So, you’ve just bought a used RV and you’re excited to set out on your next big adventure. But before you go, there are a few updates you’d like to make. But how do you go from drab and outdated to mod and sophisticated with as few mistakes as possible?
You learn from others, of course, and you ask the experts. That’s why the team at Bradd and Hall has combined this helpful list of tips to get you started and assist you along your way.
Oh, one last thing — you will make mistakes, and there will be some hiccups. But, that’s all a part of the journey, and you can count on the team at Bradd And Hall if you should ever need our assistance.
Getting Started with RV Renovation
Before you get started, there are a few things to consider. Where will you be completing the renovation? You’ll need to ensure you have enough space to pull items out of your RV, an appropriate space to dispose of furniture or materials, and access to water and electricity for all of your power tools and renovation needs.
You may also want to consider what part of the country you live in, and what season you’re planning to renovate. If you’re in Indiana, our summers and winters are known to bring more extreme temperatures which you may want to avoid.
With that out of the way, you’re ready to start renovations. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when renovating an RV.
Key Challenges to RV Renovations
The first big challenge, which may seem obvious, is that your new home has wheels and it’s mobile. In fact, your new home is specifically made to move. With that comes some challenges that you’ll need to think through when renovating your RV.
Weight:
Whether you have a pull-behind camper, van, or an in-cab motorhome, you need to pay attention to your motor’s towing capacity. If you exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity, you can have expensive issues down the road including engine and transmission errors. That being said, you need to practice caution when replacing countertops, adding wood paneling or flooring, and selecting furniture. You should opt for wood-alternatives or composites when possible to ensure you don’t exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Size:
Because an RV has a smaller floor plan than a regular home, you should take care when selecting furniture and appliances for your renovation. For example, an average sofa would take up way too much room, so it’s best to purchase RV-specific furniture or have custom furniture built for your renovation.
Functionality:
In the event you do find non-RV-specific furniture for your renovation, you may still find that it’s not a good fit for your space because it doesn’t allow for the multi-functionality you often see in RV furniture. For instance, perhaps your dining area converts into a bed, or your shower space also includes a toilet. When you’re working in a small space, every piece of furniture or accessory should serve a function — or two — which is why it’s important to buy furniture that works for your space.
Electric/Tanks:
Because you’re mobile, you’ll also need to ensure you have space for all of your water tanks and batteries. If you’re remodeling a van or non-living space, you may notice that there is more of a need for this consideration. RVs also give you the opportunity to embrace solar energy which can be fantastic if you don’t have an electric hookup at your campsite. If you decide to add solar-power functionality to your RV, you’ll also need to consider where you’ll store your panels, battery, and converter.
Secure everything:
Finally, to the most obvious consideration — you need to ensure you secure everything. While shelving units can be nice, they may not be appropriate for frequent travelers as your items may fall during motion. Finding ways to securely fasten your items and accessories is paramount to your journey’s success, and to a quiet drive. Adding safety features to cabinets and doors can also help you have a more quiet journey.
Simple Updates that Make a Big Impact
After reading all of this, you may find that you want to start with a few simple updates… Then hit the road, see what challenges you face, and gradually complete more projects to ensure your RV best suits your needs. This can be a great way to combat overspending at the beginning.
If you want to get a quick start on your RV renovation, these five, simple tricks can go a long way in updating your RV’s interior:
Paint Everything – From cabinets to your trim, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in brightening up your space. Go with cool tones for a lighter scheme, or consider adding pops of jewel tones for a modern look.
Wall Makeover – Give your walls a fresh look by pulling down the wallpaper and painting a new coat of paint, adding some updated wallpaper, or even trying shiplap. There are many peel-and-stick tiles that can work great as a back splash in your updated kitchen and/or bath.
Update the floors — Don’t like dingy carpet or old laminate? We don’t blame you. By replacing the floors, you can give your RV an entirely refreshed look without too much trouble.
Treat your Windows – When you’re spending so much time in your RV and on the trails, you’ll need to escape the sun. By updating the window treatments and valances, you can update the interior of your RV, while still providing shade so you can get much-needed sleep.
Furniture Upgrade – Give those old sofas a break. They are outdated and frankly TOO broken in. Tear them out and replace them with RV-specific or custom furniture to quickly update your space.
ProTip: Be aware RVs often have mattress-specific cushions that you’ll want to use in your convertible spaces such as a dinette. Simple cushions aren’t comfortable to sleep on long term.
For more simple ideas for renovating your RV, read our other blog posts.
Indiana’s RV Furniture Supplier
When it comes to selecting furniture for your RV, there is no other provider in Indiana that you can trust more than Bradd and Hall. We’ve helped our neighbors, just like you, with their RV renovations for over 37 years. Feel free to visit our showroom, or order online and we can ship your furniture directly to you. We can also create custom furniture that fits your exact specifications and helps turn your space into a functional oasis.
Shop our selection online, or give us a call today. At Bradd and Hall, the customer always comes first.