How to Build Campervan Overhead Cupboards

Storage in a campervan is both scarce and sacred. Building as much storage as possible is a top priority to most van converters. Campervan overhead cupboards are a fantastic way to use up an awkward space and create a lot of storage capacity. In this article, we will walk step-by-step through an illustrated guide on how to build campervan overhead lockers. In the 2023 Roaming Home study, we found that 73% of vans have overhead cupboards installed.

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Shane is an NCC-certified electrical installer.

He has built, taught, and lived in campervans since 2019.

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Design the Campervan Overhead Cupboards First

Before hopping into building campervan storage, it's essential that you mock it up on paper or with CAD software first. Our full guide on campervan design will help you get started.

I highly recommend Vanspace3D for designing your campervan interior - it's a brilliant drag 'n' drop CAD tool specifically for van conversions.

How to Build Campervan Overhead Cupboards

Campervan overhead cupboards are very common. They are a useful way to fill up an awkward space and give you a lot of useful storage. Let's look at how to build them.

Step 1: Fix the Support Beams

First, screw two 2x2 pieces of carcassing timber to the side of the van. These will be the support beams for the campervan overhead cupboards. Make sure to screw these into the vertical furring that holds up your van wall cladding. In my long wheel-base Ford Transit, these were each 120cm long. Learn about campervan cladding here.

Step 2: Create the Front Frame

Next, create the front frame for the campervan overhead cupboard. You can use 2x2 timber for this. The length should match the length of the support beams from the previous step.

The measurements I used for the front frame were 120cm (L) x 35cm (H).

Step 3: Cut Separators

Next, cut out a few separators from plywood for the overhead lockers - these create different compartments within the locker. Two separators (creating 3 compartments) should be sufficient for each campervan overhead cupboard.

You will need to make four cuts in each separator into which the front frame and support beams will slot, which you can see in the photo below. The top and base of the separator should match the depth of your end pieces.

Step 4: Attach Front Frame and Separators

Next, screw the front frame to the top of the van. Again, make sure to screw into the furring that supports the roof cladding. At this point, you should also insert the separators between the frame and the support beams.

Step 5: Install a Base for the Overhead Cupboards

Cut a square piece of plywood to match the dimensions of the underside of the campervan overhead cupboards. Then, screw this base into the support beams and front frame.

Step 6: Install an end plate to the campervan overhead lockers

Next, cut two end plates for each end of the campervan overhead cupboards. I used pineboard for this as it matches the 'vibe' of the van. The end plate is a shape that matches the contour of my van. I matched this shape to the contour of my walls using a scribing tool, which you can read about in our article on campervan woodworking.

Step 7: Install a Door on the Overhead Cupboard

There are many ways to build a door for your campervan overhead cupboard. Explore your options in this article on carpentry for campervans. I chose to use a length of pineboard cut to size. I attached the pineboard to the front frame of the overhead cupboard using brass box hinges. I installed magnetic catches to keep the door shut tight when driving, and installed a nice door handle to finish the whole thing off.

Some people choose to also install gas struts to keep the campervan overhead locker doors open while they are using them.

@FarOutRide installed gas struts in their build

Conclusion

That's all there is to building campervan overhead lockers. They're a comparatively simple build but are almost essential in any campervan. With these done, you might like to move on to designing and building your bulkhead storage or a full-sized cupboard.

Before you get started, make sure you check out the excellent VanSpace3D for experimenting with your furniture layout and design.

Planning your van conversion?

Start with the free Van Conversion Diagram Pack below.

Want a clear step-by-step path for your full build?

The Van Conversion Mastery Course walks you step-by-step through the entire build process — from planning and layout to electrics, insulation, water, gas, carpentry, and more.

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Until next time.