Honda Element camper conversion: Nemo

[@davidwollpert5276]

Wow, this is from 7 years ago. Came to me as I’ve Been looking at Elements recently. You’ll probably never see this note, but in case you do I wanted to say THANK YOU, as there are some very nice ideas here. I hope you’re doing well!

[@khaavren3]

the pop top is a game changer! You totally freed up the "downstairs" for just living room stuff.

[@charisw]

The second set-up gives even more room downstairs, which I love even more.

[@BigBallardTT]

We were the ones that drove by and waved to you on I-5 in our dark grey Element, on our way home from our maiden voyage with the camper. We bought ours in large part because of this video. Thank you!!

[@charisw]

Well, that's cool!!! Hello and thanks!

[@wainedodd8055]

that sink idea is going to get used plenty. that's genius. that's a cool brother & dad to have

[@charisweathers2174]

Very cool to have talented family :-)

[@yummocan918]

great tips. I am obsessed w camper/van/car life vids right now and it's been a while since I've seen something new. love the sugru tip.

[@charisweathers2174]

Yay, thanks!

[@michellethelen6153]

I love how practical this is - with the boxes. Makes it so versatile too.

[@BIKE_LLECI]

Genuinely the best car tour I’ve seen. So well thought out and simple but useful storage, adaptable space. Just amazing little rig. 🤙🏻 just got an element recently too! Thanks for all the tips and ideas!

[@charisw]

Thanks! I like my second set-up better, but only because I have the pop up top. Otherwise I'd still be with the boxes.

[@HoffAppFarm]

This is AWESOME...thank you!!! I've been enamored with Elements since borrowing my uncle's. At the time he lived in Anchorage and my wife and I took it on our pre-wedding honeymoon...from Anchorage to Seward, to Ketchikan, hopped the Ferry to Homer and the Kenai...we took it everywhere...AND it had (has..he still owns it!) an eCamper as well! So our 2003 Corolla just died at 250,000 miles so I'm desperately trying convince my wife to let us get a 2008 or newer model. This is an incredible video that...God willing we get the Element...I'll be coming back to make use of your stellar ideas...thank you!

[@Filmore87458]

I just bought my first Honda Element yesterday! It's a 2005 and I love it. Thanks for showing the possibilities you've built into yours.

[@charisweathers2174]

Woohoo! There's so much creativity to be had in an Element!

[@bayolac]

I"m about to buy a 2004 Honda Element and came across your wonderful video. I really appreciated all the info. Thank you very much. I loved the message at the end, we all should be kind to our planet. Hope you and Nemo Enjoy the outdoors for many years to come. I'll try to do the same with my green Honda Element. Thank you again for the video

[@Raku777]

Thanks for sharing. Good to know that the company has a plant in Portland. You did great in your build.

[@fernandoherranz4095]

That whole sink/water situation is just genius! Nice work. Thanks for sharing!

[@robgindc1]

That sink solution is genius! Love her setup, wishing her safe travels & happy trails. :)

[@saxmanzzz]

Some great tips and ideas. The sink holder and water pump are outstanding ! I'm well impressed.

[@dave_thomas]

You made that Honda Element a Next Level Vehicle. Great Job. Honda really needs to release an updated version of the Element. It is way over due.

[@charisw]

Right??

[@jeanmarieleone6741]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video with all of your excellent solutions ! Love the sink , water pump , loo with sawdust andsugru and organizers. So helpful! I am just outfitting my Element and thanks to you I will purchase many of your excellent recommendations! So lucky to find wild Mountain goat fur on the trail! I hope you gathered this gift from the goats. It’s so easy to use a drop spindle to make mohair yarn . You could knit or crotchet a hat to wear camping! Thanks AGain for all the Element conversion help.

[@parker3208]

best sink/water solution I've ever seen in an element. Thanks for the video.

[@charisweathers2174]

Hey, that's cool - thanks!

[@kink5291]

I could listen to you talk all the time , enjoyed your project.

[@inourelementADVNTRS]

I enjoyed all of this!! Thanks for sharing. Our Element Ecamper group/family do not have much videos on here. You've inspired us to film a walkaround, too.

[@charisweathers2174]

Yes! Do it!

[@moodyfan4ever]

The same car as Element Van Life, he is on KZbin with his travels, great car ., hope you have safe travels!!!

[@charisweathers2174]

Thanks!

[@ritadavison4857]

The sink is absolutely brilliant!

[@luizmiranda1950]

Everything perfect. The project, organization, intelligence, explanation and, light years above, the lady (a fairy?), she's extremely beautiful! Please, accept my congratulations!

[@suefairburn1396]

Nicely done...lots of great ideas and thoughtfully offered in a way that others than use and adapt as they wish. Great to see a local adaptation!

[@yoshizen9267]

Thank you for change the Element more fun and more practical . I think Honda people pleased and that's what Element was built for it

[@jrose987]

I love this! I have been thinking about buying a honda element and doing a little road trip. This was so helpful, and I will do it!

[@Swimdeep]

The Suguru adhesive is great with one caveat; it’s kinda expensive and each package once opened, cures pretty quickly, so make sure you have uses for a full package before opening. Thanks for the tour and for the great ideas.💡

[@charisw]

Yes, all true! It does have its drawbacks, and yet I haven't found anything else quite like it.

[@hebelson444]

Your dad rocks for helping you. Let the good times roll and keep camping !

[@SHADOWBOXERBAYBEE]

Your video inspired me to check AUTOTRADER and I FOUND a 2007 in the same Tangerine BUT with fog lights, side curtain air bags and the seat belt is attached to the seat instead of the door. Today is my 62nd birthday and I hope that I like how the Element handles when I go for the test drive and if I do purchase it, will convert it as you have yours, just no pop up camper at the top since I'm not strong enough to get up there but use a blow up mattress and pack that thing on top when not in use.. I think it will be liberating to drive across the country at my own pace. It's the perfect size for it

[@charisw]

Did you get one?

[@MrGeorgedj]

Thanks for the info on the cup holder. Install it yesterday and works great.! Happy Elementing!

[@charisw]

Cool!

[@PatrickHRoss]

One of the best conversions I've seen so far

[@charisweathers2174]

Thanks!

[@jorgearteaga1868]

What a great set up! Thanks for also giving detailed info on the products you used.

[@SinjinCerasani]

Very well spoken, refreshing! Fantastic video!

[@charisweathers2174]

Thanks!!

[@karencooper6634]

hoping to get an Element soon....love your set up and may try it when I get my own.....I have a Ford conversion van but need something smaller for around town and the Element is top of my list....with some conversions, this will make a sweet camper.

[@charisweathers2174]

It really can. The biggest downfall is its small size for long-term camping, BUT the positive is that it's not too big so that it can be a legitimate daily car.

[@jkxtc2016]

Very nice set up ...i am soon getting a ursa j30 for my JK...it really gives you more room to do all the other storage and seating. Makes you want to camp out all the time

[@DrLorenThomas]

Great video! Thanks. I was just about to sell my Element (my third, I have been a devotee since 2003) and buy a camper. The design is genius. You may have saved my relationship with my Element.

[@charisweathers2174]

Wow, this is a great compliment. Let me know what you decide to do!

[@chewdoggie2]

Great production and fabrication. So can the sugru be removed later? How do you keep the boxes from sliding around? And lastly, can we get a video of what it looks like up in the pop-up? How easy is it to climb in? Love it! My tip: never let your oil get low, not even a half a quart. Be vigilant on fluids in general.

[@charisweathers2174]

The sugru can sort of be removed, but there might be a stain on the plastic. I haven't needed to take it off yet, thankfully. I didn't include video of what it's like inside the top because other videos do that (and at 15min, sheesh, it's already too long!). Sorry for that not being included, though. With the boxes inside the car it's very, very to climb up. Without the boxes it requires a bit of a hop and bar dip movement. I have the rear corners of the boxes attached by nite ize` gear ties to metal tie-downs that were factory installed by Honda. The boxes themselves are bolted together to keep them straight, and they stay put with the foam and carpet. It's probably not the safest way to drive and I'll figure out how to make another anchor point eventually.

[@bronwenhook6088]

Thanks for some great ideas. I'm going with what I have, a Nissan Versa, which is not a particularly convenient space. The sugru will solve several problems, as will your elastic holdall setups. Also, well done for your tidy and well-explained organisation!

[@charisweathers2174]

Sugru is awwwwesome :-)

[@OutDoorZombie]

Really enjoyed your video. I don't have an Element - but I do have a Honda Fit -- which I'll be doing a long road trip to Ontario this summer, that I want to sleep in along the way. Thanks for some great ideas.

[@faychampoux1140]

One more thing...I need a dad like yours

[@toronado455]

That pillow holder is great.

[@stephjkane]

Amazing job, this was so helpful and I love all your little tricks!!

[@rolandozamarripa4518]

Would have liked to see the pop up top from the inside. I’m sure liking the element more and more

[@charisw]

If you search KZbin you can find some other videos, I believe.

[@pauljschuetz]

i just got an element and i am completely in love with the car

[@ListenMySon]

Great little car conversion.

[@karencooper6634]

hi, was hoping to see more updates on your travels in the Element....I like what you have done with it. I have a 2008 and am watching all the Elements conversions and yours is one of the best so far....thanks and I hope you are still on the road.

[@charisw]

It took too long, but there's now an update to the conversion.

[@jeremytravers8181]

Great video! Just got a Honda Element and am looking forward to using it as my adventure vehicle for kayaking. You show some great add ons.. Thanks!

[@charisweathers2174]

Have a blast kitting it out with whatever you need for kayaking!!

[@faychampoux1140]

Fabulous video! Such clarity and vision

[@NanookFieryArcticSkyy]

I am subscriber 500. I have been looking at.my Element Ele Blu for years knowing she can do more than she is doing today. Thank you.

[@BBBYpsi]

Love some of the stuff you did here. Really love your sink idea.

[@DandelionCottageDesign]

Nice ideas, thanks for posting. Can't believe Honda stopped making them! And thanks for posting all the name brands, very helpful. Have a great adventure :)

[@alltheseflavors]

Awesome camper! Love the sink ingenuity, and will be looking for that sugru stuff! I've never heard of it, and hot glue for attaching hooks and things in my Scion Xb has not worked well at all.. I want an Element! Wish I would've discovered all these Element videos before buying my Xb recently, but I am grateful for it. Great vid!

[@charisw]

Hope you can convert it to your liking!

[@vivianKimberlin]

your sink setup is outstanding!

[@charisweathers2174]

Thanks!

[@kodeywhitewolf8528]

Adding the pump makes life easier for sure...Great idea

[@SuperClare]

Amazing tips that I hadn’t heard of before, thank you for posting!

[@ValerieWhittington]

Thanks so much for sharing... I've just planned a road trip and I love what I've learned here.

[@robertdwyer6647]

Great video! Impressive camper and engineering for such a compact package.

[@charisweathers2174]

Thanks! It's a small camper, but very doable for comfortable road trips.

[@thebrothersbrew7285]

Nice job. I want to make boxes that are similar but can be stacked behind the rear seats, so when not in use they essentially convert to a trunk organizer. I have a 2006 Element (AWD, 5spd).

[@charisw]

There are examples of boxes that stack in the back of the Element on the Honda Element Owners Forum site.

[@gotredeemed]

Things are developing nicely. Nemo is a fun name. GL. Perhaps NEMO needs some white stripes.

[@rcpmac]

I really like your creative solutions

[@zekehooper]

that sink was very cool.

[@skyeevans1981]

hand pump for the water dispenser comes from Turkey...was invented by Turkish genius...Thanks to him...I have got one as well..

[@charisweathers2174]

Sweet!

[@c0pyimitati0n]

Sugru is awesome and comes in a variety of colors 😁

[@mainemotorhomeadventures4173]

Great ideas.Love all your little gizmos.

[@charisweathers2174]

Yeah, me, too. I'm a big gear nerd.

[@christianaldrich3885]

looks like fun.if I didn't live on the lake I would love to live in my 08 Tahoe and visit all the national parks

[@frankhartranft2133]

Excellent report, great conversion, really nice presentation style. Thanks.

[@donwyates]

You, are the bomb. You do everything, well. Thank you for posting this.

[@gdunge]

Great video! Nemo is really coming along!

[@vincentmaher11]

this is terrific. i have a ford transit connect and i think many of your ideas will work well in it. Thanks!!!

[@charisw]

Have you seen that Ursa Minor now has a camper top for the Transit Connect? www.ursaminorvehicles.com/campers/ford-camper-conversions.html

[@tinabeane]

Wow, love it! Some great ideas, never heard of Sugru will check it out on Amazon. Tina

[@charisweathers2174]

Yeah, it's amazing stuff!

[@shelleyraespeck5442]

WOW! And I thought that I am resourceful! This is resourceful squared! Thank you! And your resourceful friends and family!

[@cmedance]

I have a 2003 and love it!

[@charisweathers2174]

Yay! What do you love about it?

[@meckleboy]

Simply awesome. I was debating to buy an element. Loved the fact you can fold seats up against side walls to make cargo room. Did you try and see if you could still use factory seats in such a way that you have an eating area inside but folds away when not needed? How much does the camper top with installation cost? Do you use a heater? Have you tried winter camping yet? I think I may revisit this as a conversion

[@charisweathers2174]

When folded against the wall the seats do hang fairly low. I thought about making the boxes just tall enough to clear the seats, but then realized that if I was traveling with extra persons I probably wouldn't be using the boxes. It is possible, though, to use one row of the boxes and one seat, which I may do at some point. The camper top cost varies with the accessories; cost is on their website, which is listed in the video description. Good luck!

[@janegoodman4913]

The cooler is genius! What's underneath the stand console-wise? My 2011 has that cooler/storage deal and, if I can get that B+D one -- they're out of production -- to work for my situation, that'd be awesome.

[@marshallpoe8087]

Great ideas and a very nice conversion. Excellent!

[@sslusshy]

Love this, i plan on getting me a element here in the next few months!

[@markwhite2642]

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing

[@RadioPosse]

You know what?? I really like your video. Full of great specific ideas. All given in a comprehensive way. Good job. Ill check out more of your work. Thanks.

[@charisweathers2174]

Thanks!

[@SensatiousHiatus]

Great tour...sugru looks for the win!

[@charisw]

It's great stuff!

[@freddyo2k10]

Nice Element setup...fantastic!!

[@charisweathers2174]

Thanks!

[@alexrios4064]

Congratulations 👏 Really liked your Nemo. Unfortunately I don't have a moonroof, so the E camper it's not an option. I'll adopt some of your gizmos. I'm driving from Guatemala to the tip of the continent in Argentina. Cheers 🍻

[@gnmatsu]

Aloha! Love it, great vid. Enjoyed it and looking toward putting one of these together myself.

[@katherinewong2901]

Saweeeeta! Good job! Love all your ideas, esp your sink and pop top! 🤗🌸💕🌸

[@devilred1971]

I have a 2008 Element same color as yours stick shift model... cool conversion 😎

[@BBeingHere]

Wow. Nice job on the camper and really nice job on the video. I love your style.

[@leilal8053]

Very ingenious setup 👌 👏.

[@bewithusinca2798]

Hi! Love your Nemo. I am looking for a canopy cover for the tailgate area, but have been unsuccessful.

[@charisw]

REI quit making the alcove, unfortunately. You might be able to find this one: www.rei.com/product/894571/the-north-face-homestead-shelter

[@4saken404]

Nesting boxes FTW! Maximum flexibility.

[@GotLurk]

hell yeah! i loved all the creative solutions!!!!

[@tysonschneider]

Wow! So many good ideas in one video! Nice!!!

[@SLove-ue6uf]

Fantastic video! You've done an amazing job! Thanks for the tips and inspiration!!! :)

[@norasteel5353]

Great video! Loved your tour of your Element!

[@bilalchaudhary8268]

Love it! I'm also looking for an Element. Thanks for a great video.

[@charisweathers2174]

They are great vehicles for outdoor adventure :-)

[@elementgypsy]

every time i watch this i love it more!

[@stealth48nurse]

cool set up, liked your pop top, sugru idea. thank you

[@Gringochulo1]

@6:47 this alone is pure genius!!

[@adrinap1]

Love your video. I just got my 2005 Element, Xenon, converted by the great guys at Ursa (#513). I'm currently planning my build for the platform module for "company" and gear. I think I'm going to borrow your change which allows the smaller boxes to store INSIDE the larger ones when not in use (storage space is an issue for me too). Gotta get that fridge/console too. BTW, would you happen to have the build specs for the platform that the fridge rest upon? I LOVE "popping" the top on my Element. Sleeping in the penthouse is such a wonderful experience. Peace, Blessing and Happy Trails, Adrina

[@charisweathers2174]

Great question! I'll have to get some measurements. We had some pieces of scrap wood, and put the larger one on top of the console, slid two other pieces on either side of the console, made some pencil marks and connected the pieces. It was kind of a "hmm, this looks like it could work" job.

[@TrishStClair]

Very enjoyable to watch!

[@maureenfunk9107]

This is so great. I've been daydreaming about a small camper set up like this for a while. Are you still using it? I've also wanted to explore up in that area too.

[@charisw]

Yep, still using it! I did a second set-up that I like better (that video on my channel).

[@infocyde2024]

Thanks for sharing, I got a lot of ideas and inspiration for my element watching this.

[@claudiadiclemente760]

Where did you get the attachments (gizmos) that you surged to the element. Nice job of the camper and the video

[@charisweathers2174]

Got them at my local independent hardware store, in bulk bins :-)