PVC Projects for the RV

PVC projects add extra storage and versatility to recreational vehicles.Streamlined Motor Homes image by K. Geijer from Fotolia.com

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) projects for the recreational vehicle can increase your storage capacity, make it possible to take along bulky items or increase the comfort and versatility of your RV. Another appealing factor in PVC design is that the material is versatile and lightweight, a requirement for use on an RV where space and weight limitations make wood or other building materials unsuitable.

Rooftop Luggage Rack

To use PVC as a rooftop luggage rack, it is vital that you use a diameter of pipe that can stand up to the forces of highway driving. Using 1-inch or greater diameter material is the best suggestion, and additional stability can be achieved by using short lengths of pipe and reinforcing the connections. Be aware that there are height restrictions for all vehicles, generally with a maximum height of less than 15 feet. This may not seem to matter on the open road, but many highway overpasses are built to meet this requirement and violating this limitation could result in the loss of property as well as civil penalties.

The lightness of PVC makes it highly suitable for use as an awning support for your RV expeditions. You can build an attachable awning, or create a retractable awning that rolls up and stores in place on the side or rear of the RV. This project requires several lengths of PVC pipe, a canvas or other waterproof covering, some rope and a hand-crank reel. For added comfort, install clips around the outer edge of the awning where removable netting will help you keep insects away from your relaxation.

A rectangular rack made from PVC is a lightweight and versatile rack on which to mount solar panels. The rack can be mounted above the door of the RV and hinged to allow it to swivel down against the side of the RV when not in use.

If you plan to park the RV at a favorite camping site, generating your own hot water without using any power is an attractive idea. The most basic PVC solar water heater is nothing more than network of connected pipes that are filled with water and exposed to direct sunlight for several hours. For best results, paint the pipe a flat black so that it will absorb more heat than it reflects. Solar water heaters can be mounted on the top or rear end of an RV and filled at potable water stations before setting out for a day's driving.