For anyone considering sleeping in their station wagon, here’s a list of the equipment we used for our cheap car camper conversions. We took a few short road trips across Australia in our Peugeot 307 and Citroen C4 Grand Picasso station wagons and loved having the option to sleep in our car.
Sleeping in your vehicle while travelling not only saves money but also offers greater flexibility. While it’s easier not to worry about booking hotels during your road trip, you’ll need to put in some effort to make your car comfortable for sleeping. If you’re heading to remote areas or want to save time and money by skipping restaurants, you’ll also need gear for cooking and eating.
I’ve listed a few tips and included links to products that I think you’ll find useful. Keep in mind, we haven’t used all of them personally – sometimes the link leads to a similar item, as the exact product we purchased may no longer be available.
Why did we choose a station wagon camper instead of buying a van?
First, we needed a car that could serve multiple purposes beyond just travel, like commuting to work every day. We also wanted a fuel-efficient vehicle to reduce costs and our environmental impact. For the price of an older van, we could get a more recent car with modern comfort features. A station wagon is also much more discreet than a van, and easier to drive and park.
This article is based on my experience converting a station wagon (first a Peugeot 307, then a Citroen C4 Picasso) into a camper for short road trips around Australia, including multiple trips from Brisbane to Sydney. If van life is more your style, you’ll find helpful tips for that here.
Creating sleeping space in your car
The biggest challenge in a car camper conversion is setting up a comfortable sleeping area. To maximise space, push the front seats as far forward as possible.
Multiple options for different cars and budgets
Not all cars will provide a perfectly flat surface for your bed. We chose cars where the back seats fully collapse – or in the case of our Peugeot 307, we even left the seats at home – to create a flat surface. If your car doesn’t offer this option, you might need to get creative. You could build a flat platform using a piece of wood (which will also give you space for storage underneath), or try a camping bed with adjustable legs* (disclaimer: I haven’t personally tested this).
If your budget allows, installing a rooftop tent can save a lot of space inside the car. However, you’ll lose the discreet advantage of sleeping in the car and may need to stick to campgrounds. For inspiration, check out this rooftop tent on Amazon*. Keep in mind that most rooftop tents are designed for larger vehicles like SUVs.
Despite the cost, a rooftop tent would be my top choice for a car camper conversion if we weren’t aiming for a budget-friendly solution. It’s not only the most comfortable option for sleeping, but it also frees up storage space and reduces the need to rearrange items at night.
Tips to choose the right mattress
Keep in mind that the size of your car will influence the type of mattress you’ll need. Make sure to choose one that fits comfortably within your available space without compromising on comfort.
Once you’ve created a flat surface, you can choose between a foam or inflatable mattress to fit the space. We found it challenging to find something affordable yet durable.
As a fan of reusing items, I initially opted for a combination of foam mats* (or yoga mats) and a mattress topper*. If you prefer to buy something dedicated to camping, a self-inflating air pad* can be a good option – especially if you’re tight on storage space when not on the road.
As we started taking longer and more frequent trips, we upgraded to a thick foam mattress*. Look for one that’s easy to roll or fold, as you shouldn’t leave heavy items on it all day, or it’ll lose its shape quickly. In terms of comfort, the foam mattress has been my favourite for sleeping in our station wagon.
We initially tried a thick air mattress, which was super comfortable but much less convenient. It’s more fragile, and you have to inflate it every night. We used an electric air pump* that could be recharged in the car, but we ditched this setup for trips longer than a weekend. Spending too much time setting up your bed every night can become tiresome.
Here’s another option for those without a wagon: a backseat inflatable mattress*. I haven’t tried it myself, but it seems like an interesting idea – though I’m unsure if the length would be comfortable. As mentioned earlier, I have some reservations about air mattresses since most don’t last long. You’d need to be careful to deflate it during the day, as rising temperatures can cause the air to expand and potentially damage the mattress. You may be interested in adding a tent to the back of the vehicle* to increase your space.
Covering the windows
For a comfortable night’s sleep in your car, it’s essential to block out light, heat, and prying eyes.
Living in a tropical climate, window coverage is nearly as important as the mattress for a good night’s sleep. Even in winter, the car can heat up quickly if the sun hits early, especially with sunrise before 7 am.
For the side doors of our station wagon, I used window shades that slide over the entire door*. This allowed us to keep the windows open without letting too many insects in, which is a big relief in hot, sticky weather. For added privacy and darkness, I could simply slide in a piece of cardboard or attach an opaque fabric with clothespins. This was much easier than making custom curtains. Please note that the product linked here is just an example – you’ll need to measure to ensure a proper fit for your car. If your car has metallic frames rather than plastic around the windows, magnetic covers* that completely block light could also be a great option.
For the windshield and rear window, I used sunshades* with an easy-fix system. Just keep in mind, if you plan to drive shortly after waking up, you’ll likely need a towel to wipe the windshield due to condensation.
Organising storage
When you travel and sleep in a car, space is limited compared to a van, so organising your storage efficiently is crucial.
Building a sleeping platform to create more storage space wasn’t an option for us due to limitations in space at home, tools, skills, and time. So, having smart storage solutions is key to keeping things manageable. Each evening, you’ll need to move items from the boot to the front seats to create your sleeping area, and in the morning, you’ll need to do the opposite, making sure the things you’ll need during the day are easily accessible.
To simplify this, I use stackable boxes*. They’re easy to access without needing to open lids, solid for carrying, and they take up almost no space when not in use since they fold flat. Labelling them or using different colours makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
Maximising every inch of space is also important. Use organisers behind the back seats*, on the sun visors*, between the car seats*, on the side of the seats* or even hooked on the air vents* to store smaller items without having to move them around constantly.
If you want to create even more space, consider getting a car roof bag* (I’d personally only use it when sleeping so that it wouldn’t increase our fuel consumption too much) or, for vehicles with higher roofs, a roof mesh bag* to store lightweight items.
Kitchen equipment
No car “camper” is complete without the ability to prepare your own meals on the go.
For cooking, we rely on standard camping gear: a cooler, a gas stove*, a folding table, and folding chairs. A plastic tableware set* is ideal since it stacks neatly to save space, and I always carry foldable containers* to store any leftovers and avoid food waste. I keep the essentials (all cutlery, can opener, small cutting board) in a Tupperware-style transparent box, which is handy to have on the table when it’s time to eat (remember: smart storage is key!).
We also bring along a small charcoal barbecue* that folds completely flat. It’s fun to cook over a fire, and the food tastes amazing. While many places don’t allow open fires, cooking on a barbecue is usually permitted.
For coffee lovers, a small stovetop espresso maker* is a real treat – just like how the Italians do it at home!
As for the cooler, we started with an ice-cooled one due to budget and the fact we already had it. Later, we upgraded to a 50L fridge* that runs on the car’s 12V cigarette lighter. Before heading out, we freeze a few items to help the fridge stay cooler for longer when we’re not driving. For extended trips, a portable power pack with a cigarette lighter socket* helps keep the fridge running longer when the car isn’t on.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting the interior and exterior of your car, it’s important to consider practical solutions.
Using the car’s built-in lights is not ideal for several reasons: they can drain the battery, they generate heat since they aren’t designed for extended use, and they aren’t particularly comfortable. Our solution was to string a line across the car and hang a camping lamp from it. For a more relaxed atmosphere or when we needed less light, we used solar-charged LED lights*, which worked perfectly without the need for constant recharging. This foldable lantern* is also excellent as it takes almost no storage space when you’re not using it.
Water and washing
Depending on your destination, carrying enough water is essential. I prefer using multiple foldable 5L water containers*, as they’re easy to handle, fit in small spaces, and can be folded flat once empty.
For washing dishes, I use a collapsible tub*, which also folds neatly for storage.
For personal washing, I rely on a solar bag for hot water* that I pour in a collapsible bucket*. It’s cheap, not always practical, but it works. For longer trips when we know we won’t easily find a shower after a sweaty day, I upgraded to an electric shower pump*, which made cleaning up more convenient.
What if it’s raining?
Planning for rain is essential before a storm catches you off guard. You’ll need to consider where to store wet items in your station wagon and whether it’s possible to eat inside the car.
Dealing with wet items
We can hang wet items inside the car using bungee cords*. Another option is placing them in dry bags* or a box, but keep in mind that they may get smelly and will need washing if stored this way. We also use a tarp at the bottom of the box to protect it, which makes cleaning up quick and easy.
I highly recommend selecting quick-dry clothes and microfiber towels*, it will make your life easier while on the road.
Stay protected from the rain
Bungee cords* are great for securing a tarp to create shelter, which also doubles as sun protection. If you’re after a more convenient option that’s quick to set up anywhere, there are car awnings* specifically designed for the back or side of vehicles.
In light rain, a tarp or your car boot can provide shelter for cooking or eating. When we upgraded our rainy-weather gear, we opted for a Cool Cabana*, a popular choice in Australia to create shade on the beach, so we like its versatility. However, in case of heavy rain, it’s wise to carry food that doesn’t require cooking so you can prepare meals inside the car.
It was easy to comfortably stay dry by staying in our Peugeot 307 station wagon; we simply folded the parcel shelf to create a table and seating area. In the Citroen C4 Picasso, the built-in tray tables on the back of the front seats, like on an airplane, were also handy.
If these options don’t suit your setup, consider a mini picnic table* – not perfect, but it can turn dinner in the car into a romantic indoor picnic. This option also comes in handy if you’ve parked somewhere swarming with mosquitoes and can’t sit outside.
Being stuck inside the car doesn’t have to be boring. Keep a deck of cards or a tablet for watching movies on hand. With limited space, having some form of entertainment is key to passing the time when you’re cooped up in the car.
Stay safe
A well-equipped first-aid kit is essential when you’re camping. Tailoring your kit to the specific activities and terrain you’ll encounter can make all the difference. For example, we carry a snake bite kit and added a tick removal tool* and tweezers for splinters to our first aid kit since we often hike or camp in areas where encounters with snakes and ticks are possible, and we regularly use our firepit.
Have you ever converted your car into a camper for a road trip? What equipment do you find essential?
Share your tips in the comments below!
Useful list! We haven’t gone camping in a long time, but we’ve been forced to sleep in our car numerous times thanks to some travel mishaps. Definitely should keep some of these handy in my car in case that happens again. Love the backseat inflatable matters — should look into getting one of those!
You definitely pimped out your wagon! I am impressed by how prepared you are. I rented a van that had been converted into a camper last year and loved seeing how they fit all the necessities in, with a small kitchen at the back. I had always wondered about cars without a flat space and it looks like you came up with a good solution.
I want one of those organizing storages even if I’m not preparing for a road trip 🙂 It looks like it will come in handy for my grocery shopping. I love back seat inflatable mattress. I didn’t even know those things existed!
It sounds fantastic! I would love to do one day a road trip around Germany and your ideas make everything much easier and doable on my side!