DIY camper box for a Dacia Dokker mini camper, by Simone

Build your own camper box for your Dacia Dokker

Converting a compact car into a personal mini-camper? This project by Simone will immediately make you want to start making plans. Simone built this wooden camper box entirely herself, using custom-cut wood from OPMAATZAGEN.nl. The design combines a large, flat platform with storage compartments underneath. This way, you utilize not only the available length and width, but also the space under the platform.

The photos show the various construction phases: from individual panels to an assembled interior being fitted indoors. Here, the camper box is still in the living room and on the workbench, not in the Dacia Dokker. The final placement and furnishing, such as with a mattress, are not shown.

A light wooden platform with smart storage space

Three long sections as a basis

The base consists of a rectangular box with a bottom plate, outer walls, and two dividers. This creates three elongated compartments that remain open at the front. While trying it on, a blue foldable crate sits in the middle compartment. This allows you to immediately see how you can store loose items in an organized manner. Small, elongated openings have been made in the bottom at various points.

In the later photos, a wide platform made of multiple sheet metal parts rests on top of this base. Along the edges and above the partitions, you can see rows of screw heads and pencil lines. Narrow wooden slats are visible at the bottom of the compartments. The open front ensures that you remain accessible to the storage space beneath the platform.

Separate parts for a personal layout

In addition to the wide base, you see additional flat panels and a smaller, rectangular superstructure with an open side. In one of the configurations, a narrow panel protrudes forward. In another photo, a dark, soft transport bench is fitted next to the raised superstructure. This nicely illustrates why, when building a custom camper box, you consider not only the external dimensions but also the items you want to take with you.

The wood has a light, creamy tint. The grain, a few knots, and the layered panel edges remain visible. No opaque color finish is visible. The straight lines and muted wood color give the structure a simple, practical appearance.

Customization for a compact mini camper

This camper box is designed for a Dacia Dokker. Especially in a mini camper, you want to carefully allocate the available space: a flat base for a sleeping arrangement, with room for luggage underneath. The combination of long storage compartments and additional components makes this design interesting if you want to bring together various functions in a small area.

Do you want to make something similar yourself? Then measure not only the interior space, but also the passageway through which you bring the parts inside. In your design, take into account the wheel arches, the position of the front seats, and items that need to remain accessible. Furthermore, ensure you have suitable mounting in the car before you set off.

Self-built, cut to size by OPMAATZAGEN.nl

Simone handled the construction and assembly herself. OPMAATZAGEN.nl supplied the wood cut to size. In the first photo, the various rectangular panels are still standing loosely against a wall. During assembly, you can see a corner clamp, wood glue, and screws, among other things. Afterwards, the parts are brought together indoors and tested.

With pre-cut panels, you can focus on assembly, fitting, and finishing. You determine the dimensions, section layout, and material yourself. You also keep a grip on your budget: you choose which parts you need and handle the installation yourself. What you ultimately spend naturally depends on your choice of materials, hardware, and finish.

The wood used: Plywood Interior Poplar B/BB

For this project, Plywood Interior Poplar B/BB was used: poplar plywood for interior applications. This sheet material is relatively lightweight and easy to work with, which is handy when making and fitting multiple parts for a camper box. The light color provides a calm base that you can finish to your own taste. The designation B/BB refers to the quality of the two outer sides; therefore, they may differ in appearance. Because this is interior plywood, protection against moisture and condensation is important. Therefore, pay attention to the edges of the sheet during the finishing process.