Self Build Guide - 10. Sourcing Components.

This is part of our self-build caravan series. This section is about sourcing the parts and materials for a caravan, camper or motorhome build.

CaravansPlus sells many of the caravan-specific components needed for a build or refurbishment, but not every base material. As a general guide, we supply most fitted caravan parts, appliances and hardware, but not the bulk shell and chassis construction materials.

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

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1. Start with a sourcing plan

A self-build project is easier if you separate the buying list into two groups:

• General building materials: steel, timber, ply, aluminium sheet and cladding.
• Caravan-specific parts: appliances, plumbing, gas, electrical fittings, doors, windows, vents, chassis accessories and cabin hardware.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it should help prospective builders see which parts usually come from a steel merchant, hardware supplier, caravan repairer or caravan parts supplier.

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2. General materials

Steel for chassis construction will normally come from steel merchants. Hardware stores are often more expensive for this type of material, while steel merchants can usually supply and deliver the lengths needed for a chassis build.

Timber for wall frames and furniture can be sourced from a good hardware store or timber supplier. Meranti or pacific maple has commonly been used for caravan framing and furniture work.

Before ordering bulk material, check the earlier chassis, wall and roof sections in the self-build series so the material list matches the build method.

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3. Specialist shell materials

• Ply wall and ceiling panels: use the correct smooth caravan-style ply where required. Grooved sheets can reduce strength and may not suit wall or ceiling use.
• Aluminium or fibreglass sheeting: these are specialist products and freight can be a major factor. Aluminium is often easier for a home builder to handle, especially when working mostly alone.
• Aluminium corner mould: usually sourced through caravan repairers or caravan material suppliers.
• PVC sheet joiners: normally sourced through a repairer or caravan supplier.

For cladding, insulation, corner mould and sealing details, see Self Build Guide - 8. Insulate, Cladding, Corners and Design Ideas.

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4. RV appliances

All installed appliances must be suitable and approved for use in Australian RVs. Caravan appliances are not always the same as household appliances, especially where gas, 12V, 240V, ventilation or travel vibration is involved.

Common appliance groups include:

• Air conditioners
• Stoves, ovens and BBQs
• Gas, compressor and absorption refrigerators
• Hot water systems
• Air heaters
• Water pumps
• 12V TVs, radios and speakers
• Washing machines

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5. Plumbing and gas fittings

Caravan plumbing and gas systems use a mix of tanks, pumps, pipe, fittings, regulators, valves, sinks, taps, shower parts and appliance connections. Keep the system simple and choose fittings that are designed to work together.

Toilets, shower components, sinks and basins are available as separate parts. We do not supply a complete shower module, but there are shower bases and components that can be used in custom layouts.

Gas work must be done by a licensed gas fitter. For water system planning, see our caravan plumbing system guide.

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6. Electrical fittings

Caravan electrical systems usually include a mix of 12V and 240V components. Lights, switches, power points, circuit protection, chargers, cable and connection parts should be planned before walls and cladding are closed in.

Fixed 240V mains wiring must be handled by a licensed electrician. Click-and-connect style 240V components can reduce installation time, but they do not remove the need for correct design, inspection and compliance.

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7. Hardware, chassis parts, doors and windows

Other common sourcing areas include cabin hardware, chassis accessories, steps, doors and windows.

• Cabin hardware: hinges, catches, vents, table legs and general cabinet hardware.
• Chassis parts: couplings, jacks, jockey wheels, axles, steps and related bolt-on parts.
• Doors and windows: caravan-specific openings with rounded corners, non-glass glazing, blinds, flyscreens and spare-part support.