Do-it-yourself mobile sauna: 3 popular options for a camping steam room

A real Russian bathhouse is one of the favorite vacation spots among our people. Steam, brooms, cold water after a bathhouse - all these are integral attributes of real Russian leisure. However, after gatherings in the bathhouse with friends, one problem remains - how to get home now, especially if it is far from home.

But modern businessmen know what to do. It is necessary to offer visitors not only to visit the bathhouse, but also to deliver it directly to where they want and then take it back. An autobath on wheels is no longer a fairy tale, but a reality.

Peculiarities

Previously, there was no opportunity to take a steam bath in public recreation areas. An excellent solution was the arrangement of mobile steam rooms. If you work away from a populated area, then a bathhouse on wheels will provide you with the opportunity to wash yourself. This is relevant for geologists. Among some of the advantages of mobile baths it is worth noting:

1. There is no need to obtain permission to build a bathhouse.
2. No need to pour the foundation.
3. You can place a bathhouse on wheels in any convenient place.

The Russian mobile bathhouse has a traditional layout: a steam room and a place to relax. The stove can run on wood, gas or electricity. Internal lining – natural wood. The steam room capacity is up to 6 people.

Getting ready to build a mobile steam room

The following materials are used to equip the bathhouse.

1. Timber - traditionally a material with a cross-section of 150x150 mm is used (it is not recommended to use birch wood due to its rapid rotting).
2. Insulation.
3. Boards for floor and ceiling.
4. Vapor barrier.
5. Roofing covering.
6. Lining made of natural wood with shrinkage of 20% or less. Such wood has low thermal conductivity, which reduces the cost of heating a bathhouse.

You will have to take thin lining: it weighs less and saves space, albeit insignificant. But such lining has one unpleasant feature: it swells more and warps more. Therefore, when nailing it, make small gaps to prevent swelling. Accordingly, select a profile such that these gaps are invisible.

You will also need the following tools:

• building level;
• roulette;
• square;
• electric drill;
• Screwdriver Set;
• hammer;
• pliers.

After preparing the materials and tools, you can begin building the bathhouse. Calculation of material consumption for a mobile steam room depends on its size. It must be remembered that the frame structure of the bathhouse is not intended for heavy loads, which means that you need to correctly calculate the permissible weight of the necessary materials.

To calculate the required volume of material, for example, for a bathhouse made of timber, the length of the perimeter of the building is multiplied by the height of the steam room and the thickness of the timber.

The basis of a mobile steam room

To make your own sauna on wheels, you need to purchase a suitable base. It could be:

• trailer for a car;
• all-terrain vehicle/truck (URAL/ZIL/GAZ);
• platform frame on wheels;
• minibus/bus (GAZelle/Ikarus/PAZ).

This means that you can make a bathhouse that is inseparable from a vehicle, make it on a trailer or on a mobile platform that can be loaded as needed.

The technology for arranging a mobile bathhouse is almost similar to arranging a stationary steam room.

Trailer

Bathhouse trailers must have a mass that does not exceed the weight of the tractor, i.e., a passenger car. Additional supports must prevent the trailer from swaying during operation. The internal space is divided into a steam room and a dressing room. Due to limited space, there are no water tanks in such a bathhouse.

This means that you should take bath procedures only if you park your car near a pond. If necessary, you can heat water on the stove. You can drain the water through a hole located in the floor. So, the liquid will flow directly onto the ground under the wheels of the trailer.

Converted buses/trucks

A truck converted into a bathhouse
If you want to make a spacious mobile steam room, then you should think about how to convert a bus. If you make it on the basis of the Ikarus bus, then the capacity of the bathhouse will be up to 15 people. This bathhouse is equipped with:

• shower compartment;
• steam room for 5 people;
• rest room;
• auto toilet;
• video bar stand.

Bus steam room

The disadvantage of Ikarus is its low cross-country ability. In view of this, Soviet-era army trucks are the most popular for arranging mobile baths. These SUVs will allow you to steam near your favorite lake, even if there is no proper access to it.

Preparing the frame of the cabin

First you need to decide on the skeleton of the temporary structure. It can be wooden or metal.

Advantages of the first: environmental friendliness, good thermal insulation properties. If it is transported assembled, it will undergo deformation, but it has a small mass.

The second one is durable and does not deform. Corner posts are welded to steel channels. It is ineffective to use as a portable one, since special equipment is required.

A popular change house is made from a container measuring 6 m by 3 m. The frame is based on two rectangles. They are connected by vertical posts. Thanks to frame technology, the walls and top frame can be assembled on the ground. However, when installing the frame, you must use a level and a square.

The lower rectangle is additionally strengthened in the middle with a support beam. To attach the parts to each other, you need to use screws and anchors; metal corners will increase strength.

The roof is made at an angle. Therefore, the height of the front pillars is raised by 50 cm relative to the rear ones. Then 2 pieces are placed vertically on the end, 4 on the front façade, 3 on the back, windows, doors and their location are taken into account. A step of 1.5 m is preferable.

The top of the corner rods is connected to diagonal braces on both sides (10x4 cm board). For additional racks in the corners that are not fixed by windows and doors, the same braces are attached to each one. The front upper beam is located higher than the lower one. Used to connect to rafters. A pitched roof is easy to install and convenient.

Documentation

All sorts of non-standard vehicles can arouse interest among traffic police officers, and quite justifiably so. The parameters and dimensions of any car/SUV/bus, even a converted one, must meet certain standards that ensure safe travel on the road. Therefore, before making a car bath, consider the height and side projections of the structure.

Another important point, which we already talked about a little above, is the maximum weight load of the car. If you make the bathhouse too heavy, it will immediately turn from mobile to sedentary. If you plan to use the autobath for business, then you need to register an individual enterprise (individual enterprise).

How to choose a bathhouse layout?

When planning to build a bathhouse, you should think about its layout - this is an issue on which the comfort and convenience of relaxation depends. Of course, you can choose a suitable project with the help of specialists, but it is still advisable to have at least a little idea of ​​the desired result yourself.

When choosing a bathhouse layout, you should pay attention to the location of the premises and the amount of free space on the land plot. It would be a good idea to take into account the number and age of family members, as well as their wishes.

Drafting

The first step is to make a bathhouse design on paper or electronically. This will allow you to assess the proportionality of the future steam room and select building materials. Here it is important to take into account everything, down to the smallest detail - the total weight of the structure, the load on the wheel axle, as well as the power of the furnace.

The bathhouse sways when moving along Russian roads, so it is important to correctly design the centers of gravity - the stove and the ceiling. A step and a grate from the floor will be used as a counterweight.

If you have enough space in a mobile bathhouse design, then its design should include the following mandatory zones:

• steam room;
• shower;
• dressing room

Steam room
As an addition, the steam room can be equipped with a dry closet, as well as tanks for cold/hot water. In this case, the mobile bathhouse can be used regardless of whether there is a body of water near the recreation area or not.

When planning a bathhouse on wheels, you should think about the presence/absence of window openings. They are sources of heat loss, so in any case, windows should have minimal dimensions. In principle, you can completely abandon windows in a mobile bathhouse. This is a fairly secluded place for relaxation and prying eyes will be unnecessary here.

According to safety regulations, doors in mobile bathhouses must open outward. This point is important to consider during the design process.

The underground part will ensure the strength of the structure

If you need to use a temporary shed for a season or two, then you can do without a reliable foundation.

In other cases, it is necessary to determine the type of soil, freezing depth, groundwater level, because they affect the height of the foundation. On dry soils, it is recommended to deepen it by half a meter. On wet fine sand, sandy loam, clay, loam, lay to the freezing depth (no less).

To connect the structure with the underground part of the booth, use a hinge connection, secure it rigidly, and place it on top (support it).

Lighter structures, temporary ones, are sometimes placed on pillars-chairs.

Tile is suitable for loose, marshy soils.

Piles are indispensable on difficult soils, near bodies of water. They are rarely installed in dachas.

In the form of continuous strips

This underground part is ideal for heavy baths. Installation on heterogeneous soil, sandy, clayey, rocky is possible. They dig a trench around the perimeter. Cover with coarse sand (15 cm), spill with water, and roll with a board. Then - a layer of crushed stone and gravel. Determine the width of the tape. Marked with metal rods.

Arrangement of formwork (from boards, plywood) begins from the corners. They are checked with a laser level and a rangefinder. They must be straight. Otherwise, distortions of windows and doors will occur.

To give elasticity and reliability, pins, channels, and reinforcing mesh are placed in the formwork.

Pillar base

Pillar construction is used for frame houses and small wooden buildings. Not suitable for clayey, mobile soils. Blocks are often used for supports. To suit their size, holes are dug around the perimeter and inside the markings. Rubble and sand are poured. The bottom is compacted. They use the principle of fired brick masonry. The supports are strengthened with cement mortar.

If the pillars are made of concrete, then formwork is required for each. The pits are made in increments of 1.5-2 m. In order to evenly distribute the load of the bathhouse on the pillars, they are connected with a beam.

General for foundation soles

The construction of each underground part has its own nuances. However, there is a commonality.

It consists:

• in the correct choice of location, putting the site in order;
• in carefully determining the dimensions, taking into account the edge (the part of the foundation protruding beyond the building);

Marking is carried out using a rope, construction meter, and pegs. Precision is important. Otherwise, deformation of the walls cannot be avoided.

Further actions

It is necessary to provide an access road for equipment to transport materials.

You can independently perform work consisting of the following main stages:

• digging a trench, hole, foundation pit (depending on the type of base);
• design of the sand cushion (wetting with water, tamping);
• drainage;
• formwork installation (necessarily pins, reinforcement);
• concreting;
• removal of formwork.
• installation of waterproofing.

To avoid the appearance of cracks, the foundation is periodically moistened and covered with film.

Taking the design assignment as a basis, working drawings are executed. They highlight incomprehensible aspects: what screws to use, what material to use for insulation. To avoid problems during the operation of the structure, it is necessary to take into account many factors. It is better to create project documentation by specialists who have experience in developing and implementing various solutions for objects.

Arrangement of stiffeners. Frame

The beginning of arranging a mini-sauna on wheels is the dismantling of unnecessary elements. Since the structure will experience constant load, a load-bearing frame should be made. Weld metal profiles onto its base and attach stiffeners.

When arranging a bathhouse in a trailer, the frame should be assembled from ready-made elements. You can make them yourself or order them.

So, the frame assembly process consists of the following steps:

1. Assembling the floor from support beams and boards.
2. Installation of the floor on the structural frame.
3. Installation of wall frame.
4. Assembly of walls.
5. Installation of roof support beams and rafter elements.
6. Cover the roof with a metal profile.

You can cover the roof only after installing the stove. The same is true for interior/exterior wall decoration.

Electric lighting should be made of heat-resistant wiring. To do this, use heat-resistant and waterproof lamps. But what if you want to make a mobile sauna in an old SUV? For example, such as URAL, ZIL or GAZ? The technological process is practically no different. The only thing is that the steam room is installed instead of the body. By the way, a truck base will make a more stable bathhouse than a car trailer.

DIY construction

You can build a bathhouse from a change house on your own if there is a plan. It will allow you to make correct calculations and determine the location of the premises.

You should design step by step how to build a small bathhouse complex with your own hands.

1. Plan. Put your preferences on paper.
2. Choose a place to locate (for permanent residence, temporary).
3. Think through communications.
4. Placement of piles or low support above the ground.
5. Assembly, installation of the frame.
6. Installation of roofing.
7. Wall cladding outside and inside.
8. Fastening doors and windows.
9. Insulation.

You will need tools and materials. You should prepare everything in advance and draw up instructions.

Thermal insulation

In order for a bathhouse on wheels to be reliable, it must be properly insulated. The optimal width of the thermal insulation cake for a mobile structure is 15 cm. The sequence of thermal insulation is:

• Installation of sheathing made of beams with a cross-section of 6 cm.
• Laying vapor barrier and mineral wool.
• Heat reflector flooring, such as foil.
• The joints of the foil should be sealed with tape.
• Installation of counter lathing.

If you are making a bathhouse in an old truck, then thermal insulation should be applied to the walls. In all other cases - on a metal frame covered with wood.

Bathhouse layouts with dimensions

3x4 bath layout

The 3x4 bathhouse layout includes three rooms, one of which is a relaxation room. The second and third are intended for both washing and steam rooms. Such projects are ideal for small areas, as they take up very little space. As a rule, they are intended for use by a small family in the summer, but at the same time these types of baths are quite functional. Sedentary steam baths are equipped with shelves and a heater.

Standard layout of a small bathhouse 3x4 m

4x4 sauna layout

You can make several small and compact rooms in a bathhouse measuring 4x4 m.

4x4 sauna layout

In this bathhouse, as you can see, one room is ideal, for example, for a dining room or kitchen. Also in the drawing, in room number 2 there is a small bathroom, which will be very important in the winter, so as not to go outside for this purpose.

Bathhouse layout 3x5

A 3x5 m bathhouse with an attic is a small but quite functional structure at a very reasonable cost. Passing through the terrace, you will immediately find yourself in the relaxation room. The paired room has standard dimensions - 2x2 m. In the recreation room there is a staircase leading to the second floor, where you can arrange a guest room.

4x6 bath layout

The layout of the 4x6 m bathhouse is more functional and is intended for simultaneous use by several people. Naturally, it occupies a fairly impressive area, and its construction is accompanied by significant financial costs. The main room is divided in such a way that two people can fit in the steam room at the same time, while there is still a sufficient amount of free space in the rest rooms. When constructing such baths, the presence of ventilation is a prerequisite.

Layout of a 6x4 m bathhouse with an attic and a terrace for summer relaxation

Bathhouse layout 6x6

A 6x6 m bathhouse is a very spacious room, the layout of which depends on the choice of stove and the number of family members. Very often, large brick ovens are built in such baths, which take a long time to heat up, but also take a long time to cool down.

Layout of a spacious two-story bathhouse with dimensions 6x6 m

If desired, you can install a metal stove, which heats up quickly and does not require a foundation.

Of course, finances play a primary role in choosing the type of bathhouse, but even the smallest bathhouse can be a fairly comfortable structure that perfectly performs its main functions.

Interior decoration

The interior lining of a bathhouse on wheels is no worse than its stationary counterpart. After thermal insulation, finishing and decorating the interior of the bathhouse should be carried out. For these purposes, it is best to use lining made of linden, alder, aspen, etc. A block house and planed boards are also suitable. For lining the dressing room - coniferous wood, for the shower - tiles, preferably non-slip, for floors - tongue and groove boards.

In the interior you should place:

1. Folding/pull-out shelves.
2. Tanks with hot/cold water (if space allows).
3. A bench for rest.
4. Shower stall/combi toilet.
5. Folding table.
6. TV/cassette player.
7. A small chest of drawers with plastic dishes, cosmetics and towels.
8. Additional accessories upon request (brooms, hourglasses, etc.).

To prevent fixed products from falling during movement, they must be properly secured.

Finishing work in the steam room

The high temperature in the steam room is not conducive to covering the walls with coniferous wood. Linden has a positive effect on the human body. It has a pleasant aroma as a result of the release of essential oils.

The ceiling is hemmed with hardwood.

The floor is finished with ceramic tiles. The choice of colors is wide. It will serve for a long time. Wooden floors are made from larch. A slope to the drain, which is equipped with a siphon, is required.

External wall covering

The outside of the container is sheathed with slats, plastic, and siding. The wood is impregnated with special agents against fungi, rot, and moisture. Then a thermal insulation layer is laid. Then they are sheathed with finishing material. The technology is similar to internal work.

Sandwich panels are used as wall materials. They are used to cover facades.

A metal analogue is suitable for galvanized corrugated sheets for external coating. It will look great on the outside and is corrosion resistant.

Furnace installation

The best option for a stove for a mobile sauna is to install a potbelly stove with a welded side, which is adapted for heating water. It is also important to arrange a platform for the heater. For safety reasons, the firebox must go outside. This will also help save space inside the bathhouse, since firewood will not take up space in the room. In addition, smoke will come out. After the sauna warms up to +60ºС, you can get down to business.

When moving the sauna, the stones for dry steam may roll and fall, as a result of which the sauna equipment may be damaged. This problem is eliminated if flat stones are drilled and strung on strong metal wire. So, you can transport them without problems.

Ceramic insulators often replace the familiar filling of the heater. They are easier to put on a wire than stones, and they produce no less steam than cobblestones.

Types and layouts of baths by type of “nationality”

Roman bath

The Roman bath (therma) consists of several rooms, the first of which is called the “apoderium” and is intended for undressing. Next comes the following - a warm room called a “tepidarium”, then a hot (“calidrium”) and steam room (“laconium”) room, the temperature in which reaches about 85 degrees. This is followed by a cooling and aromatic room called the “lavarium”.

Detailed drawing of the layout of a Roman bath

Irish bath

Irish baths are somewhat similar to Roman ones - they have several rooms with different temperatures - 25, 35 and 50 degrees. While washing, you need to go into each of them and take a good steam.

Russian bath

As a rule, a Russian bathhouse is a wooden building, which consists of two sections: a dressing room and a steam room. In the last compartment, a stove with stones is installed - a heater.

The simplest layout of a small Russian bath

A mandatory element of any Russian bathhouse is a low bench for washing, a high bench for a parka and a broom. The broom is used to warm up and massage individual muscle groups and parts of the body.

Finnish bath (sauna)

The main feature of the Finnish bath is that it has increased dryness and air temperature. This feature is due to the fact that the inhabitants of this cold country prefer to steam in a hot bath with hot air.

In this video you can see the main differences between a Finnish sauna and a Russian bath

Japanese bath

The most popular types of Japanese baths are ofuro and santo. The first of them is a barrel containing hot water (up to 60 degrees) with medicinal herbs and sawdust. The maximum time you can sit in this barrel is 10 minutes. Santo is distinguished by one interesting point - while taking a hot bath, a person must chew on a piece of ice, which improves sweating.

Exterior finishing

If you want to make a cozy bath not only inside, but also outside, then use wooden siding as cladding. Agree that plastic banners with painted logs are completely devoid of comfort. If you add carved frames on small windows, cute steps and kerosene lanterns to the wooden cladding, your autobath will be truly charming.

For safety reasons, the door to the bathhouse should be installed so that it opens not inward, but outward.

Other bath rooms

When the premises are planned correctly, the procedures will benefit the body.

It’s comfortable in a bathhouse if there is somewhere:

• steam;
• relax;
• wash.

Many people equip a bathroom (small in size) at the expense of other premises during the construction stage. Although an analogue is a dry closet. There is no need to connect communications to it. If there is enough space, then a bathroom is welcome.

The dressing room is a connecting link; entrance is provided in any direction. Bath complexes are equipped with additional premises:

• swimming pool;
• billiard room;
• gym.

The sauna is becoming popular; it is distinguished by dry air. The temperature there is high and the humidity is low. Therefore, you will think about where to organize a sauna. A change house or a block container will do; you need to choose which is better and faster to equip.

Safety precautions

“Maybe it will work out” - we have probably heard this original Russian phrase, which allows us to violate safety regulations with a clear conscience, many times already. However, the same cannot be said about the ability to steam while the autobahn is moving. This kind of “maybe it will cost” can cost you too much.

You can only take a steam bath in the bathhouse parking lot. This way, you will avoid unnecessary injuries and burns.

The movement of the autobath can only be combined with the heating of the stove under supervision. This will allow you to warm up the bathhouse to the required temperature by the time you arrive at the place of temporary deployment.

Bathhouse design

You can use a standard bathhouse design. But more often, homeowners create their own.

To prevent the room from being upset later, you should consider:

• dimensions, how many people to count on, the number of premises required;
• access to water (well, natural storage, central supply);
• sewerage (autonomous, centralized), it may be necessary to coordinate with the water utility, fire organization;
• location, whether it needs to be combined with a summer kitchen, utility room;
• what type of stove will be used, the heater is still in demand.

If you use solid fuel, galvanized sheet metal must be placed on the floor.

The stove must be installed at a certain distance from wooden surfaces. Compliance with fire safety rules will help avoid fire.

Installation of a trailer sauna at the location

If we are talking about the temporary installation of a trailer bathhouse, then the first step is to uncouple it from the vehicle. In order for the bathhouse to be stable, you need to strengthen it with a supporting leg. The platform will rest on it. For better stability of the structure, install 3 additional supports. Thus, to prevent the trailer sauna from swaying, you need to install it on 4 support legs.

After this, you can fold back the side of the trailer and lower the ladder. All this takes no more than a quarter of an hour.

View from the inside
This is where the actual recommendations for the construction and arrangement of the autobahn end. If you have experience in installing a mobile sauna, then share it with us and our readers. Your additional recommendations will be useful to us. Do you have any questions about building a mobile sauna? Ask them to a specialist working on the site.

Foundation

Many owners install a change house without a reliable foundation. First, the area is cleared, the surface is leveled, and compacted.

But if mobile baths made of profiled timber are installed directly on the ground, then precipitation and dew, accumulating on the ground, will gradually begin to destroy the lower part of the box. In order for the structure to serve longer and not deform, it is necessary to place it on a foundation.

What it is

A frame bath is the most popular option, combining construction speed, affordable cost and performance characteristics. Its design is quite simple: a frame made of wooden beams is assembled on a strip or pile foundation, after which the frame is covered with wood or sandwich panels. The space between the interior and exterior finishes is filled with material with thermal insulation characteristics. If the foundation is created in advance, then the frame bathhouse is assembled in a few days, after which it can be used immediately. When ready-made concrete blocks are used as the foundation, the construction time of such a bathhouse is reduced to a minimum.

The mobile sauna is a completely ready-made structure. Such a bathhouse is brought to a summer cottage, installed and connected, after which the mobile bathhouse is immediately ready for use. Of course, this type of bathhouse is inferior in operational characteristics to a permanent structure, but has one undeniable advantage - it can be quickly transported to any other place. From the moment of ordering to using the bathhouse, only a few days pass.

Note : both bath options are good because they have a low cost and minimal costs for installation, finishing and preparation for use. A mobile frame sauna combines these advantages. These advantages are also inherent in frame-panel baths.

EVERYTHING INSIDE THE KUNG IS VERY COMPACT

On the floor in the furnace room, a brick base was placed under the stove, covered with a sheet of metal. The stove is small, but convenient: the stones are adjacent to the cast-iron firebox from below and before the pipe exits, so you can always get a good supply of steam. The pipe was brought out through the wall into an existing hole (there had previously been a heating stove in the trailer) and then brought out at a right angle through the roof. Above the stove, the ceiling and walls are finished with heat-resistant panels, and on three sides they made 1/4 brick masonry, which was then covered with tiles on the outside.

To avoid having to go far for firewood in winter, a firewood shed with a door was built behind the wall of the dressing room. Nearby is a dousing bucket for those who like contrast.

In the dressing room there is a sofa and a tea table. Here we relax, drink tea infused with fragrant herbs.

Our small sauna warms up quickly. At -20°C in winter, you only need two armfuls of birch logs - and in the steam room the temperature is already 50°C, you can start steaming! And our youth (grandchildren) easily bring it to 100°C and then jump into a pre-prepared snowdrift.

I’m more careful: I bring a tub of fresh snow and just rub myself after the steam room. The furnace room warms up well, and it is quite comfortable here in winter, and in summer the door to the dressing room is open. In the furnace room there is a small window for the flow of air when the stove is lit, and for ventilating the bathhouse.