
Making drawers for a camper van can be a challenging but rewarding process. It requires careful planning, measurement, and assembly, but the end result is increased storage space and a more comfortable living environment. The type of materials and tools required will depend on the specific design and features desired, such as soft-close mechanisms or aluminium framing. Some common tools and materials include plywood, screws, drills, saws, and wood glue. With the right guidance and dedication, anyone can successfully build custom drawers for their camper van.
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
Type of Wood
The type of wood you choose will impact the overall strength and appearance of your drawers. Plywood is a popular choice for camper drawers due to its durability and ease of workability. It is important to inspect the wood for any imperfections or gouges before purchasing, as these can affect the integrity of your drawer. Additionally, ensure that the wood is cut to precise measurements to avoid ill-fitting pieces.
Joining Technique
The method you use to join the pieces of wood together will impact the aesthetics and strength of your drawers. Pocket hole joinery is a popular choice, as it creates a strong joint without visible screw heads on the drawer exterior. However, it requires careful drilling and can split the wood if not done properly. Another option is using countersunk screws, but this will result in visible screw heads.
Drawer Slides
Selecting the appropriate drawer slides is essential for smooth and efficient operation. Under-mount drawer slides are recommended for camper drawers as they offer more adjustability, forgiving tolerances, and require fewer aluminium supports. When choosing drawer slides, consider the length of your cavity and select a size that is one inch shorter. Standard sizes for drawer slides typically come in 3-inch increments.
Latch Mechanism
A positive catch latching mechanism is crucial to keep your drawers securely closed while driving. Slam latches are a good option, but they require additional hardware such as crossbars to function effectively. You can also consider using magnets, but they may not provide sufficient holding force to keep drawers closed during sharp turns.
Finishing and Protection
Applying a finish to your wood can enhance its appearance and provide additional protection. Options such as teak oil or stain can add colour and create a protective layer on the wood. This step is important to ensure the longevity of your drawers and to maintain their visual appeal.
Building drawers for your camper requires careful planning and the selection of appropriate materials. By considering the type of wood, joining technique, drawer slides, latch mechanism, and finishing options, you can create functional and durable storage solutions for your camper.
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Measuring and cutting
Step 1: Measuring
- Take precise measurements of the space where the drawer will be installed. Consider the depth, width, and height available for the drawer.
- Determine the size of the drawer slides. The length of the drawer slides will depend on the available space inside your camper. Choose a standard size that is equal to or slightly smaller than the depth of your cavity.
- Calculate the dimensions of the drawer pieces:
- Drawer Bottom: Measure the width and length of the drawer opening, then subtract a fixed amount as specified in your chosen kit instructions. For example, if using a Blum drawer kit, subtract 2-15/16 inches from the width and 15/16 inch from the length.
- Drawer Back: Measure the inside cabinet width and subtract 3-7/16 inches. The height of the drawer back will depend on the depth of the drawer; refer to your kit instructions for specific measurements.
Step 2: Cutting
- Gather your chosen woodworking tools, such as a table saw, circular saw, or jigsaw.
- Cut the plywood or wood of your choice according to the measurements you have calculated for the drawer bottom and drawer back. Ensure that you examine both sides of the wood for any imperfections or gouges before and after cutting.
- If creating dividers for your drawers, cut slats of wood (e.g., 1/8" plywood) to fit across the drawer width. Typically, divider heights are around 2 1/2 inches.
- Cut the necessary wood or metal pieces for the drawer sides, gallery rods (for deeper drawers), and fixing brackets.
Step 3: Test Fitting
- Before assembling the drawer, it is a good idea to test fit the pieces to ensure they align correctly.
- Place the cut pieces together and check if they fit within the designated space in your camper.
- Make any necessary adjustments to the measurements and cut the pieces accordingly.
Remember to take your time during the measuring and cutting process. Accuracy is crucial to ensure that your drawers fit properly and function smoothly.
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Joining the drawer together
Joining the pieces of your camper drawers together is a crucial step in the building process. There are several methods you can use to join the pieces of your drawers, each requiring different tools and levels of expertise.
One method is to use pocket hole joinery. This method involves using a pocket hole jig and drill bits to create holes in your wood pieces, which you then join together using pocket hole screws. This method is suitable for those who are not woodworking experts, as it requires less precision than other methods. However, it's important to use the correct drill bit size to avoid mistakes.
Another option is to use wood glue and clamps to join the pieces of your drawers. First, use scrap wood and a wall as braces to join the pieces with wood glue. Let the glue dry for about 20 minutes, and then reinforce the joints by drilling in screws.
If you're looking for a more advanced technique, you can try finger joinery or other advanced methods. These techniques require more tools and experience but can result in a more professional-looking end product.
Additionally, if you're using a drawer kit, such as the Blum drawer kit, the process of joining the pieces may vary. These kits often come with detailed instructions on how to assemble the drawers, and the process may differ depending on the specific kit you're using.
Remember to take your time and work carefully when joining the pieces of your camper drawers together. Double-check your measurements and follow the instructions specific to your chosen method or kit for the best results.
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Installing the drawer slides
Step 1: Prepare the necessary hardware
Firstly, gather the required hardware. You will need 80/20 roll-in T-nuts, M4 x 12mm bolts (0.7 pitch), and stainless steel lock washers. These will be used to secure the drawer slides to the aluminium profile.
Step 2: Mount the front of the drawer slide
Widen the top, front-most, pre-drilled hole in your drawer slide to the bolt diameter. Then, drop the roll-in T-nut into the vertical channel and use the bolt to lock it in place. Remember to add a drop of blue Loctite 242 thread locker when tightening the bolt for the final time to prevent it from rattling loose.
Step 3: Fabricate a custom rear mounting bracket
For the rear mounting, you will need to fabricate a custom crude angle bracket. Acquire some 1/8" thick 2"x1" aluminium angle stock and cut it into pieces approximately 1.5" wide. Drill a bolt hole through the short side, ensuring that the long side is flush with the edge of the 80/20 profile. Line up the long side of the aluminium bracket with any one of the pre-drilled holes on the drawer slide. Drill a 5/16" hole and widen the pre-drilled hole in the drawer slide to 1/4". Use a 1/4"-20 bolt and a nylock nut (3/4" long) to bolt these two elements together.
Step 4: Mount the drawer slides at the correct height
According to specifications from Blum, a leading hardware manufacturer, the drawer slide should be mounted 33 millimetres off the bottom of the drawer. Loosen the fasteners and raise the 80/20 profile accordingly.
Step 5: Attach the drawer slides to the aluminium profile
Insert three roll-in T-nuts per side, spreading them out to support the front, middle, and rear of the slide. Pass the M4 bolts through the holes in the drawer slide and into the T-nuts in the aluminium profile. Don't worry about perfectly aligning the T-nuts with the holes; just keep everything loose and slide the profile back and forth to adjust as needed.
Step 6: Install the drawers and attach the drawer faces
Install the drawers by aligning them with the track and pushing them into place. To attach the drawer faces, grease the ends of the fixing plates, align the drawers, and press them against the fixing plates to mark the drilling spots. Then, use two screws per fixing plate to attach them to the drawer face.
Now you have custom soft-close drawers in your camper van!
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Attaching the drawer front
Preparing the Drawer Front
Before you attach the drawer front, it's important to ensure that your drawer box is fully assembled and functional. Follow the instructions provided by your drawer kit manufacturer to assemble the box, including the drawer bottom, sides, and back. Once the box is assembled, you can prepare the drawer front.
The drawer front is the visible part of the drawer that people will see when it's installed in your camper. You can use various materials for the drawer front, such as plywood or stainless steel, depending on your preference and the overall design of your camper. Cut the drawer front to the appropriate size, making sure it matches the dimensions of your drawer box. Sand the edges to ensure a smooth finish.
Aligning and Marking
Now, it's time to align the drawer front with the drawer box. Place the drawer front against the box, ensuring it is centred and level. You may want to use clamps or a helper to hold it in place temporarily. Once you're satisfied with the alignment, use a pencil or a marker to mark the locations for the screws or bolts that will attach the drawer front.
Drilling and Attaching
Drill pilot holes at the marked locations. These holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of your screws or bolts. This will help guide the fasteners and prevent the wood from splitting. If your drawer kit includes fixing brackets, attach them to the drawer front at this stage, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Finally, use screws or bolts to securely attach the drawer front to the drawer box. Tighten them firmly, but be careful not to overtighten as this may strip the threads or damage the wood. Depending on the material and design of your drawer front, you may need to use wood glue or epoxy in addition to the fasteners for a stronger hold.
Final Adjustments
Once the drawer front is attached, open and close the drawer a few times to ensure smooth operation. Check if the drawer front is aligned correctly and make any necessary adjustments. You may need to sand or shim the drawer front to achieve the perfect fit.
If you're using gallery rods or other accessories, install them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Test the drawer again to ensure it functions smoothly and securely.
By following these steps, you'll have a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing drawer front attached to your camper drawers. Remember to take your time, measure twice, and always follow safety precautions when working with tools and materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Plywood is a good option for building drawers for a camper, as it is strong and can be cut to the required size.
You will need a variety of tools, including a circular saw, a screwdriver, a drill, and a pocket hole jig.
Measure the depth of your cabinet and round down to the nearest standard size (which usually comes in 3-inch increments). Your cavity should be at least 1 inch longer than the drawer slide.
Under-mount drawer slides are recommended for camper van drawers as they are more forgiving and offer ample adjustability.
You can build your own drawer dividers using plywood and square dowels, or purchase adjustable drawer dividers.