Have you wanted to build your own RV? Not a tiny teardrop trailer, or a homemade pop up constructed from your old truck and tent, but a real, full-size RV?
Well, if so you will be interested in Chad’s story (also you might be crazy). That’s right, this creative RVer built his very own RV!
Not only did he build a 31′ Fifth Wheel, but he also added a working slide out. Amazing! If you’ve ever wanted to build an RV with a slide out this article is for you. Let’s take a look at how he did it.
The first step was research. Chad took the time to do some in depth research by watching how slide outs made in the RV factory. Once he had a good idea of the mechanical functions and the basic layout, he started making his own version.
He installed a polyurethane silicon edge with a rounded bevel edge around the opening in the trailer where the slide out would go. This allowed the floor of the slide out to rest flush with the rest of flooring of the interior.
2×6 yellow pine headers supported by 2×2 cripple studs make the opening around the slide. To keep the frame square he installed truss plates.
Chad bought rack and pinion slide out mechanicals that are powered by a 12 volt DC 30 amp motor. He wired these directly to the battery pack.
He even built his own control circuit for bringing the slide in and out with a double rocker momentary switch and two 40 amp relays.
Once the electrical part was done, he turned back to construction. A 2 x 4 was screwed and glued to the outside edge of the slide out for added support.
The floor of the slide out was made from 2 sheets of 5/8” exterior plywood laminated together. He bought 4 x 8 sheets and used Elmer’s exterior wood glue to offset the seam. To make sure he had a good bond, he placed his mover on top of the sheets. Taking these steps will ensure that you make a thick piece of wood.
He then cut the leading edge with a 60 degree bevel so the floor will pop over the poly edge and slide in seamlessly. Once this was finished, he extended the legs of the slide out as far as they could go and then trimmed them down for width. Now, when it slides out, everything is flush.
Pretty impressive! What do you think? Could you build your own slide out? Leave your comments below. Happy Building!
For more on Chad’s RV build check out the full article: The Ultimate DIY RV Project: Custom Fifth Wheel
