Smart Car Camper Van Conversion - Full Build

[@thisandthat8686]

As a young teenager, this was one of my favorite cars. I just thought it was endlessly unique. And now as someone who loves camping in their 30s, I am in love with this car all over again! Incredible build, and great video!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Awesome! If your second favourite car is a VW beetle we have another build on the channel you might be interested in 👀

[@Harold-UK]

@@SilverlineToolsTV I need go watch that video right now then some how choose which one i purchase i love both of those cars

[@Chris-yy7qc]

Thats "exo-skeleton"-rollcage was a brilliant idea to mount the roof tent

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, looks great as well

[@indygamertag829]

I love how chaotic and "unofficial" this is🤣. Not to mention the fact that you actually checked all the main boxes for accessories/off-road builds and needs! I also love how it's all a miniature version too lol

[@max_mcmurdo]

Chaotic and unofficial is my mantra! 😂🤙🏼

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

and you do it so well

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

You might even say it was... smart ;-)

[@TC-yx1qt]

I saw a Smart car camper around 10 years ago.. it had a full-length bed for sleeping on the passenger side, and a full kitchen out the back hatch, it was for sale for like $3,500 at the time in Los Angeles.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Great idea! And probably a lot less work then building an external roll cage

[@davidjohns.3065]

You’re not left with much storage in the car so how about a small off road looking trailer or even a teardrop caravan.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Great idea!

[@johnleaver1868]

Smart cars are not homologated for towing though.

[@expatmousse5196]

@@johnleaver1868 where there’s a will there’s a way, I’m sure he’ll figure it out 😉

[@twayland6186]

I think keeping it as minimal as possible is better.

[@Don-ly6ls]

He'd be better of getting a larger car then, i think this is pretty neat

[@kennythedragon47]

you can fit two of these to an american parking space, the diesel ones i find are happy to run on processed chip fryer fat. the look of these i find is also holding up nicely in my opinion

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

A modern classic?

[@mmkenny1694]

@SilverlineToolsTV possibly but that is just my opinion

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Not going to argue with you, it's iconic!

[@felixcat9318]

There's an American woman who's converted her Smart Car to a camper, and she has a bed where the passenger seat was located that extends to the tailgate. This allows her full length sleeping inside her car, I saw it featured on the Cheap RV Living KZbin channel.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Great idea, thanks for sharing!

[@Harold-UK]

@@SilverlineToolsTV can you release a parts list

[@kaynediaries630]

never mind the those who are laughing or labeling you whatever negatives, just by thingking outside the box, thats amazing, WORKING on it, thats even more greater,,, god bless sir

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Well said!

[@mitchmorgan2049]

Looks brilliant and loved watching the full conversion. Would love to see you using it!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Coming soon!

[@alexyoungberg5232]

No you dont.

[@henryp9600]

OK, credit goes where it is deserved. Very well put together video, the editing is great quality and Max and the fabricator do an amazing job. I was surprised it was produced from a tool company! Props for great content, commenting to help the algorithm along!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks that so nice of you, have you checked out our Ambulance camper build? if you enjoyed this you'll definitely like that 🚑

[@Mattlawton-ft6ew]

​@@SilverlineToolsTVthey are good 👍 aspecialy yours 😁👍

[@1st1anarkissed]

Is it silly? Is it awesome? Can't it be both? Love it! Now I want one for my car. It could haul my kayak!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Right on both counts!

[@lundsweden]

How cool is this?! Looks like a moonrover!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Next big adventure 🌕

[@jbizzle8491]

Love the build!! 😍 Only issue I perceive is it's small wheelbase and foot print, with a top heavy tent would make it a challenge in traffic getting passed by a semi truck. Lest we forget THAT Top Gear episode lmao 🤣

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

😳 No motorway driving for Max

[@garethburke8806]

I must admit..... It does look awesome

[@garethburke8806]

I e got an L322 Rangie.... But definitely a little bit jealous

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

It does!

[@DS-uq5ks]

Absolute little beastie. There are two things I wanted to mention. #1, those spots where the roll cage sticks out behind the door are quite nice, though I worry about water ingress. Perhaps it's nothing, in the grand scheme of things! #2, the placement of those grip tracks is perfect, and really adds to the look. All around epic adventure vehicle.

[@SalvoDan]

It’s a 10 year old Cabriolet. Water is going to get in regardless.

[@max_mcmurdo]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, you working on a camper yourself?

[@DS-uq5ks]

@@SalvoDan you do have a point, sir.

[@PopaAlexandru.]

It's perfectly illegal to drive something like this on public roads - if you don't have a camping spot in the back yard... Going out on the public road with this car only on the trailer is again not a valid option so it looks good, it works well but it's useless . Who is camping in the backyard??? Or who attaches another 1000kg to the tent?

[@EvilyoshiJAPAN4]

there are little plastic cover that go over those bolts at the top of the shocks, got them on my leaf =)

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Amazing, thanks. We'll let Max know he no longer needs to have rusty bolts

[@stevelapierre4776]

Crikey .. what an amazing job you did on the Smart.. everything is right on... love tires.. must be good in winter... wow.. this is just perfect I find.. and hats off to you mate.. love it!!!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks 👍 Have you checked out Max's latest build? A VW Beetle Pick up!

[@stevelapierre4776]

@@SilverlineToolsTV oh no I didn't but I will go see that.. thank you

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Definitely worth a watch and more on the way soon!

[@ashokg.j.9174]

Loosen off the wheel nut before they are clear off the ground - I learnt it the hard way.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

We all do it once

[@MrTwostring]

I'm glad you didn't have to "faff about" (nice UK English there!) thanks to your sun roof. I love eccentric mods like this. Thanks for showing it off. My favorite part was the mulling over whether it should open over the driver side or passenger side ... because strangely I found that I too had strong feelings about the answer - and couldn't make up my mind either. 🙂

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Any closer to making your mind up? If you enjoyed this video, check out our ambulance camper as well! 🚑

[@MrTwostring]

@@SilverlineToolsTV - I wanted a Smart Car back in the day -- back when there was a waiting list for them. The price has come down quite a bit in the meanwhile. I now have a GEM car ... which is smaller than a SmartForTwo. But now that I saw how much room there is underneath, I think it doesn't really matter which side. I'm inclined to say passenger -- so you can unload and get to the ladder more directly. Personally, I find when I want to sit in my car -- just for the sake of sitting -- like on a chair -- I prefer to sit on the driver side, even if I don't intend to drive. I like the familiar feeling more than the freedom from having a steering wheel in your face.

[@MartinBettler]

I've heard of a chap up north who converted a Peel P50 into a camper van.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

That'll be cosy

[@theycallmeinfidel8695]

"First car to have interchangeable panels," maybe for your country but in the States we had the Pontiac Fiero in the 1980s that could do something similar since the panels were plastic too but not entirely like the Smart. These resulted in improved crash test results, and they were also easily replaceable according to a post. Still loved the video and you being a madlad to do that instead of just lifting a Smart is brilliant. Maybe trying to put a tow hitch on the back and get a hitch cargo carrier to hold more stuff outside.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Great idea, maybe we'll do a part 3 after all

[@SweetLou0523]

Yep, and Saturn vehicles continued this tech after the fiero was killed off.

[@randyrcook]

I love my tiny car. Parking in LA is no problem.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Perfect vehicle for that!

[@AutoMotivate]

60 MPG, I mean 20. LOVE the build! I do wonder the MPG now, though

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Love an optimist 👍

[@zumezoom9593]

Wish I had a shop and a friend where I could build stuff too

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

We all need a good fabricator in our lives

[@Rafael-kx6qu]

6:42 the Renault Kwid use only 3 screws also

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, good to know!

[@paulkoomen5262]

Hi real nicely, done may I asked what size wheels and tires are . Thank You

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

We'll ask Max, just to make sure

[@betomerino1543]

Did he say what sizes of the wheels are?

[@Appreviewnews]

the smartest smart i have ever seen

[@Brother0swald]

I love this build. I have a 2013 Scion IQ that I've been modifying over the years to be a capable overlander. Love camping with it, I can fit into any spot and go almost anywhere. Gas mileage isn't as good as the Smart, but it's still decent.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Sounds awesome, got any pics? We'd love to see your build

[@87MookTV]

This is amazing! I would love to experience this myself, if only I had the skill and welding buddy like you

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

We all need a welding buddy! Why not start small and build up to something like this. We're sure you're more than capable 👍

[@thatguy7085]

Yea, I’d play with it.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

You and me both

[@kingsknightuk]

this is one of the best custom builds ive ever seen!!!!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Have you seen the Beetle Pick Up yet?

[@kingsknightuk]

no????@@SilverlineToolsTV

[@max_mcmurdo]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@imutau]

Congratulations. You built a razor.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thought I recognised it somewhere!

[@mattsibley3831]

I turned my bicycle into a camper by carrying a tent with me

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Love a bit of bike-packing!

[@Ozzypup1]

Ok Ill admit thats pretty cool.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

😎

[@Littrell1966]

Saturn had plastic removable panels years ago, but love yourbuild.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Reckon you could make a hybrid Smart-Saturn by swapping panels?

[@thomas6502]

I'm in line (queue?) for an eventual Aptera... however, if that doesn't play out I've decided I need this! Great ideas are always someone else's, thank you Max!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Good choice!

[@max_mcmurdo]

Thanks mate 🙌🏼

[@edwilko8819]

Looks great in person too, I was lucky enough to see a few of the stages of the build. The 3rd visit of the new massive build is coming on nicely too 👍from what I saw yesterday

[@mudarrisaderkan740]

sangat mengispirasi tinggal upgrade power mesin

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Mungkin suatu hari

[@Vanabond]

i dont know why ive always loved the smart cars.... this makes me really want one as everything else i own has big tires

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

big tires make everything better

[@roberttaylor5995]

Excellent video indeed! The Smart is a cool, quirky head turning little car. My Girl Friend has the open top version like You, and it is one cool (little) piece of kit. Quite a safe car, well designed, well thought out and very reliable too. Loved the way you raised the car's suspension and the conversion, that was just awesome!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks! Was a fun build and more from Max on the way

[@arkham67]

Superb idea and brilliant work

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks! Who knows what his next project will be... Any ideas?

[@max_mcmurdo]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@chuckrf1502]

Ok, that looks cool!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

😎 Ohhhh Yeah!

[@dylanharrington744]

I liked the look with the roll cage added! Have you tried it out yet Off Road? I bet those Back Tyres rubbed.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

We have, maybe you'll see a little off roading this Sunday! 👀

[@max_mcmurdo]

I’ve tweaked them slightly 👌🏼

[@dtuk22]

600th comment! 😂 Seriously 100% agree with your opening statement. It Ain't called "Smart" for nothing. The turning circle alone is a thing of brilliance. lastly people who mock a Smart Car usually haven't driven one.

[@max_mcmurdo]

I agree 👍🏼

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Think we've just found Smarts second biggest fan, behind Max obviously

[@portapawl5396]

Looks as tall as it is long. Not sure the physics adds up to a safe ride. But it looks awesome!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

It doesn't really go anywhere fast these days

[@falkon215]

Love this channel and that Smart Car

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, have you seen the ambulance camper as well? 🚑

[@jadesded]

the fact they put a rollcage around a _rollcage_ is the best part of this vid tbh

[@brianlee8445]

Maybe a few people are wondering (or not) what is the mileage numbers down to with all of the extra weight, and how is the acceleration and braking effected with the extra weight?

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

It's not great

[@AndyB1968]

Flipping Awesome. Wish I'd kept my old Smart for 2 and done that. Brilliant 👍🏻

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Already done a quick search on Auto trader 😍

[@max_mcmurdo]

Thanks Andy 👍🏼

[@zoolook888]

I have a 451 just for advertising, love these cars .... But this one is just on another level! ...Seriously impressive job!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Not tempted to keep it and add a roof tent and waffle boards?

[@max_mcmurdo]

Cheers mate 💪🏼

[@zoolook888]

@@SilverlineToolsTV Oh I am keeping it & I would love to convert! ...But I literally wouldn't know where to begin! ...Maybe one day!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Think we know a good video that might be able to help you... 👀

[@StBernardAcres]

That was fun. Looking forward to the adventure video.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, keep an eye peeled on the channel next week 👀

[@max_mcmurdo]

Me too! 😂🙌🏼

[@K00leD]

How slow is it? That said it looks amazing

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

It ain't fast, that's for sure! 🏎

[@gailalisonsantos5326]

I wish you can create another content to showcase how the rollcage was made.. im actually building the same project with a suzuki alto..superb project!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Awesome, how's your build going? We'd love to see 📷

[@danhaines]

The subframe spacers dont lift the car, you would still have had the 50mm lift if youd just fitted the spacer at the top of the spring. What the spacers for the subframe do is correct the angle of the lower control arm and return it to a more neutral angle.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks for the info

[@max_mcmurdo]

Exactly 👍🏼

[@Ferran-Gnu-Linux]

I love the freedom you've in UK for doing this. In Spain you need to pass an storm of regulations and controlling. Enjoy it.

[@melly7886]

What regulations please? I'm building a micro camper in a berlingo van that's removable with no modifications to the car.. everything held down with straps, etc so I don't have to deal with the regulations here (Barcelona) but do you have any links or reading material that can help with info please?

[@victorsodling]

Thats just amazing dude

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, you working on a camper yourself?

[@chrisgerber6281]

Just loved this. Would love to have the parts list. Where can I get this.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, we'll ask Max for a parts list, sure he's got a shopping list somewhere. You thinking about converting something? 🚙

[@FasterCaster]

Best looking Smart I`ve ever seen! Great Job!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Couldn't agree more, you working on a camper yourself?

[@suzywho1066]

Absolutely loved it. Great storage in your kitchen unit and everything was so well thought out. I would have been thrilled to see the tent out. Can you do that for next time ?

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Check back at 13:00 today 👀

[@suzywho1066]

@@SilverlineToolsTV I’ve made a reminder in my phone 🤩

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Love it! If you liked this have you checked out the ambulance conversion as well? 🚑

[@andrewchapman4313]

Downright SWEET!! Amazing work!!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thank you! Have you seen the Ambulance? That's pretty awesome as well 🚑

[@richardfuerte]

That is awesomely class build boss I loved it. How I wish I have that cool SFT OFFROADER. 😍😍😍!!!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks! 👍 If you liked this you should check out Max's latest VW Beetle Pickup Build

[@Robert-ij9ih]

It will roll over in the first corner ... Looking cool though

[@kelvint8073]

Absolutely ridiculous - LOVE IT!!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

🔥🔥🔥

[@unifairsum21]

will there be plugs for the bits at the end of the exoskeleton it looks like it was just left open for water to get it

[@max_mcmurdo]

Left open for storing paddles etc but holes drilled in the bottom 👌🏼

[@kpal2946]

I thought it would be a wasted effort, I was wrong and I really like it.

[@SpeedBrain666]

That is one Smart Camper...

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Couldn't agree more!

[@lmlmd2714]

The winch really is the ribbon on.... whatever the hell this thing is :D - Utterly bonkers, I love it.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Funnily enough utterly bonkers is what we were aiming for

[@d.vargasm]

I'd recommend get a cap to cover the open pipes near the rear window to prevent water from entering

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

There is a drainage hole at the bottom, and there is a reason why they're not covered which is revealed in the Van Tour Ep

[@schiminski]

Renault an Citroen back in the days also used 3 bolts to mount a wheel... 🙂

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Good to know, Thanks!

[@Smoked786]

I can give you some tips for your smartcar. The obvious water problem with the front shocks was adressed some time in the facelift models. There caps to put over the tops. Original part. Put them on with some grease to prevent condensation corrosion. I would always get an optigear actuator too. Optigear uses metal gears instead of plastic ones, wich make your actuator bulletproof.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks for the advice! 🙌

[@georges8348]

Totally rediculous. I love it!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

us to 😍

[@carolineberry7096]

Amazing Max! Fab conversation !

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks!

[@clutchv9156]

This is amazing! Funny that just yesterday I was thinking how cool my Chevy Spark would look with a lift kit. Great video. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Have you checked out the Ambulance camper? 🚑 Think you'll enjoy that as well!

[@leadnsteel1428]

There was someone else that did a lift kit and put off road tires on a jeep renegade. At least that one has 4wd.

[@ImmersiveGamer83]

Ah man I wanted to see the little adventure at the end end see you pitch up and make a cuppa on the hob

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Check out the Van Tour Episode, all that and more

[@billy4148]

Fantastic well done.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@somerandomnameiguess]

Great fun, really informative, and not a bad advert for silverline tools all in all. However, it's worth pointing out that quite a few companies have gone with the three wheel nut/bolt option over the years. The French did it for a pastime, but Daf also had a go too.

[@landonwoodruff]

I've always wanted a winch but not sure having one on a smart car is the wisest idea. 😆😂🤣 that nearly killed me 😆

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Don't want to get stuck 😅

[@silviannistor]

That s probably the wisest offroad mod put on this car. Maybe the only one

[@erikayala163]

Wooooah such a great conversion!!! nice job

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks!

[@gordonjohnston684]

Maybe have the roof tent opening over the rear door where you do the cooking? (Height permitting? although I would use a high stool)

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Nice Idea!

[@AdamSmith-uv6kr]

Ok that is sick and if you sold the kit I’d be the first to buy it

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks! If you liked this you should check out the VW Beetle Pickup Conversion as well

[@propylaeen]

The best is open it over the front and having the option to support the tent within the footprint of the car for Germany important for legal reason ;-)

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

That's a great idea!

[@RyouConcord]

unreal. that was awesome.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, have you seen the ambulance camper as well? 🚑

[@sk66G]

Awesome project! Inspiring for DIY! Love your spirit!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks, you converting something at the moment?

[@billjones7168]

Renault 5 also had 3 stud wheels.

[@mitchelljensen5527]

Can’t wait for this to be in Rocket League.

[@rachael11]

i had a black smart car. It had some electrical gremlins, but I loved that car. Very nice, looks like it'd be a lot of fun.

[@lostcarpark]

I love it. I think it's exactly what Colin Furze would do with a smart car. Except his would probably also have a flame thrower.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

If we made a flamethrower, it probably would 🔥

[@topendgold9284]

Love it! Would love to see how it goes off road though, can't imagine it would get you far....

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

We took it for an (light) off road adventure in the Van Tour episode.

[@pdtech4524]

I like the rugged, urban warrior, go anywhere look but you know you want 4WD!! I have a Fiat Panda 4x4 0.9 twinair they have a really cool 4x4 system, very effective and very capable, they're like little mountain goats 🐐 I've always wondered about turning it into a little micro camper!😁👍

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Go for it! we'd love to see a fiat panda off roader!

[@nxesr]

Wonder how much fuel your going to use with all that weight??

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

down to 50mpg apparently

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

This being lifted and with so much weight well above the roof will probably flip over very easily. Besides that yes it looks cool

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

It's all about appearances 😎

[@thorgonzo]

It does have a roll cage...duh

[@KamelOualou]

When it flips over it turns into a sleigh. Boom, one more feature.

[@rstarsurfer]

Nice build, I recently build a bed in my smart 450. It's a nice tent on wheels. Would love to give mine an offroady look. Unfortunately, German regulations make it difficult.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Very nice!

[@Luca2105]

The cage is cool however the front lid can no longer be removed due to cage design.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

You can remove it, it's just far more difficult that it used to be 👀

[@andrewdeakin8894]

Love this and have been wanting to do it for a couple of years now since I’ve had mine any chance of the roll cage plan’s and the parts list of what you used 🤞🏼

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Go for it! We'll ask Max if he has any plans

[@andrewdeakin8894]

@@SilverlineToolsTV did you manage to get an answer from max if not it’s fine but what size and thickness is the frame made from ?

[@shplayshiggty7537]

Just curious do you not have Phillips head screws/bolts very much over there?

[@max_mcmurdo]

Yes we use pozi bits generally

[@shplayshiggty7537]

@@max_mcmurdo yoooo wtf is that🤔

[@nickjones4917]

BMW Z1 had all removal panels. Renault used 3 hub studs for years. Pity it is not road legal due to the front tyres being wider that the arch extensions. I liked the project just loathe factual inaccuracy.

[@davethornewell7417]

Peugeot and Citroen also used 3 stud wheels, I was about to suggest that it was a French thing, until I recalled working on a Daf 33, almost 50 years ago, which also had 3 stud wheels

[@AlanTiffany-t8e]

Love it. But needs a side-hinged bracket door at the back like a jeep that has a bolted-on spare wheel and jerry can.

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Nice touch!

[@markelliott6987]

Looks really cool but a lot of weight for a tiny engine 😁

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

You can go fast or you can go anywhere! I know what i'd choose

[@pepevelasco6413]

Looking forward to seeing this beauty on the road!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Keep and eye on the channel this Sunday! 👀 We might have snuck a few surprises in as well.

[@danielpeters9680]

I love my 2006 Smart car and I'm sad to have to give it up soon. This video is BRILLIANT!!! I love what you did and wish I had the know-how and budget to do the same. Good on ya!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Thanks! If you liked this you should check out Max's Beetle conversion