Maximising storage is a constant challenge in campervan conversions. Secret compartments offer dual benefits: they keep valuables out of sight (reducing theft risk) and use otherwise wasted space.
This guide covers hidden storage ideas that work in UK van builds.
Why Hidden Storage Matters
- Security: Leave cash, passports, and electronics in the van while you hike or swim
- Space utilisation: Use every void in your van structure
- Organisation: Dedicated spots for specific items prevent clutter
Location 1: Under the Floor
The space between the metal van floor and your subfloor is typically 20-30mm with standard insulation. But if you build a raised floor section, you gain 50-100mm of hidden space.
How to do it:
- Frame a section of floor with 50mm timber battens
- Fit a plywood trapdoor flush with the floor surface
- Use recessed finger holes or a magnetic catch to open
- Store: cash, passports, spare keys, small tools
Dimensions: A 40x60cm trapdoor gives 120,000cm³ of space — enough for a laptop, documents, and an emergency cash tin.
Security rating: High (a thief would need to remove your floor covering and find the trapdoor).
Location 2: Behind a False Drawer Front
A drawer front that looks like a functional drawer but is actually a hidden compartment behind it.
How to do it:
- Install a standard drawer in your kitchen
- Behind it, create a 50-80mm deep cavity in the dead space
- The drawer front opens on a hinge or magnetic catch, revealing the hidden space
- The "drawer" below it is the real functional drawer
Best for: Valuables that you access regularly — wallet, phone, keys.
Location 3: Under the Seat Base
Most van seats (cab seats or rock and roll beds) have a fabric or plastic base cover. The space under the seat mechanism is empty.
How to do it:
- Remove the seat base cover
- Build a plywood tray that fits in the void
- Attach velcro or magnets to hold it in place
- Store: jump leads, tools, emergency supplies
Note: Ensure the tray does not interfere with the seat slider mechanism.
Location 4: Inside a Hollow Step
If you have a step into the sliding door area, build it hollow with a lift-up top.
How to do it:
- Frame the step from 18mm ply
- The top panel is hinged at the back
- Use a gas strut to hold it open
- Line with foam to prevent rattling
Best for: Shoes, leveling ramps, hoses, cables.
Location 5: False Back in a Cupboard
A 50mm false back behind a shelf creates a cavity that is invisible when the shelf is stocked.
How to do it:
- Build the cupboard 50mm deeper than the shelf depth
- Install a removable or hinged back panel
- The front shelf hides the cavity
Best for: Breakables or items you rarely access.
Location 6: Behind the Kickboard
The kickboard (toe-kick) under kitchen units is typically a fixed panel. Make it removable.
How to do it:
- Attach the kickboard with magnetic catches instead of screws
- Create a shallow tray behind it
- Store: flat items like documents, maps, tablet
Contains risk: The kickboard is at floor level where spills happen. Keep items in a sealed plastic bag.
Location 7: Inside a False Vent
Install a decorative vent grille (like a gas drop-out vent) that is not actually connected to anything.
How to do it:
- Buy a standard plastic vent grille (Screwfix, £5)
- Cut a hole in a cabinet side or wall panel
- Build a small box behind it
- The vent grille opens on a hinge
Best for: Very small items (SD cards, USB drives, cash).
Location 8: In the Gas Locker
If you have a sealed gas locker, the space around the gas bottle can hold small items.
How to do it:
- Measure the gap around your gas bottle
- Build a slim plywood box that fits in the gap
- Ensure the gas bottle is still accessible and the locker vent is not blocked
Warning: Only store non-flammable items. The gas locker must remain vented to the outside.
Design Principles
Rule 1: Hidden in plain sight. The best secret compartments look like something ordinary — a drawer, a vent, a step.
Rule 2: Accessible from inside. If the compartment is only accessible from outside, it is vulnerable. All hidden storage should be accessible from within the locked van.
Rule 3: No rattles. Line compartments with foam or felt. A loose item tapping against a false panel draws attention.
Rule 4: Do not forget where you put things. Keep a note of your secret compartments. Many van lifers have lost keys or documents in their own hidden compartments.
Build Tips
- Use magnetic catches for quick access (no handles needed)
- Colour-match trapdoor surfaces to surrounding flooring or paint
- Add finger holes (recessed, not through-holes) to lift trapdoors
- Test before cladding — ensure compartments are accessible once furniture is installed
Tools and Materials
| Item | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12mm birch ply | False panels, trapdoors | £35 per sheet |
| Magnetic catches | Quick-release doors | £5 for 10 |
| Piano hinges | Trapdoor hinges | £8 |
| Foam lining | Anti-rattle | £10 per sheet |
| Gas strut (60N) | Self-opening lids | £12 each |
Conclusion
Secret compartments add both security and storage to your campervan. The best designs are simple — a false drawer back, a lift-up step, or a removable kickboard. Focus on items you genuinely need to secure (passports, cash, electronics) and build compartments that are accessible but invisible.
Our recommendation: Start with a false drawer back in the kitchen and a hollow step. These are the easiest to build and provide the most useful hidden space.
