Hanging Items In Your Camper: Easy And Secure Methods

Hanging things in your camper or RV can be a challenge due to the thin walls and limited space. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can decorate your space and make it feel like home. The first step is understanding what your RV walls are made of. Most RV walls are constructed with thin panels, often just a few inches thick, made of wood, plywood, or laminate. This makes it difficult to hang items without causing damage.

When hanging items in your camper, it's important to consider the weight of the object and choose an appropriate hanging method. For lightweight items such as pictures, posters, and wall art, adhesive products like Command Strips, Velcro, and museum putty are ideal. These options allow for easy removal and won't damage your walls.

For heavier items, you may need to use screws, anchors, or pop rivets. When using screws, it's crucial to use a stud finder to locate the studs in your RV walls, as they are not placed at regular intervals like in residential homes. You can also use wall anchors to provide more support for heavy items. Pop rivets are perfect for permanently installing appliances, shelves, or vacuum cleaners.

Additionally, you can utilise flat surfaces such as cabinets and stoves by using hooks, magnets, or adhesive products. This allows you to hang items without putting holes in your walls.

By following these tips and choosing the right tools, you can safely and securely hang items in your camper, creating a personalised and comfortable space.

Hanging pictures and mementos

One option is to use adhesive products such as 3M Command Strips, which are designed with hooks and loops similar to Velcro. These strips should be installed at the top and bottom of a picture frame to ensure it stays securely mounted while travelling. It's important to clean the wall and frame for good adhesion, and to note that these strips will only hold lightweight items.

For heavier items, RV wall anchors or screws can be used. RV walls are constructed with studs, so fastening directly to a stud is the strongest and most secure method. A stud finder can help locate these, but they can be challenging to find in RV walls. Hollow door anchors are also a good option for RV walls, as they are designed for hollow doors, which are similar to RV wall panels. When using screws, it's important to use ones that are no longer than 1", to avoid drilling all the way through the wall.

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, pop rivets can be used. These metal buttons will grab onto the wallboard without going deep into the wall. A small hole is drilled, and then a pop rivet gun is used to pull the mandrel into the rivet body, causing it to expand and grip the parts.

For lightweight items such as posters or maps, Museum Putty is a good option. This is a blended rubber material used by museum professionals to keep items from moving, and it can easily adhere to uneven surfaces such as wallpaper.

Other adhesive hooks, such as GLUIT hooks, can also be used for hanging items on various surfaces in your RV, including walls and cabinet doors. These hooks are strong and provide great adhesion, but they should be removed carefully to avoid damage.

So, whether you're hanging pictures, mementos, or other decorative items, there are several options for securing them to your RV walls without causing damage.

Using adhesive products

Adhesive products are a great way to hang items in your camper without causing permanent damage to the walls. Here are some tips and product recommendations for using adhesive products to hang items in your camper:

Command Strips

3M Command Strips are an excellent option for hanging items without damaging walls. They are designed with hooks and loops, similar to Velcro, and can bear a good amount of weight. It is recommended to install the strips at the top and bottom of a picture frame to ensure it stays securely mounted to the wall while travelling. Before installing, clean the wall and the frame to ensure good adhesion. While Command Strips work well, they have their limitations and are best suited for lightweight items. Over time, the strips may fail, especially if exposed to extreme temperature variations.

Adhesive Wall Hooks

Adhesive wall hooks are perfect for hanging heavier items or for outdoor use. They are designed to stick firmly to any non-porous surface and can withstand various weather conditions. Ensure you clean both surfaces with alcohol before use for better adhesion.

Acrylic Mounting Tape

Acrylic double-sided mounting tape is a strong and versatile option for mounting items in your camper. It can be used to join two flat, non-porous surfaces and will hold up in all temperatures without leaving residue. Acrylic tape is perfect for mounting items such as tools, vinyl, tarps, posters, and photos.

Velcro

Industrial-strength Velcro is another option for hanging heavier objects. It provides a strong bond and can be easily removed and replaced. However, use caution when removing items as it can pull off chunks of the wall if not done carefully.

Foam Mounting Tape

Foam mounting tape is similar to acrylic mounting tape but is better suited for joining porous surfaces such as wood. Keep in mind that it can be more difficult to remove and may leave residue or tear wallpaper.

Other Adhesive Options

Other adhesive products you can use include sticky tack, putty, and magnets. Sticky tack is perfect for hanging lightweight items such as photographs, drawings, and flags. It leaves no residue, is reusable, and can be found at most office supply stores. Magnets can be used on any exposed metal surfaces inside your camper or on appliances like refrigerators or ovens.

When using adhesive products, always follow the instructions and consider the weight of the items you are hanging to ensure a secure hold.

Drilling holes

First, always use a stud finder to locate the studs in your camper walls. RV walls are not constructed with standard stud spacing, so it can be difficult to know where they are. Using a stud finder will help you avoid drilling into wiring or plumbing. It is also important to use a drill stop to prevent drilling too deeply and potentially hitting wires or other components.

When choosing screws, opt for short wood screws that are no longer than 1 inch. This will help ensure that the screws do not go all the way through the wall. Pre-drilling pilot holes is also recommended to avoid splitting the thin plywood or paneling.

If you are unable to find a stud, you can use plastic wall anchors to provide additional support for the screws. Another option is to use self-drilling wall anchors, which can provide a stronger hold in the thin camper walls.

Keep in mind that drilling holes will cause permanent damage to your camper walls. If you decide to remove the screws or anchors, you will be left with holes that may be difficult to fill and cover. Therefore, drilling holes is only recommended for hanging permanent items such as towel bars or shelves.

Overall, while drilling holes is an option for hanging things in your camper, it is important to proceed with caution to avoid causing damage to your vehicle. There are also alternative methods, such as using adhesives or other hanging solutions, that can be just as effective and less invasive.

Using hooks

Hooks are a great way to hang stuff in your camper. They come in many sizes, shapes, colours, and finishes. However, most of the hooks available at big-box stores are too large and stick out four to five inches from the wall, which is not ideal for the small and confined spaces in campers.

Choose the Right Type of Hook

Cup hooks and razor strop hooks are two styles of hooks that work well in campers. Cup hooks are great for holding cups, as well as hanging other small items like keys, flashlights, dog leashes, and even a lightweight broom. Razor strop hooks have an extended, upturned hook that keeps things secure, even when the camper is in motion. They are also popular in the boating community and are easy to find.

Mount Hooks in Strategic Locations

Place hooks in areas where they can be easily reached, such as common living areas like the dinette, kitchen, and bedroom. Hooks can also be mounted in overhead cabinets and storage compartments outside the camper. For example, large hooks in the outside compartments are great for hanging water hoses.

Consider the Weight of the Items

When using hooks, it is important to consider the weight of the items you will be hanging. Choose hooks that are rated for the appropriate weight. For example, use heavy-duty hooks for hanging heavy items like towels or coats.

Use the Right Adhesive

If you are using adhesive hooks, make sure to follow the instructions for proper adhesion. Clean the surface and use a product like rubbing alcohol to prepare the area where the hook will be attached. Wait for the recommended amount of time before attaching items to the hooks.

Combine Hooks with Other Hanging Methods

In some cases, you may want to combine hooks with other hanging methods for added security. For example, you can use hooks with twine and eye hooks to create visual interest and fill up vertical space on the wall. You can also use Quakehold, a product that helps keep items secure while driving.

Be Mindful of Wall Surfaces

If you are hanging hooks on painted walls, be aware that removing the hooks may damage the paint. In some cases, you may need to touch up the paint or place something else in the area where the hook was removed. If you are hanging hooks on wallpaper, be careful not to pull the wallpaper off the wall when removing the hooks.

Hanging heavy items

• Use heavy-duty adhesive hooks: Look for adhesive hooks that are designed for heavy-duty use and can withstand different weather conditions. These hooks typically have a strong adhesive backing that can stick to various surfaces, including painted walls, glass, and wood. Ensure you prepare the surface properly before applying the adhesive hook by cleaning it with alcohol or other recommended solutions.
• Utilise heavy-duty wall anchors: If you're drilling into the walls, consider using heavy-duty metal self-drilling wall anchors. These anchors provide better support than small plastic ones and can help grab onto the thin wall panels more effectively. Make sure to use the appropriate size of screws and pre-drill the holes to avoid splitting the panels.
• Combine construction adhesive with screws or nails: For items you plan to hang permanently, consider using construction adhesive, such as Liquid Nails, in combination with screws or nails. This method provides a strong bond and ensures that your heavy items won't come loose. However, keep in mind that removing these items will likely damage the walls.
• Use industrial-strength Velcro: Industrial-strength Velcro can be an effective way to hang heavy items. Attach one side of the Velcro to the back of the frame or item you want to hang, and the other side to the wall. Use multiple pieces of Velcro, especially for larger or heavier objects, to distribute the weight evenly.
• Locate studs or solid backing: If possible, try to locate studs or solid backing behind the walls to screw into. RV studs may not follow regular intervals, so use a stud finder or the old-fashioned method of tapping on the walls to locate them. If you can't find studs, use plastic wall anchors to provide additional support for screws.
• Consider using pop rivets: Pop rivets are metal buttons that grab onto the wallboard without penetrating too deeply into the wall. You can purchase a pop rivet gun to install these rivets, providing a secure hanging option without drilling too far into the walls.
• Use hanging nails or command strips for heavy items: For items that are too heavy for command strips alone, consider using hanging nails or command strips designed for higher weight capacities. Hanging nails tend to have a stronger bond and a wider surface area for sticking, making them suitable for heavier items.

Remember to always test the weight capacity of your chosen hanging method and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.

Frequently asked questions