DIY motorhome exteriors

Motorhome outer roof and wall modifications

A lot of initial planning must be given to what's outside the home as well.

It is important to look at whats on top so that you can mount solar panels, roof racks, or even a satellite TV antenna. The roof will vary in design and construction, and is usually constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass. Take not of the pop-rivet lines to determine exactly where the structural support beams are below. Most buses have a channel down the centre of the roof line.

Examine the quality of the guttering, as you can plumb the water drainage from the gutters into your water tanks as well. Most guttering on buses is not suitable for attaching roof rack brackets, and these would do better bolted directly to the roof supports.

If you have roof hatches, carefully consider their locations, particularly if you wish to mount a roof-top air-conditioner. Consider the area available to mount solar panels very securely on frames, and the location with regard to where your batteries and regulator will be located. It would be very inefficient to have the panels at the front of the bus and the batteries located at the rear etc.