Self Build Micro Camper - Peak District stopover! | Boot Jump Plans | Boot Jump Camper Conversion

We took our self build micro camper (also known as a boot jump camper conversion) for a test trip to the Peak District in England! It's a Ford Grand Tourneo Connect Titanium, and is basically a large car or MPV, also called a minivan in some countries.
I'm Vinny, Man On The Outside, and I love getting outdoors, and adventures such as mountaineering, wild camping, and exploring unknown places.
Subscribe by clicking here: / @manontheoutside
You can download my Boot Jump plans here: bit.ly/3lgi6iJ
In this video we're testing out the boot jump and self build micro camper on a proper stopover in a great spot we found in the Peak District. This spot has amazing views and was perfect for a stop over to test how our boot jump camper conversion would work.
I made the boot jump plans myself and built the boot jump camper conversion myself over a couple of weekends during lockdown and am using it as a stealth camping van / stealth camping minivan.
I removed the rear 2 seats so the car became a 5 seater, and I'm able to to transport the boot jump camper conversion kit around while still retaining 5 seats all the time.
This DIY micro camper build is basically a homemade boot jump conversion kit, and I based it on the Amdro boot jump, which costs around £2500 - I built this for a fraction of the price using materials from the local DIY/hardware store and a few basic DIY techniques I learned from watching KZbin.
Below you can find the things we use on our stealth camping van trips which make life easier for us!
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GEAR LINKS
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OUR HIKING/MOUNTAINEERING GEAR:
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Multimat (lightweight folding mat/seat): amzn.to/3jhG2kB
Vinny's carbon lightweight trekking poles: ebay.us/jLX6Sp
Vinny's backpack: Berghaus Freeflow 25
Platypus 2L hydration / water bladder: amzn.to/2T8qaWQ
Salomon X Reveal Goretex (GTX) hiking shoes: amzn.to/3xZH60O
Lock laces (make your boots/shoes easier to tie up): ebay.us/ucNXho
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CAMPING GEAR:
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Jetboil (cooking stove and kettle): amzn.to/2Teg1b8
Camping latern and charge bank: amzn.to/2U9huj3
Trekology camping pillow: amzn.to/2TbIRZR
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GUIDE BOOKS AND MAPS:
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Scrambles in the Dark Peak: amzn.to/3wZon5n
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MICRO CAMPER GEAR:
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Cool bag: amzn.to/3bPGdPo
Wireless reversing cam: amzn.to/3bMNyj2
Car door step: amzn.to/3oISjz8
Drawer latches: amzn.to/34a5QXd
Portable cooker: amzn.to/349ofDz
Camper leg storage strap: ebay.us/kXjfoQ
Camper leg kit: ebay.us/CsrhWo
Locking flap stays: ebay.us/Ot4nj2
Campinggaz cooker: amzn.to/3w0Zi8O and refills: amzn.to/3xZ77Nz
Camping latern and charge bank: amzn.to/2U9huj3
Portable shower (USB rechargeable): amzn.to/3A3Drk6
Folding windshield: amzn.to/3A4lEJK
Trekology camping pillow: amzn.to/2TbIRZR
Car wind deflectors: ebay.us/Gc9JfX
Car privacy blinds: Covertec privacy blinds
* Some of the links may pay me a small commission if you make a purchase. There is no extra cost to you, and this helps support my channel - thank you!

[@clivecorner]

Love it. Just bought a Berlingo for exactly what your doing. Will take a look at the plans.

[@ManontheOutside]

Awesome, look forward to seeing it!

[@STEALTH_CAR_CAMPER]

thanks for the tour of the setup. seems to work fantastic. enjoyed the video

[@ManontheOutside]

Thanks! Hope it gives you some ideas!

[@susansutton2012]

Great job, very useful video, thanks.

[@markyy3590]

cracking build mate!

[@nicovantol7363]

This looks verry nice but I think I would use an Fiat Doblo High Roof version for more storage and more space inside the camper. But I hope to see more videos in the nearby future !!!

[@ManontheOutside]

You can never have too much head room! More videos coming soon!

[@davidgierthy]

Exelent video and just downloaded your plans ,going to adapt them for a peugeot partner long wheelbase crew cab.thumbs up and a new sub much appreciated and thanks for the effort 👍

[@ManontheOutside]

Glad you find it useful, and good luck with the conversion, I hope it goes well! 👍

[@davidwaterhouse2552]

Chickpea and Spinach Curry is really easy to make! Meat Free, Healthy, make the rice 'savoury' by adding a few bits of veg and garlic! dx

[@jtthe3rd634]

Nice van to drive

[@ManontheOutside]

You can find my boot jump plans in the description, plus lots of detailed photos in a PDF file. Completely free to download, just click the link to download the PDF. I'm trying to grow my new channel at the moment so if you appreciate outdoors, camping, and car stealth camping stuff then be sure to give me a sub, click the thumbs up/like, or leave a (nice!) comment. If you've really enjoyed a video and want to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/manontheoutside

[@isaacdavid4]

Done a great job, just bought a berlingo so very helpful guide, thanks

[@ManontheOutside]

Thanks! I hope it helps with your conversion! The Berlingo is a great car, perfect for a boot jump conversion.

[@clarkspiemuncher]

your car is 400mm longer than a berlingo as you cant get the toilet at the back of the berlingo like you have

[@patrickshaw9376]

Highly recommended a ridge monkey toasty pan. Very versatile.

[@ManontheOutside]

I'll check them out, thank you!

[@adamwrigh8805]

Genius

[@TheFatboy1964]

Love it been walking there your van looks cool we got a large ex prison escort van we are looking to downsize to something similar to yours

[@ManontheOutside]

I saw a prison van on Auto Trader last night, Iveco. I've never come across one before, maybe it's yours :)

[@docink6175]

I carry several different stoves in my van including one very similar to that butane stove but I also have a very similar windbreak. There isn't much I can't cook on the side of the road that I cook at home base. Sausage with peppers and onions with or without red sauce, chicken breast which can become chicken salad. Fried potatoes with bacon (American bacon of course) cheese steaks, pulled pork ( buy it premade in containers) sloppy joe, pasta. I do tend to rely on canned foods to make meal prep easier. I also use a lot of ramen because it cooks faster than regular pasta and it's packed more for single meals. But that can be mixed with canned tuna or canned chicken ( you didn't specify healthy meals) I commented in different video about your dividing curtain, I see now why you have the rope that feeling has a very difficult contour to deal with. I've never really had much luck with individual pads put together to form a mattress they always tend to slip apart as I toss and turn at night. You did ask about cooking in the rain, your hatch makes a perfect roof you just need to add sides to it, even if you don't have permanent mounting point for it a tarp that covers the hinge of the hatch and then drapes down at least two sides.. I have several large magnets that I use to hold the tarps in place and then I use water jugs down at the bottom. An extendable painters Pole makes a great support and takes the weight off of your struts. A small fan will also help with condensation but it's pretty inevitable. A couple of chamois cloth can be invaluable getting your windows dry in the morning. Cloth bag full of plain uncensored unclomping cat litter or fault like from a water filter will also help keep condensation down

[@ManontheOutside]

You've got a great repertoire of meals there, those sound absolutely delicious! I'm pretty new to this so am still cooking very basic meals but it's great to get some good tasty ideas - thank you! The rope is a nuisance really, I'm trying to make a shaped rail for the curtain, unfortunately there is nothing on the market for this car at the moment so most owners just 'wing' something, but hopefully I can get something more sturdy going with a shaped rail or something! I love your tips, they are fantastic. Thank you for these. Your channel looks great too, I shall subscribe!

[@cascat100]

Great video, hope you finally got to walk the Peak District Great Ridge! What thickness ply did you use? I’ve seen some builds with 12 mm birchwood ply, others with 15 mm marine ply. Also what size are the vent cutouts? Cheers

[@ManontheOutside]

I did walk it in the end, thanks! I used 12mm ply for the build. I've seen some built using 9mm but they didn't feel strong enough, the 12 feels very robust. The vent cutouts are 70mm ish (or whatever side my hole drill was, it was either 70 or 72mm).

[@craigjahn7625]

Look for the camping cookbook by Annie Bell loadsa food tips for foodstuffs lol

[@gerardtaylor7813]

Hi guy's picking our grand tourneo connect up this Friday can't wait, started looking up mini camping idea's and came across your channel, and very good it is just subbed, look forward to seeing more of your videos, atvb Ged and Shan 👍🚐🚐🚐😁

[@ManontheOutside]

Awesome, good luck with the pickup, hope it goes OK. It's a lovely car, you'll love it! Thanks for subbing 👍I'm hopefully back out this week so watch this space 🙂

[@adamwrigh8805]

May i just ask the location Cant camp there as we have a little on but looks great !

[@LuisGomez-qf3rc]

Jajajaja

[@kelsvlogs52]

Hiya, great video. Can you tell me the length of you're table leg , including the black bits? Thanksn

[@ManontheOutside]

It's about 23 inches. However, the table leg is bigger than that when you buy it. I had to cut it down a bit to get a nice fit. I'd recommend just taking an inch off it at a time until you get the right length for you. I ended up making 4 or 5 cuts until I was happy with it. You don't want to cut it too short on the first go, so definitely do it in stages. 🙂

[@novaadventures5758]

Sorry one more question can you put a link to the window blinds as it doesn’t work on the specification you’ve listed. Thank you

[@ManontheOutside]

Hi Nick, these are the window blinds I used: ebay.us/SWe8Wi or there is a cheaper set without the sunroof blind: ebay.us/8Q2liQ

[@CTMck1]

Alright mate, I've been considering something similar, who manufactured the boot jump/bed. I've got a Peugeot bipper. I'm in South Liverpool

[@ManontheOutside]

Hello Chris, I made this myself from 12mm plywood and a few bits and pieces. You can buy them, there are several companies that make commercial versions (Amdro, Redcote Leisure), but they are pretty expensive (starting from about 2 grand upwards). You can download my plans (free) if you fancy a go yourself... I'm not a joiner or anything and just did a few practices on some old ply before I got the hand of it. Have a look here: bit.ly/3lgi6iJ

[@LJM00N]

Hey, with the roof box you have how much of the panoramic roof does it block out?

[@ManontheOutside]

Hello! It blocks about 1/2 of the pano glass - but I don't always use the roofbox, so it's not a big deal. I could push it over a bit more I suppose too.

[@CustCareRep]

Cool campers show us their socks 9:54

[@caracross4784]

Following your bed base instructions Vinny, but I can't figure out how to attach the hinges. What screws have you used as I can't find anything small enough for the 12mm ply. Thanks!

[@ManontheOutside]

Hello Cara, I think I used 3.5x12mm screws, I think it was these ones, they are the same depth as the ply but when you add the depth of the hinge on, they don't pop through the other side of the ply...hope that makes sense: www.wickes.co.uk/Spax-Pz-Countersunk-Yellox-Screws---3-5x12mm-Pack-Of-200/p/225933

[@caracross4784]

@@ManontheOutside thanks so much Vinny! That does make sense, I was concerned about them coming through, but yes with the hinge depth it will add a few mm. Sorry for commenting on two videos, I couldn't find the walk through video again at first, but then I did! Thanks again, brilliant vid and plans. Much appreciated.

[@geofftrevarthen5991]

Hi Vinny, your videos on stealth camping and general van camping are really interesting - thanks! I followed your lead and ordered the Covertec privacy blinds for my Partner Tepee (from the same supplier as you). When I try to fit them with the silver side out, the suction cups 'click' into the plastic ferrules snugly, and don't fall out. However, when I try to fit the suction cups into the other side of the plastic ferrules (black fabric outermost), they won't push in very far and keep falling out. Did you also have this problem, and if so, how did you overcome it? Maybe yours work either way, but I seem to be stuck with the silver side out - not quite so good for stealth camping ! I'd be interested to know if I'm overlooking some simple method of using both sides as required. Thanks. :-)

[@ManontheOutside]

Hello Geoff, thanks! That's a strange issue, mine work either way round, I always use the dark side out when stealth camping, and I use the reflective/silver side out when on campsites and it's very sunny (to keep the car cool). I think I remember the suckers were a bit stiff when I first got them and needed a bit of force to push in...but once they were in, they have been fine. I'd maybe try a little bit more force...and if that doesn't work I'd suggest speaking to the seller...maybe they have a fault? Maybe also try a little bit of WD40 or washing up liquid on one of the suckers to see if that helps them click in first?

[@geofftrevarthen5991]

@@ManontheOutside Thanks very much Vinny for your prompt reply and your advice. I didn't want to force them in just in case I cracked the hard plastic of the black ferrules/clips, but your idea of a bit of washing up liquid and extra force is a good one. I'll try it later on today and let you know how I get on!

[@geofftrevarthen5991]

@@ManontheOutside Vinny, Thanks for your advice earlier. It was worth a try, but no matter how much pressure I apply to them (using a kitchen table to push against) they just won't go in from the side I want them to. Tried the washing up liquid trick as well on several suction cups, but still no good. At least now I feel that it's not me being thick! As per your other suggestion, I'll contact the seller and see what he says about it. Thanks for your help, and keep making the videos! :-)

[@ManontheOutside]

@@geofftrevarthen5991 sounds like they are faulty. I guess maybe the seller should exchange them. I double checked mine earlier, definitely work both ways around. Hope you get it sorted and exchanged!

[@geofftrevarthen5991]

@@ManontheOutside Thanks Vinny! I bought them direct off the QTM website instead of via eBay, but I've just emailed the seller so I'll see what he says. Thanks again for your help and comments. :-)

[@novaadventures5758]

Hi very good thinking of doing something similar can I ask two questions please 1. What size of timber for the framing 2. Did you install a base board Thanks

[@ManontheOutside]

Good stuff, good luck with building one, great fun! To answer your questions: 1. Everything was built with 12mm plywood, there is no internal framing as I used pocket hole screws to join all the timber together, this makes the timer joins much stronger than just screwing them together normally. I bought a Kreg pocket hole jig for this: amzn.to/3BIGoYn 2. There is no base board installed I if understand you correctly, the boot jump is just basically a big box with 2 drawers in. I will see if I can take some detailed photos and put them into a document if that will help.

[@novaadventures5758]

@@ManontheOutside on the two side parts of the bed it seems you have upright frame, this is what I was referring too but I shall def look at one of those kits. I’m hoping to buy a berlingo convert it for about 7000 and trying to put leisure batteries into it as well. Thanks for your reply cheers Nick

[@ManontheOutside]

I think I know what you mean, the bed actually sits on the folded down middle row of seats, just so happens they're at the right height to support it. And the last section of the bed just folds at 90 degrees and sits on the floor to prop it up. But I know on some vehicles you need some kind of supporting legs or frame under the bed to take your weight as the folded seats aren't high enough. Or the same in cars or vans were the middle row of seats is taken out. Just a case of experimenting with your particular vehicle to try out ideas. Good luck with your build, would love to see some finished photos, great for ideas. 👍

[@LuisGomez-qf3rc]

😮

[@bogdanczechura8967]

👍

[@davidwaterhouse2552]

That is Great ! Did you buy it or build it yourself? dx

[@ManontheOutside]

Thanks! I made it myself, although you can buy commercial versions of it (about £2500 I think). I put a link to my plans in the video description if you want to have a look!

[@conormurphy3650]

Hello mate. Love the conversion 🙌🏻 I have just bought the exact car as you on a 16 plate and I am looking to convert it just like yours. Would you be able to share the cost of how much you spent on the conversion to give me a good idea on what I will be spending for the conversion. Cheers mate

[@ManontheOutside]

Awesome, it's a great car, you'll love it! It cost around £400 to build, I do have the costs in a spreadsheet which I've pasted below but they will probably look a bit messy in the comments. It's basically 2 big sheets of plywood and 1 smaller sheet for the build, and all the other bits. The £400 includes the cushions which we made ourselves (borrowed a sewing machine and followed a video on KZbin). Also included here is a boot release switch I fitted to the tailgate so I can open it from the inside. Only thing not included is the blinds, they were about £100, but you can make similar ones yourself. The only thing to bear in mind is that the cost of wood has gone up considerably since then, so expect to pay about 30-40 percent more for plywood, unless you can source it cheaper. The plans for the boot jump can be downloaded, if you haven't got them already. This doesn't include any tools either, I used a table saw for the ply cutting, a pocket hole jig to make the joints stronger, a couple of holesaws for the cutting out of the holes in the bed section to save weight, and obviously basic DIY tools like drills, screwdrivers, etc. Boot jump Plywood (2 x 12 x 1220 x 2440 £54.00 Wickes Boot jump Plywood (1 x 12 x 607 x 1829) £16.90 Wickes Boot jump Piano Hinges (pack of 10) £16.98 Toolstation Boot jump Gorilla Glue £12.70 Toolstation Boot jump Pocket hole screws (500 X Titman Edge, 7 x 25 coarse) £12.99 eBay Boot jump Baseboard brackets / levelling feet £6.72 eBay Boot jump Fiamma Camper / Table Leg (3 piece set) £41.99 eBay Seller - camperworks Boot jump Table leg storage straps £11.99 eBay Boot jump Drawer runner (ball bearing - 310mm) £3.28 Toolstation Boot jump Drawer runner (ball bearing - 550mm) £6.98 Screwfix Boot jump Flooring £5.00 B&Q (clearance pack) Boot jump Various mixed screws £15.00 Screwfix Boot jump Sandpaper roll (80 grit) £3.19 Screwfix Boot jump Floor or yacht varnish (optional) £17.59 Screwfix Boot jump Hafele Flap Stays (optional) £19.99 eBay Boot interior release switch Scotch lock connectors (x25) £2.49 eBay Boot interior release switch Automotive cable (5m) £3.79 eBay Boot interior release switch Momentary switch (16mm, metal) £3.99 eBay Seller - switch_elec Cushions/Upholstery Memory foam mattress topper (3 inch, small double) £58.99 eBay Seller - carouselsoftfurnishings Cushions/Upholstery Upholstery material (10m, 145cm wide, slate grey) £69.90 eBay Seller - timelesstextilesuk Cushions/Upholstery Zips (No. 3, 10m, 20 sliders) £7.09 eBay Seller - trimfast Cushions/Upholstery Cotton (5000 yards) £4.99 eBay Cushions/Upholstery Seam / quilting tape (2 x 20m, 0.25 inch) £6.99 Amazon

[@conormurphy3650]

@@ManontheOutside what a guy. Thanks so much for passing all the information over. I will update you once the build is done. Cheers mate 👍🏻

[@conormurphy3650]

@@ManontheOutside also where did you purchase the boot release switch mate. And was it hard to do Thanks

[@ManontheOutside]

@@conormurphy3650 ​it's listed in those prices I put in the comments (I've pasted the relevant bits below). Basically you need to splice into the boot release switch with a new switch which you can install somewhere on the big black boot panel. It's a little tricky to do but you could get an auto electrician to do it for quite cheap if you're not comfortable with messing with car wiring. There are loads of videos on KZbin explaining the basic concept of installing boot switches, those are a good starting point. The hardest part is working out which cables to splice into, but if you get stuck I can probably explain it in more detail. Boot interior release switch Scotch lock connectors (x25) £2.49 eBay Boot interior release switch Automotive cable (5m) £3.79 eBay Boot interior release switch Momentary switch (16mm, metal) £3.99 eBay Seller - switch_elec

[@ManontheOutside]

@@conormurphy3650 I would advise joining the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect Owners group on Facebook if you have that, tons of useful information on there about this kind of stuff too, very useful group!

[@adamwrigh8805]

Is yours a lwb version allowing wc at rear ? and where is that great location?

[@ManontheOutside]

Yeah it's the LWB (Grand Tourneo), there's just enough space to fit one of those portable flushable loos between the back of the boot jump and the tailgate.

[@adamwrigh8805]

@@ManontheOutside Yes that and the detachable part are genius. Need a joiner Im in Liverpool do u know of one?

[@ManontheOutside]

@@adamwrigh8805 I don't know of any joiners sorry, I built this myself with a bit of trial and error and a table saw I borrowed. TBH once you get a bit of practice it's straightforward enough. The plans are in the video description if you didn't already spot them!

[@gwennanroberts1899]

Hi - what have you done for insurance? I've a berlingo on hold at the garage, ready to go, but insurance is a nightmare, can't find anybody that will cover it other than a specialis company charging a fortune. Any advice appreciated, thanks

[@ManontheOutside]

Hi Gwennan. I've not done anything special for insurance to be honest. As far as I'm concerned it's still a car, with a bit of wood in the back. It would be the same as carrying a fully loaded boot as far as I'm concerned, I don't think it's any different than a normal car as I can remove the boot jump in 30 seconds and it has no electrics, running water etc. So I've made absolutely no modifications to the car.

[@ManontheOutside]

To use another example, if you were carrying a tent in your car, some chairs, a cooker, and some camping gear, it wouldn't be classed as a campervan or need special insurance. That's my understanding anyway, and I used to work in insurance a few years ago 😊

[@plantingseedstherapy763]

its basically fancy car camping, ive just got a normal berlingo and insurance is cheap only 100 quid more than it was on my clio,

[@adamwrigh8805]

Are you keeping the location a secret ?😀

[@adamwrigh8805]

Heres my fav location lots of stealth campers Three Shires Head, River Dane

[@ManontheOutside]

Blue John Cavern in the Peaks 🙂