The Walls Of My Camper: How Thick Are They?

Camper walls vary in thickness, but they are typically between 1 and 2.5 inches thick. The thickness of camper walls depends on the materials used and the type of camper. For example, the walls of a teardrop trailer may be as thin as half an inch, while some RV walls can be up to 2.5 inches thick. Camper walls are usually made with an outer wall, insulation in the middle, and an interior wall, which contributes to their overall thickness.

Camper wall thickness varies

For example, the Giant Teardrop camper has half-inch-thick plywood walls. In contrast, the standie foamie camper has 2-inch-thick walls made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and covered in canvas.

Most RV walls are typically between 2 and 2.5 inches thick. However, higher-end models may have thicker walls, up to 2 inches or more. The thickness of the walls also depends on the construction type, with "stick and tin" construction often differing from laminated fiberglass.

The outer walls of campers are usually made from fiberglass, composite materials, or aluminum. Airstream is a notable brand that constructs its exterior walls from aluminum. Most other campers feature fiberglass or composite outer walls.

The inner walls of campers can be made from plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or vinyl. Plywood is commonly found in mid- to higher-priced campers and provides a natural wood look. MDF is often used due to its low price and lightweight characteristics. Vinyl is a durable, affordable, and versatile option that comes in various colours, shapes, and textures.

The insulation thickness in campers can vary, with some having thicker insulation for improved temperature regulation. The insulation type and thickness contribute to the overall wall thickness and are rated in terms of "R-Values," indicating the level of insulation. 4-season campers typically have R-Values over 10, while less insulated campers have R-Values of 5 or lower.

Wall thickness impacts insulation

The thickness of camper walls varies, but it is generally accepted that thicker walls provide better insulation. The R-value of insulation is a measure of its thermal resistance, and thicker walls typically have a higher R-value, meaning they are more effective at resisting heat transfer.

Camper Wall Thickness

Camper walls can range in thickness from as little as half an inch to two inches or more. The thickness of the walls depends on the type of camper and the materials used in its construction. For example, the Giant Teardrop camper has half-inch-thick plywood walls, while the standie foamie camper has two-inch-thick walls made of EPS foam.

R-Value and Insulation

The R-value of a material is a measure of its thermal resistance, or its ability to resist heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation's effectiveness. Thicker walls generally have a higher R-value, as they provide more material to resist the transfer of heat.

Different types of insulation have different R-values. For example, one inch of solid wood has an R-value of 1, while a blown fiberglass wall of the same thickness has an R-value of 3.7 to 4.3. This means that the fiberglass wall is a more effective insulator than the solid wood wall.

When choosing insulation for a camper, it is important to consider the R-value to ensure that the camper will be adequately insulated for the intended climate. For example, a camper intended for use in extreme temperatures may require an R-value of 10 in the walls and 20 in the ceiling.

Types of Camper Wall Insulation

There are several types of insulation commonly used in campers, each with its own R-value and advantages.

• Fiberglass insulation: Fiberglass insulation has a high R-value, making it an effective insulator for extreme temperatures. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for DIY camper builds. However, fiberglass tends to expand when it absorbs moisture, which can decrease its insulation properties and lifespan.
• Foam board insulation: Rigid foam board insulation has a lower R-value than fiberglass but can last for a long time without declining in quality. It is available in various thicknesses and can be cut and installed inside the walls and roof of a camper. However, custom installation can be expensive.
• Spray foam insulation: Spray foam has the same R-value as rigid foam but is lighter and easier to install. It can be sprayed onto the walls of a camper to create an airtight barrier for temperature, moisture, and noise control. However, spray foam is not suitable for extreme temperatures.

The thickness of camper walls impacts the insulation and overall comfort of the camper. Thicker walls generally provide better insulation due to their higher R-value. When choosing insulation for a camper, it is important to consider the R-value and the intended climate to ensure adequate temperature control.

Thicker walls may be heavier

The thickness of camper walls varies, but they are typically around 2 to 2.5 inches thick. Some campers have thinner walls, such as the Giant Teardrop, which has walls that are only half an inch thick. On the other hand, some campers have thicker walls, such as the standie foamie, which has walls that are 2 inches thick.

The thickness of your camper walls will depend on the materials used and the level of insulation you need. If you plan to camp in cold or hot weather, you may want to consider a camper with thicker walls and a higher R-value, which is a measurement of how insulated the camper is. 4-season campers, for example, typically have R-values over 10, while less insulated campers may have an R-value of 5 or less.

In addition to the outer and inner walls, the type of insulation used can also affect the overall thickness of your camper walls. Fiberglass is the most common type of insulation, but spray foam and rigid foam are also used. The thickness and type of insulation will impact the overall thickness of your camper walls.

When considering the thickness of your camper walls, it's important to keep in mind the trade-off between weight and insulation. Thicker walls can provide better insulation and soundproofing, but they can also make your camper heavier and more difficult to tow. Ultimately, the decision of how thick your camper walls should be will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Wall thickness affects screw length

The thickness of camper walls varies, but they are generally between 1/2" and 2" thick. Some walls are only 1/2" thick, like the Giant Teardrop's plywood walls. Other walls are 2" thick, like the standie foamie, which is made of 2" EPS. The thickness of camper walls is important to consider when choosing the appropriate screw length for installations such as TP holders, towel racks, and TV mounts.

When selecting a screw for your camper walls, it is crucial to consider the wall thickness to ensure the screw is long enough to securely anchor into the wall without being too long, which can damage the interior. The length of the screw will depend on the thickness of the wall and the material being fastened. For example, a thicker wall will require a longer screw, while a thinner wall can use a shorter one.

The rule of thumb for screw length is to have approximately 2/3 of the screw threaded into the secondary piece (the piece being fastened to the wall). However, as the thickness of the lumber increases, this ratio can be reduced to 1/2. It is important to note that the screw should always go through the thinner piece and thread into the thicker piece.

When it comes to the type of screw, coarse-thread drywall screws are typically used for fastening drywall to wood, while fine-thread drywall screws are used for attaching drywall to metal. For camper walls, W-type drywall screws are generally recommended for attaching drywall to wood, while S-type screws are used for metal.

In addition to screw length and type, it is essential to consider the diameter of the screw. The most common drywall screw diameters are 6 (0.1380 inches) and 8 (0.1640 inches). The diameter of the screw affects its strength, with larger diameters providing more support.

When installing screws in camper walls, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the appropriate tools, such as a screw gun or drill with the correct drill bit size and settings. Proper alignment of the screws with the studs or framing members is also important to ensure a secure and safe installation.

Wall thickness varies by material

The thickness of camper walls varies depending on the material used. Camper walls can be made from a variety of materials, including plywood, cladding boards, sheet metal, and fiberglass.

Plywood is a popular choice for camper walls due to its lightweight, low cost, and ease of installation. It is typically available in thicknesses ranging from 1/4" to 1/2". However, some campers may use thicker plywood for added strength or insulation.

Cladding boards, such as shiplap or tongue-and-groove, are also used for camper walls. These boards provide a rustic, natural wood look and are often heavier than plywood. The thickness of cladding boards can vary, but they are typically thicker than plywood.

Sheet metal is another common material for camper walls, especially in van conversions. While it is thin and lightweight, it can vibrate and rattle while driving, creating noise. To reduce this noise, sound-deadening patches can be applied directly to the sheet metal.

Fiberglass is used in some campers, such as those with a tough shell exterior. The thickness of fiberglass walls can vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

Overall, the thickness of camper walls can range from 1/4" to 3" or more, depending on the material used and the specific design of the camper. It is always a good idea to measure the wall thickness before installing any fixtures or making modifications to ensure a secure fit and avoid damage.

Frequently asked questions