How to Repair Hole in RV Interior Wall? – 4 Methods

1. Sandpaper
2. Putty knife or any straight-edge tool
3. Soapy water or rubbing alcohol
4. Sealing tape
5. Drill and bits
6. Self-taping hardware (screws)
7. Finishing materials (i.e., paint)

Plus one of the following:

1. Foam insulation for vinyl and wood
2. Drywall mesh for fiberboards
3. Epoxy putty
4. A suitable RV wall replacement panel (for large holes)

Owners must understand RV wall construction consists of at least three layers – a tough outer shell, a middle temperature-resistant insulation, and an aesthetically pleasing interior wall (i.e., fiberboard, vinyl, or plywood).

Some might feature RV aluminum siding or some other material.

Ideally, you’ll want to buy the same product as the existing RV interior materials to ensure the “patch” blends seamlessly into the rest of the cabin.

This next step is crucial because it determines the method you must use. It also allows you to assess whether the “unwanted opening” is superficial or a sign of a more serious concern.

In the latter case, RV owners must address this problem before they can fix hole issues.

For example, leak-related holes demand repairing the leaky pipe before RV owners can cover the opening. Otherwise, the problem will persist and spread to other wall sections.

Methods to repair holes in a trailer wall vary based on the opening’s size and cause of damage. For instance, water damage-related holes require more extensive panel repairs.

1. The Patch Method For Small Holes

A patch (i.e., foam insulation for vinyl and wood panels or drywall mesh for holes in fiberboard walls) is all you need to repair screw holes, tiny cracks, punctures, and similarly-sized wall imperfections.

1. Inspect the hole and remove loose material around the edges to ensure a more secure hold for the patch.
2. Get sandpaper and smoothen the hole’s edges. Then, clean the edges with cloth to eliminate sanding debris.
3. Role the chosen filler and insert it through the smoothened opening to patch interior RV wall.
4. Pack the filler into the hole and cut off the excess with a knife.
5. After that, gently sand the area to make it flush with the RV wall that surrounds it.
6. Paint it in the same color as the rest of the wall. Alternatively, you can apply a decorative touch.

2. The Putty Method For Oddly-shaped Holes

RV wall putty is an excellent wall patch alternative, especially for holes with irregular shapes. The steps for applying a putty to repair holes in the interior walls are similar to the Patch Method, with a few additions.

1. Perform the Patch Method’s first two steps.
2. Clean the edges and surrounding areas with rubbing alcohol or soapy water to ensure a dry and spotless surface for the putty.
3. Knead the plaster and apply it onto the interior RV wall’s surface, covering the hole and adjacent areas.
4. Get your putty knife to spread, smoothen, and blend the epoxy putty with the surrounding wall.
5. Allow the putty to dry before applying finishing touches (i.e., paint).

Here’s a video showing RV owners how to fill the holes in the walls of an RV.

3. The Sealant Tape Method

Covering the hole with an adhesive tape is a cost-effective alternative to the patch and putty methods. You free yourself from waiting for the fix to “cure” before painting  interior wall finishes. Here’s how to redo camper walls with this method.

1. Choose a product with an identical (or nearly similar) color and shape to the hole you’re covering.
2. Clean the hole’s surrounding areas following the Putty Method’s first two steps.
3. Cut off an adhesive sealant tape piece that is bigger than the RV hole.
4. Then, press the cut tape over the opening and its surroundings.
5. Flatten it with a putty knife to ensure the tape “sticks” to the RV wall and will not peel off.

4. RV Interior Wall Panel Replacement Method

No putty, patch, or sealant tape can repair a large hole in the interior wall of the RV.

Replacing the entire wall panel is necessary in dealing with extensive damage. So, if you want to fix punch hole in wall panels, you must remove the damaged wall sections and replace them with new materials.

1. Look at your damaged RV wall panel to determine the mounting points. Use appropriate tools (i.e., pliers and pry bar).
2. Inspect the wall’s interior if damage extends to other sections.
3. Measure the wall opening and bring the dimensions to the shop where you will buy the replacement panel. Alternatively, you can cut the replacement section yourself.
4. Smoothen the replacement panel’s edges and drill pilot holes corresponding to the securing points.
5. Apply a sticky substrate to the panel’s backside.
6. Position the replacement piece onto the opening. Push on the panel firmly for three to five minutes.
7. Secure the replacement panel with self-tapping hardware.
8. Apply caulk between gaps and allow it to dry.
9. Smoothen the panel joints with sandpaper and finish with your chosen paint color.

Southwind Solo has an excellent video on how to repair a water-damaged RV wall you might want to check.