Custom RV builders offer the guaranteed lowest price for building your own RV, travel trailer, motorhome, toy hauler, or fifth wheel at RV Wholesalers. They have a large customer base, many of whom are full-time RVers. Phoenix Pop Up Campers is a custom truck camper manufacturer that offers unique and affordable options for campers.
Custom RV manufacturers often work with dealers to fulfill orders, but they can also create custom teardrop trailers or small campers. Hiker Trailers offers affordable, handcrafted options to suit individual needs, with a large inventory and some of the lowest prices. Custom floorplan choices and feature choices can be made to fit your lifestyle and make each room unique.
Custom coaches can be designed for cargo/passenger or conversion vans, starting from Basic to Platinum packages. New Horizons in Kansas builds 100 custom 5th wheels, offering solid builds and a variety of options, from color to furniture. If you’re ordering a new rig, you can opt-out of the dinette or any furniture.
Custom RV interiors can be customized to fit your preferences, whether you’re an RV enthusiast, a prospective tiny home owner, or a small RV owner. Mix and match interior and exterior choices until you find the right combination for you and your family. Consider colors, textures, and other elements when creating your custom RV.
📹 DIY CAMPER BEST MODERN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS – Van Build, Bus Conversion, Caravan, RV, Motorhome
On this video, we share with you our favourite construction materials to build our Unimog Camper Expedition Vehicle …
Can you redo the inside of a camper?
One relatively simple method of modernizing the interior of a camper is to reupholster the furniture. It is essential to secure the furniture with straps and anchors while ensuring that the weight added to the RV is within safe limits.
What should you not bring in an RV?
The RV packing list is a crucial tool for reducing the weight and clutter of your RV. It is essential to make a packing list and check off items as they are gathered and stored in the RV. Each item should be considered for its usefulness and necessity, as RVs have limited space, especially if your time in the RV is longer or you are a full-timer.
To avoid unnecessary items, it is recommended to stock the kitchen with bulk foods, avoid outfitting every cabinet, drawer, and cubby with storage enhancers, and bring appliances and kitchen tools that have multiple functions and capabilities to maximize cabinet and counter space. Fancy gadgets or tools are not necessary in an RV, and having three of one type of utensil is not needed either.
When it comes to entertainment, don’t bring everything from home. For example, board games should be brought with your absolute favorites, not the whole stack. Instead, use a Netflix account instead of bringing all the DVDs along. If you don’t need to work on the road, a tablet may be all you need, not the full laptop.
It is important to remember that RVs are designed as straight pipe systems rather than having an S curve, so a plunger designed for an RV septic system is better for safety. Additionally, don’t fill precious space with linens. Look at your linen closet at home and think of all the linens you don’t use regularly and how much space it takes up. Bring a few extras, like pillow cases and a couple of sheet sets, but clean the bedding that’s already on beds at a laundry mat and put them back on.
Lastly, don’t bring firewood. It adds weight and takes up a lot of space, and many states, including Michigan, have a Don’t Move Firewood campaign. Pests and plant diseases such as oak wilt spread this way, and it’s best to purchase firewood at the campground you’re staying. By following these tips, you can reduce the weight and clutter of your RV and enjoy a more enjoyable and enjoyable experience.
Is it worth building your own camper?
Building a DIY Square Drop trailer offers numerous advantages, including being cheaper than buying a fully customized camper, which can cost up to $18, 000. By assembling materials like used axles and wheels, you can create a frame for your trailer at a lower cost. Customizing your build includes base choices, interior layout, design, and gadgets. However, the process can be challenging if you lack the necessary skills, and safety is at stake when working with tools. Proper measurements are also crucial to avoid frame issues.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the time to build a camper, you can buy a pre-built one for sale. Researching on websites like eBay and comparing prices can help you find a second-hand option. These campers are typically used during holidays and are in good shape unless the owner is constantly on the road. However, buying a used camper with unknown history may have costly repairs or be dangerous.
In conclusion, both buying and building campers are suitable alternatives, and you can decide based on your preferences and budget.
How long does it take to build a custom RV?
The time to build an RV is a complex task due to various factors affecting the process. A standard kit typically takes 1100-1200 hours, while the Light Sport RV-12 takes 800 hours. The larger RV-10 may take 2000 hours. Estimates for RV-3 or RV-4 are around 2000-2200 “person-hours”, but less time is involved in matched-hole kits used for subsequent designs. RV-7/8/9 airplanes take around 1400-1500 hours.
The total time to build depends on the individual builder’s habits, efficiency, and dedication. RVs are usually finished within 20-30 months, with the current world record for a Standard Kit being 85 days.
A QuickBuild Kit is a valuable tool for achieving the shortest possible time for a flying airplane. QuickBuild Kits are available for RV-7/7A, RV-8/8A, RV-9/9A, RV-10, and RV-14, but not for RV-3, RV-4, or RV-12. With 75 of the riveting already done on the wings and fuselage when the builder receives the kit, a QuickBuild Kit can save about 35-50% of construction time.
What do campers use for walls?
RV interiors consist of two main materials: thin plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF) for walls, and vinyl paneling for higher-end campers. For ceilings, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) or PVC wall paneling is used due to their lightweight, moisture-resistant properties and lack of need for painting. Choosing between these materials or combining them is a personal choice, but there are pros and cons to consider. Plywood panels, made from thin layers of wood veneer, are treated with resin and glued together under pressure for added strength. They come in various thicknesses, finishes, and quality grades.
Can you custom build a camper?
Vanna offers custom camper van construction, allowing customers to choose a layout, interior finish, and van platform. The process starts with a free consultation, and Vanna guides customers through the design process to cater to their lifestyle, needs, and budget. They offer multiple starting layouts, some on Ford and Mercedes chassis, and allow customization of interior finish, cabinetry, and exterior accessories.
Is it legal to walk around inside a moving RV?
In states where seat belts are mandatory for passengers, it is typically prohibited for them to disembark from an RV while the vehicle is in motion, unless the state has exempted this practice.
Do you have to put RV furniture in an RV?
RV owners can replace their RV furniture with regular furniture, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. RV furniture is designed for RVs and motorhomes, making it smaller than regular furniture. However, RV furniture still offers comfort and functionality, such as dinette booths that provide extra storage space. RecPro, a leading RV furniture store, is a great choice for those looking for RV furniture. With over 12 years of experience, RecPro collaborates with RV enthusiasts and manufacturers to develop the best RV furniture upgrades.
Their seating options include RV recliners, jackknife sofas, captain chairs, swivel rockers, and RV theater seating. They also offer an extensive selection of other furniture and RV parts, such as dining tables, water tanks, and RV beds.
Are interior camper walls structural?
The camper is supported by an external wall structure and the roof is supported by trusses at 12-16″ intervals. It is possible to remove the internal walls, but it is advisable to exercise caution with regard to the wiring and vent pipes that are located on the walls.
Can you change the couch in a camper?
The text advises replacing an RV sofa with a house-type sofa or two reclining chairs, but advises that chairs should not be used for seating while in motion unless they are the proper type and properly bolted in place. The text also mentions the need to keep safety belts available for when bringing people, but questions whether the new sofa should be secured to the floor. The text is based on a Monteco Cayman 34 2003, Cummins 300HP Bigfoot 2008, 10. 4, F350, 2006, Diesel 6. 0, Black, 4×4, long box, air lift, Rancho 9000, and rear sway bar.
Can you replace carpet in a camper?
The replacement of older RVs with carpeted floors and the installation of cleaner, longer-lasting carpet can result in an immediate visual enhancement of the vehicle. Furthermore, this is a cost-effective solution that offers a substantial return on investment in terms of both time and financial resources.
📹 Building Out Your Campervan At Ikea | Cheap Van Build Ideas
Building a van is simple. Do not overthink the luxuries you will need to get started in the van lifestyle. YES you can build your …
Top secret tip……..any sign of galvanic corrosion can be addressed with the 400 year old remedy that pretty much everyone has forgotten about.. Lanolin!!!! Sheep grease…! In different countries it comes in different forms. From the raw product applied with a paint brush to the aerosol tin dispenser. It will universally work. Gun shops are a good place to get as that industry suffers extensively from GC. Every off roader needs a tin in the toolbox…👌🏼😊
Hi Chris, that ali-gloss is interesting stuff. I’m using it on my sons food truck and can imagine making a canopy out of it. Super light and strong and very affordable at under $100 for 3000 x 1200. I hope to test it against 3mm ali sheet and compare weight and strength. Top notch review! Cheers, Marty from Perth
Hi I like your presentation on the products My husband and I are doing up a caravan my husband has taken out everything he’s gutted took the walls off insulation everything it’s just bear now. The last product you mentioned permaTimber Quick board would you think it’s a good idea to put it on the walls in the caravan. We never done this before. Susana 😊
The aluminium/plastic panel (we know it as Alupanel in the UK) is a great product AND is also available with a gloss finish on one side and matt on the other. This is great when you don’t want the reflective finish, such as perhaps on a ceiling or a splashback. Gloss finish fantastic for shower cubicle lining, but don’t use anything to clean it that is abrasive as the finish will quickly scratch up. I lined a shower with it and find a simple rise down and a silicone squeegee cleans it perfectly.
Great info – thanks for sharing! This is especially useful for we Aussies, as many of the products we see in other articles are not available here (or not at a reasonable price). I’m planning to use some XPS foam in my build – but it’s not actually that easy to find locally, and otherwise shipping ends up making it prohibitive.
Some thing that happens overtime with the stuff he was showing where it looks like it’s foam with plastic on each sides. He is right they are great but overtime it starts to do something called deification the glue ends up getting hot when it sits out in the sun, and then it starts to demonetize away from the, 2 inches of insulation it is glued to it bubbles RV manufactures use that and anywhere between 5 to 10 years. It ends up doing that so if you’re not prepared, then it will be much more of a pain in the ass in the only way to make deification to laminate to it. The only thing I have seen to do it, injecting glue in between the bubble and then holding weight on it such as lifting weights or plywood with two by fours at an angle keeping the pressure on it will work to keep the pressure on it while it’s curing
Thermolite is ridiculously expensive you couldn’t use that as replacement for wood. It’d be cheaper just to use plywood and cover it with polyurethane or some kind of clear coat to water proof it sort of. Thin down the polyurethane first and coat the entire plywood you could spray it using a compressor and a spray gun and then after words use full strength polyurethane to get a thicker coat. But I just checked thermolite prices and it’s sky high it’s not even worth it
Thanks for the info! My small cargo trailer was about 750 pounds before my build. Steel frame with ‘Z’ bar studs and .025 Aluminum skin. Insulating with spray foam added structural strength great insulation and very lightweight. I used 1/2 inch expanded PVC board for cabinets to save on weight but the Thermo-Lite board looks far superior to the PVC.
Guys! I have a question. It might be myth, or not, I’m unsure, but a regular fridge, to my knowledge, if moved, you have to let it sit disconnected for at least 24 hours, for the compressor to “settle” or something like that. Is it true and if it is how do you get by while driving with a fridge like that, and the doors opening up on a uneasy road? Or maybe my questions will be answered in a couple of articles down the line? Anyhow, you guys are the BOMB! a whole motivation
There are ways to use stainless, dura Gal etc, with Ally. Boat builders have a paste that prevents reaction. Also nylon spacers. I would not pay 5 dollars for a joiner either. Before building anything it pays to look at what boat builders and aeronautical folks use first. 25 years of potholes, mud, river crossings, floods, freezing mountains and 53 degree desserts and the odd role over. Thats the real test.
XPS foam and EPS foam is not the same product, it´s the same material which is PS ( polystyrol). EPS which is the typical which crummy packaging material type is extruded with lots of air and XPS is “expanded”. XPS forms a more dense water tight structure while EPS is not water tight. XPS is really not rigid though, you have to create a sandwhich plate otherwise it will not hold together. Thermal properties are fantastic, it is used in modern home insulation. However you don´t need it for the inside, it´s great for wet places, so outside. But of course yoiu can still use it inside. The T-slots are great if you work in some sort of industry, like I do in automotive industry however simple square tubing is much much cheaper and does basically the same. The T-slots can be reused with lots of different mounting options however to safe money you can simply use alu squade tubes. Also should you choose T-Slot alu profiles there are 3-4 grades of them. They get ligher and ligher and also cheaper. I used the lighest grade for my home workshop cart and it´s still plenty strong but cost about 50% less than the “normal” grade and is also way lighter. Plywood is already pretty good for many applications. It´s warm, easily worked with. No health risk. Plenty strong. Somewhat light (can be milled out etc.) So a great general purpose material. ALigloss is a pretty cool material, I have not seen that before, great idea I really like it.
Hi, Love your website. You said you weren’t happy with the service with the product regarding the fibre reinforced xps . I’m wanting to build a slide on camper and I’m wanting to know what the best company to buy from. Did you use styromax in QLD? And the the specific adhesive they use ? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Todd.
i need to build a lightweight motorcycle box camper. thermo-lite dont sell in the uk. I wanted to use the FRP XPS for the whole box however the base would overhang the trailer by 1ft each side what thickness frp would be suitable for the base? If i wanted to only use cross beams what would be a better option to fix the boards onto as tbar cant end mount easy? thanks
11:26 the product is used here in Ireland & the UK for exterior soffit (eaves) covering. It does become brittle in extremely low temps. It’s an ideal cladding product can be glued or pinned into place. I’ve seen home owners use it on walls in high traffic areas with dogs in their hall & utility (boot) room.
I’m building a small overland trailer this summer. Been gathering information on materials prior to the build and your article helps, so thanks a lot. 🙏 I have to build a 7×10 and keep the box build under 800lbs. I actually am an ex professional builder turned painter/refinisher. It’s been a while since I took on a build this complex and I honestly can’t wait to get going. Trailer is in my garage now ready to go, I’m just refinishing the rims and working on my tow vehicle. I should be tarting in two weeks I think. 🚛🇨🇦🇺🇸
Chris, the other main difference between extruded (XPS) and expanded polystyrene is that the expanded absorbs water and then loses all its thermal properties and the XPS also has a much higher impact resistance. Glad to here you didn’t use much of the ali-gloss as it is a flammable product. Its the same type of product that was used on the facade of the building in Spencer St Melbourne that went up in flames
A alternative lighter and cheaper way to make aluminium frames is to use square tube available from places like Capral Aluminium WA, then buy aluminium extruded angle and cut to size like you have and then rivet the angle to the square tube. Rivet’s are cheaper, stronger and more vibration resistant than screw fasteners, that’s why aircraft frames are riveted! Great article btw👍
IKEA has always been full of stuff that can be used in alternative ways. Yes, most of it is particle board, but unlike many other manufacturers they are very open about that, plus they really test it to make sure it lasts. 45 Years ago, when I was furnishing my first place, I used tall upper kitchen cabinets to create a sideboard. Perfect height and depth, and designed to hold a shed load of stuff.
@4:10 It’s not garbage. I’ve had Ikea stuff for over 30 years. With multiple moves, and rearrangements, and still Works 100% fine, just like it was new. It all comes down to knowing how to put it together. Don’t tell anyone but the secret is to read the directions and to follow the directions. It’s not rocket 🚀 science.
I worked for IKEA in Gateshead UK for 10 years. I must have helped hundreds of people plan out their van builds with kitchen units. They’re so versatile and low cost. The only problem I have now… other than not yet having a van.. is that I’ve seen so many different variations, layouts and features for alsorts of different sized vans.. I just can’t think which layout/van I prefer for myself.
I temember Bob Wells doing a article on first vans. His use what you have really helped me. I’m going to start out with bedroom furniture that was my mom’s…the kind they used to make that really lasted. I’ve got my dad’s old army wooden foot locker I will incorporate in there so he’s with me too. I’m not real handy with tools but have a few things I actually will have to build. Mine will be the insulation, walls and floors. Don’t want propane or running water. Simple life. Small solar needs. Willget solar generator…maybe a jackery or 2😂😂😂. First stop is van itself and I’m saving for w yrs to get. Meantime…set my room up as if it is tje inside of my van. Helping me to downsize and simplify.
Hey Chrome!!! I just realized I have been perusal you on my TV, so I haven’t been commenting…I hope you’re getting the view count, because I haven’t skipped one article….. still digging the content, and I love that Disco plush toy💖 yesterday’s article, I must admit I teared up a bit, thinking about Disco💖 Hope you n Cruz are having a wonderful day!!!!
Well done Chrome!! I agree, Ikea does spark creativity! perusal you since the very beginning and been inspired.. Thank you! (Friends and colleagues think I am weird for wanting Vanlife) But while perusal your articles I have been planning my own build, which is FINALLY happening!! Maybe should have called it “project overkill” though?? Hahah. But it’s who I am!! From one Canadian brother to another…. Weirdos unite!!
@ 1:15 … activator: just imagine a UVC light-system, that activates for the ENTiRE VAN, even inside enclosed spaces, when you lock-up and go for a while. Of course inter-species family members need to be out of the van at the time. For periods over 10 minutes one takes them with anyway. UVC would have to be off BEFORE re-entry though. Cancer warning people.
How is clean women’s underwear and bras to show what the furniture is for disgusting?!! Are you really that immature?!! Very disappointing and I’ve been a follower for quite a few months, but considering unsubscribing because of the very negative connotations towards an essential part of a woman’s life… very disappointing sentiment from you.
What my wife and I did for a kitchen in our van was we bought an IKEA play kitchen took out the sink and used a 12×9 baking pan we had to use a jig saw to cut the hole for the sink wider then just used regular sink plumbing for the grey water and bought a 12 dollar rechargeable pump for a water cooler jug and siliconed it to the kitchen then we replaced the fake stove top with an electric hot plate its perfect (and we just have a standard E-250)
This isn’t vanlife, but to give some perspective on the possibilities…. Years ago, I worked at IKEA, in the bedrooms area where we sold a particular line of wardrobes. A customer came to me one day with the measurements of a large bedroom closet and asked if I could help her work out some way to fill it with those wardrobes plus an assortment of attachments & inserts. Half an hour of brainstorming later, I’d tricked out her closet to the Nth degree (except for a 4-inch-wide gap at one end, which I just couldn’t fit anything into but she said it was great for the brooms & sweepers she already kept in the closet). We added it all up and I apologized for what I thought was a big price tag — and she started laughing and said I had just saved her family well over $1200 with compared to the proposal from one of those big closet organizing companies. I originally would’ve never thought of using any of what I’d suggested as a closet organizing system, but ended up helping three other families the same way within a few weeks. Go to IKEA (or just like you heard in the article, any store that sells for living in smaller spaces) and THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX when looking at what they offer, and you might just strike gold. 🙂
Glad you put this article out to give people inspiration. People get overwhelmed with pre-made vans from places like Airstream for over $160K and say forget it. With ideas like this the van can look so individual to your own style and cost a fraction of one made by professionals. (I love that canvas artwork background idea….and the dining room fold up table too.)
You convinced me – YOU ARE THE BEST! We raised five kids. When they were teens we bought a larger home and furnished almost the entire home from IKEA. That was 1994. Downsized and sold the house in 2015 and all the IKEA furniture for almost what we had paid for it. Now, we just bought a van and are building. Guess where the furniture is coming from? IKEA!
This was posted 8 months ago- however I’m catching up on all your vids. I will be hitting the road soon and you, your ideas and energy inspire me like mad. You also get points for Cruz. I have a bully named Benji. Hope I pass that cool rig of yours on the road some day, def gonna flag you down. Keep it up! ❤️
Good Show. Great Ideas. BTW, How does one get ‘Sponsored’??? Indeed I Have a Special-Calling-Card, That Nobody is Using Yet.(Still In Secret Mode) But Since I’m New, Just Getting Started, I Guess I’m being a Bit Presumptuous??? Hopefully Not. Please Advise. (I Should be So Lucky) There Must be Ten-Thousand people Thinking The SAME THING. 🤔
The pretentiousness of #vanlife is adorable… Hi guyssss!! we’re Miakaylayaea and Rebel and this is our dog Frere – it’s French..he’s a rescue :::squeal::: We only eat organic. We could easily live in condos (and we don’t show our nights in hotels and at our parents), but we make our living pouting, manscaping, dressing cute, being adorable, and shilling on social media… oy vey lol
Ok. Probably the only woman in all of Canada who has never been in an ikea….there must be a self help group for that…..I loved the brick wall effect and the murals for a full wall…wicked. I am very open in my current home space to multilateral purpose utilization of items and I am big into using items for things or rooms that most folks would not think of. Great ideas here Chrome….mind exploding with new ideas for my spring 2020 van build….hope you did purchase the stuffed bully for Cruz. 🐶💗
Oh my goodness I love this article such great ideas got my creative juices flowing and I have not even bought a van yet but I’m going to do the van life so I’m just perusal articles and getting ideas and then once the Lord blesses me with the van then I can have some ideas already but IKEA is Gold mind of ideas! Thank you so much😉🤩😎
after 2 years of article ideas and building I am in the finishing stages of my retirement van ; 2001 ford conversion van that I gutted and made my own …$ 3000 van with a $6000 DIY interior …got the 300 watts of solar hooked up Wednesday, and that combined with 30 gallon water tank will let me go off grid for weeks at a time ;Stopping when and where I want… NOTHING from ikea in the whole van
My favorite IKEA item for my van is their Inner spring twin mattress. It’s less than 4 inches thick (really important for a micro camper). It stands up great to using it for both sitting and sleeping. (Over a year now). It is very easy to cut to size. It has small one inch diameter coils that are individual pocket wrapped, so you can easily cut between the coils without having to cut the coils themselves. I like a fairly firm mattress and foam just doesn’t standup to use for both a bench seat and a bed. Cost $99! I just glued a strip of foam along the cut edges before sewing covers. If you can’t find the twin size, they have a crib mattress that is the same construction. Get two (more expensive and a bit more work).
I love ikea. The little beagle stuffy looks like my dog and we have one that my grandson plays with. I have the folding kitchen table for my guest/craft room its so handy. Glad you got one of the new stuffed Bulldogs. My daughter got one for a friend. He wants a bulldog but cant right now. It’s so cute.
Wow. I got some great ideas. Thanks chrome. My van life will be starting in the next couple months as I’m currently minimizing to my needs I feel necessary to live with in a small space. I’m a photographer who is gonna attempt to hit and photograph each continental state. Once again thanks. And keep up the great articles but don’t forget to pause and take some time to breathe
I worked at an IKEA store for about a year — and remain in awe of what the design team could do. I still make a point of walking through the store at least a couple of times a year just to get ideas, and as I’ve begun looking into van life (at least part-time) some of their products have been popping up high on my list. 🙂