VanLife in a 2005 Honda CR-V Overland SUV Camper Conversion, Part 1: The Build
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- Опубликовано: 13 окт 2024
- In this video I'm reinstalling the bed platform and shelving cabinets inside my 2nd Gen 2005 Honda CR-V that I've converted into an overlanding camper. My goal is to live and travel in this full time over the course of the next year or two. This build has taken roughly around a year to complete to this point with a lot of trial and error to find a design that worked for me, unfortunately I don't have any video of the build process prior to the reinstall.
With the weight from the lumber and my gear, the rear end of the CRV had some sag...so to support the extra weight I removed the platform and shelving a few weeks ago to access the interior panels that covered the top of the rear struts, I had new rear struts and a set of ARB OME (Old Man Emu) 1.5" lifted coil springs installed, which so far has worked out very well after reinstalling the platform and shelving.
The materials I used for this build include 3/4" birch plywood, 2"x"4"x8' and 2"x6"x8' white pine studs, L or corner brackets/braces of various sizes, torx head wood screws, t-nuts, wood glue, stainable wood filler, polyurethane, hinges and several different sized nuts, washers, and bolts. Definitely recommend plenty of cardboard for creating templates to get as close to exact fit possible before cutting any lumber. Everything was built using several hand tools, a Ryobi power tool set and a Ryobi 12" compound sliding miter saw I bought on sale at Home Depot.
Hope you all find this video helpful and thanks for watching. Like and subscribe for more upcoming videos, including the full tour on how I converted my 2005 Honda CR-V into an overlanding camper and of the adventures to come.
I need to do this in my o3 Pilot. Took all rear seats out. Thanks for the inspiration. Yo
Honestly this build, my first ever, isn't quite as refined as what I ended up building in the back of my 4Runner. But it does at least have some interesting ideas to build off of, like cabinets over the wheel wells.
That's a pretty damn good build! The only thing I'd probably change is switching the cabneit over to the driver side so that way you have that blind spot window available while driving around
One reason to build it on passenger side would be better weight distribution when driving. Cabinet and driver weight would be more evenly distributed.
awesome, take it back apart and have the parts scanned, use the file to CNC parts and sell the parts as a kit..I bet there are enough CRV owners that would love this set up but just dont have the skill / patients to pull it off
Could a cardboard mock up be scanned?
@@secondact7151 think you would have the match all of the thickness of all of the pieces of wood but I dont see why not.. pretty awesome!
I'd purchase
Exactly!! Has this been done yet?
I mentioned it to someone else.
"FULL 75 INCHES OF LENGTH"
Lucky bastard....:)
You are an amazing builder you deserve so much respect! I got a 2005 Honda Odyssey and so far I removed the 3rd row seats and built a simple platform to make the trunk area all flat to put a twin size 3 inch memory foam top so that I can lay down fully. I fold the 2nd row seats down and I can put my feet above it and sleep like a baby here in California. I really like your build because it’s well thought out for the space and you did an amazing job.
Thank you, to be honest I think there was a lot of room for improvement in this CR-V build. I think the highlight of the build was the storage shelf and cabinet unit i built down the passenger side. The platform itself was way over built and heavier than it needed to be. I actually like the way my 4Runner build has turned out so far, just haven't figured out exactly how to build the cabinets in it yet.
@@RuggedRunnerOverland I just saw your 4drunner build and it’s a great build too! Great work very inspired to do a good build like this
This is freaking immaculate! I have an 04 and I wish I had the money to do something like this but this is very inspirational! ❤
Well done! I thing you overkill it building the platform, but holds up well. Congrats!
Nice build, thinking of getting a crv and converting it for camping trips, thanks for sharing
I have a 2016 Nissan Rogue and I've been wanting to buy a minivan to convert. Watching this makes me realize I can just use my rogue. Thank you so much for giving me the confidence.
Watched so many SUV fitouts the last few days.
Yours is my favourite.
Great job, happy travels.
one of the best camper conversion case. the bed and cabinet almost seemed walmart-bought kit.. excellent job !
Great function and very beautiful. Thanks for sharing your build!
Nice. Thanks for showing how you attached to frame of car. Too many people skip that part.
Indeed, that is definitely an important step...securing any build whether it's a platform or cabinets to the vehicle. Truth be told, after watching this video to see how I built out the CR-V and comparing it to my current conversion in the 4Runner, there are a LOT of ways to improve the design including how I attached the front end of the platform to the vehicle. What I rigged up in the 4Runner is leaps and bounds better in just about every way possible.
The most elaborate build & well done 👏 ✔️ 👍🏽 🙌
This is by far the best build I’ve seen. I wish I can find someone to build this for me and I’m willing to pay money for it.
This might be my next build. Good job man
Just bought a used 97 CR-V off Craigslist for $1700 and I'd love to try doing something similar to mine. Thanks so much for posting this content, man. You're a big inspiration.
Awesomely built n put together to fit the space👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Really like the design ! I have a 2005 2Dr 4x4 Chevy blazer which over a year had replaced and upgraded most of the mechanical items I.E. suspension with small lift kit / Larger Amp alternator with new batt 1 gauge wires Remote start/alarm duel dash cam Relaced all the hoses and rubbers
Stage two : stripped the interior from behind the front seats to the tailgate set up my furring wood strips for my floor framing (2" height) removed the rear seats And has the floor dips for the seats the framing is over the dip making the floor level back to front Which is now a cubby space for a extra battery / inverter and tools etc Wheel wells will be boxed for extra space and where my bed board will lay across over slats Currently I am waiting on a friend that does spray foam construction to be working near by and head to a site for him to blow in 2 inches everywhere closed cell Spray foam is one of the best ways to keep your SUV/Van cool in the summer and warm in winter Then i will be working on closing it up and a thick curtain just behind the front seat To close off the sunlight, cold/hot temps Nosey people etc
If your ever looking to upgrade your power input to say run a second battery Or your current system is weak ( dimming headlights with A/C radio playing etc) Start with cleaning your connections and ground - free. Next find online a Honda CR-V fourms which you should find helpful tidbits and tricks/ideas See if anyone has upgraded the Alt, Many SUV's and Trucks have models with power seats and extra usage of power and have a compadable bigger alt..In my case Mine is a AD-244 used in the Chevy Tahoe with all the power options (105 amps vs 80Amps ) My think 1 gauge wire i bought cheaper than buying a upgrade wiring kit online or had a shop do it ...I bought Welding cable from Princess Auto In the states i think its called Harbor freight Now you have the options of solar power/ camping plug ins / extra battery Which great if you want that cup of joe in the morning without getting outside in the rain to start up the one burner or camp fire
The girlfriend go camping And head to the drive -in spin the truck around and have the rear facing the screen and drop the tailgate
Brilliant idea using the existing threaded bolt holes for securing the framing, will be doing the same for our build. Very nice quality and well thought out design, thanks for posting!
I have 2004 crv and this the solution to cheap camping ocean here I come.
BEAUTIFUL & Practical work, AWESOME Engineering !!!
Beautiful uild! Wish you would sell a template as ill buy! Or even better sell the fully built model
Nice build. Although I did notice the access to the rear struts is blocked off by the platform. I would make a opening around it for easier access in the future if you had to change them out.
am waiting for your 4runner build. thanks for sharing.
I just wrapped up 2.5 months working for the US Census Bureau this past friday, so with that time demanding job in the books I plan to focus my efforts on finishing the 4Runner build, or at least the interior part of it, over the next few weeks with weather permitting of course.
I had the same CRV. Had a few good camping trips in it. A few years later I ended up getting a Honda Element. Good ideas! I am rebuilding my platform!
Only thing negative this, is the weight issue, lighter material could be used, turned out pretty well.
Well done. But very heavy framing and wood , unnecessary. That's a heck of a lot of weight to move around every second of your driving journey...
Yeah, you're right...but keep in mind the CR-V build was my very first attempt at building anything like this...looking back on it there was a lot of room for improvement. We all got to start somewhere though.
Keep in mind that wood is holding a lot of human every night, so i HAS to be thicccc (Extra C there)
@@wf6951 Come on man, no need for political correctness here, just come out and say it... I'm a fat ass, lol.
I'm waiting for your next episode! i am also an owner of a 2005 Crv except mine is the navy one. I appreciate your hard work
Great job! I have the same car. Lighter wood might be a good idea on cabinets, but I like it as is. Thanks for your share.
Nice design and execution. beautiful finish. Happy travels.
Good job! Lots of thought and effort went into your project. I appreciate the video.
This build is absolutely amazing! I have a 2006 Honda CRV that's been converted but nowhere near as well as yours. I learnt a lot from this video and I can't wait to play around with my set up some more. It's great to see whats actually possible with SUV living so thank you for posting this 😁😁
Question: Did you utilize the fold down seat concept as a bed? I am going to do some mods to mine and I'm thinking if I save the back seat behind the front passenger seat, that I could fold the seats down as me bed on the passenger side.
@@quadfunpi I was also thinking about the possibility of keeping the back seats, and folding them down into a bed when necessary. Did you continue with your concept?
I also thought about leaving ONE back seat to have the driver’s or passenger convert to bed. It’d be nice to to have to deconstruct bed upon waking, or constructing bed when it’s time to sleep. Taking out all rear seats and doing this build prevents that from happening.
I only see the driver’s side already made bed a viable option, as then you’d be taking up “rear bed space” and not cupboard space when reclined.
Great build! I want do the same thing, except put the cabinets on drivers side to avoid creating a blind spot.
somethings to think about, weight distribution and mirrors are our friends. imho
i have a vw westfalia and that is the one thing i don't like. all the weight is on the driver's side and i do a lot of solo tripping and it's noticeable in the handling. the crv (i have an 07) setup is a way different scale and maybe it won't be a thing. hope you are into your build by now! good luck with it and happy trails.
Apart from weight distribution another key factor for putting that on the passenger side is where it will go in the case of a hard rear end impact
oh yes.... at last finally I found crv 2nd gen 2005 convert to camper, great job & waiting another video
Well done. I am wanting to build a van conversion but there is a CRV for sale in the local paper so I wondered if this small car would work.
Now I know it is quite possible. So thanks for the great video explaining the process. Again, well done.
Thanks so much for this video. Beautiful workmanship. My grandaughter has a 2003 CRV and is going on a road trip this Xmas. We plan to make a platform bed 😀. Won’t be as good as yours though 🥴
Wait what? I need a video much longer than this! Haha this is amazing man! The best usage of a small space I’ve ever seen. Well, previewed! 😁
Thanks! My 4Runner build is leaps and bounds better than what I had built in the back of the CR-V. I'll be posting videos on the interior build of the 4Runner soon.
Really great job you did with the space you have. You should put it on paper and sell the kit blueprints. For the cabinets I think you can use a little thinner plywood to keep the weight down buy well done, great video. I bought my 2006 CR-V new in 2006 and only have 84000 on it. We have had 6 vw eurovan campers and 6 Rialta's rv's over the years. And trucks with campers but the honda you out together is really neat. Put you blue prints on line for a price or open a little shop I think you would make good money. A lit of people are moving into theirs cars and suv's now. Enjoyed watching your videos.
This is nice. Exactly what I would do if I were going to utilize an SUV/RV for full time living. Cool 👍👋👌
Very cool! Thanks much for sharing, lots of work I know.
AWESOME!
Some great ideas, I'm hoping to repurpose and copy for my build.
Thanks for sharing
Dude, you put a lot of work in to this...great build!
Pretty cool. I may borrow some of your ideas. Thanks for sharing.
This is so awesome! It would be so cool if you made schematics for this.
I'm getting one next month im so happy ❤
Excellent video 👍 inspiration for my 2006 Crv.
TOOOOOOO HEAVY.
@@RuggedRunnerOverland it has to be done with aluminium
beautiful work
Thank you, however I must say compared to my 4Runner build the CR-V doesn't look as refined or functional. I'm hoping to have a complete 4Runner build tour video posted sometime in the next month.
Super impressive. Your craftsmanship is nice too! Congrats!
That was brilliant. You given me so many ideas thanks.
Great job
Beautiful built! But the materials that you used kind of overkilled. Hence you had the issue of weight! 😎💯👍
Honestly, comparing this to my currently in progress 4Runner build, I think quite a bit of the CR-V build was overkill.
@@RuggedRunnerOverland Lol Yes, you learned to lean out your build for the next vehicle! I know the feeling very well!😂😂😂
Thank you so much for sharing 👍👍👍
Very good build! I like the design and what you did. Very reliable vehicle you chose too you will get pretty good gas mileage compared to a van or a rv. Thank you for showing your process very good job!
Very nice design/build... very intuitive.
Great attention to detail!
Fantastic! I will use this as my template . Thank you.
@@RuggedRunnerOverland agreed. Also - I think I will flip the template to place the cabinetry behind he drivers side. This allows better visibility for lane changes, parking, etc...
Man I wish I could have you build me a setup like this for my 1998 Mercury Mountaineer. Preferably with thinner wood instead of 2x4 to save on weight so I wouldn't have to beef up my rear suspension.
You should see what I'm doing in the back of my 4Runner, I ditched the CR-V and the heavier build...learning a lot from that first build I think the 4Runner conversion is much more practical.
I agree with the person who said you could sell it as a kit!!!! please do it!!
Thank you for showing me your CRV conversion. Your attention to detail, explanations and the overall craftsmanship is awe inspiring! I think you could definitely go into business for yourself converting people’s vehicles. I’ve only just discovered your channel through a random search on “Duck Duck Go.” I’ve subscribed and I plan to watch more of your videos.
Keep up the GOOD WORK!
Love, 💕
🐚 Shell 🐚 Shell
Really nice design with a lot of thought put into the detail and solid build too. For me that's the only critisism there's no wonder you were suffering suspension sag. You could near half those timber and ply dimensions and retain a sturdy build. But nice work all the same. Enjoy,
It's been a year and a half since I've had the CR-V, this design was a first for me...the whole design could have been better but it was a learning experience. However, I do agree that the 2x4's were overkill but when it comes to plywood 3/4" will always be the way to go, especially if you're using any kind of hardware whether it be hinges, brackets, etc. which always come with 3/4" screws.
@@RuggedRunnerOverland I'm not a woodworker so that's good to know. Anyone choosing a vehicle should keep that in mind due to weight. My 2001 CRV is legally made to carry 800lbs apparently so planning the build seems crucial.
GREAT DETAIL VIDEO OF WELL SET LAYOUT FIX INSIDE PLAN
WISH BEST FURTHER
FROM AUSTRALIA
That's pretty sweet conversion! You've got some skills..... I would like to do that with a minivan.
Brian, take a look at Bruce Parks minivan conversion build here on youtube.
Hi: you might want to take a look at the Dodge Caravan minivan conversion kit built by Roadloft out of Quebec City, Canada. Well made and easy to disassemble. It goes for about $4,500 Canadian.
Wow, absolutely wonderful build! I have a 2003 Honda CRV and since mine has to sleep two, the cabinets are not an option...but I love your platform design. I am curious as to what you use for a mattress? For now, I have made templates out of 2 in. wall insulation foam panels, to help level the back and to keep cold from transferring to our bedding. I cut memory foam to contour the back and, with the seats moved forward, it is just about the size of a full sized bed (plenty for both of us as I am 5'7" and my husband is 5'9". Thanks for the video!
I'm going to be honest, if I had to do it over again I think i'd change a lot of things...weight was one factor but also I think I could have used lighter materials for the build. I'd probably also ditch the platform altogether and go with something like I'm doing in the back of my 4Runner.
Nice job, just a couple of thoughts, if the cabinet was on the drivers side, you would not have a blind spot, and your awning should be on the pass side, since that is the off street side, so it would be on the same side as all the trailers made and the same orientation as most all camp sites in the US. Also 2x4 and 3/4" plywood is over kill 2x2 and 1/2" or even 3/8" would be fine, thanks fot the good ideas
Nice work
Pretty cool. I'm looking at getting a CRV for an extended trip to the states. You could also make that cubby in the back (where the jack is) for a battery and electrical center. Small inverter and battery with a small dc switch panel for some led lights or water pump if you plan on carrying water. Lots of options. Thanks for the video.
Nice build! Would you have used a different method to secure the legs to the car? I'm trying to figure out the best, most sturdy, but minimal in design way to achieve this. For the front, do those bolts go straight down into the seat holes?
wow, is that over-built! I guess you wanted to be sure that it could handle anything eh? I would have used 1x3 instead of 2x4s myself, and 1/4 ply with gussets to add strength. The weight would be half as much as yours no doubt. But respect, its solid as a tank no doubt at all!
Very nice! I am getting ready to convert my Lincoln Navigator, I have removed all of the seats except drivers and will start soon on it. Looking forward to seeing your part 2 video.
I wish I could do something like this with my '96 Rav4 but it's so small... I am seriously thinking about vanlife and I don't want to buy another vehicle... But your underbed storage is amazing... hope you show more...
Check out SUV RVing - he's got a Rav4. In a space that small, it seems to make more sense to make your sleeping platform on the lowest level, not elevate it above storage. Create a storage platform above the sleeping area (at feet, and around back-end to other side), so you'll be able to sit up in bed.
ruclips.net/video/anBMBq79Y-0/видео.html
and:
ruclips.net/video/L_cmfC3VNHU/видео.html
He's got some really good ideas about living in small space - he doesn't live full time in his RAV4, but his setup may give you some helpful ideas.
@@donwyates Thank you so much... I'll check it out 👍👍 👍
Nice job very neat and well thought out...showed the wife she thought it would be great..for me ,, she said motel
Thanks for the video, nice set up , how long is your bed ?
Holy crap.....no wonder it weights so much! Other videos I've seen use wayyyyyyyyyy much thinner wood!!
Sure there are other videos, most showing how to build just a platform...with this build I tried to think outside of the box. This was my very first woodworking project in or outside of a vehicle, so when taken into context not bad for a first attempt. Sure, lighter materials could have been used and the design had lots of room for improvements... However at least I had the balls to try it rather than sitting on my keister as a keyboard quarterback.
You could shoot a sabo round into that thing it would still be together lol 👍
That is an awesome stup man 👍
Good jobs mate!! Seriously awesome work!!
Nice workmanship!
Nice job scribing the partitions to your car!
Very Nice, maybe you could make a mold out of that stuff and make it into Carbon Fiber and get rid of A lot of weight. i bought my son a 1997 Honda CRV and after 1 Month i liked it so much i went out and bought myself a 2000 Honda CRV.
You did a very nice job
Do you travel alone? I’m 5’3” so I took out the front passenger seat and I have a chemical toilet and lots of extra storage now. Nice work!
So sick man.
How willing would you be to send me your blueprints? This is amazing!
Cool build out and lots of forethought it seems. Probably hard to check your passenger side blind spot while driving but with your rear door opening to that side I understand. Still, cool build out!!
CRVing Adventures
Yes indeed
I put the little parabolic mirrors on all my vehicle’s mirrors
I give them as gifts for folks w new vehicles
I was once behind a van that smashed into another vehicle in it’s blind spot
Great job!!!Smart.I made in my car sleep place.
Nice set up
I know crvs are great but live in it
Awesome job🙌🏾. Wish you were in ct id ask you to build mine 🙂
Nice build, but I'm really curious as to why you put the sleeping deck behind the driver seat... It seems the exact opposite as it should be.
@@RuggedRunnerOverland - Got it, and it makes sense if sliding the Driver's seat is the only option for you... That CR-V has got to pose some serious challenges when it comes to housing a full-grown adult in comfort.
The reason I thought the floorplan would work better reversed is so that your cubby-unit wouldn't block your view for lane changes while driving. Also, if it were behind you, essentially unseen, you wouldn't have the claustrophobic, closed off "box -van" feel while driving.
I'm doing the same thing ("Single sleeper/full hight storage) in a capped full-size pick-up so the bed length doesn't play a part, but was scouring RUclips videos before making my own problems.
For anyone with the room, I'd suggest flipping the blueprint, but your solution might just be the ticket for other small SUV owners to consider. Thanks for the reply.
amazing craftsmanship man!!
Nice build. Looking at doing something like that to an 09. The one thing I have to keep in mind is that the spare is under the floor in back so have to allow access to that with a hatch like you have. I am concerned about suspension as well and not sure I followed what all you did. I am reading what you wrote in description and it sounds greek to me. LOL How much more weight do you think you could carry with the upgrades and did you come up with that solution yourself or did somebody tell you what to do and how to do it? I also hope to put some solar panels on top. Thanks for video.
Got to be honest, if I were to do it all over again in the Honda CR-V, I'd build it out the way i did in the back of my Toyota 4Runner...remove the back seats and build a deck out of plywood with hatches to access storage areas in any recessed area under the deck, then build cabinets on each side over the wheel wells. I haven't done any videos in quite sometime but I did post some pictures of my 4Runner setup on my Facebook page a while back.
facebook.com/RuggedRunnerOverland
@@RuggedRunnerOverland I am currently watching those. I want sure I was going to have space under bed as I want to sit up but am liking the videos for ideas.
@@Grandpa_RLP The one thing I can say is the 2x4s were overkill in the CR-V, but it was my first build and i definitely over built it. I think it had some good ideas but needed a lot of refinement, which I feel was achieved with the 4Runner build...in fact i get so many compliments on the 4Runner build, the build quality was greatly improved to the point some people think it was a factory option.
@@RuggedRunnerOverland I saw the pics on your Facebook page. It is awesome. Maybe you found a money making venture. 🙂
nice build. It might have been answered below but could you not have used lightweight 2x3 spruce studs and 1/2 ply to save weight? Im in the process in looking for a low mileage 1st gen CRV or Element. Love those Hondas...
Impressive! Love this build.
What!!! Next level
i enjoyed it a lot. Great job man
Awesome build
Very effective use of space. Creative design. Well done video. I assume you have a mattress for a sleeper. Thanks for sharing.