3 Easy DIY Camper Upgrades You Need to Try!

If you're anything like me, you’re always hunting for those clever little upgrades that make a small camper feel huge. And today I want to walk you through three of my absolute favorite DIY projects from my minivan build: my off-grid shower setup with real water pressure, my adjustable table that pulls double duty as a storage shelf, and the cheap bug-blocking trick that lets you keep your windows open—even in the rain.

These projects didn’t just make my rig more comfortable—they completely changed the way I camp. And the best part? Anyone can build them.

Links to products, devices and gear featured in this video

1. My Off-Grid Shower Setup (With Real Pressure!)

When I first started planning a shower for a minivan-sized space, the biggest question was simply: Where does it even go? Minivans are compact, but the deep cargo wells left behind when you remove the third-row seats are pure gold.

I built out a wood frame and cabinet system in the back of my van. The right side holds my portable power station, which left the left compartment wide open—a perfect home for the water tank, pump, hose, and even the shower curtains and tent pole.

The heart of the whole system is a Seaflo 5.5 GPM water pump, which is definitely pricier than the common RV pumps—but that extra money is exactly why the water pressure is so good. It’s actually supposed to be mounted upside down, which looks funny but works beautifully. I tested everything outside the van first, because no one wants a surprise leak soaking their electrical.

I wanted quick connect access without digging into the cabinet every time, especially because my 12V freezer lives on top of it during camp mode. So I built a small wooden enclosure to mount the quick-connect dock and ran a hose from the dock to the tank—always connected, always ready.

The privacy “shower stall” is delightfully simple. I bend a 16-foot tent pole in half, hook it to tiny eyebolts on my roof rack, add an awning pole on the opposite side, and clamp two shower curtains in place. It creates a roomy 5.5' x 3' space that’s private, sturdy, and surprisingly comfortable.

And yes—the pressure really is good enough for a proper shower!

2. The Cheap Bug-Blocking Trick (That Works Better Than it Should)

Fresh air and bug-free sleep are non-negotiable in van life. My first discovery was a $3 hack: vinyl gutter guards. These things already come with tiny airflow holes and built-in mesh, they’re easy to cut, and they slide right into the tops of flat rear windows. For most people, they’re perfect.

But they didn’t quite work with my setup because my 12V fan hangs too low. I needed more airflow.

That’s when I found the real winner: magnetic sunroof screens. For $16, they were a perfect fit for my sliding-door windows. They fold up tiny, stick in place with sewn-in magnets (plus a few extra rubber-coated magnets for windy days), and they don’t interfere with sliding the door open or closed. Total game-changer.

To make things even better, I paired these screens with WeatherTech window deflectors. These let me keep my windows cracked open in the rain while staying completely dry inside. The screens sit right on top of the deflectors, giving airflow, bug protection, and rain protection all at once. I’ve sat through multiple rainy nights with this combo, staying dry every time.

3. My Height-Adjustable “Magic Leg” Table & Overhead Shelf

Space in a minivan is precious, and the area above the front seats was just… wasted. So I built a shelf that rests on the tops of the seats and the lowered steering wheel. It’s simple, solid, and incredibly useful for storage.

I cut a 16" x 48" project board, mounted 2x2 blocks on the underside that lock into the seat-back handles, and added quick-connect rails so the shelf can snap into different positions in the van—front, back, or outside the hatch.

To turn it into a table, I added what I call the “magic leg”: a photographer’s monopod. It’s adjustable, locks instantly, and slides perfectly into a 1.5" hole I drilled in a wooden block mounted at the end of the table. The whole thing goes from “storage shelf” to “full work table” in seconds.

These three projects—my shower system, my bug-proof airflow mods, and my modular table—have made my tiny minivan feel like a real, functional micro-RV. If you love clever builds, hidden mods, and small rigs that punch way above their weight, I think you’re going to love trying these out for yourself.

Thanks for being here, and as always—happy building! 🚐✨