DIY Car Camper Build - 2003 Toyota Corolla (Includes Plans)

[@melissacole1821]

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.

[@joegomez4408]

I'm even amputated and live in my truck

[@CodyJacobCamacho]

@@joegomez4408May God protect you brother

[@AmitSingh-zn1kz]

You have an excellent attitude. So unassuming. Thank you.

[@oliverking75]

Thanks man! Really appreciate it!

[@AmitSingh-zn1kz]

@@oliverking75 You, too, are welcome. An example of your "attitude" is including: "Note: I took influence from..."

[@darrelwilliford7066]

I have a 96 Toyota Corolla 4 Dr and you just gave me a n idea on how to fix my car into a full time live in vehicle, thanks for the ideas,

[@clifficus]

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. 👍😃

[@oliverking75]

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

[@fionaludbrook8193]

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!

[@NewMxGrl]

Excellent job on the sleep frame and the video 👏 Simple car camping!!

[@phillipsargeant1936]

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 .... : -)

[@oliverking75]

That’s a brilliant idea! I’ll definitely be doing that for future projects

[@alexislaisney3404]

@@oliverking75 CAD Cardboard Auto Design

[@mikeandsuzannegeorgiamount6036]

Great, simple build 👍

[@ByronTexas]

Love this! Very nice work!

[@jeerapongss]

This is amazing you should make more videos about this please I really enjoy watching keep it up

[@oliverking75]

I definitely will! I want to make a video taking it out camping, so that should be the next one to do!

[@normancoutts]

Simple and easy as you say - and very nicely done. Cheers.

[@daniellakhomuz]

Nice! I have a 2007 and this would probably work for me. Good idea!

[@oliverking75]

I put a similar build in a 2007, it worked really well!

[@timothythegreat6294]

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 🤓

[@xs10z]

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 : )

[@derekzimmer6335]

Thank you for your great ideas, especially the locking hinge.

[@123luizfelipecesario]

You give me a lot of ideias to do with my Corolla 2004! Tank you!

[@Hawk-qn2zk]

Sweet setup.

[@amaoletsgo5055]

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.

[@lostinwonderland87]

can you link the mattress?

[@oldtimerlee8820]

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.

[@arleenhennessey4047]

Thanks for sharing! I like this platform alot. Will it also work for a 2001 Toyota corolla?

[@susangraham157]

Thanks for this! Planning a trip this summer in my 2010 Corolla. Your ideas are exactly what I need.

[@oliverking75]

That’s great I hope that you have a fun trip!

[@oliverking75]

Anyone else camping in their car? Hopefully it's not just me.

[@colonynaut1627]

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.

[@soulexplorer3399]

I have camperized my kia soul

[@homie89916]

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.

[@soulexplorer3399]

I sleep in my Kia Soul camper

[@rebel722]

I'm working on figuring out a plan for my elantra!

[@mototrack9094]

Cool pretty good job you did there!

[@matthewlizotte8904]

I'm in the middle of doing that to my 2008 Toyota Corolla ce didn't even see ur build b4 that idea popped into my head. The thing about Us Americans we love transforming our vehicles which panics the Auto Manufacturers 😂😂

[@larissagabiqueiroga]

This is VERY SMART

[@kiradot8071]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you!

[@oliverking75]

Thanks for watching! Hope you have fun with it!

[@djdiaries536]

This was such a helpful tutorial!

[@bencuraza6503]

VERY NICE Set Up and Great Job as well as Sharing Your Build 👍👍⬆️😎🚙

[@stephaniedillard9706]

Just wow!! Great job!!

[@oliverking75]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad it was useful!

[@stephaniedillard9706]

@@oliverking75 it was, bc I have plans for a camper car, I just haven't decided it all out yet

[@projecthowto]

Great video!! Wish you good luck getting more subs as you deserve it!

[@oliverking75]

Thanks friend! I will be posting more on this as it gets warmer, thanks for the support!

[@Redrichhh]

The most perfect video I’ve seen to fit me yet, thank you. I wish you could build mine (I’d pay)

[@oliverking75]

Haha I would start a company selling them, but I have a feeling it wouldn't catch on that much.

[@Redrichhh]

@@oliverking75 don’t doubt yourself

[@David53D]

I did this in my 2018 Camry although without the wings it still works great. Thanks for the idea.

[@daganjurjans3438]

Dude this is awesome, thanks for the information~

[@4EntertainmentOnly]

Awesome....2013 corolla ...will be doing that soon.

[@anondoe9170]

Thank you ! I was thinking about how I will outfit my Kia Forte and this has a lot of good suggestions and helps me visualize it better!!

[@chrisking2959]

Good job 👍

[@oliverking75]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@michaelconover1559]

Iam not quite as sophisticated as you but getting their .how do you handle anxiety at night in random locations?

[@JennyStar-y4n]

I feel the same way you're not a loan it's the thought of the Police pulling over a senior citizen just trying to I'm also a cancer try and sleep at the hospital if you can if you're quiet and you feel scared that's what at this point I probably think there is no I'm there but they know that I'm also sick may God bless you Happy New years and all the good things🎉❤

[@beckwil0852]

Very cool

[@johnmccloskey7199]

The 9th (03-08) gen Corolla is one of my favorite economy cars.

[@jankingkhan]

I got Corolla Hatchback and your idea even works better than a sedan. Thanks

[@oliverking75]

I wish I had a hatchback haha, it would be great!

[@Laurabora82224]

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!

[@oliverking75]

Thanks friend! Glad it was useful!

[@JennyStar-y4n]

Just be careful of the police they pull you over for nothing all you're trying to do is get some and there's a lot of crazy people out there be very careful even if you are a woman especially really doesn't matter love all of you and we are all trying to make it one way or another thanks for posting this video you gave me a couple of ideas like I said get an air fryer you can even get them at the Goodwill for like $7 on senior day which is Monday sometimes you might get lucky and it'll be another day we have to do all we can to save money in this❤

[@augustwest501]

Hi, thanks. Going to try it out!

[@nickychen6489]

This is what I need, thanks!

[@gracie9871]

I have a similar setup in my 2014 honda accord. Car camping is more feasible than I thought. I took out my backseats, put down a mattress topper and a comforter to level it out, and I use my storage container as a headboard and set my jackery on it.

[@idinlvvegas5528]

Nice job! I have a 07 Corolla and am planning on doing a cross country road trip. This would be perfect! Thanks for posting and Happy Travels🏖

[@oliverking75]

Have fun on your trip! It works really well for the cross country thing!

[@healingv1sion]

I want to do this so bad! Then i can solo travel across the USA!

[@oliverking75]

It would be awesome for that! Could save a ton of money on hotels and such!

[@Mark-zz6lo]

I just bought a corolla and plan on doing this

[@boriskoblents8586]

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.

[@brickdinero5468]

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

[@JuvelTadena]

Wow. This is my dream camper. New viewer here

[@oliverking75]

It works really well! Thanks for watching!

[@midnightg3593]

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

[@JamesMcNamara-j1g]

Front seats, or rear?

[@wendynicklin7693]

Nice job 👍👌👍

[@oliverking75]

Thanks Wendy!

[@wendynicklin7693]

@@oliverking75 your welcome !! Really nice 🙂

[@literallyshane4306]

very nice mate 👍

[@4EntertainmentOnly]

doesn't look heavy either. I like

[@oliverking75]

It is very quite light - easy for one person to manage!

[@sue4385]

This is awesome great job! Have Hyundai Sonata and want to do trip to NYC, 200.00 + a night is way too much for hotel. We plan to rent campsite and sleep in car as me and my daughter only and feels safer than a tent. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

[@oliverking75]

That's great, I hope that you have lots of fun! Stay safe out there!

[@thehooomie9703]

Hello. How is that going for you? I have a hyundai sonata as well (2014) that im converting to a weekend warrior for me and my wife. Thank god for this video because the little trunk hole space is so small that it would be so uncomfortable for 2 people to sleep in. With this idea we will have somewhat more room.

[@JennyStar-y4n]

Don't forget your taser gun rope and bear spray flashlight and you can buy lights with batteries for a dollar at a you can even get a portable candle with a battery we are all struggling sometimes a candle in the right place makes you feel a little happier you can also get a the ones in the hospital sometimes the Goodwill's will give them away for free or for a 5-gallon bucket strongbox that is small with a plastic bag for those late night when it's freezing cold the state of Nevada will not let you use any bathrooms anywhere they have no water outside for anyone and they will not let you use their bathrooms nowhere no hospitality here you can get on your insurance card a free membership to planet YMCA for the neighborhood homeless shelter lots of things to help you as well I like sleeping bags if they have flannel so cozy you don't want to get you can also get a heating pad if you have a power to keep you warm on cold nights I have even made it through ice storms make sure your window wipers are good just try to lay low so no onecan see you the emergency room parking lot is sometimes a good place to stay if you are a woman I have cancer I stay there sometimes I even tell the security guard on there they're usually pretty nice if you tell them you're afraid sketchy places to park be safe my friend and t i n t your you can see how they can't see him😂

[@emenefer]

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.

[@shummers]

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)

[@simpsimps553]

@@shummers ill help but youll have to move in with me.

[@emenefer]

@@shummers I have an 05. I'm pretty sure they're all the same shape. At least until the 2013 and up models

[@emenefer]

@@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.

[@emenefer]

@@simpsimps553 Weird af dude 😂

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

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.

[@ShakespeareCafe]

CDX A/C plywood is cheaper than maple and the A side is sanded smooth so that's good enough for a bed platform.

[@plus-vf1re]

I just subscribed.from Philippines

[@oliverking75]

Thanks man!

[@JoshuaJayVlogs]

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!

[@oliverking75]

I love the Jackery, it's so much more useful than I even thought it would be! Hope you have fun out there!

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I always thought a hatchback was a must for such conversions. I've even seen it done to yaris.

[@kuldipgill8191]

Thank you it's really nice

[@dontsub2me441]

Cool video man

[@oliverking75]

Thanks friend!

[@spellerlittlewing]

Excellent

[@oliverking75]

Thank you! Have fun out there!

[@naturmotiv7648]

Awesome. I'm looking for inspiration for a build like that for my 2010 Skoda Superb. This was great! Thanks! /Kenneth

[@DifferentTravels]

Nice video!

[@augustwest501]

Where do you find the cool window covers?

[@norm1815]

Nice brotha!

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Smart design !!Thank you!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@samsonite8400]

It's very important to have a flat level bed in the car for health. Sleeping in a non-flat bed can give blood clots in just 2 days.

[@Geekchess]

What if your lying down (length wise into boot/trunk) but it slants towards your feet a little?

[@Victorylap-fy4ke]

@@Geekchess You just need your head to always be a little higher than your feet.

[@JennyStar-y4n]

That was very interesting to know thank you I've had to live in my Toyota

[@jazzdog49]

Thank you. Nicely done :)

[@martinjuarez2508]

Excelente hotel!!!

[@oliverking75]

Thanks friend!

[@ModerateLeftist89]

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 🙏

[@skyyb0rn]

Ong awesome video!

[@jackrippper3389]

Instantly subbed

[@oliverking75]

That's because you're a boss!

[@jackrippper3389]

@@oliverking75 Thanks handsome

[@tdgdbs1]

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.

[@SamuelGriffin]

Thanks man

[@razor3003]

One night will pay for all of your materials & breakfast the next morning:)

[@JennyStar-y4n]

You can put a camping bag on the top of your car to give you more room for your clothes put plastic bags inside with a that will really secure it for rain also my plate is out of state so they think I'm visiting I'm in Las Vegas and I have Arizona play a whole lot more room if you have a put a piece of foam up top as well so it will not crack the window good luck and God bless

[@joshuabauer7784]

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?

[@oliverking75]

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.

[@kimboulet5025]

Hi, thanks for the video. What is actually call the mesh you're using? Where can I buy one?

[@Ka3Ty]

Does the rear seat open flat so you can just use a thin mattress without all that wood?

[@oliverking75]

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.

[@drdelirious8899]

Totally making this althought it is kind of worrying if ever you where rear ended it would slam right into the from passengers

[@Kool8675]

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.

[@jonathandemelo3075]

How many miles does your Corolla have?

[@AnnPope-l4f]

Hi , where did you get the window covers

[@calebbecker9706]

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

[@Pond6]

So those shades you included in the video description don't fully block anyones view from seeing you sleeping in your back seat right?. Do you recommend buying window covers online or making your own?.

[@dennytouche7997]

Where did you buy the locking thing?

[@cefvelasco7200]

hey boss do you have update on this build? thank you!

[@JamesMcNamara-j1g]

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.

[@jannmacdougall1448]

Me, 2010 Nissan Versa, a hatchback, I would highly recommend onr

[@stevenrldenault7451]

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

[@AGMJSProduction]

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 ;)

[@attackscorpion5323]

Where the rear seats latch on I wonder if you could cut that plastic part out to give yourself more room.

[@JennyStar-y4n]

If you don't have a lot of money for a mattress Walmart in Burlington or Ross stick them both together and they make a soft bed that would cost about $44 foam outlet because it's so skinny you get a great deal two dog pillows are easier because you can just stack them on top of each can put a travel bag on top of your car and use a dog pillow for cushion if you have a sunroof air fryer to cooking you can get one at the Goodwill they're easy to cook everything nice camping or living

[@mr.h3134]

Greetings. Please provide a link and actual name for the “little locking things,” and the screens for the windows, thank you!

[@oliverking75]

Hey friend, they are in the description of the video if you want to take a look at the exact product

[@projectchosin]

Hey are you still active. How did the build hold up?

[@josephd27]

I have a 2019, I've been wondering about if it could be comfortable to sleep in for a couple nights. That's a great bed build

[@dvgadd]

Nice

[@HR-wd6cw]

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).

[@williamadams4718]

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-

[@MonkeyPunchZPoker]

Looks like its too tight to side sleep, is that right?

[@azaleatoney2529]

What fridge do you have and can you link the video for the seat removal?

[@oliverking75]

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

[@aseretaretrom4807]

Whenever you leave the car and hike somewhere , are you leaving the windows covered?

[@krystalwhite675]

This is amazing! Is there a reason why you chose not to take out the front passenger seat?

[@Victorylap-fy4ke]

Yes, leaving the seatbacks in place keeps it from less road noise and cooler from the trunk not insulated.