5 Tips for Renovating Your RV

When you’re on the road, your RV is your home. Since it’s usually on-the-go or parked temporarily at a campground, you might not have considered revamping the space in the same way that you would a traditional home. But you’d be amazed at home much difference a few changes can make.

Many people hesitate to renovate their RV because they assume that these projects are incredibly time consuming and expensive. While they can be a bit of an investment, there are methods that will save you money and can also work incredibly well. Whether you’ve purchased an older vehicle, or are looking for a makeover for one you’ve had for years, these tips are sure to help with the updates you’ve had in mind.

1. Prep the Vehicle

Even if your camper is in excellent shape, that doesn’t mean the exterior can’t use a little extra care. If you’ve noticed that a lot of the luster has been lost, you’ll know it’s time for a makeover. You’ll find that even a simple paint job can make a huge difference.

You’ll need to start with a little prep work first. This means removing all of the peeling paint, debris, and residue off the trailer. This will undoubtedly be the least fun step of the process, but it is one worth doing well. Be sure to remove the cover plates and other removable hardware so you’ll be working with a smooth surface. Bumper stickers can be a little tricky, especially if they’ve been there awhile, and you may end up having to buff them off.

Next, you’ll want to tape off the windows and any other trim pieces where you wouldn’t want to get paint. Then you’ll apply the primer (two coats usually works best) to cover the entire trailer.

2. Get Painting

After a hefty amount of prep work, it’s time to paint. This is where the fun begins. The design is completely up to you, and the sky is the limit. If you’re not quite sure where you want to go in terms of style, it’s always a safe bet to choose a neutral color such as white or beige to paint everything.

You can let the initial paint job dry overnight and then come back the following day to add details. Many RVs have some sort of stripe design, either on the top or along the sides. If your trailer has ridges, this will make keeping a straight line very easy.

Once you’ve finished painting, you’ll want to make sure to seal the paint with two layers of a clear coat. This is an important step for ensuring the paint lasts and also to make everything look polished and sleek. If you’re looking for added protection from the sun, you might consider using metal diamond tread sheets.

3. Redoing the Floors

Now that the exterior is looking spiffy, you’ll want to make sure the interior is equally as welcoming. After all, this is where you’ll be spending most of your time. One of the best places to start is with the floors.

If you’re working with an older model, you might have some sort of carpeting installed. While this can give your vehicle a warm and cozy look, the upkeep can be a pain, especially if you have dogs or you’re tracking in mud or dirt from a camping trip. Consider installing flooring that is easier to maintain.

Vinyl can be a budget-friendly flooring option that is fairly easy to apply. First, you’ll want to remove the carpeting. Don’t be alarmed if you discover tons of dust looming underneath, just make sure you vacuum everything up, otherwise the new tile won’t stick properly. The next step is using acetone and a scrub brush to clean the old vinyl.

You’ll want to let the floor dry completely before proceeding. Now you can choose the new tile placement, which can be a fun and creative process. When you’re getting ready to lay down the new tile, you’ll want to start in one corner and work your way down. To make sure everything fits snugly, you’ll probably have to do some cutting of the tiles. This is a simple process that can be done with a VCT tile cutter or trimming sheers. Take your time doing this, as you’ll want to make sure all of the edges meet up perfectly.

4. Interior Decoration

Once the floor has been updated, you might be inclined to renovate some of the smaller details in your RV. How are the curtains looking? Replacing the window treatments will help to brighten up the space and will make your RV seem brand new. You can treat the interior decorations of your RV with the same excitement and care as you would with any living space remodel.

Many older model RVs come with a built-in dinette. If you are in need of as much space as possible, you might consider removing the dinette, as they tend to take up too much room. Not to mention the dinette seats, which can be very confining and uncomfortable. This set-up can be easily replaced with a simple round table and a couple of chairs. When it comes to space in an RV, every little bit counts, so consider using collapsible chairs and tables that can easily be stored when not in use.

Another thing to consider when evaluating and updating your interior decorations is the state of the couches and bedding. If you’ve been traveling with the same furniture for years, you might be ready to scrap it and buy fresh new accessories. Or, if you’re sticking to a strict budget, you might also consider reupholstering the existing furniture and making it feel like new as well as replacing old linens.

5. Upgrade Your Appliances

The appliances you pick for your RV can make life much easier for you — if you know what you are looking for. There are a number of specially made appliances that are perfect for small living in a RV. You may benefit from:

Compact Washing Machine:

A compact washing machine is perfect for RV living because these units take up significantly less room than your average washer and dryer, which can’t be installed in a recreational vehicle anyway. A compact washer can take away a lot of the headache of doing your laundry because it enables you to do it in the comfort of your RV and not at the laundromat. This is an economical solution to a chore that we all have to deal with.

Compact Dishwasher

While many people who live in RVs choose to hand wash their dishes, many swear by the benefits of using a compact dishwasher. Compact dishwashers not only save time, but they use far less water than hand washing does. Ultimately, these appliances end up paying for themselves after a while. If you are looking to save money while living on the road, a compact dishwasher can help you achieve this goal.

Compact Refrigerator

A compact refrigerator is one of the most useful appliances you can own. No matter what your diet preferences are, it is important to keep our food cold to ensure that it doesn’t spoil. A compact refrigerator can easily fit into an RV, and you can be sure that this is a useful investment.

Your Renovated RV

The rest is truly up to you — when you’re traveling and living in your RV for extended periods of time, you’ll want to make sure it truly feels like home. This could mean adding unique wallpaper, hanging meaningful pictures, adding new curtains, repainting the exterior or anything else that keeps the space feeling comfortable. For inspiration or fresh ideas, you can look up different ideas on the web or on various travel blogs. You’ll be ready to hit the road and embark on your next great adventure in no time!