Which Size Lumber Is Best For Interior Camper Framing?

Plywood is the preferred material for building campervan furniture due to its rigidity and strength, which allows for simplified framing. The bed frame can be built with a 3X2 frame around the external widths of the bed, and the top can be finished with laths. A good plywood base provides a better seal between storage and is less thermally conductive than steel or aluminum frames. Plywood is a cheap building material that can be very strong when properly used.

When it comes to foot traffic, plywood is often not suitable for the 25-inch space down the middle of the van. To address this issue, plank floors are often not suitable. Van cladding comes in packs of 5 and is typically used for cladding the van doors and some interior. The fit of your camper van will depend on your intended use, vehicle size, and budget. Wood framing is the most traditional form of RV construction, and the recommended wood for framed interiors is resistant to mold and moisture and easy to install.

Campers have evolved over time, from 3/4″ thick to 1 1/2″ thick by 1″ wide. To frame the interior, you should use wood that resists mold and moisture and is easy to install. Metal framing fits at a 90-degree angle and is designed for plumb and level construction. For inset framing, use high-quality treated lumber (1x4s or 1x6s) and ensure the boards are straight and free of warping.

The finished floor unit is typical for campers in 9′ to 11′ sizes, with 5/8″ plywood glued and fastened to a 2″ x 2″ framework. The framing is ¾ inch smaller than the aluminum siding, providing additional insulation for the ribs running along the top and ends of the camper.

How thick are interior camper walls?

It is possible to install screws in RV walls; however, due to the typically reduced thickness of such walls, caution should be exercised. It is advised that a screw of a length of 1″ or less be utilized to prevent the screw from extending the full length of the hole. The construction of RV walls comprises a thin layer of plywood mounted on metal studs, which is conducive to the use of wood screws. Nevertheless, the plywood is of a relatively thin gauge and lacks substantial tensile strength.

What is the best wood for camper furniture?

Plywood is a popular material for the construction of camper van furniture due to its rigidity and strength, which permit the use of simplified framing techniques, the maximization of usable space, and the attainment of a favorable balance between strength and weight. The layers are bonded together in a way that minimizes warping, expansion, or contraction, thereby ensuring a long-lasting result. This quality renders it an optimal material for the construction of camper furniture.

What size timber do I use for an internal wall?

In Australia, timber wall frames are typically 90-70mm in depth and 35-45mm in thickness, with studs spaced at 450-600mm centers. Noggings provide lateral support, while top and bottom plates are 90x45mm and can be doubled. Insulation is positioned between structural components. Timber framing is available in four grades: The four grades of timber framing are F5, MGP10, MGP12, and MGP15. Insulation is typically situated between the studs, plates, and noggings.

How thick is a camper frame?

The thickness of steel required for teardrop camper frames should be between 1/8″ and 3/16″, with over 1/4″ being excessive. The variety of steel shapes, such as tube, channel, angle, flat stock, and round stock, should not be used in the trailer frame. Ideally, 3-5 different shapes should be used for simplicity, efficient use of materials, and cost savings. Most steel comes in 20′ lengths and is less expensive in longer lengths of the same shape.

What is the best wood for framing interior walls?

The most commonly utilized softwood for framing in the United States is softwood lumber, which includes Southern Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, Hem-Fir, and SPF. These varieties of softwood consist of spruce, pine, and fir.

What size wood is used for framing walls?

Structural lumber, such as 2-inch x 4-inch and 4-inch x 4-inch boards, is frequently employed in DIY and construction initiatives due to its conformity with the conventional dimensions of thickness and width utilized in building construction.

What wood to use for RV walls?

Wood paneling in RVs is strong and durable, providing a comfortable and homely feel. Its perpendicular wood grain ensures it doesn’t break easily and allows for easy customization. The paneling is lightweight, impact-resistant, and stiff, contributing to fuel efficiency. However, it’s vulnerable to water damage, causing mold and rotting. Therefore, precautionary measures are recommended to prevent moisture damage. Overall, wood paneling offers a natural look, allows for painting, decoration, and hanging decorative items, while also contributing to RV safety.

How thick should trailer walls be?

It is not uncommon for manufacturers to make compromises in interior quality in order to prioritize other aspects of their product. In order to achieve the optimal results, it is recommended that the walls be lined with 3/8″ plywood and that the floors be lined with 3/4″ plywood. It is recommended that the prospective purchaser consult with the salesperson regarding the wall thickness specifications. The Car Mate company offers a premium trailer model that has been painted and sealed on the interior.

What kind of wood is used in camper frames?

BundutecUSA uses high-quality kiln dried Lodge Pole Pine 1 x 4 inch boards from the Northwest Rockies and lighter weight multi-ply marine grade plywood. They ensure the wooden materials are free of imperfections to prevent issues down the road. The boards are ripped down to 1. 5 x 1 inch wide to save weight and provide adequate backing for cabinet, door, window, and appliance installation. BundutecUSA doesn’t have a CNC machine due to the volume of campers they build, which doesn’t allow for expensive high-production parts like big manufacturers.

They have tried working with composite woods and synthetic materials like fiber-reinforced urethane plywood, but they have found that some do not hold screws well and can add weight and expense to building a camper.

What material is used for interior RV 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.

What size timber is used for framing?

Timber wall frames are 70mm or 90mm deep, with 35mm or 45mm thick studs, and noggins for lateral support. Top and bottom plates are 90x45mm and can be double-thick depending on the load or floor spacing. Openings require overhead lintels. Steel wall frames are 70mm or 90mm deep, with additional strength achieved by thicker gauge steel or additional folds or bends in the cross-section. Stud spacings and noggins are similar to timber, but heavier hot rolled steel sections are often used in lightweight structures to take heavy loads over large spans or high point loads.