A mobile home is a type of transport that is both housing and a means of transportation. This type of housing gained its popularity at the beginning of the last century.
By standards mobile home should accommodate eight people. Each resident has their own sleeping place, there is still small kitchen. Other amenities and equipment may vary depending on the specific model, but in most cases there are also:
More expensive models have 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.
Pay attention! In a motorhome, the driver and passenger seats are movable, as a result of which they become an addition to the living space when parked. The tail is often equipped with a separate room with U-shaped furniture.
Story
Mass production of mobile homes began in the last century, although some historians believe there were earlier homemade analogues. They were small vans equipped for living people (mainly cattle breeders).
The first mobile home mounted on a conventional automobile chassis was introduced in 1938 by Jennings.
Types of mobile homes
There are several classifications of motorhomes. So, according to the design features:
Depending on their purpose, they are divided into:
- those used as long-term/permanent housing;
- those used for travel.
In the first case there are more comfortable conditions, while frequently moving structures are extremely rarely divided into the actual living area and the cabin.
Categories
Let's look at each of the categories in detail.
C-class
Small-sized houses intended for short trips. Usually made on the basis of SUVs, so at night the cabin can be converted into a double bed (if desired).
B-class
The only difference between it and the C-class is the berth - it is stationary and located at the rear of the vehicle. Very popular among young couples (at least in America).
A-class
Such houses, which look like a regular bus, are the most comfortable and, therefore, the most expensive. They are built on the basis of trucks, so from the point of view transport classification they are categorized as "C".
They feature a large windshield, a fixed driver's seat and retractable partitions that create different areas and separate sleeping areas. 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 refers to a car caravan.
Pay attention! Campers are called B- and C-class trailers, while motorhomes are exclusively A-class models.
It is also worth noting that in some countries, all motorhomes without exception are called vinebago.
Turning a car into a motorhome will require a lot of effort and time, as well as the appropriate equipment.
Pay attention! First, you should study this issue from a legal point of view. Different registration organizations view home-built motorhomes differently, and it would be a shame if the vehicle ends up being illegal.
Stage 1. First, the number of residents is determined and, based on this, vehicle and internal “filling”. 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 cleared. If dents are identified, they are removed and the peeling paint is cleaned off. Several windows (if there were none) are installed in the building for lighting and fresh air.
Stage 3. Cut out ventilation holes 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 thermal insulation material.
Pay attention! To do this you need to use exclusively quality materials, saving is highly undesirable. In addition, the material from which the hardware (metal fasteners) are made must be similar to the metal of the car body - this is for additional protection from rusting.
Stage 5. The inner surface of the motorhome is finished.
- carpeting;
- moisture-resistant plywood.
IN side walls thick panels with padded strips are inserted for furniture installation. It is typical that first it is better to level the ceiling, and only after that move on to the walls.
Stage 6. After installing the furniture, you should take care of the water supply. To do this, you can place several cans of water under the sink and install small pumps. In addition, you can install large tanks - for example, for taking a shower.
Pay attention! Don't forget about wastewater– for this purpose another tank is installed. An ordinary 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 cylinder is located in the lower part of the body, as well as an additional hole for ventilation. This can be explained quite simply: propane weighs more than air, so in the event of a leak, such safety measures will prevent dire consequences.
Stage 8. All that remains is to take care of the energy supply. The best option– powerful battery, equipped with an external charging outlet.
Mobile home made from an old trailer
Our trailer-trailer costs about 500,000 rubles. The amount is impressive, so if you have the opportunity to purchase an old car trailer, you can build a small motorhome with your own hands. For this you will need:
- trailer (necessarily with a strong chassis);
- wooden elements (slats, bars, carriage planks);
- plywood;
- metal profile (for roofing);
- fittings made in the same style;
- a set of appropriate tools.
Manufacturing technology
Such a motorhome will be a trailer with a rear part. By the way, it is better to make the bed the entire width of the structure - this way it will connect the side walls and thereby increase rigidity. The bay window will be manufactured later and equipped with a custom block. The door is installed of the Dutch type - it will consist of two halves.
Stage 1. The trailer is disassembled, the chassis is thoroughly cleaned and coated with anti-corrosion paint. A frame is constructed from pine boards, and supports are cut out in appropriate places.
Stage 2. A frame is constructed from slats with a cross-section of 2x2 cm; an oak slat with a cross-section of 3x3 cm is additionally installed in each corner. A horizontal slat is tied on top of the frame.
It is advisable to use lining of different thicknesses:
- for side walls – 6 mm;
- for front and rear – 19 mm.
Pay attention! For thermal insulation, you can lay the lining in two layers.
Stage 3. The floor is covered with plywood sheets. Poplar beams are used for the roof - they are screwed along the frame in increments of 30 cm. Plywood is fixed on the beams, on top of which a moisture-resistant material and a metal profile of a small cross-section are laid.
Stage 4. There will be only one window in the building (if you do not count the door) - at the top of the back wall. It is advisable to make the window in the form of a bay window.
Door lock in similar designs located below, but you can put one more - additional - on top. In addition, the door is equipped with a small casement window.
Stage 5. It is recommended to equip a table that extends from under the bed (as was once the case in trains Great Britain). For this purpose, 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 ladder are built from wood.
Letter of the law
No additional permit is required if the dimensions of the mobile home do not exceed:
- 400 cm in height;
- 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 caravans.
Organizing a mobile home business
At the construction of motorhomes it is possible to organize own business. There are four options for developing such a business.
Option #1. Making houses for sale for summer holiday or living in the country. This will not require serious material costs, since the houses will be of a simplified design - for example, without insulation.
Option #2. Rent out mobile homes. It's relative new business, and everything new can be very expensive. Number of motorhomes in in this case grows as the customer base grows.
Option #3. Make mobile eateries or shops.
Option number 4 is also the most interesting. It consists of creating 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 introduction to construction technology, watch the thematic video.
Video - DIY mobile home
For lovers of outdoor recreation and passionate car travelers, a caravan trailer becomes an indispensable item. You can cook food and spend the night comfortably in a motor home. Neither rain nor slush will interfere with a pleasant pastime.
However, factory campervans are not available to everyone. They are highly expensive even in the used version. Therefore, savvy motorists have to invent their own convenient designs. Depending on the type of recreation, they are made various options caravan trailers.
Advantages of homemade structures
- Firstly, development and production is carried out with soul. This makes a homemade camper feel warm and cozy.
- Secondly, the construction of a mobile home is carried out taking into account all the requirements of the car owner, his family or friends.
- An important advantage of self-made caravan trailers is low price manufacturing with maximum functionality.
- And finally, the design is made taking into account technical capabilities favorite car.
Budget option for a folding camper
One of the simplest and most affordable examples of a homemade camper is a tent trailer. When folded, it looks like a regular passenger trailer. But when unfolded, a tent roof appears not only over the trailer, but also over the surrounding area.
This homemade camper is based on a standard factory trailer. The modifications will concern the fastening elements of the tent base, and will also require the manufacture of a folding porch for the entrance to the “living area”. It is also important to match the existing trailer suitable model tents.
Regarding internal filling tent house, then it will need folding table And air mattresses. Such minimal comfort and coziness is suitable for fishermen when going out into the countryside for an overnight stay. This tent can provide shelter for 2-3 travelers in the warm season.
Trailer - "capsule"
Based on regular car trailer you can make a more solid structure than a tent structure. Solid walls and roof will reliably hide vacationers from the night breath of wild nature. The number of windows and doors is determined by both the external design and the convenience for family members. Kitchen utensils can be easily hidden under the hinged back cover:
- gas stove and cylinder,
- cutlery,
- dishes, etc.
When making a “capsule,” the sides of the trailer are removed. Guides made of metal corner. Using crossbars from the corner, the frame is strengthened.
The rounded shapes of the capsule are formed when installing the side walls. They can be cut from a sheet of moisture-resistant plywood. Make a flooring on top. Doors are attached using hinges, and windows are made of plexiglass or polycarbonate.
The entire structure is carefully processed sandpaper and protective paint and varnish materials. The sleeping compartment comfortably accommodates two adult travelers.
Wooden mobile home
If you have a two-axle car trailer, you can make a real wooden house. For construction you will need wooden beam, sheet plywood, hydro- and vapor barrier film, ondulin or metal tiles.
- First, the frame of the future house is made from wooden beams on the platform of a two-axle trailer.
- Next, the frame is covered with a vapor barrier material and covered with plywood.
- The roof is constructed from ondulin, corrugated sheets or metal tiles.
- Then the walls of the house are covered with a waterproofing layer. Next is the finishing of the house. wooden clapboard or plastic siding.
- All that remains is to install the door and windows, and then begin arranging the interior space.
In such a trailer-dacha a friendly and fun company or a full-fledged family. You can relax in nature in such a home from spring to late autumn. It is only important to choose a vehicle that will move the “dacha” without any problems.
Station wagon camper
An interesting option for a caravan trailer is to use the body of an old or damaged station wagon. It is important that the rear of the car is in good condition. The idea is to cut off the front of a junk car and use the rear section to make a trailer.
Before you take up the tool, you should carefully measure the dimensions of the future trailer. Particular attention should be paid to the length of the camper. The main thing is that the sleeping places correspond to the height of the owner and his companions. By removing the bulge in the floor and upgrading the cargo area, a multi-functional trailer can be created. It will be convenient to transport large items, as well as to settle down for the night.
The front part of the trailer must be reinforced around the perimeter with a rigid steel frame made from angle steel and covered with a sheet of iron or plywood. A towing device welded from a channel is mounted at the bottom of the trailer. The main door to enter the minicamper will be the trunk lid. Side doors are used when loading long items is required.
Making a caravan trailer with your own hands is quite possible. Ingenuity and imagination, as well as precise calculation and perseverance lead to the emergence of new masterpieces among mobile homes. They are roomy and cozy, comfortable and multifunctional, extravagant and compact. Only one fly in the ointment can spoil the greatness of the design in the person of the registration authority, which will refuse to register the invention. From this point of view, it is easier to modernize a used caravan trailer while preserving its documents.
Is it difficult to build on the basis of a conventional car trailer mobile home? What materials can this trailer-house-dacha be built from? What are its minimum dimensions? Which interior layout will allow you to use it most effectively interior space? Let's try to find answers to this list of questions.
Goals
Small country house- probably the most widespread hobby in the post-Soviet space over the past half century. The area of cities is growing every year, and areas are naturally moving away from the center of populated areas. Distances are sometimes measured in tens of kilometers; The most comfortable way to overcome them is to drive your own car.
At the same time, transform small area instead of permanent residence Not all summer residents are ready. The maximum that an average city family can decide to do is spend the night on their property once a week. Build for this overnight stay capital house- a dubious idea; sleeping in a car is very uncomfortable...
For summer residents who have basic skills in working with power tools, homemade summer cottage trailers are often the solution.
We have to study one of these structures, getting acquainted with the materials used and design solutions.
Acknowledgment: The photographs used in this article were kindly posted by one of the regulars of the League of Caravaners forum.
The author's work was reduced only to explaining some technical subtleties.
Selection of materials
In most cases, the base on which a compact trailer-dacha-motorhome is built is a single-axle trailer with a maximum load of no more than a ton. Taking into account the weight of household items and a couple of people, our choice is a caravan trailer weighing up to 750 kg.
The weight limitation leaves its mark on the choice of material.
- We will make the frame of the building from pine beams with a cross-section of 50 mm.
- The walls are made of 10 mm plywood (moisture-resistant or impregnated to reduce the hygroscopicity of the material and prevent it from rotting); the floor is made of 12 mm. It is also used for construction inside.
- External cladding is galvanized steel. The sheets are hemmed to the frame bar with self-tapping screws; overlaps are additionally sealed silicone sealant. External corners are reinforced aluminum corner- again with silicone sealing.
- What to choose as insulation laid between the inner and outer layers of plywood - we’ll leave it to the reader to decide. Let's give comparative thermal conductivity popular insulation materials:
A caveat: glass wool will inevitably cake over time.
It is better to use rigid insulation.
Dimensions
A reasonable minimum size of trailer required for our purposes is 2300x1600 mm. Such dimensions will allow you to build a fairly comfortable sleeping place for two people inside and leave some space for a table for a washbasin and/or gas stove.
A two-axle trailer-dacha will provide much more comfort; however, the price of such a trailer will be double or triple. Its dimensions (up to 4.5 meters in length) allow you to build a full-fledged toilet room.
A reasonable minimum height of a structure is generally 2 meters. The height can be adjusted depending on the size of the owners: it is clear that a very tall person will not want to constantly touch the ceiling with the top of their head.
Construction
So let's get started. How to build a cottage from a trailer with your own hands?
Floor, bottom trim
- The sides are completely dismantled. All that remains of the trailer is a flat area. If the horizontal base is sufficiently rigid, floor joists and trim can be attached directly to it; It is better to weld a thin flexible sheet with a frame made of corrugated pipe with a cross-section of 50x25 mm.
- Then the lower frame made of timber, laid around the perimeter, is bolted to the base; the side bars are connected by lags in increments of 20 cm (for 12 mm plywood).
As an option, the entire structure can be assembled on a stand and only then pulled to the base of the trailer.
- The logs are attached to the frame with a galvanized angle; The block must be soaked twice with hot drying oil.
Tip: instead of drying oil heated in a water bath, you can use cold drying oil.
In this case, after applying each layer, the block is heated with a construction hairdryer.
- Insulation is laid between the joists; then the floor is covered with plywood, which is attached with self-tapping screws.
Frame
The instructions for assembling the frame are no different from the construction bottom trim: the block is connected with corners using self-tapping screws. Before or after assembly, the wood is impregnated with drying oil. Do not be afraid that the frame will not be rigid enough: the sheathing will give the structure strength.
Sheathing, insulation
The finished frame begins to be sheathed from the inside. The plywood is attached with self-tapping screws 32 millimeters long in increments of approximately 25 cm. Self-tapping screws are only galvanized: in damp weather, black steel will inevitably decorate the walls with untidy rusty streaks.
Three nuances:
- The holes for the screws are pre-drilled and countersunk so that the caps do not catch on clothing. An alternative is to use self-tapping screws with semi-countersunk heads.
- Plywood with inside It must be sanded before varnishing and after applying the first layer. Any moisture will increase top layer veneer pile, which will make the surface rough.
The amount of work will be quite large, so it is better to use a grinder - even the simplest, vibrating one. If there is no electricity where you are building, there is always a way out: renting a diesel generator for a summer house costs from 1,000 rubles per day. - The outer side and ends of the plywood also need protective impregnation. And in this case, the cheapest and most practical option is two layers of hot drying oil.
The insulation is fixed in the grooves formed by the frame and internal lining, after which it is sheathed on the outside with plywood coated on both sides.
The door is assembled similarly to the walls and hung on galvanized hinges; a regular door lock or a pair of bolts is used as a lock - inside and outside.
Last stage - exterior decoration galvanized. It is fixed with self-tapping screws 25 mm long in 10 cm increments along all frame bars; then the corners are closed with a corner. Don't forget about the sealant: it will protect the corners and joints from water leakage.
The photo shows the trim ready for painting.
Windows
If you want your tiny home to have skylights, no problem.
- The opening is provided at the stage of frame construction. It is surrounded by a block with a cross-section of the same 50x50 mm.
- An alloy corner is used as an external glazing bead, screwed flush with the outer cladding with self-tapping screws. The seat under the corner is pre-coated with sealant.
- A piece of plexiglass cut to the size of the opening is placed on the sealant and fixed from the inside with a bead made from the same duralumin corner.
Internal layout
Our choice is a transformable bed-seat and folding table. The transformation mechanism will be made clear by pictures.
Useful little things
- An alternative to galvanized plywood - external cladding from corrugated sheet. According to a similar scheme, they are often built country houses from block containers.
- Do-it-yourself repair of a summer house trailer usually comes down to periodic painting of galvanized steel. Old paint removed with washes. In those few cases when the wheels, fenders or suspension of the trailer are damaged, spare parts for the trailer camper are purchased at the nearest auto store.
- The simplest way to organize ventilation is to provide a pair of hatches covered with a mosquito net in the door (bottom and top).
Conclusion
Experienced travelers know that it is not always possible to spend the night cheaply and comfortably. Therefore, when traveling long distances and having your own car, it would be a sin not to buy a towbar and hook up a caravan trailer. Essentially, this is a house on wheels - a kind of small room with a kitchen, a toilet... Well, in general, with all the objects of civilization. In such a “mini-hotel” you can not only spend the night comfortably, but even cook food for several people and have lunch there, and most importantly - completely free! And today we will look at how to make a trailer-dacha with your own hands.
Chassis and frame
The main component of any trailer is the frame. It is on this that the entire load from the metal body (the frame of the “house”) falls, and below is the bridge, beam and wheels. By the way, you won’t have any special difficulties, because the design of the trailer does not have fundamental differences from the vehicle system, with the exception of engine units. Therefore, when it is made as a chassis system, you can completely “rip out” part of the wheels, springs and other suspension parts from any old car. Any car model can be suitable for such a vehicle, be it a Volga, Moskvich or Zhiguli.
How to make a trailer-dacha with your own hands? Room design
And if the algorithm for designing a caravan trailer is practically no different from a conventional cargo version at the stages of building the chassis system and frame, then difficulties may arise with the body. The fact is that a home-made trailer-dacha should really be comfortable and practical, so even on the drawing you need to develop a plan for the design and location of all the parts. Indicate where the bedroom, kitchen will be located, and if it is a frame with a length of 5 meters or more, you can additionally install a bathroom. However, remember that every new room entails additional expenses, which means the price of the finished trailer will be significant. Moreover, in order to legally drive in such a hitch, you also need to register this vehicle with the traffic police. And this is at least several thousand dollars on top. Therefore, do not overload your trailer with unnecessary devices.
Refurbishment option
The most practical option is a design that has a built-in frame for an awning on the side (remember the legendary Soviet “Skif”). When unfolded, it forms a kind of large tent. This significantly reduces the cost of work and the effort spent on it. This home-made trailer is very functional and at the same time easy to use.
Towbar and illumination
At the final stage, it is worth taking care of how the finished structure will be attached to the car’s tow bar. Also, a homemade trailer-dacha must have a pair of brake lights and turn signals. Consider a location for the license plate in the center or on the side and install a backlight to it, preferably LED. There will definitely be such a trailer-dacha on wheels the best hotel for the traveler.
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IN Western Europe and in the United States, living, traveling or vacationing in the company of a motor home has long been widespread. The owners of such houses do not pursue large dimensions. Small ones are trending there motorhomes, but so multifunctional that they are able to independently filter their own water, generate electricity and heating using solar panels on the roof and use every centimeter of space so that a two-story van with a base area of 14 square meters looks quite good a full-fledged home.
Who is a fan of RV living in a mobile home?
In the West there are no expressed preferences, however:
- young people more often use this method not for living, but for travel and recreation, since it traditionally gravitates towards the bustling life of the city and does not need solitude;
- families in which children are growing up are already more tolerant of such a mobile home, because it able to solve some financial problems, especially in times of crisis, unemployment and more high prices for housing maintenance, as well as food;
- active retirees are ideal consumers of the motorhome style. Knowing how to drive, they enjoy traveling not only around their own country, but also around accessible foreign countries.
Trailer-dacha on wheels in Russia
The fashion for using mobile homes has recently come to Russia. The direction is developing very slowly. First of all, because of the cost, because if in the West a mobile home is really affordable housing Regarding real estate prices, in Russia such vans are more expensive than a good apartment. In addition, more than half of the country's population lives in conditions harsh winter, and insulated houses on wheels often cost as much as 2 apartments.
Types of mobile homes
Mobile homes conditionally divided into classes that describe the category of spaciousness, internal content and comfort:
- class A - looks like a bus and is closest to usual housing;
- class B - this includes a trailer that is fully equipped inside, the sleeping place is located directly in the trailer itself;
- class C - small-sized, designed for movement on the basis of an SUV or a passenger car, while the car cabin is transformed into a sleeping place.
The most budget-friendly one today existing options, is a tent trailer that disassembles at the camping site directly around the trailer.
But, if furnished trailer houses are not available to many, then a self-made cottage on wheels is more than a realistic option.
DIY transformable house
Folding transformable house on wheels passenger car will be a design panel house, in which one of the walls along the side can be folded back or removed. In this case, such a house becomes like large gazebo. Interior amenities include a table, sofas or bed, gas stove and fixed water supply.
Whichever trailer home option is chosen, a DIY mobile home on wheels will not only make owners proud of their work, but will also provide new opportunities to spend weekends with the family. After all, in order to get into nature, it is not necessary to have own plot land. You can easily travel and stay in the most attractive countryside locations.
How to make a mobile home with your own hands
The most compact, simple and budget option is a design on a single-axle trailer. Considering the weight restrictions for light trailers in the Russian Federation up to 750 kg, it is necessary to choose a durable and lightweight material.
Pine is good for this purpose:
- The frame is made of paving stones.
- The walls are covered with plywood, optimal thickness sheets are recommended 1 centimeter.
- Plywood sheets are also used for furniture - tables, beds and shelves.
- The external finish will be galvanized steel sheets installed in an overlapping pattern.
Alternatively, you can use another building material for front cladding, the main thing is that it has sufficient strength and flexibility.
Between outer skin and the frame needs to place a layer mineral wool, mineral slab or other insulating material to maintain the microclimate inside, especially in hot weather when due metal cladding the design can heat up inside above 50-60 degrees Celsius.
Do-it-yourself dacha trailer - installation of a mobile house
Installation of the structure is carried out using self-tapping screws, weak points, such as external corners, are reinforced with a metal corner.
Material protection includes:
- antiseptic strengthening impregnation for wood material;
- sealing seams with silicone compound of the outer skin;
- painting the front side.
The dimensions of the trailer may vary, but the optimal size is 2.3-2.4 x 1.5-1.6 m.
Building a house on wheels
The construction of a caravan occurs in two ways - on the trailer itself, for this its sides must be dismantled, or on a special stand, with subsequent installation on the trailer.
Windows are taken into account at the design stage and can be of different configurations - from sliding to tilting.
Ventilation is provided by the installation mosquito net. Additionally, you can consider installing a hatch in the ceiling.
A more solid solution would be a trailer-house on wheels with a base of a two-axle trailer. The principle and methodology for manufacturing such a structure are similar to the construction for a trailer on one axle. Of course, more material will be required, so the costs will increase proportionally.
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