Motorhome Makeovers: Expert vs. Enthusiast RV Furniture Installation
It’s a question every longtime motorhome owner asks – should you install your new furniture yourself or hire a professional to do it? The answer isn’t always an easy one. It depends on the complexity of the RV furniture installation as well as your do-it-yourself abilities. Some people are more adept at being handy and can install just about anything without breaking a sweat. Others are not so lucky. This article will attempt to shed some light on which choice is best for you and your new furniture.
Here at Bradd and Hall, we respect your decision to go the do-it-yourself route when it comes to your RV furniture installation. We do our best to provide you with all the help you need to make it a successful endeavor. On our Measuring and Installation Help page, we provide a Furniture Measuring Guide, an Installation Help guide, and a Lambright Assembly sheet for your convenience.
Please note that Bradd and Hall does not provide detailed installation instructions due to the uniqueness of each individual vehicle. However, in addition to the help sheets mentioned above, many installations are self-explanatory. If you do need assistance, you can contact us. We will be glad to help you in any way we can.
For those of you who aren’t sure which option is best for you, DIY or hiring a professional, here are the pros and cons of each.
4 Key Considerations for RV Furniture Installation
When deciding between installing your new RV furniture and calling a professional, consider four main factors. While there are pros and cons for both DIY and professional RV furniture installation, several factors can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Skill Level
Your experience with tools and similar projects plays a role in determining whether you should try installing your RV furniture yourself. If you’re a person who has a hard time following instructions and manuals, you probably shouldn’t take the risk of damaging your furniture. RV furniture installation can be easy, but you don’t want to drill extra holes into your RV accidentally. If you’re a person who’s fairly good at building Ikea furniture, then taking the DIY route would be rewarding. You’ll also want to make sure your skill level matches the complexity of the installation and furniture you’re trying to install. For example, if you’re not familiar with switching out fuses or wires for motorized furniture, you might not want to tackle installing your RV captain’s chairs yourself.
Complexity of Installation
Not all RV furniture installations are created equal. Straightforward projects, like swapping out chairs or RV tables, are usually manageable for most people. However, larger or more complex pieces, such as theater seating with power footrests, may require advanced skills. Some RV furniture installations may also include disconnecting and reconnecting power fuses. If your skill level isn’t suited to the requirements of the installation, tackling it yourself can be challenging. In such cases, opting for a professional can save you both time and frustration. The age and layout of your RV can also affect how easy installation can be. Older RIf your skill level isn’t suited to the requirements of the installation, tackling it yourself can be challenging. In such cases, opting for a professional can save you both time and frustration. Older models may have outdated designs that require extra installation steps. Also, smaller RVs and tight layouts can make maneuvering to install certain RV furniture harder.
Time Commitment
Consider how much time you can dedicate to the installation process. While some RV furniture installation projects take less than an hour, others, like a sofa bed with electrical components, can take hours. The time it takes you to go the DIY route also depends on your skill level. Professional installers can often finish furniture installations quicker and more efficiently, saving you time.
Tool Availability
The right tools are essential for successful DIY RV furniture installations. You might need tools like a drill, wrench, measuring tape, or a leveling device. You may also need specific tools for more complex RV furniture with mechanical or electrical features. If you don’t have the necessary tools, investing in them could outweigh the cost savings of doing the installation yourself.
Professional RV Furniture Installation
Expertise and Experience: The Bradd and Hall team has specialized knowledge and experience in RV furniture installation. We understand the intricacies of working in confined spaces and can ensure a high-quality, durable installation.
Time Efficiency: Most of our installs can be completed in one to two days at the shop! We are equipped with the necessary tools and skills to complete the installation efficiently, so you can get back on the road sooner.
Guaranteed Workmanship: Our team of reputable professionals are confident in their work. We can provide you with peace of mind knowing that we’ll do the job right the first time. And, if you have any issues after you leave, we’re a phone call away.
Customization Options: We can offer custom solutions to meet your specific needs. We can help you choose the right furniture and layout for your motorhome or make adjustments to our standard furniture as needed. While you can order custom RV furniture and install it yourself, our experienced team can take you through every step of the process.
Safety: Ensuring that furniture is securely installed is crucial for safety in a moving vehicle. We have the expertise to install furniture in a way that minimizes the risk of accidents or damage during travel.
Cons:
Cost: Hiring a professional can be more expensive upfront compared to a DIY approach. You’ll need to budget for both the labor and materials.
Scheduling: You will need to coordinate with our schedule, which can fluctuate with the seasons. You’ll also need to take the time to make a trip to our Elkhart, Indiana, location. If your home base is across the country, it can take more time to plan your trip to visit us.
DIY (Do It Yourself) RV Furniture Installation
Initial Savings: DIY furniture installation can be cheaper than hiring a professional, especially if you have the necessary tools and materials on hand.
Flexibility: You have full control over the project, including design and timeline. You can work at your own pace and make changes as you see fit.
Learning Opportunity: DIY projects can be a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience in motorhome renovations and carpentry.
Lack of Expertise: Unless you have experience in RV furniture installation and motorhome modifications, you may make mistakes that could lead to safety issues or costly repairs down the road.
Time-Consuming: DIY projects often take longer to complete, especially if you’re learning as you go. Delays in finishing the project can impact your travel plans.
Quality and Durability: The quality of DIY installations can vary. Unless you’re experienced, you may not achieve the same level of durability and safety as a professional.
Our RV Furniture Installations
The decision to hire a professional or do it yourself depends on your budget, experience, time availability, and the complexity of the project. While hiring a professional ensures expertise and saves time, DIY projects can be more cost-effective and offer a sense of personalization. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully before making a decision.
Because we ship most of our furniture out of state it is not feasible for many of our customers to come to us for installation. If you are not a DIY kind of person, then we recommend finding a competent RV dealer or RV service facility in your area. We can also ship your furniture directly to them. A simple Google search can help you find a reputable installation center. Or maybe you already have someone who works on your RV.
If you would prefer your furniture to be installed by our experienced installation technicians at our warehouse in Elkhart, Indiana, we would be happy to schedule that for you. As you would expect, appointments are necessary for these services. Installation estimates and appointment scheduling are available by calling our office at (800) 445-1830 or through our contact form. Most furniture installations can be completed in one day or less, with most only taking a few hours to complete. Please feel free to let us know how we can best help you.
Get RV Repairs and Upgrades!
When the interior of your RV needs an upgrade, Bradd and Hall is here to help! We carry custom wood furniture products, and we’ll perform services from complete coach reflooring to simple wood window valence installation. We also carry RV furniture, including theater seating, sofas, captain’s chairs and more. Call Bradd and Hall for a custom RV interior renovation by our professionals!