How to build an RV door?
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 an RV door?” We will discuss the steps to build an RV door and touch upon the materials that are required for this project. We will also talk about the finishing touches. At the end of this post, you will get to know how to build an RV door successfully in just one day.
How to build an RV door?
To build an RV door, you will need to follow the steps described below.
- Take the measurements of the RV door
- Decide on the type of door
- Build the frame
- Build the RV door
- Add the hinges
- Install the bolts
- Install the RV door
- Add door seal
- Paint the door.
Take the measurements of the RV door
- To build an RV door, you need to know the right measurements first. Measure the area where you need to install the RV door. This is a simple process, but the measurements need to be accurate.
- Make sure to measure the length and the width accurately with a measuring tape. Don’t forget to note down the measurements that you have taken.
Decide on the type of door
- Next, you will need to decide on the type of RV door that you want to build. There are several types of RV doors including fiberglass, wood, and aluminum. This also depends on the type of RV that you have.
- Building an aluminum door will require more work but there are several benefits and working with fiberglass is not easy. However, a wooden RV door is easy to work with and it also provides a great finish and appearance to your RV. Wooden RV doors are also versatile and can be installed on any type of RV.
- There is no need for welding and you can easily build a wooden RV door at a minimal cost. You will also need minimal equipment and material to complete this project.
Build the frame
- The most important part is to construct a sturdy RV frame to hold the door. For this, you will need to use wood that is strong and broad enough. 2 by 4s is one of the safest options for this project as it consumes less space and they are easy to work. However, 2 by 4s are recommended only if you use plywood or wooden panels for the RV door.
- Based on the length of the RV door, you will need to cut two 2 by 4s. Next, you will need to cut the same for the width. Note that the size of the width will be a little smaller than the usual measurements.
- To get accurate measurements you will need to place the vertical beams on either side of the RV entrance and measure the horizontal space for the width. In simpler terms, the frame should be fixed exactly to the measurements of the door.
- Make sure to smoothen the frame a little to ensure that there are no rough surfaces.
- Secure the door frame to the RV wall. Make sure that the surface makes contact properly. You can use screws to secure the RV door frame to the RV wall.
Build the RV door
- The next step is to build the RV door. Use a single piece of plywood for the door. You can use plywood that is up to four inches thick. The only tough part is cutting the plywood to the right side.
- Use a measuring tape and measure the vacant space inside the frame. Ensure that the measurements are accurate. Cut the plywood into a single door panel and double-check the measurements once again by holding the panel against the RV door opening. Make adjustments if they are necessary.
- Use a sander and make the surface of the plywood smooth. Remove all rough spots before the installation.
Add the hinges
- Next, you will need to add hinges to the plywood door. Use piano hinges since they are long and strong enough to hold the door to the frame.
- Install the hinges on the door first and make sure that they are installed straight. You can add up to four hinges from top to bottom.
Install the bolts
- In the next step, you will be required to install the bolts. Fix a lock outside the RV door and a bolt on the inside to keep it shut. You can install a lock according to your preference.
- Be sure to install a couple of bolts on the inside. Use screws instead of nails since they will hold better. The door’s edge should be secured to the frame with a bolt and latch. You will be required to install the provision for the latch on the inside of the door frame as well.
Install the RV door
- It’s time to install the RV door to the RV frame. Mark the area where you need to install the hinges. Hold the door straight while marking. You might need an extra set of hands for this process. While installing the RV door, drill the screws properly and straight.
- Check if the door is opening and closing properly. The door must be fixed to the door frame without any gap.
Add door seal
- The RV door is a critical part and it must be built properly at any cost. You will be required to seal the door from the inside and the outside. Add molding around the inside of the door opening and place the seal on the molding facing out.
- This will help the door to flush against the frame. You can also add molding outside on the door and place the seal of the molding facing in.
Paint the door
- Now that you are done with the installation, it’s time to go ahead and give your new RV door a good painting job. You can add a couple of layers of paint and make sure that the RV door is matched the walls of the RV.
Building an RV door is not a tough process and there are only limited materials that are required. It all depends on the type of door that you want to build. You can also purchase a ready-to-use RV door and install it. However, building an RV door is a fun and exciting experience. You also get to build one according to your taste.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to build an RV door?” We have discussed the steps to build an RV door and touched upon the materials that are required for this project. We have also talked about the finishing touches.
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