5. Hidden Floorboard Storage Compartments
When designing a camper van, utilizing vertical space is key, but do not forget to look down. Many camper vans have raised subfloors to accommodate insulation or to level out the living area. This raised floor design creates an ideal opportunity to build hidden, recessed floorboard storage compartments for valuable or infrequently used items.
To create a floor compartment, carefully plan the layout of your subfloor framing to leave joist cavities open in low-traffic areas, such as under a table or near the entryway. Cut a matching hatch door out of your plywood subfloor and attach it using flush-mount piano hinges and a recessed ring pull handle. When covered with your vinyl or laminate flooring, the hatch becomes virtually invisible. This hidden space is perfect for storing expensive camera gear, laptops, emergency cash, passports, spare vehicle parts, or seasonal footwear, keeping them safe from prying eyes and completely out of the way.