The Great RV Makeover – 5 Fantastic Ideas for Transforming Your Rig on Any Budget

Whether you’re a full-time or part-time RVer, there are likely some upgrades you’ve been wanting to make to your rig. Maybe you bought a used RV and the fixtures are outdated; did you buy a new RV but you’ve always wanted to have different flooring? If you’re an avid RV enthusiast, you probably spend a good deal of time in your vehicle and want it to feel just like you want your home to feel – modern and reflective of your personal design aesthetic. In addition, an upgraded, renovated rig will fetch a higher price if you decided to sell your RV. While some RV makeovers can be extensive and costly, it’s easy to find improvements that fit within any budget.

1. Flooring upgrade – Many older RVs come with carpet or linoleum flooring. However, sleeker, modern flooring like vinyl wood plank flooring or laminate flooring has become far more popular. Easy to install and maintain, this type of flooring upgrade creates a warmer, more sophisticated look inside any RV. The majority of the labor will be in ripping up the old flooring and leveling any subfloor abnormalities before laying your new planks. Since you will likely be traveling with your RV into different climates, opt for floating flooring instead of nail-down so that it can shrink and expand in varying levels of humidity without causing loose or warped planks
2. Painting – As with a home, a fresh coat of paint on the interior of the RV can do wonders to rejuvenate the look of your rig. Built-in slideouts and other wall-based furniture can make it tricky to maneuver. Remove any seats, fold-out tables, or other furniture that is simple to re-install. Painter’s tape will be your best friend as you navigate the tight RV space with your roller brush. If your RV has vinyl walls, opt for a high-grip primer/sealer that adheres to the walls like glue. Also, opt for anti-mildew paint since your RV may be in storage for half the year or more. If you plan on reselling your RV, choose neutral colors that can be adaptable to anyone’s design aesthetic.
3. Cabinetry – Cabinetry can be a pain to rip out, a pain to install, and it’s not cheap. If you’re renovating on a budget, consider keeping your existing cabinets in place and sprucing them up with some paint and new hardware. Start by removing all contents from the cabinets, cleaning them thoroughly to get rid of grease and dirt, then removing hardware like pull handles. If the hinges on your cabinet doors are in good shape, removing the doors and painting them on a worktable or in a garage will make the job much easier. Instead of using standard wall paint, opt for a specialized cabinet paint with built-in primer and a top-coat that resists scuffing, cracking, and staining.
4. Lighting – One of the primary complaints from people who own older RVs or how who purchased used motorhomes is that the interior lighting is either insufficient or outdated. If you are looking to sell your RV, making a lighting upgrade is a great investment. LED (light emitting diode) lights are a great option because they’re inexpensive, emit very little heat, and use little energy. LED lights come in many decorative options so you’re sure to find something that suits your aesthetic. If you’re not experienced with basic electrical wiring, ask a professional to come in and help with the removal of old lighting and the installation of your new RV LED lights.
5. Appliances – Gone are the days when RVs were only meant for camping. While appliances on RVs used to be limited to rudimentary stove tops or small fridges, today’s RVs are coming fully stocked with all the amenities of home, from microwaves and dishwashers to full-sized fridges and washers and dryers. Depending on the size of your rig, the amount of upgrading you can do with your appliances may be limited. However, replacing old appliances with more energy-efficient, attractive models is sure to increase the value of your motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel if you decide to sell.

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