9 Prefab Campervan Cabinets Perfect for the DIYer

These plug and play cabinets will make a DIY van build WAY simpler. Check out our top picks, whether you want soft-sided, rounded, or square.

cabinets inside a campervan

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If you’re building out your own campervan, you’re going to want some sort of storage solution. Campervan upper cabinets are the perfect way to keep your clothes, food, and electronics safely stowed.

While you can build your own cabinets, prefab cabinets offer a simpler alternative as they’re already shaped to fit your van’s interior and are easy to install.

Here are our top picks by category:

The 6 Best Campervan Cabinets

Best Overall Upper Cabinet
Flatline Van Co Upper Cabinet (48" and 24")

A rugged aluminum upper cabinet designed specifically for Sprinter vans, offering durable overhead storage with a clean, adventure-ready look.

Pros:
  • Durable aluminum construction built for rough roads
  • Designed specifically for Sprinter and Transit vans
  • Clean, low-profile design that doesn’t overwhelm the space
  • Adds significant storage without using floor space
Cons:
  • Limited to specific van models and sizing
  • Less modular than full cabinet systems
  • Industrial look may not suit all interior styles

These beautiful campervan cabinets from Flatline Van Co, based in Oregon, can be installed as a standalone unit or form a bank of upper cabinets, depending on how many you want. The doors of the cabinets are made out of bamboo, and the frame out of powder-coated aluminum.

The first cabinet is a 24-inch model, which is small enough to fit over your sleeping area. Both this and the 48-inch cabinet uses powder-coated aluminum for the frame and bamboo wood for the doors.

Overall, the 48-inch model works well as galley cabinets since they offer more storage without imposing on the rest of the van. Also, even though there are two doors, there is no divider between them, so plan accordingly.

Most Lightweight
36" Open Face Upper Cabinet

An open-face aluminum upper cabinet that provides easy-access storage while keeping the campervan interior feeling open and uncluttered.

Pros:
  • Open-face design keeps the van feeling spacious
  • Lightweight aluminum construction
  • Easy access to frequently used items
  • Less visually bulky than closed upper cabinets
Cons:
  • No doors to secure items while driving
  • Not ideal for loose or heavy gear
  • Offers less visual concealment than closed cabinets

The 36″ Open Face Upper Cabinet from Flatline Van Co is a great option if you want simple, lightweight storage without making your van feel cramped. The open design keeps gear easy to grab, while the optional bungee system helps keep things in place on rough roads.

It’s made from powder-coated aluminum, so it’s sturdy without being heavy, and it works with both stock Sprinter walls and DIY builds thanks to the included end pieces. This is the kind of cabinet that shines for soft goods like jackets, bedding, or food you want quick access to, especially if you prefer an airy, minimal interior over bulky closed cabinets.

Most Customizable
Timber Vans Campervan Cabinets

Flat-pack, DIY campervan cabinets made from Baltic birch plywood for a warm, custom-built look without full custom pricing.

Pros:
  • Designed specifically for DIY van builders
  • High-quality Baltic birch plywood
  • Natural wood look adds warmth to the interior
  • Flat-pack design simplifies shipping and install
  • Available for multiple van platforms and layouts
Cons:
  • Requires assembly and finishing
  • Heavier than aluminum cabinet options
  • Less modular once installed compared to metal systems

If you want clean, high quality storage that feels custom but without a custom build price, Timber Van Kits’ DIY campervan cabinets are worth a look. These kits are designed for people converting vans who want durable, functional storage that looks great and performs well on the road.

Timber’s cabinets are made from Baltic birch plywood, a strong and stable wood that holds up to life on the road. The plywood material gives you a real wood finish with visible grain, and because the kits come unfinished, you can choose how to finish them to match your build style. Whether you stain them for a warmer, natural look or paint them to match your interior, you have full creative control.

Each Timber Van cabinet kit ships with all the necessary hardware and CNC precision cut parts, so assembly is straightforward. Clear instructions and installation support make the process approachable even if you’re not a woodworking expert. These cabinets are built to be professional quality and fit well into van layouts, especially if you are using other Timber Van Kits components.

Best Premium Upper Cabinet
Lost Hiway Overhead Cabinets

A lightweight, precision-bent aluminum overhead cabinet designed to add durable, rattle-free storage to high-roof Mercedes Sprinter vans.

Pros:
  • Lightweight aluminum construction
  • Excellent durability for rough roads
  • Clean, minimalist look
  • Hinges stay open and closed without rattling
Cons:
  • Only fits high-roof Sprinters
  • Made-to-order with a 4–6 week lead time
  • Bamboo doors require extra care in extreme temperatures

The Lost Hiway 2007+ Mercedes Sprinter Overhead Cabinet is a premium storage solution designed for high-roof Sprinter vans where durability and clean design matter. Built from lightweight, precision-bent aluminum, these cabinets add serious storage without adding unnecessary weight. The minimalist design blends seamlessly into modern campervan builds while keeping gear secure and quiet on the road.

What really sets these cabinets apart is the construction. Each unit is formed from a single piece of aluminum with riveted end panels, creating a rigid, rattle-free structure that holds up well on washboard roads and long trips. The hinges are designed to stay firmly open or closed, which is a small detail that makes a big difference when living in a van full-time. Door options include aluminum for maximum durability or bamboo for a warmer, more finished interior look.

These overhead cabinets are designed specifically for 2007+ high-roof Mercedes Sprinters and are available in two lengths to fit different layouts.

Best Slim Upper Cabinet
Van Wife Upper Cabinet

Slim, lightweight upper cabinets designed to maximize storage without making your campervan feel cramped.

Pros:
  • Designed specifically for upper-wall mounting in vans
  • Lightweight construction helps keep overall build weight down
  • Clean, modern look that works with many van styles
  • Great way to add storage without losing floor space
Cons:
  • Upper cabinets require careful planning for head clearance
  • Less storage capacity than full-height pantry cabinets
  • Not ideal for minimal builds that avoid overhead cabinetry

Van Wife Components upper cabinets are designed to add practical storage to a campervan without making the space feel heavy or boxed in. These cabinets mount high on the wall, keeping essential items within reach while preserving valuable floor and counter space. They are a popular choice for vans where every inch matters.

The cabinets are lightweight and intentionally slim, which helps maintain an open feel inside the van. This makes them especially appealing for smaller layouts or for builders who want storage above the galley without sacrificing headroom. Their clean, modern design blends easily with both DIY and modular van builds, making them a flexible option across many layouts.

Van Wife Components upper cabinets work best as part of a thoughtful storage plan rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. They pair well with lower kitchen pods, galleys, or drawer systems and are ideal for storing lightweight items like food, dishes, or daily essentials. For van lifers who want more organization without adding bulk, these upper cabinets strike a smart balance between function and space.

Best Soft Option
VanEssential Upper Storage Cabinets

Soft-sided upper storage cabinets that add flexible, lightweight organization without the bulk of hard cabinetry.

Pros:
  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Softer profile helps keep small vans feeling open
  • More forgiving head clearance than hard cabinets
  • Great option for minimalist or budget-friendly builds
Cons:
  • Less structure than hard cabinets
  • Not ideal for heavy or rigid items
  • More utilitarian look compared to metal or wood cabinetry

VanEssential soft upper storage cabinets are designed for van lifers who want overhead storage without committing to permanent, hard cabinetry. Made from durable fabric materials, these cabinets mount high on the wall and provide easy-access storage while keeping the space visually light and flexible. They are especially popular in smaller vans and simpler builds.

Unlike rigid cabinets, soft storage options are more forgiving in tight spaces. They reduce the risk of head bumps and make the van feel less enclosed, which can be a big advantage in low-roof or narrow layouts. Their lightweight construction also helps keep overall build weight down, making them a smart choice for DIY builds or weekend rigs.

VanEssential soft upper cabinets work best for lightweight items like clothing, dry food, or everyday gear. They are not meant to replace full cabinetry but instead offer a practical middle ground between no storage and a fully built-in system. For travelers who value flexibility, simplicity, and ease of installation, this is an excellent soft-storage option to consider.

How to Choose a Camper Van Cabinet

Before starting your camper van conversion, you have to make sure you’re choosing the right equipment and materials. Since cabinets are pretty straightforward, it can be hard to know which model is right for your needs. So, here are some factors to consider when making a final decision.

Compatibility

As we’ve seen, most camper cabinets are made for a specific van wall. For example, you might find a cabinet body for a specific Sprinter van. Since these units are built for that type of chassis, it’s hard to install them in a different vehicle. Also, depending on the construction materials, you might not be able to reshape the cabinets as you see fit.

Also, keep in mind that cabinets may not be universal for all makes within a specific vehicle brand. For example, just because the cabinets are built for a Sprinter doesn’t mean they’ll work in all Sprinter vans.

Materials

The two primary material options are wood and aluminum. Wood can work well because it’s much easier to adjust if necessary. For example, if you buy Baltic birch plywood cabinets, you could cut and mold them to your van wall more easily than powder-coated aluminum.

Alternatively, you can choose a soft shell cabinet that offers some flexibility. For example, the mule bags from Adventure Wagon can be easier to install and will fit most van walls easily. Soft-sided bags have the extra benefit of being quiet and super lightweight.

Storage Space

No matter what, storage space is always in short supply, especially inside a camper van. So, you need to choose a cabinet body that will fit wherever you need it to go. As a rule, wider cabinets work best over the galley, while thinner models are excellent for your sleeping area. You can also mix and match cabinets to accommodate your specific needs.

Also, consider whether the cabinet has dividers between the doors. If not, you have more flexibility when putting gear and supplies inside. However, a divider can be nice if you’re trying to prevent everything from shifting while driving.

Features and Amenities

Camper cabinets can offer more than just a storage area with a door. Some extra amenities can include:

  • Push Button Latches – Instead of using a handle or grip opening, you just push the door and it opens automatically.
  • Interior Lighting – If you’re trying to grab something at night, cabinet lights allow you to see without using a flashlight.
  • Door Locks – If you want some extra privacy, you should get locking cabinets. However, if it’s just you and/or your travel partner inside the camper, locks might not be necessary.

Plug N’ Play Cabinets vs. DIY Build

woman standing in kitchen with large campervan cabinets over the sink
Photo: WanderingWoods.org

As we mentioned, you’ll be faced with a choice when starting a camper van conversion. On the one hand, you can buy pre-built components and install them yourself (or have a professional do it for you). The other option is to build everything from scratch. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option.

Plug N’ Play Cabinets

  • Pro: Less Work Involved – Since you don’t have to measure and shape your cabinets, you can install them much faster. Even if the piece requires assembly, it’s easier than building it all from scratch.
  • Con: Compatibility Issues – Not all cabinets work within any van. So, you might not have as many options, depending on the chassis you’re using.
  • Pro: Built-In Features – As a rule, plug n’ play cabinets have doors that stay open, along with features like push-button doors. Building these components yourself can require extra technical expertise.
  • Pro: Guaranteed Results – If you make a mistake when building a cabinet, you have to fix it yourself. Since plug n’ play models are built by a third-party company, they may come with a manufacturer’s warranty against defects.

DIY Building Cabinets

  • Pro: Complete Customization – How big do you want your cabinets to be? What if you want to install them over your kitchen with overhead lights shining on your countertops? What if you want cabinets with dividers and specialized compartments for your gear? If you want all these elements, you have to build them yourself. Off-the-shelf models won’t have these amenities.
  • Con: Time-Consuming – Building your own cabinets can take days or weeks to finish. Not only is the build process time-consuming, but you have to measure everything to ensure that it will fit. If you make a mistake, you have to adjust or start over.
  • Pro: No Compatibility Issues – Custom-built cabinets can fit any camper van, no matter the make or model. As long as you measure the curvature of your van wall, you can be sure your cabinets will fit correctly.
  • Con: Tricky to Source Materials – While wood is pretty easy to come by, what about other elements like gas actuators or grabber latches? In some cases, you might have to pay extra for these pieces and wait a while for them to arrive.

I Hope This Helps!

camper van conversions
Photo: Zenvanz camper van conversions

In our campervan conversion, we opted to build our own campervan cabinets, which consisted of welding aluminum and using Baltic birch plywood. We love our cabinets as they fit exactly what we need and are cheaper than the prefab options listed here. But if you lack know-how or want to spend less time on your build, we think these DIY cabinets are perfect.

We hope you build the perfect campervan for your needs.

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2 Comments

  1. Cabinets are a tough choice.
    There’s so much to consider.
    1) Design
    2) Functionality
    3) Durability
    4) Weight
    5) Price

    Also, you should understand, that sooner or later you may want to sell your van (maybe to get another one). Good cabinets will add value to your van.

  2. Dear Sir or Ma’am, great article, thank you. I have been contemplating converting my dodge caravan and this article gave me ideas and great info to contact companies for cabinets.

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