Expanding Your Camper: Creating A Cozy Extra Room

how to make an added room for my camper

If you're looking to expand your camper's living space, there are a few options to consider. One popular choice is an RV screen room or add-a-room, which can be attached to your camper's awning to provide extra space that's protected from bugs and inclement weather. These typically require some assembly and disassembly, and may not be suitable for all campsites or weather conditions. Another option is a portable RV sunroom or screen room, which can be set up separately from your camper and often feature thick walls, windows, and doors. These can be more versatile but may also take up more space. Additionally, there are pop-up tents and canopies that can provide extra space and protection from the elements. When deciding on the best option, it's important to consider factors such as ease of setup, versatility, and protection from bugs and weather.

Characteristics Values
Installation time 20 minutes
Installation requirements Awning, awning poles, Velcro, awning room or screen room, grommets, strings, awning room, lift system poles, corner posts, stacks, electric screwdriver, concrete, cinder blocks, lumber board, floor joists, sub-flooring, flathead nails, framed walls, roof trusses or rafters, asphalt shingles, wood or metal stripping, windows, exterior siding, drywall
Cost $200-$570.32
Benefits Increase living space, protection from harsh weather conditions, ventilation, protection from insects, privacy, weather protection
Disadvantages Poor air circulation, difficult set-up, expensive

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Installation and setup

The first step in setting up an add-a-room for your camper is to measure the space you will be working with and check with local authorities about any special zoning requirements or building permits you may need. Once you have the necessary approvals, you can begin preparing the site. If your camper is parked on soft soil, it is recommended to make the footings 12 inches or more. Dig footings to support a cinder block foundation and fill them with concrete.

The next step is to anchor a cap lumber board around the entire perimeter of the cinder blocks using special anchor bolts designed for attaching lumber to blocks. Build the floor joists for the room with 2 x 12 lumber boards and use exterior-grade plywood for the sub-flooring. Secure the sub-flooring and floor joists with 4-inch stainless steel flathead nails and an electric screwdriver.

Now, it's time to remove the exterior siding of your camper to expose the raw framing for the walls and roof. Construct the framed walls of the room using 2x4 lumber boards, leaving room for a door and windows. Build the walls flat and then stand them up for attachment to the flooring, using nails and screws for a secure connection.

For the roof, it is recommended to engage a roofing carpenter to help design how the room's roof will fit into the trailer's existing roofing. Avoid a flat roof design as it may leak. Instead, opt for a higher roof on the trailer side, sloping 12 inches to the drop-off side. Use 2x12 lumber to build rafters or 2x4 lumber to build trusses, and cover the roof area with exterior-grade plywood, nailing it into place. Finish the roof by installing asphalt shingles.

Attach the new room to the trailer to protect against the elements. Choose appropriate wood or metal stripping to attach where the room joins the trailer, and install it with bolts to the trailer's framework. Install windows and exterior siding, and drywall the interior.

Finally, set up your awning as you normally would, and remove each awning pole, replacing it after going through the add-a-room grommets. Connect the Velcro across your horizontal awning pole. Shorten the end poles, insert them into the sidewall pockets, and tie down the strings. Attach the Velcro on the outside and to the camper, and your add-a-room is now ready for some finishing touches to make it feel like home!

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Pros and cons

Adding a room to your camper can be a great way to increase your living space and make your camping experiences more enjoyable. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before making the decision.

Pros:

  • Extra living space: One of the most significant advantages is the additional space it provides, which can be beneficial when accommodating more people or simply creating a more comfortable environment.
  • Protection from elements: A well-designed add-on room can shield you from insects, rain, direct sunlight, and strong winds, making your camping experience more pleasant and comfortable.
  • Privacy: The extra room provides added privacy, which is especially useful when camping with a group or family, allowing for separate spaces when needed.
  • Outdoor kitchen: With proper ventilation, an outdoor kitchen can be set up in the added room, keeping cooking odours and traffic out of the main trailer.
  • Cleanliness: The room can serve as an entryway, leaving dirt, sand, and shoes outside and helping to keep the RV interior cleaner.

Cons:

  • Installation challenges: Installing an additional room can be tricky, and you may need professional help or practice to get it right. It may also require an installation kit, adding to the overall cost.
  • Humidity: If all the walls are left down, the room can become humid, so proper ventilation is essential.
  • Cooking considerations: When cooking outdoors in the room, ensure adequate air circulation to prevent moisture build-up.
  • Storage: The room and its components will require storage space when not in use, which can be a challenge, especially for those who move around frequently.
  • Cost: These rooms can be expensive, and even with careful shopping, they are not a cheap accessory.
  • Time consumption: Setting up and taking down the room can be time-consuming, making it impractical for shorter trips or frequent moves.

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Building a room onto a travel trailer

Planning and Preparation:

First, you need to plan and prepare for the construction. Measure the space for the room you will be adding and check with local authorities about any special zoning regulations or building permits you may need. It is important to ensure that your trailer is parked on stable ground. Avoid building a room on posts; instead, opt for a foundation to prevent any issues with ground stability affecting the room's anchoring to the trailer.

Creating the Foundation:

Dig footings to support a cinder block foundation, filling them with concrete. If your trailer is on soft soil, make the footings at least 12 inches deep. Hire a brick mason to lay the cinder blocks as high as the floor of the trailer, leaving room for a crawlspace door. Anchor a cap lumber board around the perimeter of the cinder blocks using special anchor bolts designed for attaching lumber to blocks.

Building the Floor:

Construct the floor joists using 2 x 12 lumber boards. Use exterior-grade plywood for the sub-flooring and secure it to the floor joists with 4-inch stainless steel flathead nails and an electric screwdriver.

Framing the Walls:

Remove the exterior siding of the trailer to expose the raw framing for the walls and roof. Build the framed walls flat on the ground, using 2x4 lumber boards, and leaving spaces for a door and windows. Then, stand the walls up and attach them to the flooring using nails and screws.

Constructing the Roof:

Engage a roofing carpenter to help design the roof. Build trusses or rafters for the roof, ensuring it is higher on the trailer side and slopes 12 inches towards the drop-off side to prevent leaks. Use 2x12 lumber for rafters or 2x4 lumber for trusses. Cover the roof area with exterior-grade plywood and install asphalt shingles.

Attaching the Room:

Use bolts to attach the new room to the framework of the trailer. Choose appropriate wood or metal stripping to seal the joint between the room and the trailer, helping to keep out rain and insulate the room. Install windows and exterior siding on the new room, and finish the interior with drywall.

Additional Considerations:

Remember to insulate the roof area well and hire an electrician to help with any wiring to avoid overloading the system. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully build a room onto your travel trailer, providing additional space for your family and guests.

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Campervan add-a-rooms

Campervan Awning Screen Rooms

The simplest way to add extra room to your campervan is to purchase an awning screen room. These rooms attach to your campervan's existing awning, creating an enclosed area off to the side. They insulate against bugs, heat, and rain, and can be purchased from companies like Amazon, Camping World, Dometic, or ShadePro. Prices start at around $200, but more durable and adaptable options can cost closer to $500. These more expensive options may include features like zippered compartments to control airflow or detachable walls for added openness.

When purchasing an awning screen room, it's important to measure the length and "drop" (distance from the top of the awning to the ground) of your awning to ensure a proper fit. You should also consider the color, quality of support beams, and tension mechanisms that will help the room withstand wind.

Building an Entire Room

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you can also build an entire room onto your campervan. This is a much more complex and time-consuming process that may require hiring professionals. Here are the general steps you'll need to take:

  • Measure the space for the room and inquire about any necessary zoning or building permits.
  • Dig footings to support a cinder block foundation, filling them with concrete.
  • Have a brick mason lay blocks as high as the floor of the trailer, leaving room for a crawlspace door.
  • Anchor a cap lumber board around the perimeter of the cinder blocks using special anchor bolts.
  • Build floor joists with 2x12 lumber boards and use exterior-grade plywood for the sub-flooring. Secure with 4-inch stainless steel flathead nails and an electric screwdriver.
  • Remove the exterior siding of the campervan to expose the raw framing for walls and the roof.
  • Construct the framed walls of the room using 2x4 lumber, leaving room for a door and windows. Build the walls flat and then stand them up for attachment to the flooring. Secure with nails and screws.
  • Design the roof of the room with the help of a roofing carpenter. Build trusses or rafters with 2x12 or 2x4 lumber and cover with exterior-grade plywood and asphalt shingles.
  • Attach the new room to the trailer using wood or metal stripping and bolts.
  • Install windows and exterior siding, then drywall the interior.

Remember to insulate the roof area well and hire an electrician to help with any necessary wiring. Avoid building the room on posts, as this can cause instability.

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Awning rooms

If you want to purchase an awning room, there are several options available on Amazon. The Carefree 291400 Vacation'r Screen Room is a good choice for awnings that are 14' to 15' in length. It is made of polyester fabric, is weatherproof, and comes with a storage bag. Another option is the ARB 813108A Awning Room Accessory Deluxe, which includes a floor and is suitable for ARB awnings. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can consider the EXCELFU RV Awning Side Sun Shade Screen, which is made of black mesh and blocks UV rays.

When choosing an awning room, it is important to consider the size of your awning and the type of fabric used. Polyester is a good all-around fabric that is lightweight and durable, while canvas is a heavier but more durable option. If weight is a concern, ripstop nylon is the most expensive but also the best fabric option.

If you want to make your own awning room, there are several options for customisation. One option is to use a cheap tarp and sew on a piece that slides into the awning rail. You can also use ripstop fabric with Velcro sewn on one edge, which can be attached to the trailer using industrial-strength Velcro. Another option is to use a PVC extruded awning rail and sew a covering to an awning rope, with corner holes for poles.

Whether you purchase an awning room or make your own, it is important to consider the weather conditions and how well the room will hold up. Ensure that your awning room is properly secured to handle wind and rain, and consider adding features such as mosquito netting or integrated lighting to increase comfort and protection from the elements.

Frequently asked questions

Adding a screen room to your camper can provide extra living space, privacy, and protection from bugs, sun, and rain. It can also keep your camper clean by providing a space to leave your shoes outside.

Screen rooms can be expensive and may require an installation kit and some practice to set up. They can also be quite humid if all the walls are left down, so ensure there is proper ventilation, especially when cooking outdoors.

Yes, you can consider purchasing an awning room or "add-a-room". These are typically easier to set up and take down, and can provide many of the same benefits as a screen room, such as extra living space, protection from bugs, and privacy.

First, set up your awning as you normally would. Then, remove each awning pole and replace it after going through the add-a-room grommets. Connect the Velcro across your horizontal awning pole, and repeat for the other sides. Finally, attach the add-a-room to your camper using the lift system poles and Velcro.

You can consider using collapsible bunks, hammocks, or Murphy beds. You can also create a nursery space in a closet or utilize custom camper furniture, such as space-saving benches or entertainment centres with storage.

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