Inexpensive RV Remodeling Ideas For A Fresh New Look (2024)

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Inexpensive RV Remodeling Ideas

Why Remodel Your RV?

There are two basic reasons you may want to consider some inexpensive RV remodeling ideas for your RV. The first would be if you want a different look or feel. While the second reason would be to add features like storage or a dedicated workspace. Many RVs come with really (yawn) neutral decor, and older RVs can have dated colors and fixtures. Just replacing some fixtures, adding modern accessories, and changing the valances can make a world of difference for the interior of an RV.

We’ve got some simple, inexpensive RV remodeling ideas that can really make a big difference. If you’re in need of a little inspiration for your RV remodeling project, read on.

Inexpensive RV Remodeling Ideas Start With A Plan

You don’t have to break the bank to make your RV as beautiful as the memories you make in it. Here are some inexpensive ideas that you can do, even with a low RV remodeling budget. To start, the key to any successful remodeling project is planning ahead. Before you start your project, try to visualize the look and function you want to achieve. Additionally, you may want to try out color samples to see how the colors you like will look in the lighting inside your RV. When deciding on colors, it’s a good idea to keep all the walls in the same color family. Then, you can add a pop or two of color with accessories like throw cushions or rugs.

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Give Your Walls a Brand New Look with Wallpaper

Peel and stick wallpaper is available to suit every taste and style. It’s usually easy to apply, but it can also go wrong. The key is to ensure that the wall you are putting it on is prepared properly before you attempt to stick the wallpaper on. To do this:

  1. Wash the wall thoroughly with warm water and mild detergent.
  2. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
  3. Allow the clean wall to dry thoroughly.
  4. Wipe the wall down with rubbing alcohol.
  5. Allow the wall to dry again.
  6. Adhere the wallpaper, using a smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles as you go.
  7. Use a blow dryer to warm the wallpaper a little to activate the adhesive.

Make Your RV Kitchen Feel Modern With A Backsplash

Many RVs still come without a kitchen backsplash. A tiled backsplash can make a big impact on the atmosphere and general vibe of an RV kitchen. Backsplashes can add a pop of color or an aura of sophistication to the kitchen area of the RV. However, you may not want to get into the mess (or added weight) of ceramic tile installation. Fortunately, there are some really good peel-and-stick tiles on the market. Unlike installing ceramic tiles, installation of peel-and-stick tiles can be fun because they are easy to install and they go up so fast. You can literally see a big improvement to your kitchen walls in under an hour.

However, peel-and-stick tiles really vary in their quality, along with the quality of the adhesive backing used on them. If you are ordering peel-and-stick tiles from Amazon.com, you’ll get the best results with popular brands that get a lot of good reviews. Installation instructions are all fairly similar. The preparation of walls for peel-and-stick tiles is the same as for peel-and-stick wallpaper. The walls must be perfectly clean and dry for the wall tiles to adhere to them. Adding heat with a blow dryer after installation will help the tiles to stick to the walls.

One of the coolest things about peel-and-stick tiles is that you can easily change them as decor trends change. Simply apply heat to the tiles and gently peel them off the wall. You’ll be able to clean the walls again and apply different tiles for a new look.

Use Toss Cushions and Rugs To Liven Up The Living Area

Small details like toss cushions and rugs can really help RV living areas feel like home. Both of these innocuous items can tie together the decor style of a room. Pick colors that complement other colors in your decor palette. Because you’ll be camping with them, it’s smart to choose cushion covers that are machine washable. For ease of care and cleaning, look for area rugs that are stain-resistant with a non-slip backing.

Create a Dedicated Office Workspace.

If you work from the road at times, this inexpensive RV remodeling idea is for you. Having a dedicated workspace in your RV can easily cost well under $200.

If you have a toy hauler or bunkhouse model RV, you can probably set up a small, out-of-the-way desk for your computer and printer. Your desk doesn’t have to be fancy. However, it needs to be a comfortable height and big enough to hold your computer and other work-related devices.

Heavy items like a printer can go on or under the desk. A free-standing shelving unit could also hold the printer and be a home for paper, stationery items, and small file organizers. You’ll also need a comfortable office chair.

Your office furnishings don’t need to be permanent or fixed in place. In fact, if you plan to sell your RV in the future, many buyers will prefer to have options instead of a single-purpose space.

Upgrade Your Valances by Changing the Fabric

RV valances can really date your RV. It goes without saying that fashionable colors and pattern styles change over the decades. Fortunately, with a little ingenuity, know-how, and a stapler, it’s pretty easy to upgrade the look of your valances. Recovering valances is a very inexpensive RV upgrade that can be done in just a few hours.

Cozy up To a Portable Electric Fireplace

Adding a portable electric fireplace to your RV will make your RV into a cozy retreat. Today’s electric fireplaces can be used without heat if you want the warm glow of a fire without the heat. But they are also an effective way to provide heat to take the chill off cool evenings.

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Let New Lighting Light The Way to A Fresh New Look

Another thing that really ages the look of an RV is old, outdated light fixtures. It’s easy to upgrade your RV light fixtures with new, energy-saving LED fixtures. However, since the electrical systems in your RV were designed to work with your 12V DC electrical system, you can’t simply use a household light fixture. To avoid wreaking havoc with your RV’s electrical system, you should only ever use light fixtures that are designed for use in RVs. Camping World has many different styles that could help to modernize any RV.

Conclusion

RV remodeling ideas can be inexpensive, and fairly simple but make a huge difference. Sometimes a little fabric change here or a color change there can make a huge difference in how the space feels when you’re out camping and traveling. Do you have any RV remodeling tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments.

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Product data was last updated on 2024-04-02 at 23:54.

Inexpensive RV Remodeling Ideas For A Fresh New Look (2024)

FAQs

How do I make my RV look like new? ›

RV updates anyone can do
  1. Paint. You'd be amazed how a coat of paint can freshen up the most dated RV. ...
  2. Replace Furniture. Most of the furniture that comes standard in RVs is dated or covered in flourishes. ...
  3. Update Appliances. ...
  4. Update Faucets. ...
  5. Change Light Fixtures. ...
  6. Update Window Treatments. ...
  7. Add Decorative Accessories.

Where do you start when remodeling an RV? ›

5 Easy Ways to Begin Renovating & Personalizing Your RV Interior
  1. Cabinet Pulls. With any renovation I do, spray paint becomes my best friend. ...
  2. Peel and Stick Everything! I will admit, when I originally saw the peel and stick countertops, I felt a bit intimidated. ...
  3. Curtains. ...
  4. Update Cushions & Bedding. ...
  5. Personalize with Decor.

How do I make my 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.

Is it worth it to renovate an old RV? ›

Cost-Effectiveness

Renovating an RV can significantly reduce costs compared to buying a new one. The initial investment in a used RV is generally lower than that of a new model, providing a more affordable starting point for renovation projects.

How do I style my RV? ›

Use Stabilizer Jacks: Stabilizer jacks are typically located near the four corners of the trailer. They are designed to provide vertical support, lifting the trailer slightly off its wheels and creating a stable foundation. To use them effectively, lower the jacks until they make solid contact with the ground.

Can you redo the exterior of an RV? ›

Today we're going to talk about putting on a whole new RV exterior skin. Giving this coach a new look involves removing the old RV skin and foam and replacing them. We removed the passenger side skirt and you can see how the cleaned aluminum will house the new foam and Filon skin.

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.

Are RV walls structural? ›

They create privacy and hide plumbing and electrical, but they don't hold anything up. The structural integrity of the Rv/trailer comes from the ribs that create the outer walls and ceiling and their connection to the frame.

How do I make my RV self sufficient? ›

Adding solar energy panels can help reduce energy costs while parked long-term and make you more self-sufficient. If you rely on the internet for entertainment and communication, consider getting your own service. Some campgrounds have reliable wi-fi.

How do I start my RV life? ›

Here are a list of tips for anyone thinking about full-time RV living:
  1. Make a timeline, start NOW. ...
  2. Get the house ready to sell. ...
  3. Sell the big stuff. ...
  4. Purge, purge, purge! ...
  5. Consider a storage unit. ...
  6. Buy your RV first, THEN the towing vehicle. ...
  7. Purchase items for the RV. ...
  8. Set up mail forwarding/delivery and bill payments.

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.

Can you paint the inside walls of an RV? ›

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 to decorate a camper to live in? ›

To start, choose a color scheme that makes your camper's interior feel clean, cozy and oh-so-inviting. Paint the walls, paint or replace the cabinets, cover cushions with fabric you love and hang color-coordinated curtains to overhaul the interior.

How much does it cost to convert a camper yourself? ›

On this basis, the average cost of a van conversion ranges from £500-£40,000. A DIY expert could probably convert a van for £500. We're talking a basic build here, where you do everything, yourself using recycled/second-hand materials.

Is it worth it to remodel a travel trailer? ›

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 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.

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.

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