3 Things to Consider When Buying a Fixer Upper RV

A quick search on any social media platform will show you feeds of beautifully renovated RVs and travel vans. Don’t they look amazing? (If those perfect pics don’t give you RV renovation envy, we don’t know what will.) If you’re left itching to DIY your own rig, you’ll want to consider these three things before you buy an RV that’s a fixer upper.

Time, Effort, and Budget

Renovating an RV is not an easy task and it can take a lot of time, effort, and money to make it happen. So when you’re selecting a rig, think about how much project you’re willing to take on. A newer rig that needs some minor renovations may cost more to purchase but will potentially take less time and effort to renovate than a much older RV. On the other hand, an older rig may be cheaper to buy but will require more time, effort, and money to renovate. 

Your Specific Needs

If your goal for renovating an RV is for your own personal use, you’ll want to choose a rig that fits your needs. For example, if you plan to do adventure travel solo with a dog, you might want to choose a teardrop trailer or truck camper to fix up. Or, if you travel with your family and need more sleeping room, a larger motorhome or fifth wheel may be a better option for you. 

If you plan to fix up RVs as a business, with the goal of selling them to buyers, then select RVs that will make the most sense for a return on your investment. 

Age 

While you’ll want to consider the age of an RV to fix up, be aware of a few things: If a rig is newer in age, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option as a fixer upper. And just because an RV is old, it doesn’t mean it’s too old for renovating. For example, older rigs made from durable aluminum or other metals may be great options. Newer models—while some may not have been built like the older RVs—may at least give you a better chance of keeping some of the existing finishes and having to replace fewer items due to age.

Have you ever fixed up an RV before? What things did you consider before purchasing your rig? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!