A New Kind of Car Camping Window Cover

I'm sure no two rear car windows are the same shape but they're definitely all useless. So I used ours to solve the age old “gotta pee in the middle of the night where’s my flashlight?” problem any self respecting car camper has run into. This is a 2014 Honda CRV but hopefully you’re able to create a similar storage solution for your car or SUV camper based on this. This is also a great way to blackout or insulate the windows in your SUV Camper and an all around great car camping hack.
Helpful Channels:
Tock Customs: / @tockcustom
Solid Wood Worx: / @solidwoodworx
Materials:
Plastic Bolts, Nuts, Washers: amzn.to/3HnyLcR
Tiny Lil Screws: amzn.to/3xK70bs
Elastic Edging: amzn.to/39t83mD
Elastic Cord/String: amzn.to/3xtlUBC
Mesh: amzn.to/3MCFpQO
Small LED Light: amzn.to/3xsNDlH
Lil Hook: amzn.to/3xNT3ta
Thread: amzn.to/39lx8A9
My Tools:
Sander: amzn.to/39sLGOn
Sewing Clips: amzn.to/3xMmxaE
Sewing Machine: amzn.to/3HmOaKH
Fabric Chalk: amzn.to/3xMYYOS
Oscillating Tool: amzn.to/3NWxSuE
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3NT365y
Drill: amzn.to/3OciGJw
Steel File: amzn.to/3xqeuz4
T-Square: amzn.to/3NT3d0Y
Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/3MPnUJO
Pocket Hole Clamp: amzn.to/3aSUcGH
Pocket Hole Screws: amzn.to/3mLYW3K
Camera Gear:
Camera - Panasonic GH5: amzn.to/3O44jqy
12-35mm Lens: amzn.to/3NRHNkS
Tripod: amzn.to/3xnQL2t
Lavalier Microphone: amzn.to/3xjpHRS
*Those are Amazon Associate links which means I get a small percentage if you click through and buy any of those things. No pressure. Thanks for watching.

[@keiphyn]

I have no building skills or shop, but after discovering your channel I’m now somewhat obsessed with these tiny screws.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Start a tiny shop!

[@keiphyn]

@@MattTheDesigner this is obviously going to be what happens to eventually fill any roof rack on the minivan 😜

[@TereenaEllington]

Tiny screws....it's the little things.🥰

[@FreeSpiritMom]

Omg. That’s so smart to trace the OUTSIDE of the window first. I’m literally SHOOK that I didn’t think of that lol

[@MattTheDesigner]

It took me a lil while to figure out how to do it. You’re just seeing the highlights that make me look smarter than I am. 😁

[@robertweekley5926]

​@@MattTheDesigner- Funny Thing is, just like SpaceX had an idea to re-land Rockets, people forget the "Crash Reel" of all the Early Tries, especially after watching 100 Successful Landings! Here, we also did not see your "failed Attempts" so, yes, it takes us straight to your simple "Last Starting Point" of Measuring the Window when you haven't got a portable Hand Held 3D Scanner! 🤔🧐🤯

[@nicolemitchell446]

Those tabs are genius! So many possibilities with that one attachment system. Thanks for sharing. I loved the weird neighbour using the sewing machine in the rear of the car scene. I’d almost want to talk to my neighbour if I saw them doing that.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Sometimes they do. Sometimes they look at the ground and keep walking haha.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

What a great idea! I love how you turn a useless window into something that leverages storage. Clever!!

[@uniworkhorse]

Just came from the other video big window cover video and I just wanna thank you for the sewing channel recommendation! Love it when people share how they learned new skills. We all stand on the shoulders of giants!

[@carlosmonzon9606]

This is genius, great stuff man. Not only wood working, problem solving but also stitching as well! A1

[@MattTheDesigner]

“You can do anything you put your mind to.” has never been more true. Thank you internet.

[@S.E.C-R]

This is Shark Tank level genius!! I wish I was half this creative… You would sell a billion of these type of things to vehicle dwellers and campers. You can never get enough storage and space!

[@melly7886]

I've been looking for something like this for my little mini van.. Brilliant idea with the Tupperware tabs and thank u for the reference to the other 2 channels.. Subscribed to all of you 🔥

[@PeterJames143]

that's an awesome idea. I made something similar out of black construction paper but obviously without the pockets. You might want to paint the outside black for additional stealth. I would never have even thought to do that, that's so cool. It makes all kinds of projects possible on larger windows. The passenger window of a subaru is enough space to make a whole (light) bookshelf. But I'm probably going to stick with the construction paper for now. Maybe in the future. Keep making stuff you have great ideas.

[@robertweekley5926]

Build Strength Stages: Paper, Construction Paper, Poster Card Sheets, Foam Board (Black), Thin Plywoods, Thicker Plywoods / MDF, Metals, etc!

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Making that window cover must have taken a lot of patience.

[@stewmiller778]

My favorite window cover design yet

[@gregflores8959]

Dude, you are quite ingenious, I’m impressed!

[@alexorr2626]

I have no intention of sleeping in my minivan but your videos are just too good.

[@MaryOKC]

I like this idea a lot…I can sew I just don’t know how to adjust the tension and end up giving away perfectly good sewing machines…I’m waiting for a $50 machine that always adjusts the tension automatically.

[@eldantzler]

this is so smart and I love the simplicity. really clean and well executed design. I have a much more complicated solution working in my SUV right now haha. thanks for sharing!

[@newtuber4freedom43]

I don't have tools, but really enjoy your channel.

[@grlnexdoorable]

A Dremel rotary tool is cheap and will amaze you.

[@janessah8684]

I'm loving all of your DIY videos. The more, the better! I just started trying car camping with a different type of SUV. I made covers for all windows except that tiny one. After a weekend test, I know I need to cover that, so this video gives me some great ideas. I hope we can see more of whatever you make next! Thanks for sharing.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Janessa! More coming…

[@bjwilson7367]

Great idea using plastic tabs. I have a problem window to cover . This idea will help to keep the covering in place. Thank you.

[@flyingcat2054]

I like that you sew. So many men and women do not use sewing very often in their builds. I am from the era that learned in school, and mom, and then sewing classes when sewing quilting shops were more prevalent. Those corner windows are space needing to be used for sure. I’m thinking of some sort of pouch that can stay in place or remove if I need it for shower, etc as there is no room for extra bags floating about when car camping.

[@patriciaw7937]

The wood detail is refreshing!

[@sandratorchia4803]

This is GREAT! I have those useless window in my Jeep. Think I will give your idea a go. Thanks!

[@susie9893]

This is your best project yet imo. KISS

[@vy4648]

What a cool idea and easy fix to attach things to the window without drilling the car!👍👍👍

[@adam190]

Much Respect to you man, fantastic designing and problem solving.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks for watching Adam! I hope it helps you make something cool.

[@Redarkrome]

Wonderful and clever idea! I like so mutch this kind of project. Thank you for sharing. I give you my best compliments. Greetings from Northwest Italy 🇮🇹😊👋

[@MattTheDesigner]

What a beautiful country. Perfect for car camping!

[@s-c..]

Those teeny tiny screw heads had me very nervous till you added the elastic, still, I think I’d cover them with a bit of tape or something (& yep, paint the back black first). But the solution for keeping it in place, and then the slide… 🤯🤗!! Deffo subscribing now!

[@apbxny216]

Matt, you rock!

[@chrisluke1010]

Brilliant. Well done!

[@chrisz.9974]

I’ve got a 3d printer. This gets me thinking about my rear door window spaces. There’s a useless little window space between the roll down window and edge of the door that’s useless. Even awesome for people that sit back there.

[@MattTheDesigner]

For sure. I just leave these in most of the time and keep a flashlight in them.

[@robertweekley5926]

​@@MattTheDesigner- Also, it seems it can add "Security" to the Window, in the form of making it less "Easy" for certain vandals to see in and target your window there as the one to break to get into the car! Especially if outside edge or face is painted Black! On the security side, there are also special "Films" that can be applied to the Glass, that even if they smash the window, it stays together, and is Tough to push through, even after shattering the Window! Often used on Patio Doors, Glass Panels beside house doors, etc!

[@marie-christinegobeil6219]

That eas genius. i'm making this for sure! Thank you so much!

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Well done!

[@OutonaLimbwithKym]

Genius! You should sell these. Really. Make me one. I'll buy it!!!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Out on a Limb!! I'll need a bigger shop for that! Haha

[@OutonaLimbwithKym]

@@MattTheDesigner Hey Matt - It's been a year and you haven't made these for me, so I've finally decided to give this a try.😁 I'd like to purchase the tiny screws and washers at the hardware store. What size do I ask for?? (I will credit you in my video!)

[@MattTheDesigner]

@@OutonaLimbwithKym they’re M1 (1 millimeter) I haven’t seen them in the hardware store but maybe you will. If you don’t there’s a link to them in the description.

[@OutonaLimbwithKym]

@@MattTheDesigner Thanks so much! If I can't find them tomorrow, I'll purchase through your link!

[@mikewatson497]

You are a genius!

[@JudyPenmanOnline]

Very nice solution 😊

[@momof1150]

That’s a great idea. You make it look easy!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Give it a try Linda! I’m sure you can do it.

[@jayceewedmak9524]

You have a great channel. Keep going!!! Subscribed - Hi from southeastern Ontario 🇨🇦 (good luck with this next winter storm Feb 22, 2023)

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you! The storm just missed me!

[@jayceewedmak9524]

@@MattTheDesigner excellent! We're getting into the thick of it now.

[@kathyhoodstock6886]

I like this design and will absolutely copy it! Thanks for sharing, subscribing now

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you Kathy! Glad I could help.

[@rosspitca9142]

I did something similar to my car,,, but instead of making my pouches I used a variety of 'pencil' zipper bags with velcro. (you can get them cheap at 'back to school' time and thrift stores.

[@MattTheDesigner]

That’s a great idea!

[@sweet_iris]

A blanket stitch around the pocket might give a more finished look.

[@MattTheDesigner]

No that I know that exists… I’ll try it in my next sewing project.

[@grlnexdoorable]

I want to recommend you experiment with a flexible cutting board from Dollar tree as a building material.

[@MattTheDesigner]

That’s a really good idea. I’ll explore that.

[@roadtripmitch]

I always enjoy how clever you are and willing to share the construction! After watching you slide the window cover in several times, including the lock I wondered how that would affect window tint? Nice video MtD

[@MattTheDesigner]

We usually just leave them in all the time and don't move them much so I haven't really tested that.

[@Judus99]

I recently found your channel and love your work. You are an inspiration for me to do similar. TY

[@MattTheDesigner]

Awesome! Would love to hear how it goes.

[@ChrisAndEmilie]

This is great! We're definitely going to borrow some ideas for our Honda Pilot microcamper. Thanks for sharing!

[@milanoreddc5591]

Just found your channel, safe to say I’m now a subscriber 😊

[@MattTheDesigner]

Happy to have you.

[@5353iceman]

Smart idea

[@BB-kk7op]

That came out great I did similar thing with just card board not nearly as nice as yours the only thing I did was spray paint the side that faces out black it blends in with the tint on windows

[@deanecarlson]

This is so creative!! You're a clever guy. I think I might give this a go. You've gained a new subscriber (:

[@jtrose6995]

This is why god gave us brains...creative problem solving at it finest.

[@Ricardo_Rooster_Gsg9]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing

[@MattTheDesigner]

No problem Ricardo! Glad you like it.

[@sda141]

Love your creativity 🥰

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks sda141!

[@sda141]

@@MattTheDesigner :) my pleasure

[@Rachel20285]

You killed it, Man! Very impressive!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you Raquel!!!!

[@random40s]

Dang that's slick AF!👍👍I'll definitely be making something similar for probably all my windows. Awesome video, and such an elegant solution. Ty so much.

[@sharonlaidlaw9621]

I've been watching #vanlife build videos for years and just discovered yours. When you cut into the tupperware container, I realized my mouth was literally hanging open, and I thought I should drop you a comment for the props. Nice work! Make more videos, please!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you Sharon!

[@MattGregoryGuitar]

Love it! I'm getting so many ideas from you 👍

[@bg1mlf114]

Niubility! That's what I want! Thanks!

[@MattTheDesigner]

New word for me. Chinese? Thank you I think haha.

[@darwiniandude]

Great idea! I've been wanting to make some flyscreen interior window inserts for my van (there are weather shields outside, so if the window is down a little, rain won't come in) so the window can be open for ventilation and mosquitos etc don't easily fly in. The plasic tabs to lock a panel in place between the window and car trim is genius. Some great ideas here I can adapt. Also really appreciate you crediting other channels you've learnt from. Subscribed.

[@darwiniandude]

Oh, i just found and started watching your window covers video, haha.

[@katmau6138]

BRILLIANT!!!!!! 🤩

[@kbronx64]

Brilliant 👏

[@kbarb1000]

Magnificent !!!

[@BelindaTOV]

Brilliant! 🇨🇦👩🏽👍🏽

[@FreeSpiritMom]

I would pay quality money for this!!!!

[@omoloni]

for gum, you need large washers at the back, the screws will scratch the glass; if someone breaks the glass at night, the phone will also suffer

[@MattTheDesigner]

You’re probably right.

[@wellnessotr]

Nice! Thank you! I have windows in the back of my vehicle that don't open, and why?! Just why!? Lol. I usually put my Weathertech shade in there, but this storage idea is really cool.

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Ive got those net pouches i bought mine from ebay.

[@Telar2]

The technical term for what you did with the drill bit to create the slot is called "waller", as in "I wallered it out." ...😉

[@MattTheDesigner]

Ha thanks @Telar2 ! I need a shop glossary.

[@JaydenLawson]

I gave this video a thumbs up, AND a like

[@MattTheDesigner]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@Bk-uz3pk]

Thank you!! My mind would have made this into complicated non-finish project. I also watched sunroof fan project. My cluttered mind thanks you. 😊🙏😬😀

[@MattTheDesigner]

Haha you may be surprised how cluttered my mind is too. Lots of chaos happens before one of these videos is finished. :)

[@lomicwind]

Genius !

[@lovinglife4962]

Great Job Dud😍👍🏽👍🏽

[@robinrai4973]

Man your videos are great!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Robin!

[@danieldemestri2939]

Very cool!!!

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thank you Daniel!

[@littlefanbigfan4122]

thumb up, like and subscribed.

[@dallaskoivu502]

Impressive how you use your imagination to think this all out you figured out what material to use in what way not everybody can do that

[@MattTheDesigner]

Hopefully a few more people think they can after they watch this.

[@oliviagraceson6318]

Great job. I like it.

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Olivia. Let me know if you try it out.

[@stormdavies250]

Omagosh I love this!!!

[@laurasinger7387]

Suggestion to paint the outside black or cover with a black material. At night, the black won’t reflect any outside lights, it is even more stealthy. :)

[@MattTheDesigner]

For sure! I didn’t think about spray painting it until the whole thing was put together. When it was done I didn’t want to risk getting it on the front side. Maybe some thin fabric? 🤔

[@robertweekley5926]

​@@MattTheDesigner- I see a trip to "Fabricland" in your future videos! Or "Used Clothing" places! 😅

[@Rasher1974]

Genius

[@johnhuber860]

Awesome!

[@trollhunter6934]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@xuankhanhtrinh208]

Great design, but maybe crack glass, i think change metal bullet with plastic can be safety

[@MattTheDesigner]

The tiny metal screws that hold on the elastic sit below the elastic. So there may be a small risk there but the really shouldn't touch the glass ever.

[@ween0t]

Very cool! Love your projects! Did you paint the outside of the panel black to give it a clean stealthy look?

[@MattTheDesigner]

No but I definitely should have. I’ll get around to it one of these days. Luckily the window tint on that window is pretty dark.

[@robertweekley5926]

​@@MattTheDesigner- Or, paint an "Eye" on it, and add a Micro Camera in the Center, using an Arduino or ESP32 Microcontroller Circuit, as a Monitoring system! (That could even be great as an extra "Wham Bam Tesla Cam" content channel special!)

[@johnmarch5969]

Very cool! Great work.

[@lachlanm3439]

Most Excellent.

[@ingela_injeela]

Super well done! Would it be an idea to paint the back side black?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Yep. I did eventually.

[@kathyturner6177]

Take it to Shark Tank👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MattTheDesigner]

Haha! You’ve got a deal!

[@bigperm005]

You make some cool shit. Reminds me of Diresta

[@bigperm005]

And Laura Kampf

[@MattTheDesigner]

@@bigperm005 thank you so much. I'm a huge fan of theirs. I'm not sure I'm on that level just yet but hoping I'll get there some day.

[@Impala_Lily]

Neat!!

[@amra4593]

Cool project! But, where’d you get the cute lashy sleep mask? That’s really what the people wanna know! 🙃🙃🙃

[@MattTheDesigner]

Unfortunately I can not reveal all my secrets.

[@rodolfolostaunau8702]

Great idea! Can you provide a link to that small light?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Rodolfo! There is a link in the description of the video.

[@Rachel-et5hw]

Absolutely love this. Where did you get your mesh fabric?

[@MattTheDesigner]

Thanks Rachel. I believe it was this amzn.to/3GfkNvq

[@Rachel-et5hw]

@@MattTheDesigner Thank you!

[@amoragirl15]

I’m not that great with power tools. Making the clips looks intimidating. I might experiment with suction cups.

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

these for the 2nd gen Prius!!! #priuscamping #priuscampers

[@MattTheDesigner]

I hear those are awesome for camping.

[@idks8de926]

back windows

[@MattTheDesigner]

Yes

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@NaomiEvolved]

New subscribe here

[@MattTheDesigner]

Happy to have you.

[@helenellsworth9556]

🤣 if you're peeing in the middle of the night, go see ya doctor and get your prostate seen to

[@MattTheDesigner]

Is 6 times a night bad?

[@TOMLElog]

This is very clever! if you find a way to make nice curtain or cover for front behind the seat passenger tell me lol

[@TOMLElog]

how thick is that plainwood?

[@MattTheDesigner]

I’ll keep adding to this CRV over time. I’m sure those are coming soon.

[@MattTheDesigner]

@@TOMLElog I think it’s 3/4 inch. It should say in the .pdf.

[@danieldemestri2939]

Hi

[@MattTheDesigner]

Hello!

[@carloshnunez]

Nice 🔵🔵🔵🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍🔵🔵🔵

[@natetro92]

So much adderal

[@MattTheDesigner]

I learned to channel the ADHD long ago. No drugs needed.