7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com (2024)

Updating and remodeling RVs are all the rage these days. It seems everyone is transforming RVs into tiny homes on wheels. And ultimately, it’s making RVing a lot more appealing for people who like the comforts of home while they travel. If you are currently renting out your RV or considering doing so, you may want to give your RV a little facelift and follow some easy RV remodel tips, especially if you’re having trouble finding renters.

You don’t have to do a complete overhaul, though, to make a huge difference in the look of your RV’s interior. An RV remodel doesn’t necessarily mean you have to completely gut and restore the entire inside. There are lots of small projects that you can do that will go a long way.

7 easy and affordable RV remodel tips:

  1. Paint, paint, paint
  2. Remove the wallpaper border
  3. Replace the furniture
  4. Add a backsplash in the kitchen
  5. Replace the valances with curtains
  6. Update the countertops
  7. Decorate

Rent out your remodel

Let’s dig into each of these remodel ideas a little more!

Tip #1: Paint, Paint, Paint

Everyone knows that painting can completely transform the look and feel of any home or space. This can make the biggest difference in creating a more spacious, cozy, and clean feel in your RV. See how it transformed the RV of YouTuber Wanderland Travelers below!

You can paint the cabinets and shelves, the walls, your dinette, and even the ceiling! White paint usually helps create a more clean and spacious feel, but a pop of color can go a long way too.

While this can be a bit of a project, there are ways to cut corners, such as purchasing chalk paint that doesn’t require sanding. Otherwise, it may be worth paying a professional to do it or renting proper equipment (spray gun) to help make the job a bit easier.

7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com (1)
7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com (2)

Tip #2: Remove the Wallpaper Border

This is the easiest of the RV remodel ideas that you can do to help update the interior of your rig. Wallpaper border is just simply outdated and has no use. A trick for easy removal is to spray the wallpaper with Goof Off and let it soak before pulling it off. You may need to use a razor to cut the border around the windows and a little elbow grease as well.

Tip #3: Replace the Furniture

If you have a new RV, chances are you have new furniture inside. Sofa covers can hide ugly prints and patterns, but if your RV still has the original furniture in it and it’s stained, faded, and torn, it’s time for a change before you rent it.

IKEA’s space-saving and lightweight furniture is the perfect solution. Futons are a great option since they can be used both as a couch and a bed.

7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com (3)
7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com (4)

Tip #4: Add Backsplash in the Kitchen

Have you seen the peel-n-stick backsplash sheets they have nowadays? We were amazed by how much they added to the overall look of the kitchen in our RV. The best part is that it only took us about an hour to put it up!

There are lots of different colors and patterns to match any color scheme and you can find them all over the internet or at any major hardware store. We haven’t had any problems with it peeling off the wall yet, so we’ve been super happy with the look and quality. See how easy it is to add pizzazz in the video below from TrailerLifeDIY.

Tip #5: Replace the Valances with Curtains

Pulling the valances down is a piece of cake and will just require unscrewing them from the walls and ceilings. You can then purchase fabric and simply cover them by using a staple gun. Only takes a few hours total! This is a great option if the blinds in the RV are still in great shape, but the valances just may have an ugly fabric on them.

You can also choose to do away with the valances altogether and put up curtains instead. Curtains are a great way to add a cozier look to the RV and can be great in the bedroom for added darkness. So, if you aren’t happy with the window coverings in your RV, try curtains instead.

7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com (5)

While you may not find the right length you need, you can easily hem them. Don’t have a sewing machine? No problem! Use hem tape. All you have to do is cut the curtains to the length you need, leaving about an inch extra.

Then, go over the extra amount with the hem tape in between and iron over it. Hem tape is extremely affordable, durable, and much easier than sewing.

Tip #6: Update the Countertops

Since there typically aren’t very many countertops, it can be pretty affordable to replace them. But if you don’t want to take on that project, you can actually paint them! There’s a large variety of countertop paints out there — from granite to concrete and everything in between.

Just tape along the wall and around the faucets. I haven’t tried this myself, but have seen lots of DIY tutorials online.

Tip #7: Decorate

Don’t miss this simple, but extremely important step in remodeling your RV’s interior. But, it’s also important that you don’t go overboard. Sticker decals are great because you don’t have to worry about them falling while you travel.

Otherwise, lightweight photos and wall decor can be easily hung with command strips/hooks, and mounting putty. Adding throw pillows and blankets can help to create a warm, inviting environment as well.

7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com (6)

I hope these RV remodel tips help you realize that you don’t have to take on huge projects to make your RV more attractive and desirable for renters. A little extra money and effort upfront can truly go a long way. Happy DIY’ing!

7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com (2024)

FAQs

7 RV Remodel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back!) | Outdoorsy.com? ›

If you plan to keep the RV for many years and the renovations will improve your quality of life when camping, it is probably worth doing. However, renovations are often a risk if you'll only have it for a short period and want to resell for as much as possible.

Is renovating an RV worth it? ›

If you plan to keep the RV for many years and the renovations will improve your quality of life when camping, it is probably worth doing. However, renovations are often a risk if you'll only have it for a short period and want to resell for as much as possible.

Where do you start when remodeling an RV? ›

The most important and most time-consuming step of your RV renovation is the painting! Start in the kitchen area. Remove all of the doors from the kitchen cabinets in your RV. Then prime all of the walls, the ceiling, the cabinets, and the cabinet doors.

Are RVs losing value? ›

Brand-new RVs start losing value as soon as they're driven off the lot and continue to lose value throughout the first year rapidly. The RV depreciation rate increases at a steady rate after that until your RV hits double digits in age. Once an RV is ten years old or older, its value drops more rapidly.

Do RVs get broken into a lot? ›

Sometimes when stored away between uses. RVs have TVs and other easily pawned items inside and they are easy to break in. Most storage lots have poor security.

How to make an RV look like a house? ›

It can be as simple as hanging a few hats, signs and pictures, adding a lamp, putting up some string lights and plants, or stacking your favorite books. Try to think vertically, and utilize hooks and hangers in these spaces to really maximize the space and functionality.

Are RV walls structural? ›

None of the interior walls are structural because the roof uses trusses, but interior walls do help with the camper sidewalls flexing in and out.

How can I make my RV worth more? ›

7 Ways To Maximize The Resale Value Of Your RV
  1. Use it!
  2. Don't change the decor.
  3. Avoid holes in the walls.
  4. Don't muck up the exterior.
  5. Take care of fabrics and woodwork.
  6. Take care of the exterior factory-installed decals.
  7. Perform all required maintenance.
Jun 12, 2019

How do I make my RV exterior look new? ›

Exterior Makeover: Do It Yourself
  1. Wash and Wax Your RV: Give your RV a good bath with a mild detergent and a soft brush. ...
  2. Decal Repair: Cracked and peeling decals can make your RV look tired and old. ...
  3. Clear Coat Restoration: If the clear coat is fading, products are available that can restore its luster.

How much does it cost to convert a camper to a DIY conversion? ›

The cost of converting a van can vary significantly depending on the type of van, the extent of the conversion, and the materials used. On average, a basic van conversion can cost anywhere between £5,000 and £15,000. This includes insulation, flooring, paneling, basic furniture, and a simple kitchen setup.

What can I use for RV interior walls? ›

RV walls are usually covered in thin plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF). In higher end or more expensive campers, you may see vinyl paneling used as well.

What paint for RV interior? ›

Good primer is a must! You'll need to use oil based Kilz first. After that, you can use interior household paint (water based). The water based stuff won't stick to the vinyl wallpaper covered paneling in most rvs.

How do I style my RV? ›

8 Ways to Stabilize Your Travel Trailer
  1. Use Stabilizer Jacks: ...
  2. Chock the Wheels: ...
  3. Level the Trailer: ...
  4. Add Stabilizer Bars (Sway Bars): ...
  5. Distribute Weight Evenly: ...
  6. Use Stabilizer Cross-Braces: ...
  7. Adjust Tension in Suspension Systems: ...
  8. Invest in an Electronic Leveling System:

Does renovating a camper add value? ›

If you renovated the RV to suit your particular tastes, it may bring less money when it ultimately sells, especially if the style is quirky or outdated and the buyer intends to re-do your work. Consider whether there are additional simple updates you could do that would be worth it to get a little more out of the sale.

Is it worth it to buy an old RV? ›

In addition to saving money, a used RV is more broken in than a new one. Things that are going to break in the first few years have been fixed. Also, the prior owner(s) may have completed upgrades, added features like newer technologies, or installed satellite TV or solar.

Can you make money refurbishing campers? ›

Her first intentional reno project took three months, and since then, Sarah has only gotten more efficient. Today, she's able to flip at least one RV a month. On average, each RV sold brings her $6,000 of profit.

Does age of an RV matter? ›

If an RV is over 10 years old, you might find yourself running into issues staying at certain upscale RV parks. You could find yourself running into the “10 Year Rule”. Though it may not be accurate all the time this rule is based on the assumption that an RV over 10 years old might be too weathered or worn.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 6353

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.