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Introduction

This article navigates the challenging choice of selecting the perfect paneling for camper walls, exploring a wide array of options from wood to aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. By addressing the importance of the right paneling, and various considerations involved such as durability, cost, ease of installation and aesthetic appeal, the article provides a comprehensive guide to ensure your camper is not only comfortable and beautiful, but also durable and efficient.

Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Paneling

The choice of RV wall panels determines the weight, strength, thermal insulation performance, waterproof performance, and even appearance of the body. This is something that camper manufacturers have to consider, and it is very important to find safe and reliable RV wall panel materials. Our RV interior liner panel is a series of foam core sandwich panels that combine low weight with high mechanical stability.

Exploring the Different Options for Camper Wall Paneling

The choice of RV wall panels determines various aspects of the vehicle. There are many types of wall panels to consider - you can opt for foam sandwich panels such as XPS, PU, PET, or PVC. They offer low weight with high mechanical stability. Other options include FRP Foam Core Composite Panels, which are light and strong, and you can always opt for the traditional plywood, but they have limitations. Keep in mind that high-quality composite panels must withstand harsh environments.

Wood

Right from the start, we knew we wanted wood paneling finish in our DIY camper van conversion. It is fairly easy to obtain a nice & clean finish with the tongue and groove paneling: each plank will sit flush to the adjacent planks, creating a uniform & continuous surface. The planks are relatively thin at 5/16” thickness, making them flexible enough to conform to the van’s funky surfaces. We did not sand the planks, but we finished them with varnish to protect them against a spaghetti incident. The wood paneling is screwed into the plywood furring strips every two feet or so.

Aluminum

All-Rite offers a wide range of custom-made RV aluminum siding built to your exact specifications. Many RV owners prefer aluminum siding material because it’s affordable and provides effective insulation. Plus, repairing specific areas on your RV is often easier with this type of siding, as you can remove and restore just the damaged sections. Aluminum is also lightweight and allows you to pull your RV or trailer with lower capacity vehicles. At All-Rite Custom Manufacturing, we offer high-quality metal RV siding products in a variety of colors and styles. We also provide customization services to help you achieve your desired look.

Vinyl

RV Vinyl Paneling Carlo Fawn/ Alaskan mineral costs $39.95, available in 4' X 8' Sheet Color with a Fawn or similar color pattern. The vinyl coating makes these panels durable, resistant to scratches, dents, termites, and prevent water seepage that could damage the walls and panels. The batten strip that comes with the color breeze is compatible with the breeze RV paneling. These strips are covered with a decorative vinyl, high on aerodynamics, providing smoother rides and saving fuel costs, making them economical in the long run.

Fiberglass

When you build your motorhome, you may consider TOPOLO composite RV fiberglass panels. RV fiberglass panels are sandwich-structured composite materials. Its surface is a fiberglass-reinforced plastic sheet, and the core is various foam, honeycomb, or plywood. FRP composite panel does not produce dents due to its high surface strength and good toughness. It has moisture resistance, reduced weight, will not rust and is more durable. Fiberglass composite panels are undoubtedly one of the best options for lightweighting in RV construction.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Each Option

RV walls are usually covered in plywood or medium density fiberboard. In higher end campers, you may see vinyl paneling used. On ceilings, you'll find fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) or PVC. Plywood is affordable, straightforward to install, and strong. However, it can serve as a growth medium for mold and mildew. MDF is less expensive and easy to paint but is heavy, easy to damage, and can mold. FRP is strong, moisture resistant, and easy to clean, but it's expensive, hard to install, and its installation glue contains volatile organic compounds. PVC is durable, moisture resistant, and recyclable, but it's tricky to paint and is initially expensive.

Key Considerations When Choosing Your Camper Wall Paneling

If you're remodeling the interior of a previously owned RV, consider two key product characteristics before buying a new RV interior wall material: Durability and Moisture and water resistance. RV walls tend to get beat up from items falling during travel, occupants bumping. An ideal RV wall cladding solution should withstand contact and impact. Water damage and mold growth are the most common culprits behind owners needing to replace their interior walls and ceilings, so choose a moisture resistant solution.

Price

The biggest benefit of aluminum siding is price. Aluminum RVs with aluminum siding can be thousands of dollars less expensive than RVs with fiberglass siding. Aluminum paneling is perfect for the first time buyer so they can tell if they enjoy owning an RV. However, the wear and tear greatly affects the resale value of your RV. So if or when you decide to sell your RV, it may not fetch a higher price if you have chosen aluminum paneling.

Durability

Composite plywood is quite durable and does not break off easily. However, it is still prone to get damaged in case it comes in contact with water. Vinyl is simply a highly durable form of plastic, making it an obvious choice to avoid water damage. A great disadvantage of vinyl is that it is the least durable option of all. Generally, even without excessive wear and tear, vinyl material will start showing signs of damage within a couple of years after installation.

Installation Difficulty

Replacing RV wall paneling is a very doable DIY project. You may be faced with removing RV wall paneling, which can seem like a difficult job. However, when planned out and done properly, it is actually very manageable. There is a chance there will be electrical, plumbing, or both in the wall you are working on, so care must be taken. This job requires only a few basic tools and supplies, and items need to be removed from the wall before you can start.

Maintenance Requirements

The composite panels that make up the walls of the Boreas adventure camper are durable, lightweight, and stain, abrasion and moisture resistant. The composite substrate used will not mold or degrade, and the thick gelcoat on the outside protects the camper and makes repairs easier. Keep your panels looking new with some periodic maintenance. Keep it clean – wash the exterior of your trailer using a mild liquid detergent. Depending on the exposure to the elements, wash and wax the exterior every 3-6 months. A water tight seal is necessary to maintain the integrity of the composite wall system.

Aesthetics

From the pattern mixing to the shiplap walls, aesthetics heavily influence camper wall design. Designers add interest to any wall in any space with quick faux shiplap DIYs. The goal is to create comfortable, cozy spaces full of charm, hence why farmhouse style is the most popular design aesthetic in the RV renovation community. Coupled with modern farmhouse decor trends and the desire to give off Joanna Gaines vibes, aesthetics plays a crucial role in selecting camper wall paneling.

Conclusion: Putting It All Together to Choose the Right Paneling for You

Ultimately, choosing the right panelling for your camper walls involves taking into account a multitude of factors including durability, moisture resistance, weight, and the potential for maintenance and repairs, as well as aesthetic preference. It's about balancing your desires and needs against practicality and cost to make the best decision for your specific situation. With this guide, the process of choosing will become more straightforward and less daunting.