Do you want to know more about our Campervan Kitchen Pod Mini-Prep Area? One of our main goals when building out our Ram ProMaster Weekender Van was to keep things simple! If it doesn’t get used regularly, it doesn’t get included in the build. 
Furthermore, because the van is built for day trips and weekend adventures, there is no need for a built-in stove, although, with this new challenging time we live, a handwash sink has now become a priority. Check back for that.
Campervan Kitchen Pod / Mini-Prep Area
With storage for a couple of larger items and some drawers for cutlery and utensils, a simple mini kitchen prep pod is all we need.
Campervan Kitchen Pod Design Challenges
Let’s take a look at some of the design challenges involved with building our simple Prep Area Mini Kitchen Pod.
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Drawers
I make no claims of being a finishing carpenter or cabinet maker, my woodworking skills are enough to get buy. I tried building drawers for our stage area and it ended up being a C- at best. That being said, we needed a way to incorporate drawers into the Campervan Kitchen Pod design without having to build them from scratch.
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Easily Removable
We didn’t want to lose the utility and convenience of a large rear cargo area. So, to keep the van versatile with multiple use options, our Campervan Kitchen Prep Pod needed to be easily removable.
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Modular For Easy Future Modifications
It would have been quicker to just glue and screw everything together, seal it with a coat of poly and be done. But because we anticipate future modifications, we wanted to make it easy to change different pieces if required. We are using threaded inserts and machine screws to hold it all together and each panel is a separate piece.
Middle Chest Toolbox
After a lot of brainstorming, we decided to build our kitchen/prep pod around a Middle Chest Toolbox. Here’s why…
- Short enough to fit over the wheel well.
- Not too big like a drawer cabinet or roll cab would be.
- There is no hinged lid to deal with.
- The lowest cost out of suitable options.
Also, the drawers of the tool chest are easily removed. Giving us access to the inside for various mounting bolts and screws.
The Tools And Materials
- Jigsaw
- Extra Strength Wood Glue
- Surform Pocket Plane / Rasp
- Circular Saw
- Drill and Drill Bits
- 3/8” Plywood
- 1”x2” Framing Lumber
- Scotch Brite Scuff Pads
- Carpenter Pencils
- Paint Brushes
- 3ft Metal Ruler
- 10-24 Threaded Inserts
- ¼’-20 Machine Screws
- Finishing Washers
- 160grit Sandpaper
- One-Step Stain and Polyurethane (Classic Black)
- Varathane Stain Carbon Grey
- Varathane Polyurethane
The Steps
Step-1 Drawer Up A Plan
I had a basic idea of what we wanted, so to figure out the cut sizes, we had to draw up a simple design. No CAD here. 
Step-2 Pickup The Wood
Next a quick visit to our local hardware store to have them cut out the wood pieces. I don’t normally like to shop at lowes, but they are the closest and we were in a rush.
Step-3 Frame For Strength
We framed out the panel pieces with 1×2 lumber, to add strength as well as giving some room to install the threaded inserts. 
Step-4 Install Threaded Inserts
¼”-20 inserts screw into a 5/16” hole. We like to add a little gorilla glue to the insert before screwing them into place.
Step-5 Prep The Toolbox
The prep area kitchen pod will be secured to the vans rail system. For the most secure fit, we bolted through the back of the toolbox.
Step-6 Test Fit
We quickly assembled the pod to make sure everything will fit, and no adjustments need to be made.
Step-7 Cut Out Front Panel
We made the front panel very basic. We will use it like this for a while then change it if we feel it is necessary. 
Step-8 Stain And Seal
Stained and sealed using the same process as all the other wood within our van build.
Step-9 Maple Countertop Work Surface
We finished off the prep area kitchen pod with a beautiful hard maple countertop. We installed inserts to hold it in place before treating it with a coat of cutting board oil.
Step-10 Assemble
Our simple Campervan Prep Area Kitchen Pod is done ✅ 
and Install
Get It Cracker-Lackin
Crackers and cheese anyone? A platter style lunch has been a go-to for us for as long as I can remember. Cheese, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Garlic Sausage, YUM! 👍👍 With that in mind, I can tell you, this new little Campervan Kitchen Pod Mini-Prep Area is going to be well used during our coming adventures.
Some Of Our Other Fun And Rewarding Projects
- See How We Built Our Van Window Trim
- Curved Van Wheel Well Covers
- Sliding Door Recessed Cubbyhole Storage
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Thanks for reading, check the main page for our most recent content, and remember to always take the road less traveled!
Weekender Van Life – Van Life Blog – weekendervanlife.com
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