How to Build a Mobile Sauna

For people who love having a sauna wherever they go, building a mobile sauna might be an interesting effort. Building a mobile sauna offers convenience and use, whether you’re a sauna fanatic or you just enjoy doing unique do-it-yourself projects. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the planning, building, and furnishing of a mobile sauna, including full guidance at every turn to guarantee a job well done.

Table of Contents

Planning and Creative

Make sure your mobile sauna fits your lifestyle and tastes by carefully outlining all of your needs, including size, kind, and mobility. Consider other designs, like those that are portable, trailer-mounted, or modular, but keep your construction and material costs within reasonable bounds.

Select a Design

Choose a design that satisfies your needs. Popular choices include a mobile sauna, constructed on a trailer frame for effortless transportation; a lightweight and compact mobile sauna tent for easy setup and breakdown; or a portable infrared sauna, composed of prefab parts that can be readily installed and disassembled for mobility.

Planning a budget

Establish a budget for your project, with in mind that materials, size, and difficulty will all affect how much it will cost. Include costs for the sauna supplies, heating components, insulation, and any required tools, as well as the trailer (if applicable).

Establish Your Needs

Start by describing your unique requirements for the mobile sauna. Think about things like capacity and size; saunas usually hold two to six people, so make plans appropriately. Choose from the traditional Finnish sauna, the infrared sauna, or the steam sauna based on your preferences; each offers a distinct heating system and takes various design factors into account. Additionally, ascertain the degree of mobility you need—from a sauna installed on a caravan to a mobile unit that is simple to move by car.

Building the Mobile Sauna’s Steel Structure

Start by building the steel structure of your mobile sauna with accurate measurements and stable welding methods.

Build Wall Frames

Start by planning wall frames with bolts spaced equally apart, making sure that one stud is in the right place to hold the outer sheets of plywood. Use square hollow sections (SHS) of 25 by 25 mm for walls and doors, and 20 by 20 mm for roof rafters. Using a gas-less MIG welder, weld the frames together. Then, screw the frames to the trailer walls by putting the extensions into pre-drilled holes.

Installing the Front End Wall

Place the front wall frame over the trailer wall and secure it with a clamp. Use an outdoor cover to confirm the fit, make any required changes, and tack-weld the entire structure. When everything is perfectly straight, finish the welding.

Making the Curved Roof

Measure and sketch the roof’s curve on graphing paper, then transfer these dimensions to a chipboard to make a full-size template. Cut the rafters partially to create the desired curve, fasten them with screws and tack-weld, and then completely weld each rafter. Attach the supports to the wall frames, making sure the cover made of plastic fits properly.

Wrap the Roof and Walls

Using screws and ratchet straps to ensure a secure fit, connect 12mm tongue and groove (T&G) boards to the curving roof pillars. To the walls, connect wood battens and fasten 20mm T&G boards with glue and screws.

Frame and Install the Floor

To direct water towards the drain, place wooden blocks in strategic locations on the floor. Under the drawbar, position the oven base and fasten it firmly using screw rods and Hinges. Install T&G boards to complete the floor, making sure to screw through the joint edges.

Build Benches

For sitting, cut and finish huge timbers. Because of the sloping floor, firmly attach the benches.

Install the electrical system

Install LED lighting with USB charging connections, adjustable switches, and a 55AH AGM battery. To control the battery box’s temperature and airflow, install vents and a computer fan.

Build the Door

For the opening window, build the door frame with a rectangular pattern. Before assembling the back wall, fasten the door to the wall frame. Place the back wall in place and fasten it to the surrounding walls, the ceiling, and the floor.

Install Windows

Construct wooden frames to encircle the windows with glass that is laminated. Make marks, cover with silicone, then fasten with screws. After installing the frames in the back wall, cover them with T&G boards. First, clad the door, and then make the porthole window.

Airflow

To improve air circulation, place a 100mm vent at the top of the door and a 120mm air vent behind the cooking area. Install a drain on the ground to direct water outside.

Maintenance and Safety

Regular cleaning will help to avoid moisture and pollutant growth and preserve the long life and optimal functioning of your mobile sauna. Maintain the heating system to keep it in optimal operating order and regularly check for indications of wear, damage, or leaks.

Final Adjustments and Testing

Test your mobile sauna thoroughly to make sure the heating system is operating well, that there are no leaks, and that there is enough ventilation. Seal gaps, maximize warmth, and guarantee general functionality by making the necessary modifications.

Test the Sauna: Before using your mobile sauna, perform a thorough test. Check for any cracks or leakage in the sealing and insulation. Make sure the heating system runs safely and correctly. Make sure the ventilation system doesn’t hinder the transfer of heat and offers enough airflow.
Make Modifications: Take care of any problems found while testing. Close up any openings or leaks in the building or insulation. Adjust the heating system as needed to reach the ideal temperature and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Building a mobile sauna is a satisfying project that combines creativity, skill, and a love of relaxation. You may create a portable, useful, and pleasurable sauna with proper planning, material selection, and attention to building best practices. Make efficiency, comfort, and safety your primary concerns when choosing between a modular structure, and a portable tent. Enjoy the flexibility and improved health that come with owning a new mobile sauna.

How to Build a Mobile Sauna