Honda Element Expandable Bed Mod

Sheri Oneal
Sheri Oneal
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Published 2021-02-22
At the end of last year after researching all kinds of car camping builds online I combined different things I liked into my own expandable car camping platform bed. I researched a lot of pins on Pinterest, googled ideas, and looked through my different Honda Element groups to see what others were building. I combined the ideas I liked most into something that would work for my own needs.

Due to Covid, my business has been almost non-existent so with no real budget available I repurposed wood scraps, hinges, conduit, and carpet from my garage. I separated the cushions so that they were no longer sewed together to easily move the cushions as needed. I do need to add some Velcro in-between to keep them from separating when I am moving around on them and plan to do that before my next outing. I love that the bed is easily removable, can be turned on its side, or even used outside of the vehicle if needed. I drilled some holes for the pieces of conduit to fit snugly as legs, they easily pop out and can be stored when not in use. I have plenty of storage underneath and it is super comfortable with the 4 inch modified topper/mattress I bought, it has a storage bag to keep the pieces clean when traveling and they now can be arranged in multiple ways. I've only had one night to test it out before the cold weather set in so I can't wait for warmer weather. I plan to do a full GoPro video of the setup and break down on a campsite once it warms up a bit so feel free to sign up if you're interested in seeing that at a later time.

I have a few other builds for the ultimate car camping experience I will share soon including screen and window blackouts, a rooftop cargo carrier, and a few other things I am working on. This is my 2007 Honda Element Expandable Bed Mod. Be sure to watch my earlier video on the Cabinet Mod if you like this!

Here is my DIY Cabinet Mod!    • Honda Element Cabinet Mod  
Here is my DIY Roof Rack!    • Roof Rack DIY  

*Just a note on this new channel for a site I am starting called Learn and Create, I will be adding all kinds of creative art and photography-related videos here as well as repurposed build projects. I will get better at including actual video footage with steps and details moving forward. I am new at all of this but I am excited about what is ahead!

I would love to know your thoughts and please share images below of your own car camping builds, I want to see them! I would love it if you like, share, and stay tuned for many more fun creative things!

Thank you for watching!!!!!
All Comments (13)
  • @t_c_talk
    This is exactly what I needed! Thank you!
  • @tobyd4201
    That's AWESOME! I have the exact same mattress. It's the first purchase I made for car camping last year. I'm definitely gonna do this to it. Thanks for the idea!😉👍 I
  • @nobodynoone2500
    Nice design! Most designs for the element are stupid heavy for no reason and add hundereds of pounds, only for owners to complain about gas mileage. This looks sleek and lightweight.
  • @larrylarry3549
    Ive never understood the reason people put the bed over the front seat. Obviously if you a big guy i understand but i used to just push the front seat foward and incline forwards and im 6"1 and had a few inches of space.
  • @dee6816
    What r those skinny rods in ceiling? How r they attached?