How To Convert a Small Car into a Micro Camper

I have road-tripped and lived in, or out of, trucks, SUVs, RVs and now a Ford Fiesta. She isn't bigger than a standard 4-door Fiesta but she does have some unique innovations inside that mean I can camp out of her and sleep comfortably in her when I take a multi-night road-trip in the UK.
See how I make this conversion work for me (someone shortish) and still live comfortably for days on the road. Life has to be simple and stuff has to be minimalistic...and this has been a much requested video in people asking how I make it work.

So this video is how I use my Ford Fiesta as a micro-camper, comfortably, with me and two 30lb border collies. And yes, we all sleep well.

Links to all the equipment and gear I use in my car, specific to the micro camper (not affiliate links):

Power source:

Kampa 5l Jerry Can (for water):

Recommended stoves:

Campgaz (or Coleman):

Cook set (not my backpacking set up):

[WilderhopeAdventures]

Apologies for the sound at the 2min mark. Not sure what happened but it is short-lived. What I am talking about is where I keep my head-lamp and how it is extremely versatile in that location. In the door I keep a blue shower curtain as seat cover for the front seat and also where I keep my stove and spoon.

[NotASheep]

Big respect to this lady.. and 2 dogs.
Who would ever thought that possible in such a small car.
This is fantastic.
Weldone ... very inspiring

[haydennamgostar]

I have a Ford Fiesta hatchback and I’ve converted it into a camper as well! I did mine slightly different. It’s cool to see that I’m not the only one camping out of my lil Fiesta! 😁

[BranEman]

Appreciating nature is not about luxury. With minimum provisions and your little friends, you redifined the GOOD LIFE. Thank You, I am inspired.

[vanessaboman]

Very inspiring, we all need an escape route! I toured Scotland in my Ford fusion for 10 days and I was so comfy. I want to make it more stable like you have. I might end up living in mine full time so I want a roof rack and box eventually. As I was alone in my trip I was able to pee ok in the car, and do a full body wash, but I missed showers, as everywhere was closed on my trip. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us out here. You are appreciated very much.

[chrissharp]

Ingenious. It's truly amazing that you've achieved so much in such a small space and even your two dogs get to travel in style. Really enjoyed your enthusiasm for this way of travelling, so well done. Stay safe.

[davidjacobs]

I tried this in a fiesta.... the best item I purchased was a volvo v70 estate.
This is without doubt the best ( non van ) micro stealth camping vehicle ever made .
I also fitted a tow bar with full electrics enabling the addition of a caravan ...GAME CHANGER .

[joniparker]

Thanks for this, great ideas. Have bigger car and am only 4'11", so sure can make it work. Awesome that you get both dogs in too.

[SongsFromFarAway]

That's a clever set up, I'm really fond of this. My car is extremely tiny but I want to try something out, and you definitely gave me ideas for a good start. That's great, and so cool the dogs have their own space ❤️🐶

[rooeykate]

Looking at doing something similar in my small car and you’ve really inspired me with your wooden platform to make a. More storage and b. The boot level with the back seats. Also your rolled foam mattress looks great. Thanks for this video.

[sarahs]

I've had a thirsty Fiesta in the past, now in a 6 year old ultra eco Bmax with acres more space, seats go flat but basically same chassis as a smaller hatchback
Recommend a 12v plug in shower for those out of the way spots, one end suctions onto car, the other in bucket of hot water..I think mine was around £15 online
(Or Indian style bucket wash inside largest IKEA storage unit works too!)

[chrishawkins]

I love it. I drive a fiesta also and I have a large springer spaniel. usually I just end up not sleeping very much in the front seats. That's probably why I haven't done any more videos. This gives me food for thought.

[lindaseiffert]

Maybe a tarp with magnets when it rains to put over you while you cook a bit...would help a lot...😊

[GraysOutdoors]

Wow. Can’t believe u got it all in. Great setup

[gretchenoppriecht]

Perfect advice/video. I’m also 5’5” with one small doggo (15 pounds max). I’ve been hoping to invest in a teardrop camper, but with 2 kids in college it’s not in the budget right now. I have a Ford C-Max hatchback that I can work with. I might invest in racks & a hardtop carrier because I do have a spare tire, but you gave me lots of great ideas. Thanks!!

[marks--]

Like with minimalism generally, there is something calming about doing things simply in life.
I've just started playing with a simple setup in my Berlingo car 👍

[AnthonyJohnson]

Must have missed this video when you first posted it. This is really creative CJ. Certainly nothing stopping you from travelling anywhere for your adventures once Covid restrictions allow.

[MrWildWales]

Priorities 8:10 😂 ... Super micro camper! I love that platform that you've made so clever for storing your gear 👌

[gratefulobserver]

Lovely idea! I have a three door but would love to give it a go. Thanks for posting 😊

[MichaelWilliams-eepp]

Loved it. Very informative. After 5? years of Suzuki Altos I'm now the proud owner of a 2006 Vauxhall Meriva. Looking fwd to attempting some sort of conversion on that. My problem is I can watch hours of fantastic videos like these, by which time it's dark outside and I'm less inclined to get up and go and do something. I think it's termed laziness 🙂