Ford Escape Hybrid 2012 SUV Conversion
This is a really cool build my wife and I did to make our car into a fairy car camper. We definitely used it ~not that much~ because shortly after we built it she got pregnant and we no longer fit.
This is an ideal car for one person because the front seat can be used for clean storage (food, clothes, etc) while the back area under the platform can be used for dirty storage (firewood, trekking poles, boots, rain gear, a tarp/ bug shelter)
The back is a full-size mattress and we were able to fit the whole thing in there by making the platform extendable. You put the seats forward to extend the platform.
There are some wrinkles in our system—one of the wall panels is coming off (removed intending to cover with pretty vinyl, pretty vinyl fell down and they don’t quite go back up) and the platform hits the wheel wells when pulled back without the mattress on it. There are some rooms for improvement but overall I think we did a really nice job. This is a lovely fairy camper and the car has been so well maintained. We’ve had it for years and had to take care of it because it was our lifeline. Now we’re moving on (up? Larger?) to a bigger van with room for 3 people.
Here is some detailed information about the car:
The Good:
New seat covers! Still wrinkly!!
Can go on gravel roads, high clearance (8.3in)
Regular oil changes
Most of mileage is highway
Gentle drivers
$$ Full brake job! Just completed (2024), we have the receipt
Interior made for comfort
Hybrid: good gas mileage, visit the pump less
Full size bed: can fit 2 people
Storage: so much storage:
Under bed storage in back
Open storage in front
My wife’s ingenious idea:
**The first third of the platform bends back in two separate pieces, this allows you to get the driver’s and passenger seat back and still have a full length bed when the seats move forward and the platform extends**
The Bad: 3
Check brake light: This phantom chimes, there is nothing wrong with the brakes, it’s done this for years
Needs AC reset
It squeaks (platform setup)
We are amateurs
The wall panels are not fully attached—may come off with a firm kick!
The Ugly:
Rust on exterior
High mileage (tho mostly highway)
Oh another good thing—this can be used like a mini pickup truck you remove the platform and the whole back area can haul. We’ve brought plants, livestock, furniture, a 1-br apartment, all sorts of mess in there. Very cool!