Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Nikole

Camper van cabinets are essential for creating a functional and organized living space in your van. Whether you’re a full-time van lifer or a weekend adventurer, having the right cabinets can make all the difference in your comfort and convenience on the road.

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What are Camper Van Cabinets?

Camper van cabinets are storage units specifically designed for use in campervans. These cabinets are usually compact and lightweight, making them ideal for small living spaces. Van lifers heavily rely on these storage spaces for all of their traveling needs especially their kitchen items.

They come in a variety of materials and designs to suit different needs and preferences. You can either build them yourself, purchase them from a store, or purchase pre-built. 

How to Choose the Right Cabinets for Your Van?

When selecting cabinets for your camper van, there are several factors to consider to ensure they meet your needs and fit your space.

You want to have the most amount of storage possible for all of your camper van accessories but still allow for an ample amount of living space. 

Compatibility 

Ensure that the cabinets you choose are compatible with the layout and structure of your van.

For example: Overhead cabinets may not be an option for those who have a low-ceiling vehicle but could utilize storage space along the floor or under a bed or seating area. 

Available Materials

Consider the pros and cons of different materials based on your travel needs and personal preferences.

Maybe you want to build your cabinets from the supplies you currently have on hand to save money, that’s fine! You can work with all sorts of materials such as wood or aluminum. 

The idea is to make your van as lightweight as possible without breaking the bank on supplies and materials.

Space You Have and Need 

Take measurements of your van interior and consider the amount of storage space you require for your belongings. We didn’t have much space in our small Ford Transit Connect, so we only built cabinets under the bed, and a small shelf above the front cab.

You may need more cabinets if you are living out of your van and it’s important to plan accordingly. After all, every space counts when it comes to organizing your camper van.

Camper van cabinets can go in any of these areas:

• Below your couch
• Above your front cab
• Along the ceiling of your van
• On the ground
• Under a lifted bed
• On the back doors of your van

Shape of the Cabinet

There are all sorts of different-shaped camper van cabinets and though they may look square in the front, they may be oddly shaped in the back. The back of the cabinet is meant to sit flush against any wall you place them on, and we all know camper van walls are not a perfect square. 

Other Features to Consider 

Think about additional features such as 

• Locking mechanisms
• Adjustable shelves
• Integrated lighting

Locking mechanisms: These devices, when installed on your camper van cabinets, will hold your doors in place while you are driving. This is useful because your camper van accessories won’t fly out of the cabinet when taking rough turns or driving on bumpy roads.

Adjustable shelving: When designing your cabinets or shelving units consider including movement to your devices. Allowing shelves to move on a hinge can give you more space when you are not cooking by folding the unit or sliding it into a cabinet or drawer.

Integrated Lighting: Depending on where your cabinets are within your van you may want to consider integrating lighting within your design. Some popular areas to place lighting are under the cabinets that lay above your cooking area, or inside deeper cabinets that are hard to see to the back.

Best Materials Used for Building Camper Van Cabinets

When it comes to building camper van cabinets, there are several materials to consider. The best choice will depend on factors such as durability, weight, and aesthetics.

Aluminum Cabinets

Aluminum is a popular choice for camper van cabinets due to its lightweight nature and resistance to rust and corrosion. Aluminum cabinets are durable and can withstand the rigors of travel, making them a great option for adventurous van lifers.

This material is also a great option because it won’t warp like wood will. Moisture tends to gather in your tiny living quarters even if you ventilate your van well. Over time moisture will begin to gather in plywood cabinets and maybe even cause molding problems.

Soft Shell Cabinets

Softshell cabinets, like these from Amazon, often made from fabric or soft materials, are lightweight and flexible. They are ideal for maximizing storage space in tight areas and can be easily collapsed or removed when not in use.

Easy Install Plastic Cabinets

Even though plastic isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing look for camper van cabinets, they are an easy-install alternative to wooden cabinets. Plastic Is perfect for those with small vans, try these Camco plastic drawers for a cabinet alternative.

Wood Cabinets

Wood cabinets add a touch of warmth and natural beauty to a camper van interior. While they may be heavier than other materials, wood cabinets are sturdy and provide a timeless aesthetic that many van owners appreciate.

If you decide on plywood for your camper van cabinets make sure to use a sealant on them, or purchase wood that is already sealed.

Other wood options you can consider for your build are: 

• Pine
• Fir
• Birch
• Ply-wood

Where do Camper Van Cabinets go?

There are various areas where you can place your camper van cabinets, and you can utilize every nook and cranny possible to gain more storage space. 

We utilized the space above our back wheel wells for more storage space in our Ford Transit. 

Cabinets for Above 

Overhead cabinets are commonly installed above kitchen areas and sleeping quarters to maximize vertical storage space.

Typically ceiling cabinets are perfect for high-top vans, but you can install them in lower vans as long as you place them correctly. You want to place above cabinets away from walkway areas to avoid hitting your head.

Cabinets for Below

Base cabinets provide lower storage and can be used for housing larger items or appliances. 

These cabinets are installed along the floor against the wall and are typically used for the kitchen area. These are perfect for storing all of your camper van kitchen items. 

Under Couch Cabinets 

Utilize the space beneath seating areas by installing cabinets for storing items such as bedding, clothing, or outdoor gear. 

You will often find these areas in larger vans that allow space for a seating area, and these are often found in RVs or campers. 

Bed Cabinets

Incorporate cabinets into the design of your bed platform to optimize storage without sacrificing sleeping space.

We use the space under our bed for storage because our camper van is only large enough for a bed. All you need to do is raise your bed high enough for bins, hinged, or sliding cabinets.

If you decide to have large sliding cabinets, I recommend incorporating lights within the cabinet- as it is hard to see under the bed even in the daytime

Cabinets or Shelves for Camper Vans?

In addition to traditional cabinets, some van owners opt for open shelves or modular storage systems to keep their belongings organized. 

Shelves offer easy access to items and can create an open and airy feel within the van’s interior. Open storage may also help with controlling condensation in your camper van because air will easily move through your storage. 

The downside to using shelves is finding a way to fasten all of your items while driving. You can do this with bungees, velcro, or by fastening bins to your shelves.

Some prefer cabinets over shelves because they don’t have to fasten their accessories down while they drive. At most, you will need a great latch for your drawers/doors so your cabinets won’t open. 

What are the Cabinet Designs?

There are several different cabinet designs when it comes to your camper van layout, it’s up to you to decide which flows the best with your designs. 

Keep in mind that cabinets are one of the hardest parts of designing your build, and you can always order pre-built ones. 

Pre-built cabinets are not customizable for your camper van, so you will need to size them accordingly before you purchase. If you build your own, they are absolutely customizable!

Slab Door

Simple and minimalist, slab door cabinets feature flat, unadorned surfaces for a clean and modern look.

Inset Doors

Inset door cabinets have doors that fit flush with the cabinet frame, providing a seamless appearance and a classic aesthetic.

Shaker Cabinets

Shaker cabinets are characterized by their five-piece door design with a recessed center panel, offering a timeless and versatile style suitable for various van interiors.

Hinges, Latches, and Fasteners

When it comes to camper van cabinetry there are a few things you need to worry about so your items don’t fall out. 

You need to make sure your cabinet doors are closed and stay closed while on the go. 

Latches

Latches for your cabinet doors will go a long way to keeping your doors from flying open, thankfully there are a few options including:

• Magnetic latches (the least sturdy of the options)
• Roller latches 
• Self-closing latch (probably the most sturdy of the options)

Gas Struts

A lot of van lifers have great experience with gas struts for their cabinets, especially for doors that open up toward the ceiling. This device will help keep your doors closed or open when you need it. 

This DerBlue Gas strut is load-bearing up to 22 pounds per strut and would make a perfect addition to overhead cabinets or chests with doors that lift towards the ceiling. 

These struts are shock-absorbing and rust-resistant which make them a perfect addition to any camper van cabinet build.

Hinges

Hinges are an important part of cabinetry, otherwise, how would you swing them open? You will want something sturdy enough to hold your cabinet doors together because they will be in constant use. 

Great Companies to Order Pre-Built Cabinets From

If you don’t want to build your cabinets yourself, I get it! Cabinet building has been known amongst van lifers to be the hardest part of the build. 

Thankfully, you have the option for plung n’ play cabinets, which are pre-build cabinets you can order from camper van companies. These cabinets tend to fit specific camper vans and builds, so make sure the company is selling exactly what you need. 

Ikea

You can use pre-built cabinets from Ikea or other similar stores, they just won’t be tailored to any particular camper van, so adjusting may need to happen before you set them in your space. 

If Ikea camper van cabinets seem interesting, check out Vanlifeoutfitters for a complete guide and how-to installation. 

Cmvanworks

Cmvanworks specializes in cabinetry specifically for Sprinters, Promasters, and Transits. 

You will find that these aluminum and bamboo cabinets are sturdy, lightweight, and rugged. 

Sinks, above, and below cabinets are some of the items you will find on this website. 

Flatline Van Company

The Flatline Van Co offers many items you can include in your camper van build, including countertops. This company specializes in the above cabinets. 

These cabinets come in various sizes and materials. Some of the materials they use include aluminum frames and sturdy bamboo doors. You can purchase several units and install them together or use one unit. 

Losthiway

Losthiway has several cabinet options for Sprinter and Transit vans. Most of these cabinets are for the above spaces only. 

This company even sells a shelf for over the cab that should fit perfectly for certain camper vans. 

In conclusion 

installing camper van cabinets is an important step in creating a comfortable and organized living space on the road. By considering the best materials, design options, and placement for your cabinets, you can customize your van interior to suit your lifestyle and storage needs.