Creating A Moveable Patio: A Camper's Guide To Relaxation

how to make moveable patio for camper

If you're an RV owner, you know the appeal of outdoor living, but setting up camp can be a hassle. A portable, foldable RV patio or deck is a great way to create a safe, clean space that's free from mud, dust, and bugs, without having to assemble and disassemble every time you move. This guide will walk you through the process of building your own movable patio for your camper, so you can enjoy the great outdoors with ease.

Characteristics Values
Materials 6061 Aluminum, Composite Decking Material, Stainless Steel Hardware
Cost $200
Time Weekend Project
Benefits Extra Space, Storage, Easier Entry/Exit
Features Foldable, Lightweight, Maintenance-Free
Safety Support Cables, Welded Crossbars, Powder Coating

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Folding patio deck design

A folding patio deck is a great way to enhance your outdoor living space, especially if you're an RV owner. This addition can provide a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, giving you more room to relax, entertain, or enjoy various activities. Here are some design ideas and considerations for creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing folding patio deck:

Design Ideas:

  • Spacious Wooden Deck: Opt for a large wooden deck to create a rustic and natural atmosphere, perfect for entertaining and relaxing. Enhance the space with deck furniture, potted plants, and an outdoor rug.
  • Low-Maintenance Composite Deck: Composite decks offer durability and low maintenance, resisting insects, mould, and rot. Decorate with potted plants, an outdoor rug, or a fireplace to create a cosy and inviting space.
  • Multi-Level Deck: Maximise space and functionality with a multi-level deck design. Add a staircase, platform decks, balconies, and a fire pit to create a warm and adaptable outdoor living area.
  • Built-In Seating: Incorporate built-in benches to enhance the comfort and practicality of your deck. This provides ample seating options and creates a chic and defined space for lounging.
  • Pergola-Covered Deck: Add a pergola to your deck for shade, privacy, and style. With the right lighting and an outdoor rug, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, protected from the elements.
  • Outdoor Kitchen and Bar Deck: Integrate an outdoor kitchen and bar area with a built-in grill, sink, and separate bar. This creates a unique focal point and makes your deck ideal for hosting special occasions and gatherings.
  • Zen-Inspired Water Feature Deck: Create a peaceful and calming outdoor space with a water feature deck. Use natural materials and decking made of natural wood to enhance the tranquil atmosphere.

Considerations:

  • Function: Determine the primary purpose of your deck, whether it's for dining, entertaining, or leisure. Consider the number of people you plan to accommodate, the type of patio furniture you'll need, and any specific activities you want to include, such as grilling.
  • Materials: Choose materials that suit your aesthetic preferences, maintenance requirements, and budget. Options include natural wood, composite decking, concrete, stone, or pavers. Consider the durability, upkeep, and design flexibility of each material.
  • Budget: Establish a budget that takes into account the size of your deck, the materials you'll use, and any additional design elements or decor. Research the costs of labour, supplies, and extras like outdoor furniture or lighting.
  • Timeline: Create a project timeline that includes design, construction, material delivery, and any necessary permissions. Consult experts to obtain accurate time estimates and plan for potential delays to ensure a seamless project completion.

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Materials needed

To build a movable patio for your camper, you will need the following materials:

  • 6061 aluminum angle, cut to the desired size, to form the frame of the deck.
  • Composite decking material, which is low-maintenance and lightweight, will form the floor of the patio.
  • Stainless hardware, including nuts and bolts, to avoid rust and ensure durability.
  • Brackets to attach the deck to the camper jacks, sourced from a specialist fabricator.
  • 1/4-inch stainless steel cables to support the deck, cut to the required length.
  • Cable crimps, cable loop eyes, and tube clamps to secure the cables and create a foldable mechanism.
  • Self-drilling and self-tapping screws to attach the composite decking to the frame.
  • Paint or powder coating to finish the frame, providing protection and a desired colour.

The total cost of materials for this project is approximately $200, and it can be completed over a weekend.

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Step-by-step construction

Planning and Materials

First, decide on the desired size of your patio and whether you want to access it from inside your camper. Consider the weight the patio will need to support and the weight of the materials you will use. For a lightweight and low-maintenance patio, consider using 6061 aluminum and composite decking material. You will also need stainless hardware to avoid rust, as well as brackets, cables, and other attachments to secure the patio to your camper.

Frame Construction

Cut the aluminum to size and weld the pieces together to form a frame. Weld crossbars for additional support, spacing them approximately 16 to 20 inches apart. Paint the frame for durability, using a powder coating if desired.

Decking

Attach the composite decking to the frame using self-tapping screws. Trim any excess screw length with a cut-off wheel.

Pivots and Folding Mechanism

Install lower brackets that will act as pivots, allowing the patio to fold up for storage or travel. Attach the patio to the camper jacks using tube clamps, adjusting to the desired height.

Cables and Support

Use stainless steel cables and eye bolts to provide support and stability to the patio. Attach one end of a cable to an eye bolt on the outer corner of the deck, then crimp the cable. Attach the other end of the cable to an upper tube clamp on the trailer jack using a stainless steel clevis. Cut the cable to length and crimp again. Repeat this process on the other side.

Finishing Touches

Check that all hardware is securely attached and that the patio folds and unfolds smoothly. You may also want to add a doggie ramp, railings, or match the underside colour scheme with fiberglass.

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Painting and maintenance

Painting:

Before painting, it is essential to clean the surface thoroughly. Use a mixture of car wash soap and water, along with a large scrub brush, to clean the patio surface. If you have access to a power washer, it can also be used to effectively clean the area. Once cleaned, rinse the surface and let it dry.

To ensure a smooth painting surface, use denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wipe down the area and remove any remaining residue or oils. If there are any decals on the patio that you wish to remove, now is the time to do so. You can use a heat gun and a spatula scraping tool to heat and scrape off the decals. For any remaining residue, use fine-grade steel wool dipped in mineral spirits to remove it.

If there are decals that are challenging to remove, you can opt to paint over them. However, it is essential to prepare the edges of the decals by sanding them with 80-grit sandpaper. This will ensure a smoother transition when painting. After sanding, you can apply a primer, such as Peel-Stop primer or a regular primer, to create a better surface for the paint to adhere to.

When choosing the paint for your movable patio, there are a few options to consider. Oil-based paint is a durable option recommended by many, especially if you plan to apply it by hand. Automotive paint, alkyd enamel paint, and two-stage automotive paint are also suitable choices, each with its advantages and price points. If you prefer a water-based paint, alkyd enamel paint is a recommended option.

Maintenance:

To maintain your movable patio, regular cleaning and upkeep are essential. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush or cloth to wipe down the surface, removing any dirt or debris. Ensure that you also clean the underside of the patio, as it may collect dust or residue over time.

Inspect the patio for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose screws, rusted parts, or damaged components. Tighten any loose screws and address any rust spots by sanding or applying a rust converter. If there are damaged parts, such as broken supports or torn fabric, replace them as needed to ensure the patio remains safe and functional.

Additionally, consider applying a protective coating to the patio surface to enhance its durability and resistance to the elements. A powder coating is recommended for durability, and you can choose a colour that matches your camper's colour scheme. This will help maintain the appearance and longevity of your movable patio.

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Portable steps and decks

Custom-Built Portable Decks

Sunrise Products Inc. offers a range of portable decks, steps, and porches that are custom-built for RVs, campers, and motorhomes. Their decks are designed to be sturdy, stable, and lightweight, with adjustable heights to accommodate different vehicles. They offer a variety of styles, including the 24 Series-3 Step Deck, 32 Series-4 Step Deck, and 40 Series-5 Step Deck. The company has been in business since 2008 and ships its products across the USA and Canada.

Another option for custom-built portable steps and decks is RV-CO. They offer a range of portable RV steps and decks designed for motorhomes, travel trailers, and 5th wheels. Their products are constructed with high-quality aluminum alloys, featuring non-slip surfaces and lightweight, foldable designs for easy transport and storage. RV-CO's Port-A-Deck is a modular deck system that can be customized to your needs, and their Port-A-Steps provide a versatile step unit with an attachable handrail and hand post.

Building Your Own Portable Deck

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can build your own portable deck for your camper. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Decide on the materials: You can use 2 x 4 boards (4-foot long), plywood panels for the decking, and PVC pipes and panels for the posts and sides. Alternatively, you can use wooden pallets, which are inexpensive and easy to work with.
  • Form 'L' shapes: Join two boards together at their narrow edges to form an 'L' shape. Use a drill machine to drive galvanized screws through the edge of one board into the other.
  • Create square blocks: Join two 'L' shapes together to form a square block. Glue or screw a 4 x 4 PVC board to one side of the block. Make as many blocks as needed.
  • Assemble the deck: Place the blocks side by side across the length of your desired deck area. To make them stick together, lay a rubber mat or carpet over them and use tack pins or screws to attach them.
  • Add stairs and railings: Consider adding stairs and railings to give your portable deck a more finished look and improve accessibility.

By following these steps, you can create a functional and portable deck for your camper, enhancing your outdoor living space.

Frequently asked questions

A movable patio for your camper provides extra space to store items like shoes, and a convenient place to sit. It also provides a safe step into and out of the camper.

You will need 6061 aluminium, composite decking material, stainless hardware, tube clamps, cable, cable crimps, cable loop eyes, Allen bolts, stainless nuts, self-drilling screws, and eye hooks.

The cost of building a movable patio for a camper is approximately $200.

It takes a weekend to build a movable patio for a camper.

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