Honda CR-V ‘Dream Pod’ Transforms the Compact SUV into a Functional Camper

      Honda

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      Many bugout vehicles tend to be large and cumbersome, but the Honda CR-V is not one of them. While it may not excel in off-road capabilities, camping and adventure do not always necessitate rugged tires and a body-on-frame truck. At times, the compactness, discretion, and overall comfort of a road vehicle are more attractive, making this "Dream Pod" concept an appealing idea.

      Since its launch in 1995, the CR-V has been marketed worldwide and has become one of the top-selling crossover SUVs globally. To commemorate the CR-V's 30th anniversary, Honda developed a year-round camping concept. To ensure the compact space is livable, the automaker drew inspiration from local capsule hotels.

      A capsule hotel, or pod hotel, is precisely what it sounds like. It serves as a budget-friendly and convenient alternative to a traditional hotel room. These establishments offer the essentials for sleeping, such as a bed, lighting, and charging outlets, consisting mainly of individual bed-sized pods. Facilities like bathrooms and kitchens are shared.

      The Honda Dream Pod concept is based on the CR-V e:PHEV, a plug-in electric vehicle available in Europe. Behind the rear seats, there is 21.8 cu.-ft. of cargo space, which is just right for an EGOE Nestboard 650. The Nestboard 650 is an all-in-one camper conversion kit that includes a removable water module, a kitchen set, and a bed equipped with all the essentials (frame, side rails, and mattress).

      Since the Nestboard is available for purchase (around $4,500), it could be relatively easy to recreate this setup. EGOE has a variety of compatible vehicles listed on its site—something we may delve into later, as my editor was unfamiliar with it. Honda’s UK site even features a "build your own" guide detailing the accessories included with its Dream Pod. Below is a neat, isolated view of the bed arrangement from EGOE’s site:

      The two-person mattress is stored neatly but can be quickly unfolded when the rear seats are down. For privacy, the camper CR-V boasts a custom-fitted blackout cover for the rear window and a retractable blind located behind the front seats.

      To illustrate this concept, Honda created a short clip showcasing how someone might utilize this compact setup.

      There’s more to it than just bedding, though. Also concealed until needed are a hidden cooking stove, a collapsible sink, and storage bins for cutlery, plates, and utensils. No mobile pod home would be complete without technology features; the Dream Pod’s livability improves with the addition of “tech pods” that offer LED reading lights, pull-out side tables, and USB charging ports.

      If you plan to bring outdoor gear, the CR-V PHEV has a towing capacity of about 3,300 pounds, sufficient for a couple of dirt bikes on a small trailer. A Honda-certified Thule bike carrier can also be attached to a removable tow bar. The Dream Pod includes custom-fitted all-weather mats for easy cleaning. While it may not exactly represent vanlife, a camper CR-V provides the possibility for spontaneous adventures.

      This concept essentially reflects what budget-conscious car campers have been assembling for ages, and it looks quite appealing.

      Honda Honda Motor Europe

      Have you built anything similar in a DIY fashion? Share your experience at [email protected].