Hooking Up A Camper To A Honda Fit: A Step-By-Step Guide

How to Hook Up a Camper to a Honda Fit

The Honda Fit is a versatile car with excellent gas mileage and seat configuration possibilities, making it a great choice for those who want to try car camping. In this article, we will discuss the steps and modifications needed to hook up a camper to your Honda Fit, including the necessary materials and layout, as well as some benefits and considerations of car camping in a Honda Fit.

How to build a bed frame

To build a bed frame, you will need to cut and connect pieces of wood together. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cut the Wood to Size

First, cut the 1” x 7” pieces of wood to the correct dimensions. You can do this yourself or get the pieces pre-cut at a hardware store.

Step 2: Connect the Wood Pieces

Drill in wood screws to connect the pieces of wood together. Make sure to use the right type of screws for the type of wood you are using.

Step 3: Cut the Plywood

Once the frame is connected, cut the plywood to fit the bed frame. The number of plywood pieces and their sizes will depend on your specific design. For example, one design includes a small storage compartment right behind the driver’s seat, which requires an additional plywood cut.

Step 4: Attach the Piano Hinges

Attach piano hinges to the plywood pieces. The number and placement of hinges will depend on your design. For example, one design includes a hinge on a small storage area towards the middle of the car, allowing it to be opened from the rear driver’s side door. Another design includes a hinge on the frame and a large piece of plywood, allowing it to be opened from the trunk.

Step 5: Slide in the Final Plywood Piece

The last piece of plywood will not be attached to anything. Simply slide it under the mattress when driving, and adjust it as needed when camping.

Step 6: Cut and Place the Mattress

Cut and place a foam or memory foam mattress on top of the bed frame. You may need to cut the mattress to fit the shape of your car.

Additional Tips:

• You can add a pull-out table to the back of the bed frame for dining or playing cards.
• For added comfort, get an extra cushion for your bed.
• Use window screens to get airflow while keeping bugs out.
• A windshield sun protector can keep the car camper from getting too hot.
• If you are building a bed frame for a Honda Fit, make sure to push the driver’s seat forward, lay the passenger seat all the way back, and remove the headrest.

How to build the bed

The first step in building a bed for your Honda Fit camper is to measure the space in the back with the back seats folded down flat. Note the dimensions with the driver and passenger seats both up and pushed forward.

Next, you will need to gather your materials. The number and size of the wooden panels you will need will depend on your specific model of Honda Fit and how much storage space you want to include. You will also need to purchase hinges, screws, and glue.

Once you have your materials, you can begin constructing the frame. Cut the wood to the dimensions you measured and connect the pieces together with wood screws.

Now, you will cut the plywood to fit the bed frame. Start with the small storage compartment right behind the driver's seat, and then continue with the big piece that will cover the rest of the storage and make up most of the bed frame.

Attach the piano hinges to the plywood. One hinge should be placed on the small storage area towards the middle of the car so that it can be opened from the rear driver's side door. The second hinge should be attached to the frame and large piece of plywood and opened from the trunk. This hinge will need to be larger as it will bear more weight.

Finally, cut the mattress to size and add bedding. You can use a memory foam mattress topper and an upholstery cushion for added comfort. Wrap the mattress in a bed sheet to keep it clean, and add pillows, sheets, and blankets.

Materials needed

The materials you will need to convert your Honda Fit into a camper depend on the specific design you have in mind. Here is a list of materials that have been used by others who have converted their Honda Fit into campers:

• Lumber (e.g., 6 – 1” x 7” Lumber (5’ long))
• Plywood (e.g., 1 – 38” x 54” Plywood, 1- 19” x 38” Plywood)
• Memory foam mattress topper (e.g., 3” topper, twin XL)
• Upholstery cushion (e.g., 4” cushion)
• Piano hinges
• Bedding (e.g., sheets, blankets, pillows)
• Window screens
• Rain deflectors
• Backup battery (e.g., solar battery)
• Small fan
• Storage containers (e.g., plastic drawers, packing cubes)
• Table (e.g., pull-out table, picnic table)
• Mattress cover
• Camping chair
• Inflatable camping mattress
• Shower bag
• Hanging shoe organizer
• Roof racks
• Rooftop box
• Bug screens
• Towels
• Cooking equipment (e.g., portable burner, rice cooker)
• Food (e.g., canned food, dehydrated food, ramen)
• Water (e.g., water jug, garden sprayer)

Seat configuration

The Honda Fit is a pretty small, compact car, but it has excellent seat configuration possibilities. For camping in your Honda Fit, you should fold down the back seats, push the driver's seat forward, lay the passenger's seat all the way back, and remove the headrest. This is the best seat configuration for starting your Honda Fit camper conversion because it will allow you to lay out all the way with your head near the back of the car and your feet by the front. If you are camping as a couple, one person can lay on an angle and the other straight so that both people's feet are on the passenger side, where the seat is laid down flat.

For a single traveller, the Honda Fit's four modes (utility, long, tall, and refresh) make it an extremely versatile vehicle. By folding down the front and rear seats completely flat, you can create a long space for a bed or a wide cargo area in which to fit a bike or a surfboard. Many campers claim it can sleep people up to 5ft 7in tall.

Materials for Converting Your Honda Fit for Camping

For a couple camping in a Honda Fit, one person can lay on an angle and the other straight so that both people's feet are on the passenger side, where the seat is laid down flat. The passenger seat can be removed and put back when driving and camping.

Benefits of the Honda Fit Camper Conversion

Not having to set up a tent every night is a huge benefit to converting your car into a camper. It's nice to roll into a campsite late and be ready for bed fairly quickly. It also stays warmer than a tent on cold nights. Aside from setting up a tent, it's easy to "take down" in the mornings too. If you are trying to get up early for a hike, sunrise photos, or just trying to get back on the road to your next destination, not having to take down a tent is really nice, especially in inclement weather.

Things to Change

One thing that could be changed is adding a little pull-out table to the back of the bed frame. It would be nice to have a little table for dinner or to play cards when there isn't a picnic table available at the campsite. This will be something to look to add or invest in a small, lightweight, portable table for camping that can be stored in the car without invading the sleeping space.

Finishing touches

Now that you have the bed frame and bed in your Honda Fit, it's time to add the finishing touches to your camper. Here are some ideas and suggestions to make your camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable:

• Bedding and Linens: Wrap your mattress with a bed sheet to keep it clean and add some comfortable sheets and blankets. You can also bring along some pillows and extra blankets, especially if you're camping in colder weather.
• Privacy and Window Covers: Create DIY window covers that fit your windows perfectly to ensure privacy and block out light. Add a layer of insulation to the side facing the inside of the car for extra warmth and privacy. If you're camping during the summer, don't forget to include bug screens to keep insects out.
• Fans and Ventilation: Install USB fans to keep the air circulating and prevent condensation build-up while you sleep. Rain deflectors are also a great addition, allowing you to crack the windows open for ventilation while keeping the rain and bugs out.
• Table and Storage: Consider adding a small pull-out table at the back of the bed frame for dining or playing cards. You can also invest in a lightweight, portable table that can be stored without invading your sleeping space. Maximize your storage space by utilizing packing cubes or other organizational tools to keep your gear tidy and accessible.
• Other Amenities: Depending on your preferences and needs, you may want to bring extra items such as a portable stove, camping chairs, a shower bag with toiletries, and a windshield sun protector for added privacy and heat protection.

Remember to pack efficiently and make use of all the available space in your Honda Fit. With these finishing touches, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a comfortable and adventurous camping trip in your very own Honda Fit camper!

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