If you want to turn your everyday vehicle into a camper in no time at all so that you can be independent on the road, you should take a look at the camping boxes, which provide professional camping equipment even in smaller vehicles. Whether you only need your vehicle for overnight stays or are looking for the ultimate outdoor experience with a mobile kitchen – with camping boxes, which are now available in a wide variety of shapes and designs, you can turn your vehicle into a camper. These versatile solutions are perfect for city dwellers with limited space, occasional campers and anyone who appreciates flexibility.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
What is a camping box?
Camping boxes are the answer to the needs of today’s campers and are available in various designs to suit almost every taste and budget. From simple modules that transform the car into a comfortable bed to complete camping solutions, there is something for every need. And the best thing is that you don’t have to permanently convert your vehicle, as many boxes can simply be folded up and stowed away to save space.
Suitable for every vehicle
Camping boxes are versatile and fit into many vehicle types. Larger vehicles in particular, such as the Citroën Berlingo, Jumpy or Spacetourer, Dacia Dokker, Jogger or Duster, Fiat Doblo or Scudo, Ford Tourneo Connect or Custom, Hyundai Staria, Nissan Townstar, Opel Vivaro or Peugeot Traveller and Rifter , benefit from the practical boxes. But owners of smaller cars will also get their money’s worth, as some of the camping boxes presented transform even the smallest vehicles into a comfortable motorhome in a matter of seconds. You can find an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of mini campers in this article.
Market overview of camping boxes
Whether you’re looking for a compact sleeping area, a mobile kitchen or a complete “camping conversion” – in our overview you’ll find the most important providers and definitely the right camping box for your adventure.
Amdro Boot Jumps
The Welsh family business “Amdro” manufactures camping solutions for vehicles based on the Citroën Berlingo, Peugot Rifters and Vauxhall Combo Life Van. With the so-called “boot jumps”, an everyday vehicle can be transformed into a camper in just a few minutes. The conversion offers seating, a single or double bed, sturdy drawers for the stove and kitchen utensils and practical accessories such as a trunk tent. The base plate can remain in the vehicle permanently.
Unfortunately, the company does not deliver to Central Europe, so many buyers combine their purchase with a vacation in scenic North Wales.
Car canopy bed
The car canopy bed is not a camping box, but a bed that is stowed “as a whole” under the vehicle roof. After releasing a safety belt, the car’s headliner swings out of the vehicle’s headliner with a flick of the wrist. Thanks to the space-saving design, you have the made-up bed with pillows and blankets right at hand. The all-round blackout fabric is standard and can also be attached in a few simple steps. The car canopy bed is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to make themselves comfortable in the car.
BarefootVans
Under the “BarefootVans” brand, a Bavarian engineering company develops, produces and sells camping boxes, sleeping, kitchen and cupboard systems as well as vehicle accessories for all common vehicles.
The founding couple Dina and Tobi have been traveling around the world for over 15 years, alone, as a couple and with children in a wide variety of vehicles. As a result, they can draw on a wealth of experience of what is important in everyday camping life with the respective vehicle sizes.
All modules can be assembled and dismantled in just a few minutes, are lightweight and are characterized above all by numerous combination and configuration options – individual modules are available in up to 400 different variations. Just like in a Swedish furniture store, you can determine your own room concept and expand the modules at any time with a large selection of accessories.
Beaver Box
The special thing about the Biber Box is that it is simply plugged together. No modifications to the vehicle are necessary and no tools are required for installation. The manufacturer promises that assembly will take no longer than 5 minutes, even for non-professionals. The plug-in system consists of individual parts that can be easily handled by a single person, especially a camping friend. The plug-in system also enables a very compact pack size, so that the box can be stored in the home to save space.
For all those who would like to build the wooden kit themselves, there are instructions on how to build a beaver box yourself on the company website. With the Biber Box, you can put together the accessories such as mattress, stove etc. yourself and design everything according to your individual wishes.
CALIBOX
The calibox team offers handmade camping conversions from the VW California Ocean, Beach, Multivan to the Caddy as well as for other vehicle models. The product range includes high-quality equipment such as rear or interior kitchens, rear pull-outs and other special solutions. The modularity of the systems means that a large number of combinations are possible. Everyone can put together the right cooking, water and storage modules and respond flexibly to their needs. In everyday life, a rear pull-out makes it easier to stow shopping and for camping trips, you can pack the fully loaded modules on the rear pull-out and be ready to go in no time at all.
Particularly noteworthy is the new “outside ocean” model, which is a useful addition to the California Ocean’s indoor kitchen. Equipped with a two-burner hob, this solution enables comfortable outdoor cooking without unpleasant odors in the interior. An extendable bamboo table as a shelf and a storage box with adjustable dividers offer additional storage space and organization options.
COMO-MINICAMPER
The COMO box weighs a pleasingly low eleven kilograms. In addition, there are seven kilograms for the pull-out mattress base and ten kilograms for the folding mattress. When not on vacation, the box can easily be stored in a small apartment – when disassembled, it takes up about as much space as a standard drinks crate. Alternatively, it can also serve as a chic sideboard in industrial design or as a guest bed.
Specially designed for high-roof station wagons, the COMO Camper 35 with its low overall height of 35 centimeters offers plenty of upward space. The dimensions are 100 x 35 x 41 centimeters (width x height x depth). A matching compressor cool box is available as an optional accessory. The lying surfaces range from 100 to 150 x 190 centimeters. The aluminum boxes are available fully assembled, only the lying surface needs to be completed with a few screws for shipping reasons. A brand new addition to the COMO range is a small and inexpensive box for single travelers, ideal for short high-roof vans.
Daily Camper
The DAILYCAMPER based on the new FIAT Scudo offers ultimate freedom with a compact length of 4.95 meters and a height of 1.89 meters. It fits effortlessly into any parking space or underground garage, even in times of increasing height restrictions. With well thought-out furniture construction and rare features such as insulation, camping toilet, folding table, blackout and sliding windows, it is a real highlight. The DAILYCAMPER has a waste water tank, 25/30 liters of drinking water and is equipped as standard with an AGM on-board battery, 230 volt shore connection, charging booster, LED lighting, USB charging sockets, gas cartridge stove, DOMETIC cool box and secure lashing eyes for the four-legged companions.
You can transport up to 130 kg with the standard rear pull-out (incl. two boxes). Thanks to the swivel passenger seat and large storage space, there is also enough room for two people. With motorhome registration, it accompanies you through work, everyday life and adventures.
DIELECTRIC
With the DIELECTRIC camping box, you can transform your car into a small motorhome in just a few steps. The box consists of individual wooden elements that are stably connected to each other using a plug-in system. All 5 seats in the vehicle are retained. The box can be quickly and easily installed in the trunk by one person without having to modify the vehicle. It divides the trunk into two levels and offers space for four standard folding boxes or lots of other luggage. If the box is not needed, it can be laid flat on the trunk floor.
The DIELECTRIC box is available for over 40 different vehicles, as a basic kit to build yourself or as a complete set and is available for one or two people.
FLIP camping box
The Slovenian manufacturer FLIP Campingbox offers a camping box for 43 different vehicle models. The system consists of two separate modules that are easy to assemble and dismantle and require little storage space. The system has a large lying surface across the entire width of the vehicle.
There is plenty of storage space under the sleeping area as well as an optional fridge, stove and sink with fresh water and waste water canisters.
The company also offers a simplified version of the sleeping system under the name “FLIP Adventure Bed”.
Getaway vehicle
The “Fluchtfahrzeug” team offers simple van conversions for people who are traveling as a couple, have some equipment with them and don’t want to buy a complete motorhome. The modular extension variant is made of color-coated multiplex and can be easily inserted and lashed down in any van with 120 cm wheel arch spacing and 240 cm load compartment length.
The kitchen module, with its top-operated hob and sink and drawers that can be opened from both sides, can always be used from the inside. The drawers are self-locking and can otherwise be removed as packing boxes. The offer currently relates to VW bus-sized vans.
KAUAI Camper
The camping systems from Kauai are suitable for VW buses, Land Rovers, high-roof vans such as the VW Caddy etc. as well as compact vans such as the Citroën SpaceTourer, Peugeot Traveller etc. No modifications to the vehicle are necessary to use the camping modules.
The modularity of the system enables variable combinations for both weekend campers and globetrotters: bed, kitchen, water system, cool box, solar system etc. can be installed in the vehicle in no time at all and in flexible combinations.
IQ boxes
The IQ boxes are designed to be extremely stable and durable in line with professional flight case construction. They consist of coated panels and aluminum profiles from carefully selected manufacturers. The robust, flexible and versatile camping boxes with self-supporting, protected bed construction are ideal for sleeping, cooking and camping.
They fit into many different vehicles and can easily be taken along when changing vehicles. The IQ Boxes make travel preparations easier than ever before.
MOKEA42
The manufacturer has set itself the goal of converting the vehicle into a mini camper without sacrificing sufficient space for luggage and sports equipment. The Mokea42 camping module was developed with this vision in mind. It offers a generous lying surface of 1.75 (or 1.95) meters in length and up to 1.30 meters in width. The kitchen box is equipped with a full pull-out, sink, tap, submersible pump, 12-liter fresh water tank and 10-liter waste water canister. The module also has a cool box with cold packs, two gas cartridge stoves, a 12-volt distributor with two outlets and a battery box to make it independent of the base vehicle. It really is a fully equipped module.
The base frame is made of anodized aluminium, all screw connections and sheet metal parts are made of stainless steel. The furniture parts are made of solid core material that is insensitive to moisture and can withstand heavy loads or bad weather.
With Mokea42, your minicamper becomes a flexible companion for adventures and travel without having to compromise on features.
QUBIQ
In addition to innovative rear modules, organizers and window pockets, the system presents a bed system that impresses with its lightness in function and weight. The lightweight bed frame made of powder-coated steel is characterized by its robustness and flexibility. Special aluminum profiles are integrated into the construction, which precisely guide the extensions of the bed legs. This ensures that the bed can be assembled extremely quickly and effortlessly. The largest version of the bed, including mattress, weighs just 28 kg and can be dismantled into two parts in one easy step. This means that installation and removal in the vehicle can be carried out by one person in just a few minutes.
The lying surface is vehicle-specific and can vary in width by up to 140 centimetres, while the length remains constant at 192 centimetres. The anthracite-colored cover combines an 8-centimeter-thick cold foam mattress with a slatted frame. The cut-outs in the slatted frame ensure good ventilation of the mattress. Under the mattress there is a spacious 90 liter storage space for bedding or clothing. The FRED bed system can be retrofitted with a kitchen and/or pull-outs for Euroboxes. The integrated lounge function is a nice additional benefit.
The FUSION rear kitchen module from Qubiq is the big brother of the Fred bed system and transforms your everyday vehicle into a fully equipped motorhome. With the flexible camping kitchen, you can enjoy your free time independently and comfortably. No matter where you are, with the kitchen module and the comfortable mattress with slatted frame, you’ll feel at home wherever you are. The Fusion 1 rear extension also offers a well thought-out storage space concept for food, crockery, bedding, table, armchairs and much more to make your travels pleasant and comfortable.
QuQuQ Box
QUQUQ has been producing patented boxes since 2011, making it one of the pioneers among the manufacturers of camping boxes. With the QUQUQ-Box, a coherent module with all the basic camping functions has been created with the aim of transforming the everyday vehicle into a camper in a minute. In terms of use (bed, kitchen, etc.), the team’s brief was that everything should be quick and easy to operate.
At the same time, great importance was attached to comfort with a comfortable 10 cm cold foam mattress, 2-burner stove, windbreak, etc. The robust boxes are handmade in North Rhine-Westphalia. Ququq now builds eight different boxes for around 140 different vehicle types.
Reimo camping box
This box has everything you need: a bed with a sleeping surface, a camping kitchen and plenty of storage space for your camping accessories. With a camping box from Reimo, you can transform your car into a fully equipped motorhome in no time at all. All seats in the vehicle are retained and nothing needs to be changed on the vehicle. The camping box is simply placed in the trunk and the adventure can begin.
It offers plenty of storage space for luggage, accessories, water canisters, camping utensils, camping toilet, compressor cool box and camping gas stove. The camping box has a rear kitchen with gas stove. The only thing you have to do without here is a shower. But if you want a mobile camping toilet, this box is sure to have a place to store it. And if you want to use your motorhome as an everyday vehicle again, you can fold up the Reimo camping box and put it in your cellar or garage at home.
ROHDE Conceptcamper
Volker Rohde has set himself the goal of providing restful sleep in the smallest of spaces. With a generous sleeping area of 1.5 x 2.0 meters on a comfortable cold foam mattress, nothing stands in the way of relaxation. In addition, the Rohde minicamper offers a wealth of ingenious details that make life in the smallest of spaces extremely pleasant.
Most of these amenities are located under the tailgate. The material used, poplar plywood with CPL/HPL coating, comes from responsible, controlled forestry and environmentally friendly, certified production.
The Rohde minicamper is equipped with a 2-burner gas stove, a water system with 2 x 13-liter water canisters, a compressor cool box and an electric module with foldable solar panel. This module can be easily connected to the kitchen box and has two 12-volt connections, two USB connections, a solar connection and a connection for a CTEK charger. The electrical installation is carried out entirely with Victron components.
With the Rohde mini camper, which combines comfort and efficiency in the smallest of spaces, you are ideally equipped for your outdoor adventure.
travel tiger
Not exactly a classic camping box, but a very cool and above all flexible system is offered by the young start-up travel tiger with its “Schlofe” camping bed and “Koche” camping kitchen.
Both modules can be assembled and disassembled by one person without tools in just a few minutes and can also be used outside the vehicle, e.g. as a guest bed at home or as an outdoor kitchen in the garden. The bed is currently available for classic high-roof station wagons such as the VW Caddy, Citroen Berlingo & Co. as well as for vans and panel vans, and the kitchen can be used regardless of the model.
VANDERER
The Vanderer is an extension designed for multifunctionality and suitability for everyday use. It is based on the Citroën Berlingo XL or other PSA high-roof station wagons. Despite its compact size, it measures just 1.84 meters in width, 4.75 meters in length and only 1.88 meters in height despite the sleeping roof. With up to seven seats and its compact dimensions, the Vanderer is suitable both as a reliable everyday companion and for spontaneous weekend trips into the wilderness.
The furniture in the interior not only serves as storage space, but also offers a comfortable sleeping area of 2.05 x 1.20 meters and seating with a sofa and dining table in one. There is a kitchen pull-out under the tailgate that can be used as a gas or induction hob. The furniture unit on the driver’s side can be folded up and used as a table if required. A 15-liter compressor cool box between the cab seats is available for food. The complete furniture unit can be removed in less than a minute without tools. This turns the high-roof estate into a transport miracle when required.
Thanks to the standard pop-top roof with panoramic canopy, the Vanderer offers a generous standing height of 1.90 meters and an additional sleeping area of 1.90 x 1.14 meters with an integrated plate spring slatted frame. Part of the energy requirement is covered by solar cells on the pop-up roof itself, while LiFePo batteries provide a sufficient buffer
The Vanderer combines functionality, comfort, flexibility and design and turns your high-roof camper van into an adventurous and comfortable motorhome.
VanEssa mobilcamping
As the market leader, the inventors of the camping box in the rear of the vehicle have been offering a wide range of modular camping solutions for vans, minivans and midivans for 20 years. The core idea of the camping box in the rear of the vehicle, also known as the rear kitchen, was born three decades ago during camping vacations by owner Hubert Vollert. So he created the camping box in his carpentry workshop.
Custom-fit rear and interior kitchens, very comfortable sleeping systems and highly functional storage modules are now available for over 40 different vehicle types. The important thing here is that the everyday usability of the vehicles is not restricted and the furniture can be installed and removed quickly and easily without having to modify the vehicles. This creates a fully-fledged motorhome in just a few minutes.
Useful accessories for everyday camping such as stoves, cool boxes and the well-known window bags for various vans invented by VanEssa mobilcamping are also part of the range.
Weekender
The Weekender camping box is available in two different sizes, one with a drawer at the top and one without a drawer, the Weekender_S. Both models are equipped with a sink, tap and practical chopping board and are identical in width and depth. To ensure that the camping kitchen is complete, a stove is of course a must. The bottom drawer therefore offers sufficient space for a gas hob.
And there are a few more …
In addition to the camping boxes presented here, there are many other variants. Unfortunately, the manufacturers have not responded to our request for written details and photos. Therefore, we cannot provide detailed descriptions here, but must refer you to the manufacturers’ websites.
VW Caddy California
VW advertises the Caddy California as a motorhome with motorhome approval, which impresses with its well thought-out space concept. It has a spacious and comfortable rear bed with a lying surface of 1,980 mm x 1,070 mm, which is supported on the body and offers additional storage space under the bed frame. Integrated disc springs under the mattress ensure a high level of lying and sleeping comfort, while two additional insertable ventilation grilles ensure good ventilation. The starry sky can be enjoyed in conjunction with the optional panoramic glass roof.
Optional mini-kitchen in the rear: On request, the Caddy California can be equipped with a pull-out mini-kitchen in the rear, which offers practical storage space and two heavy-duty pull-outs for cooking utensils. The kitchenette is equipped with a 1-burner gas hob.
Mycamperbox
The special feature of the camping boxes is their modularity. Based on a sturdy aluminum frame, they offer a solid basic structure. Full-extension drawers allow easy access to the storage space and ensure optimum use of space. The integrated slatted frame with cold foam mattress promises restful sleep even on demanding camping adventures.
Depending on individual requirements, the camping boxes can be supplemented with various elements. A water drawer and waste water tank make mobile camping even more convenient. A gas stove allows you to prepare hot meals and a cool box keeps supplies fresh. Additional storage compartments provide space for personal items and camping accessories. This flexibility allows campers to design their camping box according to their own wishes and thus create a tailor-made camping experience.
There are two basic sizes of camping box: the m-box and the L-box. The m-Box is ideal for smaller vehicles such as high-roof station wagons or compact vans, while the L-Box was designed for larger vehicles such as vans or buses.
Vacamod
Lightweight, flexible and functional: the lightweight and flexible modules consist of a lying surface with mattress and a sophisticated rear module containing a complete kitchen unit with sink and tap.
The camping boxes can be set up and taken down in no time at all and are therefore particularly suitable for short trips. They also save space and can be used universally, especially in everyday vehicles.
The company offers various models such as Vacamod Basic, Vacamod Comfort, Vacamod Premium and Vacamod Custom for different vehicle types and individual needs.
ALUSTECK®
With the basic camping box module from ALUSTECK®, the dream of owning your own motorhome becomes child’s play. You can put together your own made-to-measure camping box using the assembly instructions. Whether as a compact mobile camping box for the van, as a kitchen block module for the mini camper or as a fully-fledged self-conversion into a motorhome with bed, kitchen and generous storage space.
The basic module makes it easy to combine and extend the boxes to create a comfortable bed. Folding down the upholstered backrests creates a spacious sleeping area in no time at all, transforming the van or panel van into a cozy bedroom. The assembly instructions also show you how to convert the modules with drawers into a functional kitchen unit with integrated sink, storage space, gas hob/cooker and worktop. The pull-out drawers can also be combined to form benches with integrated storage space. This flexible solution not only enables comfortable seating, but also optimal use of space.
Purecampingbox
PureCampingBox, which offers a unique conversion service, promises customized motorhome conversions. Customers can contribute their own ideas and visions, which the experienced team turns into reality. These tailor-made extensions are the crowning glory of the range and open up countless possibilities for personal camping dreams.
PureCampingBox embodies the passion for mobile freedom and offers high-quality, handmade products that combine local production, sustainability and individual design.
Freedom
Freeheit is an innovative company that specializes in the development of mobile kitchen and sleeping modules that transform an everyday vehicle into a motorhome in just a few minutes.
Freeheit offers a wide range of camping modules tailored to different vehicle types and individual needs. Each module contains a sophisticated rear kitchen with stove, sink, water canister and plenty of storage space, as well as a comfortable bed system with mattress, slatted frame and bedding. The flexible assembly and dismantling of the modules is uncomplicated and user-friendly.
Ebicos
Ebicos turns every van into a (T)space miracle. The company offers highly flexible extension solutions that can be installed and removed in just a few minutes. The Ebicos modules enable versatile use of the van both in everyday life and as a comfortable motorhome.
With two modules, the aim is to meet the needs of different vehicle models and their owners and enable flexible use. The Happy Camper module is suitable for larger vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter or the Fiat Ducato, which have a comfortable bed and a well-equipped kitchen block as well as generous storage space.
All Ebicos modules are made of high-quality materials that are not only durable, but also meet aesthetic and modern requirements.
Conclusion
Camping boxes have found their place on the camping market since 2011. But contrary to what you might think at first glance, these are not conventional plastic boxes designed to keep things tidy on vacation. Instead, they are modular boxes in different versions that can simply be placed and secured in the trunk or on the loading area of the vehicle. With these boxes, practically any car can be transformed into a mini camper van , as they offer all the amenities for a camping vacation.
This makes them an ideal alternative for anyone who wants to convert their vehicle into a camper quickly and inexpensively. If you are thinking about converting your mini camper yourself, you will find inspiration in this article.
The advantages of a camping box are obvious
Anyone who has ever tried a camping box will be convinced of its many advantages. The quick assembly and disassembly is particularly practical : the boxes can simply be lifted into the car and secured. In addition, many manufacturers contribute to environmental protection by making the majority of their products from wood, which makes the boxes attractive for long-term use. In addition, the boxes are not only useful for camping vacations, but are also practical for other purposes, as they can be folded up small or dismantled and the vehicle does not have to be permanently modified. During the week, the car can easily be used for commuting to work and at the weekend it can be transformed into a camper van in no time at all.
Convinced? Then it doesn’t matter which car you drive, there is a suitable camping box for your model. Check out the best road trip packing list for mini campers now!
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Cover photo: (c) FLIP Campingbox
