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Writer's pictureRandy Reek

Does GoneCamper Sell Plans?

Updated: Jul 14, 2021

No - we do not have GoneCamper plans or kits - for several reasons.


At least once a week I receive a request for plans to build the GoneCamper kitchen and/or folding bed. This seems like a logical option, and I considered drawing plans, UNTIL I realized that EVERY GoneCamper has some custom features.


The most common custom features include:

  • Length of the bed

  • Height of the bed for storage

  • Size of the cooler compartment

  • Size of the water storage for water jug, crate, or gallon jugs

  • Size of the propane stove

  • Number and configuration of the drawers

  • Fold-down shelf for kitchen

  • Other options like a vertical cooler, wash basin, and more

The fact is that I don't have a set of standard plans. Each package has different components. In addition, there are dimensional differences between each minivan model. Each van model has a different width and contour of the sidewalls and slope of the floor.


Then I started to add up the tools that are required to build the GoneCamper to fit your minivan This is what I use, off the top of my head:

  • Commercial table saw with run-out table

  • Trim table saw

  • Miter saw

  • Jig saw

  • Circular saw

  • Saw cut-off jig

  • Trim router

  • Bench belt sander

  • Portable belt sander

  • Oscillating sander

  • Orbital sander

  • Drill press and vice

  • Cordless and power drills

  • Kreg jig and screws

  • Biscuit joiner and splines

  • Compressor and brad nailer, hoses

  • Hand tools: hammers, mallets, clamps, sandpaper, rasps, vice, wood hand saw, metal hacksaw, tape measures, rulers, squares, T-square, levels, saw horses, drill bits, countersink bits, router bits, center punches, awl

  • Finishing supplies and equipment: shop vacs, brushes, paint brushes, stain, varnish, thinner, rags, shop dust collectors

  • Miscellaneous supplies: dozens different sizes of screws and nails, wood glue, Gorilla glue, fine chain, screw eyes

This list doesn't include the workshop space or the truck and trailer to haul the 80-pound sheets of 3/4-inch birch plywood used in the GoneCamper kitchen.


Of course, the two MOST important pieces of the puzzle are:

  1. The ability to design and layout the GoneCamper for each minivan owner

  2. The knowledge to cut, rout, sand, glue, assemble, and finish the GoneCamper package to match the specs of the minivan and the desires of the owner, including cutting the tri-fold mattress to fit.

Here are a few assembly pictures:

Honestly, if you have a workshop, all the tools listed above, AND the knowledge and experience to build cabinets you don't NEED my plans to build your camper. (Although I have built several GoneCampers for woodworkers and contractors TOO BUSY to build their own!) For minivan owners that want a finished product to install and immediately begin their camping adventures, I welcome the opportunity to work with you!



Traveling Efficiently, Camping Comfortably, Living Frugally

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