DIY Sharan Microcamer Conversion (under €110 / $130)

Here's how I have converted my 2013 VW Sharan (5-seater) into a microcamper for less than €110 / $130. It's a reversible build too - I can sleep in it, then fold the bed back and have 5 people (or 2 people and a big dog :) using it as a normal family car.

The whole setup is also pretty light - all wood, almost no joining anywhere.

Get this verified, but I don't think it'll be seen as insurance-altering customisation - you're basically carrying wooden crates in your boot, which is everyday use.

All the materials you need are easy to get in any hardware store. You will need some tools - a drill and a jigsaw, or a wood chisel + a hammer.

• plywood - pick a type of wood you like, preferably lighter, 5-ply should be good
• crates in the height of the middle row of seats (if you are keeping them) or any crates you like (I recommend lower rather than too high) if you are removing the seats. They will act as storage + base for your bed
• polypropylene rope or heavy-duty straps, or even an old belt for joining

Line the wooden crates so that they are evenly distributed across the entire boot. Small (up to 30cm) gaps are fine, the plywood can withstand that without any problems. Plus, you will use the gaps to store longer items.

Now take the three pieces of plywood and cut holes on the adjoining side to the next one - drill holes if you're using a rope, wider holes if you're using straps. Cut the straps into needed length (shorter if you only plan to fold the plywood, longer if you plan to keep the rubber foam between the plywood sheets). These straps have two benefits: - they ensure the plywood boards don't come apart - they let you fold the entire thing into a suitcase-style, easy to carry size.

If you want to carry it around easily, cut a handle hole into the appropriate side of each board (see second before last image), so that when they fold, they will all match and create a handle.

Now that you have a flat surface of about 190x105cm, it's up to you what mattress you throw at it. I prefer something thinner and easy to put away:

• rebonded foam squares are not bad (only need two), but they tend to be harder
• foam sheet 200x100cm is a standard size, will fit nicely and it's easy to roll away. It's also more comfortable - softer.

I originally started with the rebonded foam squares but then switched to a 200x100x10cm foam sheet

*note that the first image shows my version 1 using OSB boards, but they were messy and heavy. Plywood is much better.

This is a very simple setup that has enough storage for smaller items (cutlery, gas bottle, some pots, food, sleeping bags, tools) and the bigger items (car tent, folding table, our backpacks) stay on top of the bed when we drive or on the front seats when we sleep.

More available on my website nimblecamper.com - all about microcampers, car ratings, conversion ideas etc.

My post about this Sharan DIY camping conversion too.