I'm using a toyota corolla hatch as an alternative to buying a van so I have plywood bought and planned in a similar way to yourself. The difference is that I intend to fiberglass the plywood so it forms a complete plastic shell against water damage - not recommended for sleeping on of course. Some ideas I think could help you - to have a rasp and rasp former to contour the edges because that would be rough on your hands. After that I would shellac the plywood with a brush or pad. Shellac is the most non-toxic sealer that exists - it's technically edible when the alcohol that carries it has dried off - if you don't seal it I think you'll get mold because people breath out a pint of water each night - which is a reason to keep the windows open just a smidgen too. You can also buy the floor underlay for cars and shape it to fit the windows with a backing pad - the reason is that it is sound insulated. You could just use tension rods to stay the window cutouts in such a way that they are out of the way at night and that way you don't need any permanent fixture. In my scheme I'll use a sheet of cardboard and crudely cut it to fit the shape of the floor. Then I will take a scribe and use the metal pong against the walls so I can produce a more accurate contour on the cardboard. Then that cardboard will fit against the van in a contoured way but I might even do that twice to make it a perfect fit. My main problem now is figuring out how to take ideal measurements to cardboard of the wall and roof geometry - the floor is the easy part I think.
I got a 2001 camry but the way i made my bed was removing the passenger seat and putting some cushions and pillow to make a nice comfy bed. But i like your idea. Toyota's are just so reliable when it comes to roadtrips. hopefully there more i can get out of it.
People need to start doing this as a prepper course for the future. A whole lot of people were evicted during the outbreak of COVID and ever since then. Families and even the elderly are living in their vehicles now.
Great video. One small tip, if you want to double, double check, the platform/base measurements, simply cut out a piece of cardboard using the measurements and drop it into the back, essentially the cardboard becomes a template for the plywood. I love the American pioneering spirit, we're not quite the same here in the UK .... : -)
I really love your idea and started building my own based on yours. The foldable piece really utilizes the extra space when you move the front seats forward. But you have to move all the stuffs rest behind front seat each time you fold and unfold that piece. that space is used for fridge or batteries in lots of design. In my case, a simple traditional hinge will do the work, and top piece will just rest on the the fridge and battery beneath.
I had the same thought, as I watched. Too much storage space is lost when that piece folds down. Have it fold to the rear of the car when not in the bed position. Or, put supports under it, so that piece can be removed, when the seats are in the driving position.
I've been car camping in my 2011 Toyota Carolla sedan for many years, but sleep in the driver's seat laid as flat as possible with a suitcase to support my legs at the front. Sadly the passengers console comes down low, so less foot room there. It works forme and the resultatnt storage in the boot and back seat are amazing. Mine is set up with a fridge and gear for a pretty cool outdoor kitchen. I also carry a fire pit and small folding toilet. My camp kitchen fits into a backpack designed for photography, that I have repurposed. I use a Coleman dual fuel single burner stove. Anything stored in the back seat is either contained in black, or covered in black to match the seats. Sadly, in Australia, if we modify the seats we void our insurance, so more limited in scope than you are in N America it seems. I love your set up. If I could legally remove the back of even the wider section of my passenger seat backs I would!
I did close to the same build, trunk part is the same (the reason for that part of a modification was so I could keep a full-size spare) However, the bed platform is only on the 60 split, the 40 split part of the seat is still in. Don't think I could really do anything with taking that out to solve this issue, but I am normally a side sleeper, and I had kinda a tough time sleeping because my hips were hitting on the top trim part of that opening into the trunk... any ideas to get more room there?
I've got a video I'm making for some ideas on that, but what helped me the most was extending the platform forward toward the front seats so that it's my knees rather than my hips under the trim. I've found a couple ways to keep the spare tire accessible by making it easier to take in and out. My main thing is that I don't want to have to use tools to get it out.
Stumbled across your vid Oliver, simple and to the point, no loud music, got some really good tips and ideas so will modify my old Mk2 Rave4 using your plans, thanks for sharing, take care. 👍😃
Thanks friend! Yeah it's been a fun process and I get some pretty regular use out of the car with the platform in. I'm bad about making new videos, but I get the camping part done haha
I did this with my '13 Corolla when I went down south to see the eclipse. I wanted to be able to touch and go at a moments notice as conditions indicated, and not have to find lodging or make reservations and such, so the famous Corolla Camper solution was indicated. The night before the eclipse was hot and muggy, but I found a spot off in the boondocks and let the engine idle and the AC run all night, and with my top-of-the-line stereo playing something ambient, and having something to smoke, it became like a sensory deprivation tank... I had a fine night : )
Hi Oliver, can you tell me what type of screws you used to secure the L brackets and the 1x2 that you mentioned at 3:10? I would greatly appreciate it 🙏
Unfortunately mine does not - the wood isn't necessary though, you could just remove the back rests (quite easy) and then you'd have a nice flat surface.
Hi Oliver, Great build. I have a 1995 Corolla and this is what I am going to do. Thanks for the inspiration. By chance, if you read this, can you please tell me approx. how long the entire project took? Thank you.
I sold my house and bought a 5th wheel for my family and I. Unfortunately we had a big mudslide that may take a year to clear between me and my work. The long way in is also unstable, and since I cannot afford to stay in a hotel…I am thinking about setting up a Corolla that was left for dead out here as a bug out vehicle that I can stay in should the road close when I am away.
hi, I wanted to find out about the hardware, bedding, and the window screens there actual names/brand where are available any info related to these items please. Thanks for your time... -W-
The way to get rid of homelessness to solve the problem for tens of thousands is to allow them to move in the homes that were built for them by the government counties. Someone or some people allowed foreign elderly families move in to these apartment homes that were supposed to belong to the people of this County and now we have an overwhelmingly homeless problem and these apartments go buy people's income tens of thousands in the Bay area Northern California have been taking by Asian people that were born somewhere else and they're older they're not from here how did that happen. office personnel that's how it happened
that looks so comfy! When I crash in my car after hikes, I get to see the stars and have peace and quiet (though the sleeping situation is hilarious with current little car). Looking at buying a corolla and wanted to know if it was possible to camp in it. And it's possible, thank you so much for posting this!
I camp in my Nissan Xterra, thinking about building one of those platforms. And I found your video bc I was looking at used Toyota's for sale, and was curious if anyone has ever made a camper out of it. So yeah good job man, it looks great.
Should add another piano hinge so you can access the spare tire. I've done the same on my Corolla but removed the seat bottom cushion too. 2003-2011 Corrolas are unchanged.
Take the passenger seat out. Replace with a cooler fridge. Inverter and or small microwave or toaster oven &/or desk. Add a pillow top and it is a great ottoman. Fold the back seat and you can sleep. With backseat up you get an executive seat. Seating for 3-4 and with backseat down a great sleeping area. To remove front seat disconnect 12 volt battery to prevent airbag going off when unplugging. Add a 12 volt battery disconnect for the invertor / icebox so you Don't drain the battery.
My friend I'm living in a 99 c230 benz I'm in vancouver currently people call me crazy but I'm having the time of my life meeting the coolest people ever this is great craftsmanship here great materials smart man you are 🤓
Thanks for making this video! I’m going to be doing the same thing with a 2012 corolla and hoping to do some traveling and not have to pay for hotels, and I’ve got the same jackery and it works great!
Could you potentially fold something like this and store it in the trunk and then remove the seats and set it up where you're at the place you're camping? We have a toddler so I need a back seat
So I have a 2020 Camry, which the back seat is about the same. I sort of wish they didn't put the plastic trim (which sits behind the seats) there, as it does limit the amount of space you have once you put a mattress in. You have maybe 6-8 inches of clearance from the mattress to the top of the plastic trim piece (which is difficult if not impossible to remove without tools; as I'm looking for a no-build system where I can just fold down the seats and fold out the foam mattress I have for quick setup/take down).
In Australia, you can get them from Kmart, Reject Shop etc. About $12 for two. They're brilliant as you can wind the window down and they'll stay as an insect/privacy screen.
Such an awesome idea. Didn't know I'd find any solutions for my corolla when I searched it up, but I'll definitely consider this. update: I have removed the bolts that prevent my rear seats from coming off completely. Now I just have to take the measurements and get the materials. Very excited to do my first 'boondocking rig' I guess.
If you don't mind me asking, which year do you have? I'm really not a car person, or handy at all tbh, I just want to be able to work on art in nature instead of being stuck in my apartment with no inspiration. Really nervous about something like this, I want to find someone who has a 2007 so I can know some info for sure. Hopefully I can get my boyfriend's "help" (making him do it)
@@shummers I have an 08 I'm pretty sure, LOWEST trim. I don't even have power windows and locks. No remote key either. I'm fairly certain the actual dimensions of all corollas are extremely similar. The ones from 2000-2008 have the same basic shape.
I have an older Coleman fridge, and it's pretty good. It doesn't get extremely cold, but it works for a weekend of camping to keep milk, eggs, and meat from spoiling
That window mesh cover is brilliant. Can just stuff it into the door when not in use and then put it on in seconds. If only I could just buy a pre-built platform like yours to avoid doing all the work to make it.
Was thinking the same thing “how about selling cars after doing this” but it’ll be impossible to register and insure unless it’s exactly how the car came
Hi Oliver, are you still camping in the Corolla? Wondering what if any changes you’d make to your original design, updates? I’m specifically targeting a used (2008-2010) Corolla for my Bucket List, North America camping adventure due to the best mpg. Steve (66yrs)
Yes, I am absolutely! I am doing a trip through the mountains this week, and I am hoping to make some videos for RU-vid along the way. I have made several updates, and will share those soon!
Great video Oliver, inspired me to get a Corolla for my Bucket List adventure camping. Have you added or changed anything as you used this set up? Steve (66yrs), Manitoba
I would say that in the back trunk, where the tires are usually stored for recent cars (I know in the past, cars would store tires in weird places) you could make a foldable mechanism to store extra stuff in there ;)
I have a 2018 Camry and I tried having a local mechanic remove the front passenger seat which messed up the computer system resulting in his putting the seat back.
What I did to get extra space was I put in the matrix seats the passenger side folds down completely making it a flat surface it does need a little bit of modification to get it to work oem mainly just switching harnesses but I love it its more comfortable and useful do keep in mind it does it about a inch higher than the regular corolla seats
