Hanging Shelves In Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hanging shelves in a camper is a great way to create more storage space and keep your items organised. There are several ways to do this, depending on the weight of the items you want to store and your personal preference. For lighter items, adhesive products such as 3M Command Strips can be used, while for heavier items, it is recommended to use anchors and screws. Floating shelves are also an option, although they may not be practical for everyone as they require extra time to pack up on moving days.

Using L brackets to secure shelves to the wall

Using L-brackets to secure shelves to the wall of your camper is a great way to ensure they are sturdy and secure. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Measure and Plan

Before you begin, it is important to measure the area where you want to place your shelf. Determine the width and height of the shelf you need and select a suitable location in your camper. Mark the placement of the shelf on the wall with a pencil or marker.

Step 2: Choose the Right Materials

When selecting your shelf, opt for sturdy and strong materials such as wood, metal (especially aluminum), or plastic/composite. Ensure the shelf is designed for RV use and comes with instructions. You will also need to purchase L-brackets that are the appropriate size and weight-bearing capacity for your shelf.

Step 3: Gather Your Tools

To install the shelves, you will need a drill with drill bits, a stud finder (or a nail and string if you prefer the traditional method), and a pencil or marker. If you are unable to find studs in the wall, you can use a crayon or chalk to mark their location for future reference.

Step 4: Drill Pilot Holes

Following the measurements from Step 1, drill pilot holes in the area where the L-brackets will be attached. Ensure the holes are smaller than the screws you will be using to attach the brackets.

Step 5: Attach the L-Brackets

Using screws designed for RVs (typically gold in color), attach the L-brackets to the wall through the pilot holes. Make sure the brackets are level and securely fastened.

Step 6: Hang the Shelf

With the L-brackets in place, you can now hang your shelf. Place the shelf on top of the brackets and secure it in place. Depending on the design of your shelf, you may need to attach additional brackets or mounts for added support.

Step 7: Finalize and Enjoy

Once your shelf is securely in place, you can fill it with your belongings! Enjoy the added storage and convenience that your new shelves provide.

It is important to remember that the walls of a camper are designed to flex, so ensure there is a small gap between the shelf and the wall to allow for this movement. Additionally, always be mindful of the weight distribution on your shelves, especially when driving, to prevent items from falling during travel.

Using adhesive products for lighter shelves

Adhesive products are a great option for hanging lighter shelves in your camper. They are easy to install and won't damage the walls. Here are some tips and recommendations for using adhesive products to hang shelves:

Types of Adhesive Products:

• Command Strips: These are designed with hooks and loops, similar to Velcro. They are the strongest adhesive product on the market and are perfect for hanging lighter items. Install the strips at the top and bottom of the shelf to ensure it stays securely mounted while travelling.
• Acrylic Mounting Tape: This tape is strong and can be used to join two flat, non-porous surfaces. It can also be used to hang Command hooks when their original adhesive fails.
• Heavy-Duty Adhesive Hooks: These hooks are great for hanging heavier items and can withstand all types of weather. They will stick firmly to any non-porous surface.
• Velcro: Industrial-strength Velcro can be used for hanging heavier objects and is easily removable. However, it may not work well in high-heat environments.
• Foam Mounting Tape: This tape is better for joining porous surfaces, such as wood, but it can be more difficult to remove and may leave residue.

General Tips:

• Clean the surface: Before installing any adhesive product, make sure to clean the wall and the item you are hanging to ensure good adhesion.
• Limitations: Keep in mind that adhesive products have their limitations. They are generally only suitable for lightweight items, and the adhesive may fail over time, especially if your camper is not climate-controlled and is subjected to extreme temperature variations.
• Alternative methods for heavier items: If you need to hang heavier shelves, consider using anchors and screws. Fastening directly into a stud in the wall is the strongest and most secure method. Hollow door anchors are also a good option for RV walls.

By following these recommendations and tips, you can successfully use adhesive products to hang lighter shelves in your camper without damaging the walls.

Using anchors and screws for heavier shelves

Using anchors and screws is the best way to hang heavier shelves in your camper. This method is more secure and stable than adhesive products, which can fail over time, especially if the camper is not climate-controlled and is subjected to extreme temperature variations.

To start, you'll need to gather your tools and materials. You will require a drill with drill bits, a stud finder, and a pencil or marker to mark the placement of the shelves. It is also important to have the right type and length of screws. Most RV walls are only about 2.5" thick, so it is recommended to use screws that are 1" or shorter to ensure they do not go all the way through the wall.

The next step is to locate the studs in your camper's walls. This can be done using a high-quality stud finder. Once you've found the studs, mark their locations with a pencil or chalk. If you are unable to find studs, wall anchors can be used instead.

Now, you can begin the process of installing the shelves. Hold the shelf up to the wall and use a drill to create pilot holes in the areas where you want to place the screws. Make sure the holes are slightly smaller than the screws you will be using. Then, screw the shelf into place using a power drill and the appropriate screws.

It is important to note that RV walls are designed to flex, so it is recommended to leave a gap at each end of the shelf to allow for this movement. Additionally, be cautious of what you attach the shelves to. If the walls have a thin layer of vinyl wallpaper, attaching the shelves directly to the wallpaper instead of the paneling underneath can cause problems if the wallpaper ever delaminates.

By following these steps and being mindful of the unique considerations of working with camper walls, you can successfully install sturdy and secure shelves using anchors and screws.

Installing floating shelves

Step 1: Planning and Measurement

Before you begin installing, it is crucial to plan the layout of your floating shelves and decide on the number, size, and placement of the shelves. Take measurements of the area where you intend to install the shelves, considering the height, width, and depth available. Make sure to choose a location that will not interfere with other fixtures or the movement of people within the camper.

Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools

The materials you will need for this project include floating shelves made of sturdy materials such as wood, metal, or composite plastic. You can find these shelves at hardware stores or online. Additionally, you will require a drill with drill bits, a stud finder (or a nail and string if you prefer a more traditional method), and a pencil or marker for marking the wall.

Step 3: Locate the Studs

Use your stud finder or the nail and string method to locate the studs in your camper's walls. Mark the locations of the studs with your pencil or marker, as you will need to screw into these sturdy points to securely attach the floating shelves.

Step 4: Mark Placement and Drill Pilot Holes

Hold the floating shelf up to the wall and use your pencil or marker to mark the placement of the screws. Make sure to align the marks with the studs you located in the previous step. Once marked, set the shelf aside and drill pilot holes at each marked point. These holes will guide your screws and ensure a straight entry.

Step 5: Attach the Brackets or Mounts

Follow the instructions that came with your floating shelves to attach any necessary brackets or mounts. These will provide additional support and stability to the shelves.

Step 6: Screw the Shelves into Place

Using screws designed for RVs, typically gold in color, screw the floating shelves into the pilot holes you drilled. Make sure to screw through the brackets or mounts for added security.

Step 7: Final Touches and Enjoyment

Now that your floating shelves are securely in place, you can add decorative items, containers, or knick-knacks to personalize your space. Enjoy your newly created storage area and the enhanced aesthetic of your camper!

It is important to note that while floating shelves are a beautiful addition, they may not be suitable for everyone. They require some extra time to pack up items before moving your camper, and they might not be the best option if you frequently relocate. Additionally, consider the weight and number of items you plan to place on the shelves to ensure they can withstand the load.

Using a hanging shelf with loops attached to the ceiling

If your camper has loops attached to the ceiling, you can easily hang a shelf using wire shelving, grosgrain ribbon, and book rings. First, determine how far down you want your shelf to hang. Cut four pieces of ribbon that are double the length of the hanging length. For example, if you want your shelf to hang down about 18 inches, cut four pieces of ribbon that are each 36 inches long.

Next, fold up about one inch of the end of each ribbon and sew it in place along the top edge. This will form a loop to put the book ring through. Repeat this process for all eight ends of the four pieces of ribbon. Then, loop each piece of ribbon through one of the loops in the ceiling. Open a book ring and place it through both end loops of the ribbon, and close it over the outside edge of the wire shelf. Make sure the shelf is hanging evenly.

This method is simple and convenient, and it helps to maximise space in your camper. The shelf can be easily taken down, and the ribbons can be left up between setups.

Frequently asked questions