How to build a camper floor?
By
Elaine Knight
Page last updated:
09/08/2023 |
Next review date:
09/08/2025
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to build a camper floor?” We will describe the steps to build a camper floor right from scratch. We will also touch upon the required materials that need to be used for this process. Additionally, we will cover the insulation part. At the end of this post, you will get to know how to build a camper floor in less than a day.
How to build a camper floor?
To build a camper floor, you need to follow the steps described below.
- Measure the floor of the camper
- Clean the floor
- Cut wooden beams
- Install the subfloor
- Insulate the floor
- Add the plywood
- Cover the wheel well
- Add the carpet
Measure the floor of the camper
- Building a camper floor is one of the easiest projects that can easily be completed in one day. All you to have is the right materials and the idea to build a camper floor.
- First, you will need to start by measuring the camper floor. The measurement process is simple since you will only need the width and length. Be sure to leave out the area where the wheel well is present.
- Note down the dimensions of the camper on a piece of paper or notebook. You might need help from another person to hold the tape down while measuring the floor of the camper. This is an easy process but be sure to get the accurate dimensions.
Clean the floor
- Next, you will need to clean the floor of the camper thoroughly. Be sure to remove all the dust, dirt, and other components. You a vacuum cleaner if required to get rid of everything.
- Once you are done cleaning the floor, you can use soap and water to wash the floor. However, this is not essential. Remove all the stains and make sure that the floor is clean. Wait for the floor to dry before moving ahead to the next step.
Cut the wooden beams
- You will need to use 2 by 4 wooden beams and create a subfloor. This is where the measurements come in place. You must cut multiple 2 by 4 beams based on the length of the camper floor.
- Next, you will need to cut the beams based on the width. You will be using these beams for the subfloor. Make sure to have enough vertical and horizontal beams for this process.
Install the subfloor
- Once you have the beams in place, you can go ahead and start installing the subfloor. Since the camper floor is built out of metal or steel, it is advised to use adhesive to secure the beams to the floor.
- Polyurethane-based adhesive like gorilla glue is one of the best options to consider. This glue helps to secure the wooden beams to the floor with ease. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves while working with the glue.
- Start by installing the vertical beams first. Add the glue to one end of the vertical beams and place them from one end to the other. You can either start from the left or the right whichever is comfortable for you.
- Place the beams on the camper floor and use a heavy object to add pressure. You can use a couple of blocks from the garden. Wait for the glue to stick properly onto the wood and make contact with the camper floor. Sticking wood to metal or steel can be tricky. Hence, it is essential to add some weight and wait for a while.
- Repeat the same for the rest of the vertical beams and wait until they are secure. Leave enough space in between each beam. Once you are done with the vertical beams, you can start by adding the horizontal beams.
- For the horizontal beams, you can install them with the help of screws. Add screws to the areas where the horizontal beams meet the vertical beams. You can also use the same polyurethane-based adhesive to secure them.
- Once you are done, the subfloor should look like squares with vertical and horizontal beams running across each other.
Insulate the floor
- Insulating the camper floor is important, especially if you plan on camping during winter. This will also come in handy while camping at night. Use sheep’s wool to insulate the floor of the camper.
- Sheep’s wool is one of those affordable options and it is a fast and easy insulation solution. Start by filling the vacant squares in between the subfloor. Use enough sheep’s wool to fill the gaps. You can also add a layer of sheep’s wool over the entire subflooring.
Add the plywood
- Next, you must add the plywood to the subflooring. You will need to cut the plywood according to the camper floor. Take the measurements of the camper floor once again and cut the plywood accordingly.
- You can cut strips of plywood if you are unable to cut a whole piece. It is advised to cut the plywood into four sections since it is easy to install them.
- Be sure to consider the wheel wells on the inside of the camper and make sure to leave space for them. Add the plywood to the floor and screw them into the horizontal and vertical beams.
- Mark the areas with the help of a marker where you need to screw the plywood. Use plywood that is either two or four inches thick. Make sure that you work carefully and that they are secure as one. The important part is cutting the plywood to the right dimensions.
Cover the wheel well
- The wheel well on the camper floor will be exposed and it is important to cover the wheel well with the help of plywood.
- Cut the plywood accordingly to cover the wheel well. Making wheel well covers are easy but you will need to get the measurements in place first.
- A simple technique is to add a wooden box on top of the wheel. You will need to measure the length, width, and height of the wheel well. Cut the plywood based on these measurements.
- In the next step, you will need to get the plywood pieces together. Attach the side plywood boards (width) to the top board which will be based on the measurements of the length. Use screws to secure them together and make sure that they are sturdy. The cover should look like a small table.
- Cover the other open side with another piece of plywood. This will appear like a rectangular box with one side open. Place the box on the wheel well and secure it with adhesive to the plywood floor that you installed.
Add the carpet
- Next, you will need to add carpet to the camper flooring to give it a rich appearance. This is an easy process and you can use the same adhesive to add the carpet to the floor.
- Make sure that there are no gaps and that the carpet is installed correctly without any air in between. You can also choose to add vinyl to the flooring instead of carpet.
Building a camper floor is an easy process and it can be completed in less than a day as long as you have all the required materials and tools. This is an interesting and easy DIY process. You can also opt to paint the plywood flooring if you are not keen on installing a carpet or adding vinyl. On the other hand, you can also stain the plywood if required.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to build a camper floor?” We have described the steps to build a camper floor right from scratch. We have also touched upon the required materials that need to be used for this process. Additionally, we have covered the insulation part.
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