was take out the back seats. My bed design is a bit different than many I've seen. Pretty basic, really. Just a piece of wood over the back floor by the hatch and then a second wooden platform that covers half the rest of the back. I left the area behind the driver's seat clear so I could have floor space. I'm so glad I did that because it really makes the interior feel roomy and helps with getting dressed and climbing in/out of the car.
I used some cut wooden poles (the sort that sit in your closet to hang things from) as the legs of the platform and reinforced the bottom with an additional wooden beam because it was bending under body weight. Now it's really secure and solid feeling. It extends as far as the center console, and then when I want to camp for the night, I just move the passenger seat forward, stuff my clothing bags in the space, place a pillow on top, and that extends the bed for extra foot space. I know some people make extendable platforms with hinges and what not, but that felt unnecessary and this works just fine. During the day, I just use the cloth bags that contain all my clothes as extra pillows in the back.
For the mattress, I used a cheap foam pad from amazon. I had to cut it to the right shape since the bed is shaped like an L not a rectangle. After I had the base pad down, I bought a nice memory-foam textured pad to put on top. I got queen size, cut it to the proper shape, and then used everything I had leftover to make memory-foam pillows which are amazing and make lounging back there extra comfortable.
Underneath the bed platform, there's actually TONS of space. Space isn't the issue as much as organization and being able to access what's down there. I have to get in a rather uncomfortable position to actually see down there. I'm hoping I can get it organized in a way that I can just reach down there without looking and feel around for what I need.
I got some solar Christmas lights and a lantern that add a comforting glow and make the place feel cozy. When I'm sitting back there with the lights on, enjoying a meal and watching some Netflix, it really does feel like I'm home.
I've already done a few camping trips and it was awesome! I'm still learning what works and tweaking my setup. I'm headed out again in a couple of days but wanted to post here because other people provided me so much inspiration to do this and I just wanted to share how I did it as well. I'll try to get a few pics when I'm at my next camp in a few days and post them later.
Fantastic! I’m going to hopefully get my Fit set up finally. It’s too hot to camp here in Central Texas right now, but hope to get in a lot of camping in a few months.
Thanks for sharing, I’d love to see some pics! 👍🏻😊❤️
Hey everyone sorry for taking forever to return. I kind of forgot I'd made that post. I've been out there exploring.
I loooooove this car. I once again decided to go to a remote campsite up a bumpy mountain road I never should've driven on--but I survived! At one point I ran over some rocks and scraped up the bottom pretty bad. I was panicking thinking I'd done real damage, but I'm happy to report she's ok. I'm learning how she handles and getting more comfortable driving over rough terrain.
You guys wanted to see pics! Here's the inside all clean and nice before I packed up for my latest trip.
Always dirty. I don't know why I bother with car washes.
camp setup with the lights at night.
I have a 3-gallon water bottle I keep on the cooler, allowing for "running water", which is nice. But the cooler blocks my storage area, making it hard to get to the plates/silverware/etc. I'm going to work on switching up the setup. I'm working up to doing a more long-term trip, so hopefully I can figure some things out.
I can't praise that little lantern enough. Luci solar lanterns. I'll be purchasing a few more.
Looking at some of your guys ideas and measurements thank you very much! I took some own measurements as well and I went out and bought wood today. Since I had to get it back in my car and didn't want to try and fit 4x8 sheets of plywood somehow luckily the hardware store does cutting. First problem ran into is they didn't have any 1x12 boards or equivalent also everything is in metric in Australia but luckily the guy helping me knew the conversion (25.4mm to inch) so converted everything to metric and decided with the idea of ripping a plywood of the right thickness for my 1x12s and got some leftover wood. Bought screws, piano hinges, L brackets and drawers. Working 6 days a week here so until next weekend! Assembly will start will also post measurements in metric for those who are on the metric system along with the imperial measurements.
I love your build I've got the $58 budget build version. Two wedge pillows from Walmart to level out refresh mode. Two lounge chair cushions for the mattress. I'm short so this works perfectly for a single bed. https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/gene...-2008-fit.html
Last edited by JazzyIsMyFit; 09-21-2019 at 04:13 AM.
Reason: add more info
So using this design and the pictures here I created a version based on Poopsicle's design, and have all the dimensions and even a sketchup for it that I want to release.
I'm wondering if I should post it here or start a new thread...
Here are the pictures from my build.
This is years old at this point but do you happen to have the sketchups available? Making this in the coming weeks.
Wow! I’m so excited to find this thread. I lived in my Fit for 4 months a few years ago traveling all over the western us rock climbing and running/ hiking everyday! It was an amazing experience and after living in a van the last few years with my partner, I’m traveling solo again and looking into a more comfortable set up! Would love to see some builds for individuals
Howdy forum!
So I mentioned this in my introduction post (which I’m sure very few of you saw), but I am turning my 07’ Honda Fit into a mobile camper.
This is a project I’ve thought about for a while, and I finally got around to designing plans and executing them about a month ago. The idea was to install a removable bed in the back/trunk area so that I could drive around, explore the country, and sleep in the car.
Here was my design process:
1. First I spent a good deal of time measuring the space with the back seats folded down flat. I made notes of the dimensions, both with the driver/passenger seats up and pushed forward. I’m only 5’8” but I knew that I’d need to design the bed with the max length from trunk to seats.
2. I designed the blueprints and mapped the cuts I would need to make at Home Depot to maximize the wood scrap. I got all all the supplies and got to work.
3. I built the base. I knew I wanted to have storage underneath the bed, so I built it out of 2x12s. I forget the total length of the board, but I only used one. I used brackets and installed a piece through the middle for stability. This thing is solid:
4. Next came the bed. It is 3 pieces of plywood that sit on top of the frame. I designed it with 2 hinges in strategic spots. The one closet to the trunk allows me lift up and access storage even with the mattress, blankets, etc. It was extremely handy at the campsite. The second hinge is located near the head area. When the driver/passenger seats are pushed forward, that piece lifts forward and adds an additional 14” of space. So when the entire piece is flat, I have 69” of space from head to toe, and 39” from side to side–more than enough more me. Here is a photo:
And here is how the storage is easily accessed:
5. With my scrap wood, I knew I wanted to install a table that slides out from the trunk. It’s about 31”x17” and is a very useful bonus addition that I’m happy I installed:
6. Lastly, I designed the plywood bed portion to fold up into a convenient-to-move piece. The entire thing folds up into a roughly 35”x39” shape that locks into itself:
So I am extremely proud of how everything turned out. To test out the functionality, I drove 9 hours to Yellowstone National Park and camped out for 3 days with my girlfriend. It worked perfectly!
I purchased some special shades to block out the windows and provide some privacy, and they worked great as well.
My first successful car-camping trip was incredibly liberating. I felt free on the road and connected with my car. I purchased a National Park pass and already have more trips planned for this year. My main purpose for joining this forum is to share my design with anyone that's interested, possibly answer some questions, and research my next steps. I want to add a roof rack and a cargo carrier to multiply my storage space, and I'm not sure where to start. But I'm gonna start digging!
Thanks for your checking out my project! In you have any interest in following my car-camping adventures, I started an Instagram account: car_trek
Cheers y'all!
Great job! I may try that one day. Thanks for posting.
Howdy forum!
So I mentioned this in my introduction post (which I’m sure very few of you saw), but I am turning my 07’ Honda Fit into a mobile camper.
This is a project I’ve thought about for a while, and I finally got around to designing plans and executing them about a month ago. The idea was to install a removable bed in the back/trunk area so that I could drive around, explore the country, and sleep in the car.
Here was my design process:
1. First I spent a good deal of time measuring the space with the back seats folded down flat. I made notes of the dimensions, both with the driver/passenger seats up and pushed forward. I’m only 5’8” but I knew that I’d need to design the bed with the max length from trunk to seats.
2. I designed the blueprints and mapped the cuts I would need to make at Home Depot to maximize the wood scrap. I got all all the supplies and got to work.
3. I built the base. I knew I wanted to have storage underneath the bed, so I built it out of 2x12s. I forget the total length of the board, but I only used one. I used brackets and installed a piece through the middle for stability. This thing is solid:
4. Next came the bed. It is 3 pieces of plywood that sit on top of the frame. I designed it with 2 hinges in strategic spots. The one closet to the trunk allows me lift up and access storage even with the mattress, blankets, etc. It was extremely handy at the campsite. The second hinge is located near the head area. When the driver/passenger seats are pushed forward, that piece lifts forward and adds an additional 14” of space. So when the entire piece is flat, I have 69” of space from head to toe, and 39” from side to side–more than enough more me. Here is a photo:
And here is how the storage is easily accessed:
5. With my scrap wood, I knew I wanted to install a table that slides out from the trunk. It’s about 31”x17” and is a very useful bonus addition that I’m happy I installed:
6. Lastly, I designed the plywood bed portion to fold up into a convenient-to-move piece. The entire thing folds up into a roughly 35”x39” shape that locks into itself:
So I am extremely proud of how everything turned out. To test out the functionality, I drove 9 hours to Yellowstone National Park and camped out for 3 days with my girlfriend. It worked perfectly!
I purchased some special shades to block out the windows and provide some privacy, and they worked great as well.
My first successful car-camping trip was incredibly liberating. I felt free on the road and connected with my car. I purchased a National Park pass and already have more trips planned for this year. My main purpose for joining this forum is to share my design with anyone that's interested, possibly answer some questions, and research my next steps. I want to add a roof rack and a cargo carrier to multiply my storage space, and I'm not sure where to start. But I'm gonna start digging!
Thanks for your checking out my project! In you have any interest in following my car-camping adventures, I started an Instagram account: car_trek
Cheers y'all!
Hope I am doing this right. Lol
I want to thank you so much for this post! It is so well explained and I can show my son what I want done.
I am 67 and currently in lockdown in Victoria, Australia. The one thing this Virus has taught me is to not put off doing what you want to do. I love camping but a bit scared in a tent by myself. This idea will open up my life in so many ways. I can't do anything right now but I will be ready when it is safe to take off! I love my little car (2015 Jazz/Fit). I have started ordering stuff online to help me make this a reality.
Stay safe and thanks again.
These are great...especially first photo with multiple pics and the one with the dimensions...Im trying to follow them on some of the later shots- where you show the bike and the breakdown. Did you take the seats out? Did you create another thread? Would. love to see the whole thing...
Im trying to decide if I should build or slum it...I love the pull out counter top at rear- and the extra storage...but not sure I want the extra wood/weight.
If you can point me in the direction...Thanks
Anya
Originally Posted by trebory6
So using this design and the pictures here I created a version based on Poopsicle's design, and have all the dimensions and even a sketchup for it that I want to release.
I'm wondering if I should post it here or start a new thread...
I've built my own version of a Jazz camper (Jazz = Fit in Europe). I recently move in with my girlfriend, so I was left with a cheap 30 dollar 2-person Ikea bed. I was determined to use the bed for the sleeping platform. One huge benefit of the Ikea bed was that the wood is very light, but also sturdy. So it was perfect for the frame. I only needed to buy the sheets of plywood to lie on.
You can see the result below. It is not as fancy as some of the platforms in this thread, but the idea is the same. I kept the storage space underneath fair, but not too much. I wish to have the option to sit on the platform, leaning on the headrests agains the front seats. It also forces me to be minimal and I like that.
I have 2 small cargo nets hanging on the ceiling. The last step is to make window covers. Probably with black sprayed reflectix and fabric.
07-22-2019 | 01:04 AM
