Hanging Items On Camper Walls: Easy, Quick Methods

Hanging things on the walls of your camper or RV can be a challenge due to the thin walls and the difficulty of finding studs or plumbing. However, there are several options available to hang items without causing damage or leaving holes. For lighter items such as pictures, you can use adhesive products like 3M Command Strips, sticky tack, putty, or magnets. For heavier items, you can use anchors and screws, heavy-duty wall anchors, construction adhesive, or velcro. It's important to consider the weight of the object and choose an appropriate hanging method to avoid any damage to your camper walls.

Hanging light items: Use sticky tack or magnets

Hanging light items on your camper wall is a simple task that can be done in several ways without causing permanent damage to the walls. Here are some methods you can use:

Using Sticky Tack

Sticky tack is a versatile and effective solution for hanging light items such as photographs, hand-drawn pictures, flags, or even recipes. It is easy to use and leaves no residue behind. You can find sticky tack at most office supply stores, including Walmart, Target, and Office Depot. To use it, simply warm up a small piece of sticky tack by working it with your fingers, then press it onto the back of the item you want to hang. Finally, press the item against the wall, applying pressure for about 5-10 seconds. The holding power of sticky tack is quite impressive, and your items will stay put. If you need to remove or adjust the items, simply pull them down gently, and the sticky tack can be reused. This method is excellent for light items and eliminates the need to take down decorations when moving your camper.

Utilizing Magnets

If your camper has metal walls or surfaces, magnets can be a creative way to hang light items. You can use magnets directly on exposed metal surfaces or even on appliances like refrigerators or ovens. Another option is to use magnetic paint, which looks like regular paint but can hold magnets. This innovative solution allows you to create a magnetic surface anywhere in your camper, giving you more flexibility in hanging light items.

Combining Sticky Tack and Magnets

For an even more versatile approach, you can combine sticky tack and magnets. Use the sticky tack to attach magnets to your walls, creating a movable hanging system. This way, you can easily adjust the placement of your decorations without leaving any residue on the walls.

Other Lightweight Options

In addition to sticky tack and magnets, there are other lightweight options for hanging items in your camper. For example, you can use push pins, which leave almost unnoticeable holes, or adhesive hooks, which are ideal for hanging towels and decorative items. Just remember to prepare the surface with rubbing alcohol for better adhesion.

Hanging heavy items: Use velcro or wall hooks

Hanging heavy items on your camper wall can be tricky, but there are a few good options to consider. Here are some detailed instructions for using velcro or wall hooks:

Using Velcro:

Velcro is a great option for hanging heavy items on your camper wall. It provides a strong hold and can be easily removed or adjusted. Here's how to use it:

• Purchase heavy-duty velcro with a strong adhesive.
• Attach one side of the velcro to the back of the item you want to hang. If your velcro doesn't have a self-adhesive backing, you can use superglue, strong putty, or a glue gun.
• Attach the other side of the velcro to the wall, making sure the pieces line up.
• For added security, use multiple pieces of velcro, with at least one on each side of the item.
• When moving your camper, simply remove the item from the velcro and store it safely.
• Once you reach your destination, re-attach the item to the velcro on the wall.

Using Wall Hooks:

Wall hooks are another great option for hanging heavy items. They are easy to use and won't cause damage to your walls. Here's how to use them:

• Purchase self-adhesive wall hooks that are designed for heavy-duty use.
• Clean the wall surface where you plan to attach the hook to ensure proper adhesion.
• Follow the instructions on the packaging to attach the hooks to the wall.
• Hang your heavy items on the hooks.
• When moving your camper, remove the items from the hooks and store them safely.
• Once you reach your destination, re-hang the items on the hooks.

Both velcro and wall hooks provide secure and removable options for hanging heavy items on your camper wall. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging your walls.

Using wall hooks

Types of Wall Hooks

There are a few different types of wall hooks that you can use in your camper. One option is to use self-adhesive wall hooks, such as Command hooks, which are easy to use and won't cause any cosmetic damage to the wall. These hooks use an adhesive strip to stick to the wall and can be easily removed without leaving any residue behind. Another option is to use hanging nails, which have a stronger bond and a wider surface area for sticking than adhesive hooks. These are great for hanging heavier items.

Choosing the Right Hooks

When choosing wall hooks for your camper, it's important to select the right size and weight rating for the job. Wall hooks come in a variety of sizes and weight ratings, so you can find ones that are suitable for hanging towels, hats, keys, or even heavier items like a towel rack or multi-hook for clothes. Make sure to read the package carefully to see how much weight each hook can hold.

Installing the Hooks

Before installing wall hooks in your camper, it's important to clean the wall surface to ensure good adhesion. If you're using adhesive hooks, simply remove the backing and press the hook firmly onto the wall. For hanging nails, you may need to pre-drill a hole in the wall to prevent the nail from cracking the wall as it goes in. Be sure to use the smallest nails possible to avoid damaging the wall.

Using the Hooks

Once your wall hooks are installed, you can start hanging items! If you're using hooks for towels, washcloths, or other lightweight items, simply hang them directly on the hooks. For heavier items, you may need to use a combination of hooks and other hanging methods, such as screws or wall anchors, to ensure they are securely mounted. Always be mindful of the weight limit of the hooks and use caution when hanging items to avoid any accidents.

Removing the Hooks

One of the benefits of using wall hooks is that they can be easily removed without causing damage to the wall. For adhesive hooks, such as Command hooks, simply pull down on the tab at the bottom and the hook will peel off the wall cleanly. For hanging nails, use caution when removing to avoid damaging the wall. If needed, fill and paint over any small holes left by the nails to restore the wall to its original condition.

Hanging pictures: Use command strips

Hanging pictures with Command Strips is a great way to decorate your camper wall without damaging it. Command Strips are designed to be easily removable and are fairly inexpensive. They are a good option for hanging light-weight items, but they do have their limitations.

Before applying Command Strips, it is important to follow some key tips to ensure they hold up to your needs. Firstly, wait 7 days after painting before use. Do not apply the strips to paper or soft surfaces on the frame, and remove any hanging hardware from the back of the frame. It is also recommended not to hang valuable or irreplaceable items with Command Strips. For best results, clean the wall with rubbing alcohol before applying the strips.

To apply Command Strips, first, separate the strips and click them together. Remove one side of the liners and stick the strip onto the frame, pressing firmly. Then, remove the remaining liners and press the frame firmly to the wall. To ensure the adhesive holds, temporarily remove the frame from the wall and reinforce the strips by pressing each strip on the wall for 30 seconds. Finally, wait for about an hour for the adhesive to build before pressing the frame until each pair of strips clicks.

When removing the picture, grab the bottom corners and peel the frame from the wall, pulling it slowly down against the wall. Command Strips are designed to be damage-free, leaving no nail holes or sticky residue. However, it is important to note that Command Strips may not work well in extreme temperature variations and are recommended for indoor use only.

While Command Strips are a popular choice for hanging pictures, some RV owners have reported mixed results, especially in high temperatures. For a more secure option, consider using RV wall anchors or screws for heavier items.

Hanging without damaging walls

Hanging decorations without damaging walls is a common concern, especially for renters worried about their security deposit. Luckily, there are many options for decorating your camper walls without causing damage.

Hooks and Strips

One of the most popular options for hanging items on camper walls is to use adhesive hooks and strips, such as Command Strips and Command Hooks. These products use adhesive to stick to the wall and can hold a surprising amount of weight. Command Strips can typically hold up to 20 pounds (9.1 kg), while Command Hooks can hold up to 5 pounds. It is important to note that these products work best on smooth walls and should be avoided on stucco, cement, or wallpapered walls, as the humidity or adhesive can weaken the bond and cause damage.

Another option for adhesive hooks is to use heavy-duty adhesive hooks, such as GLUIT Adhesive Wall Hooks. These hooks are designed to withstand all types of weather conditions and can be used for hanging heavier items or for outdoor use.

Velcro

Velcro, or hook-and-loop tape, is another adhesive option for hanging items on camper walls. Cut the tape to fit the item you want to hang, peel off the backing, and stick it to the item and the wall. Velcro can typically hold up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and is a great option for hanging flexible items like tapestries. When removing Velcro from the wall, use a sharp utility knife or razor blade to carefully slide between the adhesive and the wall to avoid damaging the paint.

Putty and Double-Sided Tape

For hanging light, unframed items, putty and double-sided tape are great options. Cut the tape into small, fingernail-sized pieces or tear off pieces of poster putty and stick them to each corner of the item you want to hang. Avoid using industrial-strength tape like duct tape, as it can damage the paint when removed.

Thumbtacks

Thumbtacks are a simple and inexpensive way to hang items on camper walls without causing significant damage. They create small holes that are easier to fill than those made by nails or screws. However, they may not be the most secure option, especially in a moving camper.

Wall Anchors and Screws

For hanging heavier items on camper walls, wall anchors and screws may be necessary. Hollow door anchors are designed for use in hollow doors, which is similar to an RV wall panel. These anchors can be screwed into the wall using a drill or a simple screwdriver. When using screws in RV walls, it is important to use screws that are no longer than 1" to avoid drilling through the wall.

Pop Rivets

If you are hesitant to drill into your camper walls, pop rivets can be a good alternative. Pop rivets are metal "buttons" that grab onto the wallboard without penetrating deeply into the wall. A pop rivet gun can be purchased to install these rivets.

Other Options

Other creative options for hanging items on camper walls without damaging them include using cork boards, pegboards, trellises, or magnetic paint. These methods provide alternative surfaces to hang items without putting holes in your camper walls.

Frequently asked questions