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.

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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 Wallpaper border is just simply outdated and has no use.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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

How to give your camper a facelift? ›

Remodel Your RV with These 21 Makeover Ideas
  1. Repaint Your RV Interior. A post shared by @instagram. ...
  2. Customize Your Van Walls. ...
  3. Overhaul Your Space with Custom Camper Furniture. ...
  4. Install Shelves for More Storage. ...
  5. Incorporate Wood Accents. ...
  6. Hang New Window Treatments. ...
  7. Replace RV Flooring. ...
  8. Elevate Your RV's Lighting.
May 2, 2024

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.

Is it smart to buy an older RV? ›

Is Buying an Older RV Worth It? If you want to save money on your RV purchase and don't mind the quirks that can come with older RVs, an old RV is definitely worth it. With research, planning, and proper RV inspection, you can get a great deal on a used RV that will last you for years to come.

How to make an RV look like a house? ›

Hanging curtains and adding a few extra lamps can immediately make a small space feel more welcoming, especially if you install dimmers in your light fixtures. Replacing drawer and cabinet handles is also an easy way to make your space feel a bit more modern and cohesive.

How do you update RV walls? ›

My advice to painting the walls or cabinets in an RV is to first lightly sand the surface, then clean with TSP, follow it up with a good griper primer, and finally your paint. Chalk paint is another option to consider when it comes to painting your cabinets because it allows you to skip the sanding or priming process.

How can I make my RV better? ›

20 Cool Ways to Make Your RV Even Better
  1. Use white vinegar to absorb odor. ...
  2. Use shoe organizers for more than shoes. ...
  3. A dry-erase board keeps information where you can see it. ...
  4. Save dryer lint for starting campfires. ...
  5. Use shower caddies outside of the shower. ...
  6. Command hooks make hanging things a breeze.

What is the lifespan of an RV? ›

How long an RV, motorhome, or travel trailer lasts depends on various factors. However, generally speaking, two decades is reasonable for a well-maintained vehicle. The average lifespan of a Class A or a Class B RV or motorhome is between 10 and 20 years.

How do you glam up an RV? ›

11 Simple RV Decorating Ideas To Spruce Up Your Space
  1. Choose a theme.
  2. Add some color.
  3. Jazz up the walls.
  4. Show off souvenirs.
  5. Show the bathroom some love.
  6. Change up the bedroom.
  7. Swap out window treatments.
  8. Add some fun lights.

What is the best paint for the outside of an RV? ›

Choosing RV Exterior Paint

The professionals might use marine epoxy or automotive paint, which are the longest lasting options.

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.

Can you make money refurbishing campers? ›

RV Renovations can be fun, but they can also eat your lunch! If you have a solid design eye and are good with mechanical stuff, RV flipping could be a great way to make extra income with RVs. You could even live in an RV you're flipping and move into another when you hopefully sell at a 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.

What is the downside of owning an RV? ›

CON: RVs can be high maintenance

RVs require a lot of upkeep. You need to keep on top of cleaning, which includes dumping RV waste. You also need to make sure fluids are topped up and tired are inflated. Then of course, there could be occasional repairs that need doing.

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