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Van camping pods have grown in popularity in recent years. These portable kits offer many features found in dedicated campervans without being permanently installed. In short, you can use your van for your normal weekday errands, then escape for a weekend adventure. But people don’t drive pickup trucks during the week. They drive SUVs.
That’s why Van Lab’s latest camping kit caught our attention. This is a drop-in module designed to fit a plethora of popular SUVs, from the compact BMW X3 to the beefy Chevrolet Suburban. The company also lists some station wagons like the Subaru Outback on its compatibility chart. Chatting with Van Lab Director Ian Fitzhenry, he explained that the SUV kit is a unique product, compared to the usual vehicle-specific kits they build for pickup trucks.
7 Pictures
“We have to take into account some design limitations,” Fitzhenry said. Engine1. “For example, we wanted to make sure a customer could fully enclose a refrigerator/cooler in the unit because that’s important. However, this also limits the size of the unit, so headroom for sleeping is slightly compromised in smaller SUVs. But it makes for a truly great tailgate experience and still lets you sleep with the addition of the bed.
The kit is available in two components. Buyers can opt for just the kitchen, which here functions as an accessible exterior layout in the rear of the SUV. It includes two lockable sliding drawers with space for a small stove, sink, cutting surfaces and dish storage. Within the unit is a dedicated space for the aforementioned refrigerator, as well as two folding tables. Made of birch plywood, the kitchen kit weighs 64 pounds and mounts in the back without any permanent accessories.
The second version includes provisions for a bed platform. Four sections are included, extending to create a full-size bed measuring 75 inches long by 51 inches wide. Obviously, you’ll need folding or removable seats in the back to install it, not to mention enough space for it to fit. Judging by the photos, sleeping is a cozy affair that doesn’t leave much room. But Fitzhenry tells us a second version is in development that focuses more on the sleep experience.
The SUV kit is available to order now, starting at $1,950 for the kitchen only. The bed option bumps the price to $2,350 and you can add special cushions for an additional $450, although it’s currently sold out. Fitzhenry tells us there is a delay of three to four weeks between orders and delivery. So if you are planning to go on an adventure this summer, we suggest you place your order now.
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