Building out an SUV

Building out an SUV might seem intimidating especially with how big the Van Life scene is currently, and how beautiful most of the builds are, some of us don’t have the money to put into a van. Especially if we are not 100% sure if that’s where we want to live in full time.

So as i’m transitioning from working a normal stationary job to being a full time digital nomad, i’m trying to figure out if being on the road 100% of the time is what i desire or to have ways to go back and forth. So in saying that, I decided to take the less concrete route for now. So my dad helped me build a bed in the back of my SUV.

It doesn’t have to be expensive!

Now, I know most people think that it’s going to be expensive but it’s really not. I only spent $103.43 on wood for my platform bed.

The Build

The Measurements of the Boards

2×8 8 foot – 3 boards

Plywood 23/32 2×4 – 2 boards

1×8 8 foot – 1 board

3 inch screws on the side boards

2 inch screws for the top

We cut the boards to fit my car once we bought them. So these might not be the right size boards for you but this is what worked for mine! We wanted to make sure it was level since my back seats slightly sat up as well.

It came out very stable and secure and doesn’t move around. Now for the mattress part I personally did a Camping airbed and Costco roll up covered portable 2inch mattress. For the airbed I would suggest something like the POWERLIX or ZOOBELIVES. And for the Costco roll up, its a NovaForm Roll Out Lounger. I can only find them in store though. You can also get foam from a furniture repair shop if you want a thicker mattress and if you only want to deal with one mattress. 

I didn’t do anything fancy for my build, I just wanted to be able to slide my boxes in and be able to sleep on something secure. You will want to make your own window coverings or you can hang up dark blankets over the windows with clips or pins.

Removable

We wanted to make sure I could slide it out if I needed to, but also make sure that I could lift it up to get to my emergency tire underneath the bed. But also wanted to make sure that I had plenty of room for all my stuff for my upcoming trips.

As you can see in the picture above, we built it into two sections. This gave me more compartments to store things I wouldn’t need 100% of the time.

Why am I doing this?

I love to drive, I love the freedom it seems to bring me and the places I am able to explore. I feel like having an SUV gives me more options on driving to secluded places compared to a big van or a RV. But you don’t have to build in a SUV, you can build in the back of your car. You can do whatever you feel comfortable with. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing is to just go, get out and explore!

Money doesn’t have to be a big factor if you don’t want it to be for building out an SUV. Gas will be the biggest consumer. And food, but if you make it a point NOT to eat out at fast food or sit down restaurants then you will save more than you could imagine! Get a camp stove, get some propane and cook every meal! There are plenty of food options for camping! If you want to check out my first night in my SUV build, then click here.

What questions do you have for SUV builds or camping in your car?

Stay safe
Stay Hydrated
-Dash