Critical Interior Cabinet: Gotta Have The Coffee (and Storage)

July 29, 2023

While having a large interior bed is great, one of the significant challenges is having flat surfaces for things. The design of the inside of the trailer also did not provide for storage of more oversized items, such as the Mr Buddy Heater. Previously, I would have a large Rubbermaid bin sitting on one side.

Extremely windy days can also provide a challenge for cooking and, more importantly, making coffee in the morning. So I decided to build a cabinet.

The first step was removing the piece of plywood that covered the water tank to pick up a little more volume inside the cabinet and remove the overhang.

The interior of a small camper features a mounted flatscreen TV and an air conditioning unit on the wood-paneled wall. Beneath, an interior cabinet provides storage space. A tiled section on the wooden floor complements the view through a window of a grassy yard and partial glimpse of a car outside.
A partially constructed camper interior features a wooden bed frame with a tiled base. An air conditioning unit is installed in the wooden-paneled wall. The open window on the left adds light, while a foam panel with writing rests beside critical interior storage cabinets near the frame.

I then removed the 1x4s.

The interior, still under construction, features a tiled floor and a window on the left. An air conditioning unit sits on a wooden wall, above tools scattered around: a drill, measuring tape, and orange triangle ruler. Nearby, an insulation board marked "lower this 1cm" leans against the future coffee storage nook.

While I knew what I wanted, I needed to ensure that I was building the cabinet large enough, but not too large. I brought in some scraps of wood and spent time playing with the space.

The interior features a room with a window on the left, showcasing a wall-mounted air conditioner and a wood-paneled interior cabinet above. Below, the tiled floor holds various tools, including a black toolbox and silver case. A black cordless drill rests on the table in the foreground.

Once I had the dimensions, the next big challenge was lumber. 

In my shop, a number of large pieces of wood waited to be used for projects. In some ways, I wanted to go buy material to match the current wood, but anything in my shop that I don’t use now will either be donated or trashed. 

So, I decided that I would figure out how to use what I had.

It meant mixed wood – one 3/4 piece of plywood for the top, particle board for the sides, and the leftover plywood that I had removed from the floor as the doors.

In my shop, I found a can of unopen black and white spay paint. The particle board was painted black, so funky mixed colors and stains became the plan… it rather fits me doesn’t it?

July 30, 2023

The next step was to trim the cover for the water tank cover to only cover the tank. I started with the 1x4s, surrounding just the tank. 

Interior construction showing a partially built wooden bench frame next to a window. The area has a wood-paneled wall with a stereo, light switch, and air conditioning unit. The floor is covered with beige tiles. A pencil and screw lie on the floor near the structure.

I got to play with my new jigsaw to cut the cover.

A sheet of plywood on the ground near the back of a nuCamp trailer. There's a measurement tape, a pen, and a square ruler on the wood. A small wood strip, an orange extension cord, and a metal saw are nearby. Part of a car and garage floor are visible in the background.

Once the cover was cut, it fit exactly as planned.

Interior of a small camper van with a wooden floor and built-in furniture. The floor has a tile section in the center. An air conditioning unit and monitor are mounted on a wooden wall. A window to the left shows grass and a tree outside. The space has a minimalist design.
A small wooden platform under construction in a room with brown cabinets. An air conditioning unit is installed above the platform. A black drill and some screws are on the platform, which is next to a tiled floor. A control panel and light switch are mounted on the wall.

Now the process of building the cabinet can begin!

July 31, 2023

Today, I worked on the side of the cabinet. It took a while to get all the cuts right, but eventually, the piece fit.

A black rectangular panel with notches sits on a wooden surface. The panel has some scuff marks and scratches. There's a small round object nearby, possibly a cap. Part of a patterned cushion is visible at the top, and light gray floor tiles are partially visible on the left.

Here’s where it goes.

Interior of a small room with wooden cabinets and an air conditioning unit. A stereo is installed on the left, and a blue coiled cord hangs on the right. The floor is tiled, and there are two levels of wooden platforms with a beige partition between them.
A small room corner showing part of a wooden cabinet and a black chalkboard panel with faint chalk marks. The floor is tiled with gray tiles on the left and light wood flooring on the right. There's a white window ledge visible in the background.

August 2, 2023

Next came the front of the cabinet. You gotta make at least one error in every project, and I totally made one here. I’ll correct it later.

A partially assembled black cabinet with a laminate finish stands on a tiled floor in a room. The cabinet is open at the top, showing wooden interior panels. In the background, there are a stereo system, white wall outlets, and an air conditioning unit mounted on the wall.

That piece felt pretty heavy until I cut the hole for the doors.

Interior of a small room with wood-paneled walls, featuring an air conditioning unit above a mounted microwave. Below, there's an unfinished wooden bench with a black-framed opening, over a tiled floor. A window with a partial outdoor view is on the left.

August 3, 2023

Today’s task was to make the doors and top. Leftover plywood from what was once the base for the bed (where the front of the cabinet now sits) became the doors. 

A pair of light wooden cabinet doors with silver handles are laid flat on a large black surface. They are centered on a white tabletop. Behind the table, a coiled orange extension cord and red gas can are partially visible. A pencil and plastic bag are on the table.

I also am making doors for the small cubby holes above the head of the bed. It’s always been annoying that anything that goes into these cubby gets bounced out unless its totally wedged into the cubby.

Interior view of a camper van showing a wooden overhead cabinet with a light wood panel door. Below it, a white pleated window blind is partially closed. The curved ceiling and wall are white, and a small round LED light is mounted on the wall. Part of a green tree is visible outside the window.

I sat in the trailer for quite a while with a piece of scrap trying to decide the dimensions. I decided on the depth and made the cut. I’m still pondering whether to have the width as wide as the picture below or trim it closer to the cabinet.

Interior of a small camper featuring a wooden cabinet with built-in shelves. A TV and an air conditioning unit are installed above a countertop. The area includes storage space beneath and an open window on the left, allowing natural light inside. The floor is tiled, and the walls are light-colored.

August 12, 2023

Finally, have the cabinet completed!!!

It took a week to paint everything. Not because that’s what I planned, but rather because I suck at painting and was trying to be perfectionistic.

I finally threw in the towel, and said good enough… And honestly, I am really happy with how it turned out.

Interior of a compact camper. Features include a wooden cabinet with a mounted TV, an air conditioner, and a counter with a portable stove, coffee pot, and mug. A window with an outside grassy view is on the left. The floor is tiled near the counter, transitioning to light wood.

I also wrapped up getting the doors for the little cubbies.

Interior of a camper featuring an open window with a view of greenery outside. The walls are cream-colored, and there are wooden cabinets with closed latches. A fire extinguisher is mounted on the left wall. The ceiling has a round light, and part of a thumb is visible near the bottom left.

The kitchen also needed a little addition. The space under the sink is great, but things get tossed around.

So, I built a shelf that had some protection for the plumbing. Since it’s usually hidden and I am annoyed with my lack of painting skills, I decided not to paint it.

A small kitchen in a camper with a stove and sink.

Additional Photos

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