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RV walls are part of the structural integrity of an RV, providing support, insulation, and soundproofing from the outdoors. The walls in an RV have a big responsibility in terms of structure, and with so many different types of RVs on the market today, it’s no surprise to learn that RV walls are often made from different materials.
So, what are RV walls made of?
RV walls are typically made from composite plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or vinyl. Azdel and fiberglass are also used in the construction of some RV walls, though this can vary between different RVs. Each of these materials has pros and cons, but with maintenance and care, RV walls should last a while.
RVs come in all different shapes and sizes, and often this means the materials they are constructed from vary too. Budget-friendly camper van walls and those in a luxury Class A RV will likely be constructed with different materials, but the goal of RV walls remains the same. They are in place to provide structure and support to the rig and allow us to travel and live our lives in comfortable privacy regardless of the location.
What Are RV Walls Made Of?
Despite there being a vast array of materials involved in the construction of RVs, RV walls tend to be made from one of three different materials. Making an RV feel like a home and less like a vehicle can be tricky, but changing the wallpaper, painting the walls, and hanging decorative belongings can transform the space quickly and effectively.
Composite Plywood
Plywood is essentially thin sheets of wood that have been pressed tightly together, resulting in one large sheet. In RV walls, composite plywood is a commonly used material and means either plastic or additives have been used in the layering process, enhancing the durability and strength of the walls.
Along with being attractive and relatively easy to work with, composite plywood RV walls add to the stability of a camper van. They help aid in easier construction as the plywood is a firm material, able to be cut to size and fixed in place without too much fuss. Plywood can also withstand items being hung from the walls, which is good news for upgrading RV interiors!
Although the plastic components in composite plywood help keep the material robust, it doesn’t fare too well against water. When exposed to leaks for an extended time, mold or algae can grow on the plywood, which will need to be replaced if the damage is severe. Keeping an eye out for leaks around your RV in the wet season is a good idea, and means you can dry any wet spots and fix leaks fast before any serious damage occurs.
Pros:
- Easy to work with
- Durable
- Customizable with paint or wallpaper
Cons:
- Can become moldy with moisture
- Not water-resistant
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Similar to composite plywood, MDF is a popular option for RV walls and construction for a few reasons. MDF is engineered from sawdust and wood fibers that are bonded together and pressed between veneers to create one large sheet. It’s a lightweight, affordable material many RVs are constructed with, and like plywood, it’s also easy to work with.
The inner materials of MDF are glued and compacted together, making it a strong material, but only for as long as the glue lasts. Compared to quality plywood, the lifespan of MDF is notably less, generally due to the glue no longer being able to hold the material together. Once the glue can no longer do its job, the entire MDF sheet will start to deteriorate which can happen rapidly when traveling in RVs through varying temperatures and bumpy terrain.
It may not last forever, but MDF can be found in a large number of rigs on the road, and over the years, RV manufacturers have worked to make the best quality and most functional MDF for their camper vans. With composite plywood prices rising substantially, MDF is a wallet-friendly material option. Just be cautious of getting standard MDF wet as it isn’t very water resistant and may result in mold growth.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons:
- Short lifespan
- Standard MDF isn’t waterproof
- Can grow mold if left damp
Vinyl
Over the last few years, vinyl has grown in popularity in the RV world, and now is a standard material many RVs are constructed with. Vinyl is composed of plastic, which, unlike MDF and plywood, means the material is waterproof. This is great news for RVs as leaks are a common problem to face, especially in the depths of winter. Vinyl RV walls aren’t subject to mold or mildew growth, and overall, they look pretty good too!
Vinyl was once a highly-priced material, but thankfully prices have come down and now it is considered an affordable option. It’s available in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making it ideal for use in RVs where interior decor is important. It’s even possible to purchase vinyl that looks like wood, making for a cabin-like, cozy RV interior. Having these options available means more individuality between RVs which can be hard to achieve.
In comparison to composite plywood and MDF, vinyl RV walls can withstand water damage and be cleaned effortlessly thanks to the smooth material. The biggest drawback with vinyl RV walls is that they can start to show signs of wear and tear after only a couple of years. This isn’t ideal as it means potentially replacing the vinyl several times throughout RV ownership, however, as vinyl is affordable, it won’t cost too much to upgrade and install new material.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Available in various sizes, colors, and textures
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Shows signs of wear and tear easily
- Less durable than plywood or MDF
How Thick Are RV Walls?
The materials of RV walls can vary, and so can the thickness of the walls in general. More affordable budget-friendly RVs may have thinner walls of 1.25”-1.5” while other, higher priced RVs may have walls closer to 2-2 ½” thick. This is substantially less than the walls in typical houses and buildings, but it means the overall weight of the rig is kept low, and there’s still room for insulation and soundproofing in the walls.
When performing some DIY in your rig or fixing up any damage, it’s vital to be cautious when screwing or nailing into RV walls. As they are on the thinner side, it can be easy to use screws too big, or even hit a wire or similar hidden behind the walls. Opting for smaller screws is a safe bet, and knowing what’s behind the wall you’re working on is even better!
RVs are known for having thin walls, and the insulation in some rigs isn’t quite up to scratch, particularly when heading off and adventuring throughout the cold months. Upgrading the insulation in your RV walls is wise for cold-season travel, and will ensure you stay warm and cozy, even when snowflakes begin to fall outside.
Can You Decorate RV Walls?
RVs are often not the most attractive of vehicles, but one way to combat and improve this is by adding some personal style and flair to the rig. This can be done on the exterior by painting or adding decals, but decorating the interior of an RV is a whole different story. When purchasing an RV from new, it’s often possible to choose internal features such as the color palette, fabrics throughout, and positioning of furniture.
Although this provides some freedom with RV aesthetics, travelers and those living full-time in their rigs are often looking for something a little more personal. Decorating the RV walls is a great way to bring some color and character to the inside of a rig, but it can be difficult to know exactly how to decorate the RV walls.
Screwing and nailing into the walls can be risky, especially if you’re not sure where studs, wires, and other components may be. Before hanging pictures on the walls, be sure to check where wires and studs may be to the best of your ability.
An infrared thermometer may be helpful to expose where studs are, but if you’re in doubt, it may be a better option to use wallpaper or hooks in the RV instead, as talked about in the video below:
Some adhesive tapes may even be strong enough to use to hang things on RV walls, but it’s vital to choose an adhesive able to handle the often questionable terrain RVs drive on! Any bumps and jolts while the RV is in motion can lead to decorative pieces coming away from the wall and potentially getting damaged.
Closing Thoughts
RV walls can be made from various materials, and each one has a different price tag and capability. Composite plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and vinyl can all be found throughout different RVs, and each material has upsides and downsides worth considering. Taking care to maintain RV walls by keeping an eye out for leaks or any sides of deterioration will help keep your rig on the road and in better condition for longer.