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One Idea For Making A Jeep Cherokee Camper – Small SUV Camping

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Camping in an SUV usually proves more challenging than using a purpose-built RV, like a motorhome or travel trailer.

While there are those who do live full time in vans and converted utility vehicles, extended living in an SUV poses many challenges.

Without dedicated space for cooking and bathing – not to mention the lack of headroom – living in a small SUV can feel cramped, at best.

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But if you wanted to live in an SUV, in this case a Jeep Cherokee, how would you do it?

One of the classic setups we’ve seen time and again involves a set of wooden drawers underneath a platform that serves as the sleeping area.

Making A Jeep Cherokee Camper

User Ryanjeeper from JeepForum turned his Jeep Cherokee XJ into a camping machine by using just such a storage drawer / bed platform combo.

He used his Jeep Cherokee camper while traveling for two months around the United States.

It’s just your regular Jeep Cherokee.

Outside of Jeep Cherokee camper
Ryanjeeper

But inside, drawers provide plenty of storage and a nice surface for sleeping and lounging.

Jeep Cherokee camper drawers
Ryanjeeper

He said,

I put down a layer of foam under the carpet, and the carpet is thick and shaggy. I had a feather bead I would throw on top of all that also.

This extension provides support for his feet and folds down on hinges.

Through door of Jeep Cherokee camper
Ryanjeeper

The bed and drawer frame as seen through the rear door.

Jeep Cherokee rear door
Ryanjeeper
Full storage drawers in Jeep camper
Ryanjeeper
Jeep Cherokee storage compartment
Ryanjeeper

This setup looks to be just about the most economical and efficient use of space one could hope for in a Jeep Cherokee camper. Maybe one could raise the roof like in this van conversion for a little extra headroom?

SEE ALSO: Could This Be The Ultimate Space-Saving Truck Camper Design?

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