ECamper turns a Honda Element into a camper!

While walking around the campground at New Mexico’s Bandelier National Monument the other day, I noticed an unusual camper in a neighboring site. It was a pop-up built on top of a Honda Element. I immediately went online and looked up the “ECamper™” and sent the info to several friends who were looking for a small camper solution.

I later talked to the owner, a retired traveling nurse, who loves having a comfortable place to sleep and a few nice camping amenities. But she stresses that the ECamper, while more comfortable than a tent, is still definitely camping.

The video below from Anna Uncharted will give you a better idea of what this unique camper has to offer. And know that while this one, like my campground neighbor’s, is built on a Honda Element, ECamper offers lots of other options, too, including campers built for Jeep J30 and Wranglers, and Ford Broncos and Transit wagons and vans.

Anna starts the video by going over the various Honda Element models available on the used market. Sadly, Honda no longer makes the Element, which has created a cult-like following around them. Be aware that they tend to hold their resale value.

She gives a tour of the vehicle, highlighting what a great job Honda did in designing it.  And, of course, she shows us how her pop-up camper works.

Access to the pop-up is through the Element’s sunroof. (If yours doesn’t have one, one will be added.) It takes less than 30 seconds to raise or lower the pop-up. Easy!

For a single person camping alone, like Anna or my campground neighbor, the ECamper provides a level of safety, comfort, and convenience that beats tent camping.

More nice features of the ECamper on a Honda Element

• 6’6″ standing room when popped up
• Comfortable 7’x4′ mattress with washable covers
• Lightweight composite construction minimizes impact on handling
• Access to the bed from inside or outside of the vehicle
• Gas spring-assisted hinges for quick, easy opening and closing
• Low-current interior LED lighting
• Sleek, streamlined profile minimizes wind noise and has no significant impact on fuel economy
• Tough, breathable, fade- and water-resistant Sunbrella^® canvas soft walls
• Panoramic views and ventilation with zippered screened windows on all four sides
• Built on legendary Honda reliability and economy

What’s not to like?

For what it is, this is great. But it is car camping, so don’t expect RV amenities. That being said, some people have turned their cars, even without a pop-top, into very livable spaces. Let YouTube be your guide!

Note that the Honda Element itself only seats 4, so you can’t bring a crowd.

ECamper Specs

Prices on these vary by model and options, but the Honda Element version starts at $7,500. Basic pricing for an ECamper conversion includes installing the camper, mattresses, LED lighting in the tent and adding the rear handle to the hatch. ECamper has facilities in San Diego, CA, and Portland, OR.

Learn more about ECampers now.

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