It’s a dream many of us inhibit and it’s becoming easier and easier to achieve now that YouTube communities of DIY renovators are showing us exactly how to build our own mobile home for the road.
Here’s a breakdown of tools and materials you’ll need:
Tools and Materials you’ll need:
These are the ideal tools and materials to acquire before starting your project so that you can ensure that you can do everything swiftly.
- Pencils and a rubber
- A4 notebook
- Steel Ruler
- Steel flexible tape measure
- Stanley Knife
- Straight Edge with Spirit Level
- Woodworkers try-square or metal combination square
- Panel Saw- Medium cut
- Tenon Saw
- Coping Saw and Piercing Saw
- Pad Saw
- Hacksaw
- Wood Chisel
- Wood Mallet
- Sharpening guide tool
- Files
- Screwdrivers
- Sealant gun
- Clamps
- Twist drills
- Hole cutter and arbour
- Hand drill
- Electric Drill
- Electric Jigsaw
- Electric Planer
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Plier
- Digital Multimeter
- Soldering Iron
- Masking tape
- Sealant
- PVA Wood Glue
- Adhesives
- Woodscrews
- Wood Varnish
- Glasspaper
Timber
It goes without saying that at the top of any camper renovators shopping list is timber, a lot of timber. But what is it that makes the material great to work with?
Timber is easy to cut and measure making it a quick material for a fast renovation project. You can ultimately make anything and shape it to fit anything, making it a top priority on your list.
Many people clad the interior of their vans with the material and it comes out looking and smelling great as well as being a great insulator.
For a great timber resource head over to timbersource.co.uk, they do cut to size/ planed in a wide range of types. This means you can find the perfect timber to suit your ideal interior.
Once you’ve got the above tools and materials needed to complete the project. You’ll need to purchase everything else that will go into the van. This depends on your needs but the following list is a general consensus.
- Windows
- Wiring
- Light fittings and switches
- Solar Panel
- Insulation
- Gas
- car water tank
- Appliances
- Refrigerator
- Toilet and waste drainage system (some campers leave the toilet out completely)
- Water Heater
Dependant on your budget and current skill level with joinery and carpentry, you may choose to add to or leave out some of the above recommendations. Find guides on how to get started both on YouTube and on blogs such as Deep Red Motorhome.