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How to Build Campervan Overhead Cupboards

Storage in a campervan is both scarce and sacred. Building as much storage as possible is frequently a top priority to the van converter. 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.


I’m Shane, a van conversion professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. I've authored Roaming Home, and teach The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. I also write The Van Conversion Newsletter, where I share practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, I’m excited to share my expertise with you.


So let's jump in and learn about campervan overhead lockers!

How to build campervan overhead cupboards

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Design the campervan overhead cupboards first

Before hopping into building campervan storage, it is essential that you mock it up on paper or with CAD software first! Here is a full guide on campervan design that will help you get started. I highly recommend Vanspace3D for designing your campervan interior - it's an awesome drag n' drop CAD tool specifically for van conversions.

Designing a van in Vanspace

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 storage! So let's look at how to build them!

two campervan overhead cupboards

Step 1: 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 walls (cladding). In my long wheel-base Ford Transit, these were each 120 cm long. Learn about campervan cladding here.

Installing support beams for overhead cupboard

Step 2: Create 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.

Creating frame for campervan overhead storage

The measurements I used for the front frame was 120 cm X 35 cm.

Campervan cupboard measurements

Step 3: Cut separators

Then, 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.

Campervan furniture guide

You will need to make four cuts in each separator into which the front frame and support beams will slot. The base of the separator should be 30-40cm (Typical depth of an overhead locker).

Creating separator for campervan overhead storage

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.

Attaching frame and separators for campervan overhead lockers

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 the base into the support beams and front frame.

Screwing base into campervan overhead lockers

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.


You can use a scribe tool to get the end plate flush against the wall.

Attaching end plates for campervan overhead storage


Step 7: Install a door on the overhead cupboard

There are many ways to build a door for your campervan overhead cupboard, you can 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!

campervan overhead lockers

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

Gas struts overhead locker

Conclusion

And that's all there is to building campervan overhead lockers!


Here's a quick tip: You're likely going to be building TWO overhead lockers (one for each side of the van), so batch your work when cut lengths of timber!

Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion (I'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join).


If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book Roaming Home, or in our online course The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from me how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed!

van conversion book

Until next time,

Shane ✌️


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