DIY Micro Camper Integrates Much-Needed Practical Features Into a Minuscule Space

Another issue when dealing with any camper is privacy – of course, this only applies when a couple or multiple people are traveling in a tiny home on wheels. Jordan and Bradley, the creators of the micro camper I'm discussing today, feel like their rig is big enough for a couple to live in.

This isn't the first time I'm covering a micro camper – a similar conversion I've recently written about is a self-converted 2007 Fiat Doblo. But what we have here is a 2016 Volkswagen Caddy sporting a 2.0-liter engine and a DSG transmission. It's finished in an eye-catching blue paint and, as you'll soon see, it's filled with all sorts of practical features. I'll start with its exterior.

The first feature you'll notice is the pop-top roof, which the couple describes as "the most useful purchase for the entire build." It's a game-changer for the experience, allowing them to stand up in the vehicle. It's a Wesdubs product, priced at £2,750 ($3,408 or €3,143). Furthermore, the couple opted for the Scenic ODY Canvas, allowing them to open the canvas and take in the views while improving air circulation. This upgrade costs an extra £225 ($279 or €257).

On the vehicle's side, the couple added a shore power connection. There are two more ways to charge the rig's batteries. First, the engine will charge the batteries via an alternator. Second, a solar panel on the roof provides additional power. However, since they mainly travel through Scotland, they don't charge the batteries much. Still, it's good to have them.

While we're on the topic of energy, let me tell you about the van's "heart," the electrical system. Jordan and Bradley housed it in a box right behind the front seats – among other components, it features a 2,000 W inverter and two 100 Ah batteries.

Moving on inside, you'll discover a surprisingly cozy and aesthetically pleasing interior. The vehicle comes with two sliding doors, as well as two rear doors. Starting from the back, you'll notice the doors were insulated, and the couple also added two fold-up tables on each door and a tiny cargo net.

As expected, there isn't a lot of walking space inside. A tiny "corridor" is surrounded by a bench on one side and a countertop on the other. Underneath the bench, the duo installed a diesel heater, which shoots warm air through a vent at the rear – you can choose the interior temperature via a small wall-mounted controller.

The countertop features a sink and a two-burner stove, both in one package. Moreover, Jordan and Bradley added a beautiful blue tiled splashback, which matches the rest of the vehicle's blue cabinetry.

Underneath the sink, you'll find a simple yet effective water system consisting of a 25-liter (6.6-gallon) freshwater container connected to a water pump and a 10-liter (2.6-gallon) waste water container. Regarding storage, the couple fitted drawers and cabinets under the countertop. They also have two decently sized overhead cabinets.

A small wall separates the kitchen from the driver's cabin. On it, the couple added the "electrical hub" - you'll notice two USB plugs, two sockets, and switches for the lights and the water pump. Above it, they fitted a spice rack.

Behind this small wall is an appliance that takes up quite a chunk of space, but it was essential to have – I'm referring to a fridge that is powered by a propane canister housed underneath it. A nice detail is that the duo integrated a mirror on it.

Of course, there was no way the couple could equip a shower inside this rig. However, they managed to fit a 10-liter (2.6-gallon) portable toilet.

Every single inch of storage is valuable, especially when traveling in a vehicle this small. The couple devised extra storage spaces both under the bed and above the cab area. But they pale in comparison to the "utility area" behind the fridge, which offers much more space.

And lastly, we have the bedroom, which can be set up by transforming the couch. To be frank, it's quite cramped, but it does the job for this couple. What's more, they can completely block off the light from outside by using custom window covers.

All in all, despite the lack of space, Jordan and Bradley managed to fit lots of practical features, making their micro camper a true tiny home on wheels. I know this setup wouldn't please most people, but it's still an impressive rig.