If you own a Honda Element, you already know it’s one of the most versatile vehicles ever made for outdoor enthusiasts. Finding the right 12 Honda Element Camping Accessories can turn your trusty box on wheels into a supremely comfortable adventure mobile. The Element’s unique, flat-floored interior and rugged design make it a perfect basecamp, but the right gear is what truly unlocks its potential. This guide walks you through the essential add-ons, from sleep systems to storage, ensuring your next trip is a success.
Let’s get your Honda Element ready for the great outdoors.
12 Honda Element Camping Accessories
This list covers the core categories you’ll need to think about: sleeping, storage, cooking, power, and a few creature comforts. Each accessory is chosen for its practicality and how well it fits the Element’s specific design.
1. A Custom-Fit Platform Bed
The Honda Element’s seats fold completely flat, but a platform bed creates a level, comfortable sleeping surface with crucial storage space underneath. You can build one yourself with plywood or buy a pre-made kit designed for the Element. The key is to design it in sections for easy removal. This platform turns the back of your Element into a instant bedroom, keeping you off the cold floor and organized.
2. High-Quality Sleeping Pad or Mattress
Don’t underestimate the importance of good sleep. A simple air mattress can work, but they often deflate and get cold. Better options include:
* A 3-4 inch foam mattress topper cut to size. It’s cheap, warm, and never leaks.
* A self-inflating camping pad designed for car camping. It offers great insulation and comfort.
* A custom-fit memory foam mattress made for the Element. This is the luxury option for maximum rest.
3. Tailgate Privacy & Bug Screens
The clamshell tailgate is a fantastic feature, but you need privacy and bug protection. Several companies make custom-fit screens that magnet or velcro to the tailgate and side windows. They allow for airflow while keeping mosquitoes out and giving you privacy to change or sleep. This is one of the most important accessories for comfort.
4. Window Rain Guards (Vent Visors)
These allow you to crack your windows for ventilation even when it’s raining. This is vital for reducing condensation overnight and keeping fresh air circulating. Make sure to get the in-channel style for a clean look and secure fit on your Element.
5. Roof Rack or Cargo Box
Even with clever storage, extra gear like chairs, a kayak, or bulky items need a home. A sturdy roof rack system expands your capacity immensely. Options include:
* Factory side rails and crossbars: Good for basic needs.
* Aftermarket full-length racks: Provide more surface area and strength.
* Hard-shell cargo box: Keeps items dry, secure, and aerodynamic during travel.
6. Rear Seat Delete Kit (For Dedicated Campers)
If you rarely use the back seats and your Element is primarily a camper, a rear seat delete kit is a game-changer. It removes the heavy rear seats entirely, giving you a completely flat, long space from the front seats to the tailgate. This creates more room for a permanent bed platform and storage. It’s a commitment, but it maximizes the interior space.
7. Modular Storage Solutions
Staying organized is key in a small space. Use a mix of containers that fit under your platform bed or on the “shelf” created by folded seats.
* Plastic storage bins with lids keep clothes and gear clean and dry.
* Collapsible fabric cubes are great for soft items and compress when empty.
* A small, portable tool box for recovery gear, tools, and tire repair kits.
8. Portable Power Station
Modern camping needs power. A portable power station (solar generator) is safer and more versatile than running your car’s engine. It can charge phones, run LED lights, power a small fridge, or even a laptop. Pair it with a foldable solar panel to recharge during the day. This setup gives you complete energy independence at your campsite.
9. 12V Portable Refrigerator/Cooler
Ditch the messy ice! A 12V compressor fridge is a worthy investment. It plugs into your car’s 12V outlet or your power station, keeping food cold without waterlogged coolers. It saves you money on ice and allows for longer trips with better food options. Look for a size that fits neatly behind the front seats or on the platform bed.
10. Portable Camp Kitchen Box
A dedicated kitchen box streamlines meal prep. You can buy a pre-made camp kitchen or assemble your own in a plastic action packer. Include:
1. A single-burner butane or propane stove.
2. A lightweight pot and pan set.
3. Plates, bowls, and utensils.
4. Basic spices, oil, and a sponge.
Having everything in one box makes setup and cleanup a breeze.
11. LED Lighting System
The dome light in your Element isn’t enough. You need hands-free, adjustable lighting.
* String lights powered by USB create a great ambient glow inside.
* A rechargeable LED lantern for outside the vehicle.
* Headlamps for each person for tasks like cooking or walking to the restroom at night.
12. Recovery & Safety Gear
Adventure means being prepared for the unexpected. Don’t leave home without these basics:
* A tire repair kit and portable air compressor. The Element’s full-size spare is great, but a plug kit can fix small punctures.
* Traction boards like Maxtrax. If you venture onto sand or soft ground, these can get you unstuck.
* A basic first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher rated for automotive use.
* A quality jack and lithium battery jump starter.
Setting Up Your Element Campsite: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have your gear, here’s a efficient way to set up camp upon arrival.
Step 1: Park and Level
Choose a safe, legal spot. Use a small bubble level on your dashboard to see if you’re level side-to-side. If not, reposition the car. For front-to-back leveling, carry a set of leveling blocks to drive onto. A level bed is crucial for comfortable sleep.
Step 2: Open Up and Ventilate
Open the clamshell tailgate and your front windows (with rain guards on). Install your bug screens immediately. This lets hot air escape and starts the airflow.
Step 3: Deploy the Interior
If you have a modular platform, set it up. Lay out your sleeping pad and sleeping bags. Organize your storage bins so you know where everything is. Set up your interior LED lights for the evening.
Step 4: Set Up the Outdoor Zone
Unfold your camp chairs and table. Retrieve your kitchen box and set up the stove on a stable surface away from the vehicle. Place your cooler or fridge within easy reach. Lay out your recovery gear if you’re in a remote area, just in case.
Step 5: Enjoy and Secure at Night
As night falls, ensure all food is stored securely in your vehicle or a bear box to avoid attracting animals. Make sure your fire is completely out if you had one. Finally, double-check that your tailgate screens are secure before turning in for the night.
FAQs About Honda Element Camping
Q: How do you make a bed in a Honda Element?
A: Most people use a platform bed made of plywood with hinged sections for storage access. On top of that, you add a comfortable foam pad or mattress topper cut to size. This creates a warm, flat sleeping area taller than the wheel wells.
Q: Can you really sleep comfortably in an Element?
A: Absolutely. An average-height person can sleep stretched out with the front seats slid forward. The cabin is surprisingly roomy when set up correctly. The key is a good mattress and proper ventilation to avoid condensation.
Q: What are the best window covers for the Honda Element?
A: Custom-fit reflectix or insulated covers are best. You can make them yourself using the factory windows as templates, or buy them online. They provide privacy, insulation from heat and cold, and block light perfectly.
Q: Is the Honda Element good for camping?
A: It’s excellent. Its waterproof, flat floor, easy-clean interior, huge doors, and boxy shape that maximizes space make it a legendary car camping vehicle. Its reliability and AWD option are just bonuses for getting to beautiful places.
Q: How do you power devices while camping in an Element?
A: A portable power station is the best solution. You can charge it at home, from your 12V socket while driving, or with a solar panel. It’s quiet, safe, and can run everything from lights to a fridge all night long.
Choosing the right accessories for your Honda Element camping setup makes all the difference. It transforms a simple road trip into a comfortable, self-contained adventure. Start with the essentials like sleep and storage, then add power and kitchen gear as you go. Your Element is more than a car; it’s a ticket to freedom and countless nights under the stars. With these accessories, you’ll be ready to answer the call of the wild whenever it comes.