A mobile home is a type of vehicle that combines a vehicle and living space. This type of housing became widespread in the middle of the last century.
The motorhome can accommodate up to eight people. Each inhabitant of the dwelling can sleep on a separately equipped sleeping place. There is also a small kitchen built into the mobile home. Of course, equipment availability and functionality vary depending on the house model, but many have:
- gas stove,
- oven,
- sink,
- cupboards for cutlery and dishes.
In more luxurious models there is also a microwave oven and a grill.
Furnishing of a mobile home A mobile home can be equipped with a bathroom. As a rule, it is represented by a dry closet, shower and washbasin. Later models of motorhomes are equipped with a separate shower cubicle.
In a RV, the driver's and passenger's seats have a movable base. Thus, during parking, these places become part of the living space. The RV can also house a room, most often it has U-shaped upholstered furniture located in the “tail”.
Mobile home model with alcove superstructure above the driver's cab Mobile homes can be divided into several types. For example, by the type of construction, they can be trailed, with living quarters in a van, or combined with the vehicle itself. They can also be divided into motorhomes that are used for travel or for permanent residence. Mobile homes are more equipped and comfortable. Travel homes rarely have built-in toilets and showers and are not subdivided into living areas and cabins.
A bit of history
The beginnings of a mobile home go back to the last century. Although, as the researchers believe, there were previously homemade versions of movable houses. These were mobile wagons in carts for people who were engaged in cattle breeding and horse breeding. In 1938, Jennings introduced the RV to the world by installing living quarters on the chassis of a conventional car.
Categories
Motorhomes can be roughly divided into 3 categories:
- C-class.
These American mobile homes do not have a lot of space and are designed for short trips. They are produced on the basis of large SUVs. For example, the driver's cab transforms into a double bed during the night.
2.B-class semi-integrated.
The design of such a mobile home is very similar to the C-class. The berth is fixed and located at the rear of the vehicle. This mobile home is very popular with couples.
Shared body with cab (integrated) 3. A-class integrated.
This type of mobile home, which looks like a bus, is the most comfortable. It is built on the chassis of full-fledged trucks, and due to its large mass it is assigned to the transport category "C". These motorhomes are the most expensive mobile homes.
Read also
Projects and layout of houses with a stove
The house has a fixed driver's seat with a large windshield for a better view of the road and surrounding landscape. The inner walls can be pulled out, thus forming different zones or additional sleeping places.
Diagram of the device of the A-class mobile home These mobile homes are autonomous and have large supplies of water, gas and a generator, which makes them a full-fledged living place for their inhabitants.
There are also:
- Hybrid trailers. Outside, they are equipped with retractable tents for resting or sleeping while parking on specially equipped areas.
- Trailer trailers. This is usually a small, drop-shaped trailer. The main advantage of these caravans is the ability to move the trailer with motorcycle equipment.
- Theveswil trailer. A trailer that is little more than a trailer trailer. Such a mobile home must be transported by a vehicle equipped with a special coupling device.
Other names for mobile homes
The term "camper" refers to the classes "B" and "C", and the term "mobile home" is used only to the class "A".
Campers especially popular in America In some countries, the term "vinebago" refers to all mobile homes, regardless of their class or type.
Luxury mobile home
Exclusive models have no competitors either in comfort or in price. Their design has become a new concept, making this mobile home the most functional and most comfortable. Such a motorhome has a fairly spacious interior made from the best types of finishing materials.
Mobile home with all the amenities In such a house, a handmade bathroom is covered with glass tiles. The plumbing is made of copper and the handles are made of crystal. The shower cabin is made of onyx. The ceiling of the driver's cab and the seats are covered with mother-of-pearl Italian leather, the dashboard is made of natural African wood. The living area has a sofa with two electrical modules. The salon is equipped with a bar. The dining area features a stunning onyx table.
The residential part has a small office with a laptop, the monitor of which is a 17-inch wall-mounted screen. Also in the office there is a multifunction printer and a lot of boxes for various purposes.
The ceilings along the entire length of the mobile home are covered with all kinds of sculptures made of copper sheets, and the lamp is decorated with beautiful crystals, which is a nice addition to the comfort of the dining area.
To fully appreciate the exceptional character of this motorhome, you need to see it with your own eyes. The description simply cannot convey all its luxury.
The interior of these RVs To make a house on wheels with your own hands, you need not only to study the instructions, but also to stock up on the necessary material.
PHOTO: building with our own hands.rf
Many do not know what is the correct name for a mobile home. In America, the name camper or trailer is common. In Russia, such cars are often called vans or trailers.
PHOTO: building with our own hands.rf
PHOTO: building with our own hands.rf
Mobile housing can be divided into several types: van or trailed, increased comfort, hybrid or trailer trailers. When choosing a mobile home, there are many options to explore in order to choose the one that works best.
The van is a complete mobile home. He hooks up to the car. If the vehicle is combined, access to the driver's seat is available directly from the room. This option is more suitable for families traveling by car, as everyone can be in full view of each other.
Comfort in this case is only conditional, since the best option is the purchase of spacious trailers that replace themselves. Outwardly, such a structure may resemble an ordinary truck, but it is multifunctional, and, if necessary, can be increased due to the presence of retractable elements. To drive such a car, the driver must have a category "C" license.
There is less space in the B-class trailer, but for two it's a great option. You can assemble a trailer constructor with your own hands. Such work will be much more difficult than converting a regular bus into a motorhome, but the result will pay off 100%.
Related article:
: advantages and disadvantages, varieties, according to what parameters should you choose a motorhome, average prices, basic recommendations for operating a motor home, the nuances of making your own hands - read in the publication.
RV price and parts
Not everyone will be able to purchase a ready-made and fully furnished camper van, since the cost can reach the level of the price within the city. By making such a van with your own hands, you can significantly save money. But the final cost depends on many factors: what kind of trailer will be bought to make a mini-house on wheels, what furniture and plumbing will be chosen.
PHOTO: cs4.pikabu.ru
The average price for a home on wheels made with your own hands from a minibus is about a million rubles. You can save money by buying used parts and furniture, or you can make your mobile home more comfortable and expensive.
If you already have a car, and you only need to make a van for it, then you can reduce the cost of the entire project from 1,000,000 rubles to 200-300 thousand. Additionally, it is worth considering the amount for paperwork to legalize the motorhome. On average, the cost of the entire package of documents can reach 50,000 rubles.
It will take about 45,000 to equip a toilet room if you buy a good cassette toilet. You can save money by installing a biocube, but it is important to take into account that the latter option is inconvenient to maintain.
Economical conversion of a car into a house on wheels will cost 275,000 rubles, since it is necessary to install furniture, and, as well as lay electrical wiring and install water tanks. Non-budget option starts at 670 rubles.
Caravan: how to make a frame and floor
Before making a homemade caravan from a trailer, it is necessary to clarify the dimensions of the car, since the trailer cannot exceed the width of the vehicle.
PHOTO: cs4.pikabu.ru
The easiest and most affordable way to build a camper yourself is to use a cargo trailer frame, on which you need to lay out a wooden base. Then you can make the walls from wooden beams and plywood sheets sheathed with aluminum overlays. Such a building is a kind of summer cottage.
To make a mobile home look more presentable and stylish, it is worth building a house on wheels with your own hands from a bus.
Insulation and paneling of the van
The main task is to cover and insulate the body of the van. For these purposes, plywood and metal sheets are used. In the corners, be sure to install aluminum lining for the strength and stability of the structure.
PHOTO: cs4.pikabu.ru
Interior decoration and furniture selection
In order to want to be inside the trailer, you need to take care of a beautiful finish. A mobile home, a carriage or a regular trailer, can be furnished in a modern or minimalist style.
PHOTO: cs4.pikabu.ru
Ordinary folding furniture or do it yourself.
DIY gazelle mobile home
A mobile home, which in America is called a camping, can be used for both travel and permanent residence. Although in Russian realities, the latter is practically impossible, since there are no specially equipped camping sites in the country for refueling with water and draining waste. In addition, such a structure can be used as a cafe on wheels, organizing your own business, for example, a trailer for making delicious coffee.
You can even make a full-fledged home on wheels from a GAZelle, if you follow the instructions:
| Illustration | Action Description |
 | We remove all the seats from the car and measure the width of the GAZelle. Standard size - 182 cm |
 | We measure the length of the cabin and sketch out the layout of the furniture. We decide where the bed, the table will be |
 | We remove the entire interior trim of the passenger compartment, check the condition of metal structures and, if necessary, treat with anti-rust agent |
 | We remove the floors in the GAZelle, remove all unnecessary parts and process the iron with special compounds, and then cover it with heat-insulating material and sheathe the motorhome |
Since the GAZelle car has a low ceiling, you can make a motorhome for temporary residence or cut off the existing ceiling and raise it by welding a metal sheet.
Making a van and finishing a finished house
You can make a motorhome from a metal container and a trailer. To stay somewhere with such housing, it is necessary to find out in advance where the camping base is located, where there are no signs prohibiting stopping. RVs can look modern with the right finishes.
| Illustration | Action Description |
 | We assemble an ordinary trailer for a car or buy a ready-made one. We put a metal container on it. In order for such a structure to become residential, it needs to be insulated and furnished, but first we take measurements |
 | We sheathe the walls inside with wooden panels |
 | On the floor, first roll out a protective and insulating layer of car carpet, and then another layer of linoleum or another, brighter and lighter carpet |
 | With the help of a construction laser, we cut small metal parts to secure a retractable ladder, with which it will be possible to climb into the van |
 | Making a ramp. We connect metal profiles using special parts and weld |
 | We lay out the skirting boards inside the trailer in order to secure the carpet |
 | We attach wooden beams in order to make a small suspended baby bed. We furnish the mini-room with the necessary things: a table and chairs, a small refrigerator, a box for things and a hanger |
Interior decoration is carried out in accordance with personal needs. If the family has children, then it is necessary to equip a sleeping place for them.
DIY interior decoration
In order for the caravan to have a decent look and be comfortable, it is worth considering its design in advance. According to the standards, one house should accommodate 6-8 people. The motorhome should have a small kitchen, sleeping places, and, or, a toilet.
PHOTO: cdn.trinixy.ru
A mobile home can be equipped with a compact shower stall and dry closet - this is the most convenient and common option. For wall decoration, wood or plastic panels are used.
Water supply
When creating a house on wheels, it is necessary to equip a water supply system. As a rule, it is very primitive. Two tanks are installed - one for clean water, the other for collecting recycled, dirty water.
PHOTO: cdn.trinixy.ru
Kitchen
In Russia, a fairly common option is a dacha-house on wheels. In this case, it is not necessary to equip a full kitchen with a stove, tables and a dining area. But, if the trailer is created for long trips, then the kitchen is still needed.
The first thing to do is choose between a gas or induction hob. Induction is only suitable if the trailer has electricity.
PHOTO: cdn.trinixy.ru
PHOTO: avtokamper.ru
Heating
In the cold season, as well as when traveling to northern cities and countries, transport must be heated. In most cases, a gas-powered heating system is installed, but this method has a significant drawback - hot air is blown out with a loud whistle, all the oxygen in the room burns out, and when the heating is turned off, the trailer cools down very quickly.
The best option is to purchase a heat gun and turn it on as needed. The cannon works almost silently and produces soft but warm air.
RV: photo inside and outside
You can equip a trailer house on wheels by examining various photos.
PHOTO: autoreview.ru/images
PHOTO: autoreview.ru/images
PHOTO: autoreview.ru/images
When drawing up a project, you should study the legal nuances and properly arrange a homemade mobile home so that you can safely go on a trip on it.
DIY mobile home from a trailer: construction errors
You can make a house on wheels from a groove, GAZelle or any other large-sized car. The main mistake that many make is thinking over the design during the repair, and not before it.
A motor home on wheels is a complex mechanism in which all systems must be in working order. It is necessary to take into account how many people will travel in such a house, and provide for sleeping places in advance.
Another mistake that car owners make when converting old vehicles into a mobile home is ignoring existing problems. The old and wobbly structure must be strengthened, the rust removed, and the leaking ceiling repaired in advance.
Homemade mobile home: how to legalize the construction
The mobile home not only needs to be built, but also properly documented. To register a self-made caravan on wheels, you need to contact the Automotive and Motor Research Institute. Then, having received all the documents, the car owner must take them to the traffic police.
We will have to visit these organizations several times, issuing all the required permits and certificates.
Finally
The "American Dream" is no stranger to some Russian people who want to escape from their homes and travel in a campervan. This can be done by investing a certain amount of money and spending a certain amount of time. For those who do not have the funds to buy a ready-made camper, there is a budget option - making such a van with your own hands to your taste.
Would you like to travel in a campervan? If you already have the right car, will you do it yourself or ask for help?
Making a mobile home with your own hands is not a very difficult task for any master. The design, in the course of construction, will be improved and because of this, the production time may be delayed. To prevent such a situation, it is necessary to think over the interior design in advance, to get rid of unsuitable elements. This approach is important when converting small vehicles when assembling a RV, for example from an old trailer.
A mobile home is a type of transport that is both housing and a means of transportation. This kind of housing gained its popularity at the beginning of the last century.
Motorhome device
By standards, a mobile home should accommodate eight people. Each tenant has his own sleeping place, there is also a small kitchen. Other amenities and equipment may vary from model to model, but in most cases there are also:
In more expensive models there is a bathroom, consisting of (often replacing a chair, which gives several additional meters of free space), a washbasin and a shower. Sometimes mobile homes are equipped with showers.
Note! In a motorhome, the driver's and passenger's seats are movable, as a result of which they turn into an addition to the living space during parking. At the tail end, there is often a separate room with U-shaped furniture.
History
Serial production of mobile homes began in the last century, although some historians believe there were earlier homemade counterparts. They were small vans equipped to accommodate people (mainly herders).
The first mobile home mounted on a conventional car chassis was introduced in 1938 by Jennings.
Varieties of mobile homes
There are several classifications of motorhomes. So, according to the design features, they are distinguished:
Depending on their purpose, they are divided into:
- those that are used as long-term / permanent housing;
- those that are used for travel.
In the first case, more comfortable conditions take place, while often moving structures are extremely rarely divided into their own living space and a cabin.
Categories
Let's take a closer look at each of the categories.
C-class
Small houses for short trips. Usually made on the basis of SUVs, so at night the cabin can be in a double bed (if desired).
Theardrop camper - cottage on a trailer B-class
The only difference between it and the C-class is the berth - it is stationary and located at the tail of the vehicle. It is very popular among young couples (at least in America).
A-class
Such houses, outwardly similar to a regular bus, are the most comfortable and therefore the most expensive. They are built on the basis of trucks, therefore, from the point of view of transport classification, they belong to category "C".
They are distinguished by a large windshield, a fixed driver's seat and retractable partitions that form different zones and separate berths. Moreover, such structures are autonomous, equipped with a generator, have gas and a large supply of water.
Several additional categories can be distinguished.
About the name
The term "motorhome" (another name is "camper") often means a car caravan.
Note! Campers are called B- and C-class trailers, while mobile homes are exclusively A-class models.
It is also worth noting that in some countries, without exception, motorhomes are called vinebago.
It will take a lot of effort and time, as well as the appropriate equipment, to turn a car into a mobile home.
Note! First, you should study this issue from the point of view of legislation. Self-made RVs are perceived differently by different registering organizations, and it will be frustrating if transport ends up being illegal.
Stage 1. First, the number of residents is determined and, on this basis, a vehicle and internal "filling" are selected. A detailed design plan is drawn up - this can be done on paper, but it is better to use a computer.
Stage 2. Next, the car body is cleaned. If dents have been identified, they are removed and the peeling paint is peeled off. Several windows (if there were none) in the case are equipped for lighting and fresh air supply.
Step 3. Cut vents and valves for gas supply. All areas of "bare" metal are coated with a primer to protect against corrosion and aggressive environmental influences.
Stage 4. The house is finished with heat-insulating material.
Note! To do this, you need to use exclusively high-quality materials; it is extremely undesirable to save money. In addition, the material from which the hardware (metal fasteners) is made should be similar to the metal of the car body - this is for additional protection against rusting.
Stage 5. The inner surface of the motorhome is finished.
- carpet covering;
- moisture resistant plywood.
Thick panels with stuffed strips for furniture installation are inserted into the side walls. It is characteristic that at first it is better to align the ceiling, and only after that move on to the walls.
Step 6. After installing the furniture, you should take care of the water supply. To do this, you can install several canisters of water under the sink and install small pumps. In addition, large tanks can be installed - for example, for taking a shower.
Note! Do not forget about waste water - another tank is installed for this. A regular garden structure can be used as a toilet.
Step 7. For cooking and heating, as noted earlier, it is better to use propane gas. The tank is located in the lower part of the body, as well as an additional vent for ventilation. This can be explained quite simply: the weight of propane is greater than that of air, therefore, in the event of a leak, such safety measures will prevent unfortunate consequences.
Stage 8. It remains only to take care of the power supply. The best option is a powerful rechargeable battery equipped with an external charging outlet.
Mobile home from an old trailer
Our trailer-trailer costs about 500,000 rubles. The amount is impressive, so if there is an opportunity to purchase an old car trailer, then you can build a small motorhome with your own hands. This will require:
- trailer (always with a strong chassis);
- wooden elements (slats, bars, wagon boards);
- plywood;
- metal profile (for the roof);
- fittings made in the same style;
- a set of appropriate tools.
Manufacturing technology
Such a motorhome will be a trailer with a rear end. By the way, it is better to make the bed for the entire width of the structure - this way it will connect the side walls and thereby increase the rigidity. The bay window will be manufactured later and equipped with an individual unit. The door is installed in the Dutch type - it will consist of two halves.
Stage 1. The trailer is disassembled, the chassis is thoroughly cleaned and covered with anti-corrosion paint. A frame is constructed from pine boards, props are cut out in the appropriate places.
Stage 2. A frame is constructed from slats with a section of 2x2 cm, an oak strip with a section of 3x3 cm is additionally installed in each corner. From above, the frame is tied with a horizontal strip.
Note! For thermal insulation, you can lay the lining in two layers.
Stage 3. The floor is covered with plywood sheets. For the roof, poplar beams are used - they are screwed along the frame with a step of 30 cm. Plywood is fixed on the beams, on top of which a moisture-resistant material and a metal profile of a small section are spread.
Stage 4. The body will have only one window (if the door is not taken into account) - in the upper part of the back wall. It is desirable to make the window in the form of a bay window.
The door lock in such structures is located at the bottom, but you can put another one - additional - at the top. In addition, the door is equipped with a small casement window.
Stage 5. It is recommended to equip a table that can be pulled out from under the bed (as was the case in Great Britain trains). For this, special lockers are formed under the bed. By the way, the lower space can also be used as a sleeping place.
In addition, shelves and a removable staircase are built from wood.
Letter of the law
No additional permission is required if the motorhome dimensions do not exceed:
- 400 cm high;
- 255 cm wide;
- 100 cm in length (excluding the part that does not protrude beyond the trailer).
If the dimensions are larger, then the motorhome is transported according to special rules (flashing lights, escort, etc.). Of course, this only applies to trailers.
Business organization on mobile homes
You can organize your own business on the construction of motorhomes. There are four options for developing such a business.
Option number 1. Manufacturing of houses for sale for summer holidays or residence in the country. This will not require serious material costs, since the houses will be of a simplified design - for example, without insulation.
Option number 2. Rent out mobile homes. This is a relatively new business, and everything new can be very expensive. The number of motorhomes in this case is growing as the customer base grows.
Option number 3. Making mobile eateries or convenience stores.
Option number 4. He's the most interesting. It consists in the creation of a car park and its further use as a hotel. The main thing here is to divide the trailers into budget, premium and middle class.
For a more detailed acquaintance with the construction technology, check out the thematic video.
Video - DIY home on wheels
TOP 10 best motorhomes
| A photo | Name | Rating | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 5 best motorhomes | ||||||
| #1 |
|
⭐ 100 / 100 |
||||
| #2 |
|
⭐ 99 / 100 |
||||
| #3 |
|
⭐ 98 / 100 |
||||
| #4 |
|
POSSL ROADCRUISER |
⭐ 96 / 100 |
|||
| #5 |
|
Motorhome KAMAZ 43118 |
⭐ 90 / 100 |
|||
| Top 5 best Fleetwood mobile homes | ||||||
| #1 |
|
Fleetwood RV Jamboree Sport |
⭐ 100 / 100 |
|||
| #2 |
|
Fleetwood RV Tioga Ranger DSL |
⭐ 99 / 100 |
|||
| #3 |
|
Fleetwood rv storm |
⭐ 98 / 100 |
|||
| #4 |
|
Fleetwood rv bounder |
⭐ 97 / 100 |
|||
| #5 |
|
Fleetwood RV Discovery |
⭐ 96 / 100 |
|||
This real palace on wheels is based on MAN. The length of the motorhome is almost 9.5 meters, which requires unconditional skills from the driver to drive cars of this class. Everything here is subordinated to the main thing - the maximum comfort of passengers. The interior is designed in the style of luxury yachts - the elegant narrow doors of the numerous cabinets suspended from the ceiling contrast with the high-quality leather upholstery of the sofas and armchairs in the living area. Each lamp, each, even the smallest, interior detail (curtains, for example) fills the space with luxury and splendor.
Characteristics:
- the most luxurious mobile home;
- spacious bathroom;
- average price: 23,602,000 rubles.
The base of the camper was created on the basis of the Fiat Ducato truck, as a result of which the car has good handling and stability on the road - the windage of the camper does not exceed the permissible values \u200b\u200bfor this chassis. A spacious and bright mobile home for four people. Light enters not only through the side windows (all have curtain systems, including the windscreen), but also through the transparent sunroof located in the front of the camper. Expensive and sophisticated interior furnishings accentuate the interior space, while the swivel seats for the driver and passenger make the living area huge by integrating with the cockpit.
Characteristics:
- better comfort;
- country of origin: Germany;
- average price: 13,367,000 rubles.
The motorhome is based on the Mercedes Sprinter 316 CDI and has all the capabilities of this reliable and trouble-free car. And if from the outside the integrated camper does not stand out in any way, it can easily get lost in city traffic, then inside it is a real compact house for 4 people. One drop-down bed is located above the driver's seat and the other two are at the back of the house, behind the toilet and shower. It is noteworthy that these two beds can be transformed into one huge one for the greatest comfort.
Characteristics:
- unique body protection;
- large luggage compartment;
- country of origin: Germany;
- average price: 9 176 188 rub.
Perhaps there are very few people who would not like to travel and at the same time spend the night at home without using the services of hotels or hotels. Many will say that this is impossible and every trip is accompanied by a hotel room. Nevertheless, there is a solution - a motorhome or a motorhome. You've probably seen such movable structures in foreign films. And this is not strange, because, say, in America, according to statistics, every 3 residents have a home on wheels.
Such a house is not only convenient and comfortable, but also significantly saves money, since the question of finding housing disappears. You can talk about the advantages of a motorhome for a long time, and there are really a lot of them. However, there is one drawback - a car-home on wheels is not a cheap pleasure. But if you have patience and hard work, there is a way out - to build a mobile home on wheels with your own hands.
The main need for such a house is travel, which you can safely send with your family and even small children. The motorhome is also useful for business trips; you don't have to look for hotels, book rooms, collect luggage and carry it with you.
The main thing is that the driver is experienced, with good driving experience and, of course, with a positive attitude towards this type of transport.
Mobile home: what you need for comfort
Although the house will be in the form of mobile housing, this does not mean that it should not be comfortable and satisfy the minimum needs of the owners.
Home lighting
To supply light to a mobile home you will need:
- rechargeable battery;
- charger;
- wiring system for subsequent wiring;
- panel for controlling the supply of electricity.
Heating for home
Several types of heaters can be used for home heating, it can be a stand-alone type and a gas cylinder. It is preferable to use gas, since, in addition to heat, it will provide an opportunity for cooking.
If you have chosen heating with gas, then here you will have to seek the help of a specialist. Of course, building everything with your own hands from start to finish is commendable, but you should remember about the safety of passengers.
Air (ventilation) for home
Ventilation is very important, especially when using gas. In this case, there should be several holes, and one of them will be as low as possible.
For comfort: water, bathroom, kitchen
No home will be comfortable if it lacks basic amenities. Think carefully about where the kitchen, mini-size portable dry closet and shower will be. Also, do not forget about water tanks and pumps for it.
It is better to send the water that will drain into a large bucket under the body. To do this, you can use a special hose, which should be laid in the floor.
RV Furniture
Certain difficulties may arise with furniture, since it should be as compact as possible. For such housing, folding furniture is used, it is attached to the walls. In most cases, such furniture can only be purchased on order, which is quite expensive. But if there is an opportunity to do it yourself, then this will significantly save money.
Optional: doors, windows
As for the windows, it is better to do at least 2, so you can save energy and not turn on the light during the day.
It should be borne in mind that if the house is being built from a trailer, then the width and height, of course, should not exceed the dimensions of the car. If you are the owner of a domestic minibus, which has not been to your liking for a long time, then you can safely use it as the main material for mobile housing. First, you need to thoroughly clean it, remove unnecessary seats, jet upholstery, get rid of all unnecessary things. After clearing, you can start making the necessary holes (for windows, ventilation, wires).
We build a motorhome from "GAZelle"
A mobile home is the dream of many travel lovers, since there is no binding to one place of rest, the need to book hotels and purchase tickets. It is both a home and a vehicle that allows you to travel anywhere with maximum comfort. The price of such a product on the market is high, so many are interested in how mobile homes are built with their own hands.
Varieties of mobile homes
It is much cheaper to make such a vehicle with your own hands from an old car or completely from scratch. In addition to the vehicle itself, it is necessary to prepare a different tool. Moreover, making a mobile home will require work experience, a lot of effort and free time.
Before investing in such structures, you need to find out from the regulatory authorities the legality of the movement of such a vehicle in order to avoid any violations. Otherwise, traveling with him will not work.
A large mobile home can be made from a van, but the price is too high. Cheaper options can be made from:
- bus;
- gazelles;
- an old but still durable trailer.
To build a mobile home, it is necessary, in addition to the vehicle, to make a plan for the future construction. Planning will make your caravan as comfortable as possible. It can be simply drawn on paper or designed on a computer.
Communication in the motorhome
If there is no electricity, gas or water in a mobile home, then it can hardly be called a comfortable journey. For the presence of electricity in it, batteries and chargers are used. How the electrical wiring will go in such a house must be planned and displayed in the drawing. You also need to think about where the external connector for recharging the battery will be located. They come in different capacities. It should be chosen according to the expected range of travel and the load on the electrical network.
Gas cylinders are often used to cook and heat the van. If you use electricity for this, then the financial costs will be much higher. When a mobile home is equipped with a kitchen, it is necessary to install an extractor hood with a ventilation system. This is especially important when using gas.
It is not recommended to independently install the gas system and the electrical network if there is no relevant experience. Such work should be done by professionals. If incorrectly installed, it could cause injury or death to the traveler.
Such a kitchen cannot be as comfortable as possible without a dedicated storage space for water. Usually they use a special container with a pump to supply water to the tap. As a sewage system, they also use a container inside the room under the sink or outside. Sometimes such a motorhome is equipped with a shower. It will be difficult to make a bathroom in it, and a dry closet is used for this.
Furniture needs to be installed small and compact, since there will be little space in such a house. To save space, you can use folding beds, sliding tables, and the like. Such structures must be well anchored to the walls to ensure safety while driving. Furniture for a motorhome can be bought ready-made in a store, but if there is a great desire to save money and learn something new, then you can easily make it yourself, taking into account the size of the room.
Sometimes car seats are used as a sofa and chairs. It is quite possible to equip a house on wheels from a trailer with your own hands. Before that, you need to prepare the room. Depending on which basis is taken - a minibus or a homemade trailer - the stages of work will differ.
Using the Gazelle and the old bus
It is necessary to start altering the minibus with a complete cleaning of the body from seats, trim and dirt. After that, you need to cut out all the holes for windows, ventilation, and so on.
The further sequence of actions will be as follows:
- Leveling and cleaning all damaged surfaces. To do this, use a metal brush, hammer or special equipment for leveling dents. If necessary, then it is necessary to weld the places of corrosion where holes have formed. Then they are cleaned and primed to prevent further rust formation.
- The interior is carefully insulated, including the floor and ceiling.
- After the thermal insulation coating, it is necessary to sheathe everything with waterproof plywood.
After such work, you need to conduct gas, electricity, water supply, install a bathroom and furniture. To securely fix the furniture, it is necessary to pre-install thick plywood on the walls. Furniture needs to be attached to it. Alternatively, you can install reinforcing strips on the floor, and fix the headset to them.
If such a house is made not of an old trailer, but of a gazelle or a bus, then the chassis must be brought into working order. Then such a structure will actually be mobile.
Trailer as the basis of construction
You can also make a DIY motorhome from a trailer, but there will be much more work here. First you need to clean the chassis from corrosion and other defects. Then all the holes, as in the minibus, must be welded, cleaned and primed. This is followed by painting.
When the base is ready, you need to start building the floor, walls and roof. You need to act in the following sequence:
After these works, you can start installing gas equipment, wiring electricity, organizing a kitchen and toilet, as well as installing furniture. Then you should install the headlights, license plate and fenders. The trailer is ready for travel.
Before starting work, you need to think carefully about the possibility of performing them efficiently. They require special skills and a lot of tools. But in any case, you can make a trailer-house on wheels with your own hands if you have a great desire to learn it.
Comfortable movement
Although such a structure is not intended for permanent residence, no one canceled the need for comfort on the road and travel. Today there are many techniques that can make living in a mobile home easier.
Indoor light
To provide constant light and electricity, you can use a battery or accumulator, a charger, wires for electrical wiring, a control panel for supplying electricity.
Heating in the house
For these purposes, you can use several types of heaters. It is preferable to use a gas cylinder, as this will also enable cooking.
If the technology for installing gas supply is rather complicated, then you need to seek help from a specialist. Do-it-yourself construction of such a vehicle is commendable, but the safety of its inhabitants must be considered first of all.
Water supply, kitchen and bathroom
Any home will not be comfortable if it lacks basic amenities such as a bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen and water. At the planning stage, you need to think carefully about their location for maximum comfort. Do not forget about the automatic water supply system and tanks for it.
Furniture installation
When installing furniture, certain difficulties may arise, since it should be as compact as possible along the entire perimeter. They mainly use folding furniture that can be folded out if necessary. This can significantly save space. You can buy it only to order, and it will not be cheap.
It is better to make at least 2-3 windows. Due to their large number, there will be no need to turn on the light during the day.
Legality of construction
If we talk about the legality of movement, then such a vehicle will not have any special status of a vehicle. A mobile home in the legal framework does not differ from a conventional trailer. All that is needed is the presence of headlights and dimensions on the back side, as well as a license plate.
An additional permit is required if such a trailer exceeds the dimensions:
- 4 meters high;
- 2.55 m wide;
- 10 meters long.
If the dimensions are larger, then such a vehicle can move according to special rules: the presence of flashing lights and police escort. You can make good money on such facilities by organizing a business. There are many options for such entrepreneurial activity.
Alternatively, you can make such houses to order for summer vacations and temporary residence in the country. This does not require large initial investments, since it is possible to produce small economical motorhomes without insulation.
Such houses can be rented out. An entrepreneurial activity of this kind is new. The market value has not yet formed, and, accordingly, you can set your own price. The number of such facilities should be increased as the client base expands.
You can also make your own car park and use it as hotels. An important factor here is their division into economy classes, medium and vip.
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