Many car owners dream of their own motorhome, thanks to which you can easily travel with your family to various places. But the family cannot always afford to buy a motor home, so many people make it on their own. To do this, you need a little:
- basic basic knowledge;
- ordinary metalwork tools that can be found in any home or garage;
- patience and free time.
But, in addition to this, you should have a high-quality, and most importantly, reliable vehicle that can accommodate a motorhome on wheels.
So what needs to be done? Before you create a camper with your own hands, you should visit a legal consultation. Such a car upgrade requires legalization. Each country has different requirements.
The first step is a do-it-yourself camper
The whole process of creating such a design can be divided into several stages:
- performance of external work;
- performance of internal work;
- camper water supply;
- connection and connection of a gasification system and electricity;
- furniture placement;
- small work.
After that, you can travel on campers in any free time.
Number of seats
As an example of creating a camper, take a regular average wagon. If the van will be operated by only two people, there will be plenty of space. If the family has more people, then it is necessary to think over the additional number of places. Do not forget that all seats must be equipped with seat belts.
Determine in advance how many beds your mobile home will have. There is a very good option to increase them. Set up bunk beds inside. You can also make a bed that will "fall out" from under the roof. This will save camper space.
At this stage of planning, you should have a clear plan of the internal structure. Of course, it will be possible to make adjustments during the installation, but the basis should be thought out to the smallest detail.
Outdoor work
First of all, take care of the cleanliness of the inside of the campsite. The area should not contain dirt, dust, significant defects. This will be the key to the successful formation of a motorhome.
You should also plan the outline in general terms. In addition to the plan, you can sketch on paper.
Further work on the removal of corrosion and damage to the body part. If there are a lot of deformations, use full painting or local painting - in places of the most damaged ones.
The body part rarely has windows, which is disastrous for traveling on campers. Plan where it is best to install windows for the most comfortable view. In addition, they will allow access to a stream of fresh air and allow the rays of the sun to penetrate, which will create additional lighting. Windows you can choose from completely different shapes, types and structures. Everything will depend solely on your preferences, as well as the features of the body part.
Additional openings in the body
When you create a camper with your own hands, do not forget to make a few holes:
- for gas outlet in case of its leak;
- for ventilation;
- to remove exhaust gases from the heater;
- for jellied mouths for water.
Of course, you can perform some of them even after the creation of the camper, but this can already be much more problematic. It’s best to do it all right away and in advance. But this should be done only if you are sure that these holes will be located in those places.
Places with an open metal layer should be immediately treated with a primer layer to prevent corrosion.
Internal work
How to arrange a camper inside? With your own hands, you should create partitions between the front seats and the main body part. But if desired, they can not be done. The installation of the partition is also different. It can be fixed with screws or welded to the body itself. If necessary, use a grinder at this stage.
When operating the grinder, do not forget about safety measures. Work with it carefully, especially if you are using the tool for the first time. Do not forget to put on goggles on your eyes, and also make sure that the circle is firmly fixed. Also, in the process of working with the grinder, sparks will fly, which, when hit on the glass, will create defects. Therefore, make sure to close it securely in advance.
Insulation
The insulation layer for the mini camper is very important. The temperature inside, as well as sound insulation, will depend on its quality and proper installation. The market has a large number of materials from various companies. Their choice will be exclusively individual, based on the characteristics of the environment, financial situation, type of body.
The insulation must be cut into small pieces and carefully glued. The main feature and the main indicator of quality is protection against moisture. If the insulation layer does not cope with its immediate responsibility, remove it.
To sheathe the housing, prepare in advance:
- isolation;
- lightweight plywood, which will be waterproof;
- soft carpet.
A thick layer of plywood should be used on the side covers. This is done so that it can withstand the weight of the furniture that will be mounted directly on it.
Adhesive must be used on the side walls, which can withstand a wide range of different temperatures. Use it to glue the insulation and carpet onto the side walls. Glue for different temperatures is used because the van will be used in various conditions: in severe frosts and in the scorching summer sun. Additionally, heating is provided. If the glue does not have all the necessary properties, then the sealant and coating will simply disappear.
Camper trim
The lining of the motorhome begins from the roof to the floor. First of all, we install the insulating and facing layer and only after that we smoothly proceed to the side panels. If you only equip a winter camper, then the sealant layer should be increased and additionally compacted.
To ensure sufficient space for insulation, use wooden planks that are mounted to the floor. Fasteners must be made using special sealant appropriate to the coating. After this, the insulation layer is laid, and then they are covered with plywood. The plywood itself is attached with screws or sealant. Do not forget about the location of the water supply, gas cables and electric cables.
Water supply
A prerequisite for the water supply of the mobile home is that it must have a running water supply. To do this, install a pair of cans of water under the sink. The installed pump will produce the necessary flow of water to the tap.
If desired, the camper can be provided with hot water. It will be convenient if you wish to place a shower. To do this, put large tanks of water under the body of the motorhome. To connect the heating system will require the purchase and installation of additional hoses.
Do not forget about wastewater. Their withdrawal can be carried out using a hose placed in the floor, or drain water into a portable tank. The container should be emptied as soon as possible, because in the summer there will be an unpleasant smell from it , and in the winter it will simply freeze. You can also install a toilet.
Gas and electricity
The installation of a gas hose and electricians must be entrusted exclusively to qualified specialists. At the slightest error of self-installation, this can lead to a deplorable outcome.
A propane tank can be used for cooking. You can do without it, replacing the tank with a conventional electric stove. Keep the cylinder in a separate place.
The camper’s electric power system consists of a charger, battery, control panel and wiring system.
Gasification and electricity in a camper-trailer type caravan plays a very important role. In the case of traveling to nature far beyond the city limits, the autonomy of both systems should be at the maximum level.
Furniture
If you wish, you can use absolutely any furniture that you like. You can purchase elements of new furniture or design and make it yourself.
Almost everyone who has a camper, reviews leave exclusively positive. You can create not only a small family camper on wheels. It is also quite realistic to make huge off-road campers. The choice is yours!