Self Build Guide - 1. Layout & Overview

Article by Steve Smith - Caravans Plus

Read Time: 5 mins

This is part of our self-build caravan series. This section is the layout and build-order overview before you move into workspace, compliance, chassis and construction details.

The layout is the position of all the fixtures: beds, door, windows, fridge, kitchen, bathroom, cupboards and walkway. A good layout makes the van easier to build, easier to load correctly and nicer to live in.

For the full series, start with Ever Wanted To Build or Rebuild a Caravan?.

1. Do not reinvent the wheel

There are hundreds of caravan designs already out there. It is a good idea to take a lot of inspiration from existing designs because manufacturers have already put thought into weight distribution, walkways, head clearance, storage, bed access, window positions and service access.

You will still have plenty of opportunity to make design decisions while building your van, but it is usually better to stay close to a layout and set of dimensions you have seen working in a real caravan.

Visit caravan dealers, look at floorplans online, and take notes on what works. Then adapt carefully rather than starting from a blank page.

2. Construction sequence

This is a tried and tested method that provides a strong cabin with low weight.

Build, buy or reuse an existing chassis. Fit suspension, water tanks and underfloor plumbing.
Level up the chassis, without wheels, then glue and screw your ply flooring.
Build a side wall frame, then glue and staple the ply to the frame. Pop rivets can be used for an aluminium frame.
Stand and brace the wall in position. It secures to the side of the chassis. Repeat for the other side.
Add any larger furniture modules that will not fit through the door later.
Build the front and rear similar to the roof. These can overlap the wall ends, depending on your construction method.
Build roof sections in manageable sections, such as 2400mm long. These sit on top of the walls and butt to each other.
Build modular furniture and fix it to the floor, walls and ceiling.
Add wiring, plumbing and insulation inside the walls.
Only then add the cladding and external edging.
Lastly add the windows, doors, vents and hatches.

3. Layout checks before you start

Before planning your layout, take these extra points into account:

Mudguards limit what furniture can be located over the wheel area.
Doors are usually best located near the wheels for greatest ground clearance below the step.
Appliances that exhaust fumes should not back onto the annex side.
Doors in the rear wall can allow dust to enter the caravan.
Avoid low cupboards above the sink and benches.
Aim for about 10% of loaded weight on the tow ball, with or without water in tanks.
Avoid long lengths of side wall that do not attach to furniture or partitions.
Check that beds, bathroom doors and fridge doors can actually open in the finished space.
Think about where heavy items will sit, including water tanks, batteries, fridge, spare wheel and tool storage.

The best layout is not just the one that fits on paper. It also needs to be buildable, serviceable and balanced when loaded for travel.

4. Layout design ideas

The examples below are included as layout ideas. Use them to compare door position, bed style, kitchen location, bathroom position, seating and storage, rather than copying one blindly.