29 simply brilliant ways to update your motorhome
Creative ways to upgrade your RV
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Whether you live full-time in an RV or use it for enjoying a vacation or road trip, it's important to make your space feel like home. Most models come with standard interiors but they can lack individuality. Renovating an RV can be a productive project that will personalise your tiny home on wheels making it a more welcoming space with character and comfort that is unique to you. However, you don't necessarily have to completely remodel a motorhome to make a difference. Plenty of small projects can have a big impact in a tiny space.
From painting the interior and finding clever storage solutions in awkward areas to practical considerations like installing solar panels, click or scroll through and check out these RV update ideas that will inspire wanderlust on wheels...
Put up privacy curtains
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Any seasoned RV traveller will let you know that once on the road in a motorhome, any privacy can get left behind. Privacy curtains make an ideal RV update idea as they can divide the one-room space for all sorts of living requirements. Placed near sleeping areas, a privacy curtain will keep beds warm, dark and cosy. Zoning the dining booth with a room divider can double it up as a work area.
Or, steal this idea by Catherine Hooper from iSPY Home Design which separates the driver's cab from the living area with a luxurious velvet teal curtain offering a real home-from-home vibe. Top tip: if space is super tight, use tension rods to put up a clever semi-permanent privacy curtain.
Strip out fitted furniture
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Swapping out standard fitted furniture for stand-alone pieces will instantly give your RV a more homely vibe similar to a static property. But, ensure the new furniture is safely secured to floors or walls to avoid movement or tipping when travelling.
Lacey Sullivan owner of @laceyautumnbrooke ripped out the dated brown couches in her stationary RV for modern sofas and cabinets in bright and soothing tones. Choose modular furniture on legs to increase the sense of space. Lacey hides children's toys under her sofa to make use of every inch of space. Pieces that come apart and can be built will allow furniture to squeeze through slim RV doors.
Lay vinyl flooring
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Install RV flooring for an easy and practical update that ties in with the decorating scheme. There are a few options to choose from. A poll by RV Inspiration concluded that 62% of RV renovators opt for luxury vinyl planks.
Kate and Dan O'Phalen from O'Phalen Adventures chose this option in a warm wood tone as it was easy to install and didn't require any glue. Other options may be peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, sheet vinyl or classic carpet. Avoid hardwood or tiles as these can add too much weight to your vehicle.
Factor in sleeping options
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Motorhome sleeping arrangements need careful planning as beds take up a lot of floor space. Choose clever convertible bed designs such as pull-out sofa beds, adaptable dining areas or this novel queen bed installed by @driftless_rv_renovators that lifts up to the ceiling when not in use.
Also, consider single-bed options; bunks work well in large RV corridors while rock and roll roofs are fun for children in small campers. Plus don't rule out the driver's cab – a canvas hammock can transform the otherwise unused space at night.
Use peel-and-stick wallpaper
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If repainting your interior feels like too much hard work, wallpaper can dramatically change the look and feel of a small space. From pretty murals in feature spaces to faux-effect patterns, a simple addition can transform a small space.
Janae McCormick from Adventures With TuckNae swears by peel-and-stick wallpaper. Janae says: "Peel and stick wallpaper is the perfect option if you are trying to avoid altering the value of your rig. It is easily removable which makes it appealing to those who don't want permanent changes made.”
Make room for pets
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A bonus for RV owners with pets is that furry friends need never be left behind. Finding homes for animals when on the move is not only a safety requirement but can be a fun element to the redesign process.
Mandy Fierens, owner of @188sqft made sure there were special nooks for pets in her camper. Above the dining booth, a cupboard door has been removed to create an out-of-the-way kitty cubby while under the dining booth, a custom-made dog crate blends into the surrounding woodwork.
Redesign the diner
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Original RV dining booths can be oversized and loathsome. Redesigning your dining area can make better use of space. Some people choose to remove them altogether opting for a smaller table, like Wayland RV Renovations have, or install a breakfast bar instead.
Creative new ways to squeeze in an eating space may be removing both or one booth for a standard small table and chairs or installing a drop-leaf table and fold-up chairs for maximum multifunction. Alternatively, position the table against the wall to create a bistro bar with a view or simply repaint and reupholster the existing furniture.
Pop up a splashback
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Peel-and-stick splashbacks are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms in RVs as they are not only splash-proof but super-light in comparison to ceramic wall tiles.
Stephanie who owns @stephs_lifelance and a boho-style camper has created the same look as fresh white metro tiles in her boho-style kitchen without the costly, time-consuming and heavy drawbacks. Plus, it can be easily updated when it's time for a change.
Install high shelving
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Installing shelving above head height can offer additional valuable storage where space is of a premium. Lacey Sullivan's simple herb shelf built above the living area is one of her favourite RV update projects to date. It adds additional out-of-the-way practical larder space as well as interest and colour when the herb jars are in place.
This shelf was installed while the RV was being used as a homestead. To ensure homewares are kept secure while on the move we suggest adding a safety bar such as an extendable tension rod or kitchen rail to the front of the shelf. More on that next...
Choose storage with safety bars
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With such little floor space in a motorhome, you can never have too many shelves, especially when looking for bathroom storage ideas. Sticking with a desert colour theme Kate O'Phalen from O'Phalen Adventures finished off her bathroom renovation with floating shelves with a built-in safety rack to securely display pretty accessories.
Other great and removable storage stars for RVs are suction-cup shelves, tension rods, hanging pockets and storage boxes that won't fall when you are on the move.
Upgrade the lighting
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Original RV lighting can be outdated and not very effective. So why not shake up the look by installing something new that reflects your style? Additional lighting can be added with ambient wall lights too. You don't even need to re-wire, just safely remove the wall light wire and pop a rechargeable lightbulb in place of an electric version.
Ariane Walder who owns @with.love.and.dirt has added extra wow-factor to her tiny home and revamped the whole ceiling of her 1976 camper with statement wallpaper, as well as adding 70s-inspired lighting. There is even a funky hanging disco ball – have you spotted it?
Include a workspace
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Remote working is more popular than it's ever been. This makes putting bread on the dining table while on the road just as easy as at home. There are plenty of RV home office options to consider such as replacing the dinette with a desk, installing a drop-leaf desk or removing a sofa and running a bar along the back of a motorhome.
Ashley from Joyfully Growing custom-built a desk with hairpin legs in an airy and bright part of her RV. This allowed her to squeeze in an armchair beside without making the recess feel cluttered. Take a look at Ashley and Mike's RV reno update videos at Joyfully Growing Blog on YouTube.
Paint kitchen cabinetry
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When regular RVs drive off the dealer's tarmac they usually have standard decor. Even the biggest Class A and most well-equipped kitchens can have lacklustre and plain cabinetry. Banish the typical honey-oak tone by giving the RV kitchen an uplifting colour update.
Remove the cupboard doors, hardware and screws remembering where each should go back. Prep the surfaces by sanding. Next, give the surfaces a base by priming. Once fully dry, paint two coats with your favourite colour. @thedekkertrekkers chose a soothing blue. Repeat the process with the built-in bases. Reinstall the hardware or refresh with new. Ensure you give your new kitchen a protective coat of varnish or wax to avoid paint chipping.
Make your seats swivel
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Make the driver's section of your motorhome multipurpose with rotating seats. Swivel plates installed under the seats enable you to turn the cab seats to face the back to enjoy a bigger living area once parked up.
Optimising precious camper van space with swivel seats comes with benefits such as creating a dining area, as Rustic Campers have achieved, constructing a small office space, forming a lounge room or why not fashion a boot room for changing into outerwear?
Customise the exterior
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Make sure your RV stands out from the crowd while your tiny home is on the road or parked up at a trailer park. A fresh spray job in a nature-complementing colour will blend your rig into its surroundings or customise it with an uplifting-style wrap-around mural like the O'Phalen family from O'Phalen Adventures has done.
Kate and Dan spent four months turning their 2007 Toy Hauler into a gorgeous home inside and out. They chose a beautiful desert landscape design which was DIY painted using exterior house paint and a projector to trace on the designs – genius!
Update window treatments
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Taking down dated heavy curtains and valances is a simple RV DIY job that will help flood the space with natural light and freshen up the space.
Chris and Tiernee Schatz from Wayland RV Renovations have used a mixture of natural jute blinds and voiles to create a homely farmhouse decorating vibe that remains a popular RV remodelling style choice. Blackout blinds are a good choice to stop daylight streaming in too early in the morning and to offer privacy during the evening.
Keep decor consistent
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Whether you own an RV, camper, trailer or caravan chances are the layout is predominately open-plan. Therefore, it's wise to keep the decor consistent throughout to create a calming and space-enhancing flow.
Renee and Brad from @wisco_flip make a living from updating and selling RVs so have plenty of motorhome update experience. Renee often sticks to one constant theme throughout such as coastal, boho and modern farmhouse to ensure the space takes on a clean consistency.
Work in Wi-Fi
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Going off-grid can be a refreshing part of van life. But, you may prefer to stay digitally connected or perhaps need to work remotely while on the road. If you are wondering how to get Wi-Fi in a motorhome there are simple solutions.
Using your own mobile phone and network as a hotspot is a quick and fuss-free option for short breaks. For longer trips, a mobile Wi-Fi router or dongle may be required. These come with an antenna or in puck form that is mounted onto an RV roof. They connect to 4G or 5G networks with a SIM card just as your mobile phone does but you'll need to set up a separate plan with a network as you would at home. Investing in a signal booster will amplify the signal to your phone or router to increase Wi-Fi speeds. Satellite internet is also available and is ideal when travelling to more remote places but comes with a hefty price tag.
Set off with solar panels
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Solar panels for an RV or motorhome will offer a sustainable and eco-friendly way to power up the leisure battery in your tiny home on wheels. Yes, they come with an initial investment but long-term savings and presenting the freedom to roam make them an appealing energy choice.
Solar technology for camping includes flexible, portable and rigid versions. Before investing in solar panels it is wise to research and consider options such as needs, costs, insurance, weight, system set-up and power management.
Warm with rugs
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Introduce rugs to your camper to add instant colour, texture and warmth to floors. A runner like @maggies_makeovers_'s geometric version is a popular choice as it will fit perfectly along the elongated space of an RV and will unite various living areas.
The homely feature will protect floors and make housework a breeze – especially if you choose a machine washable version.
Choose fold-away furniture
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Convertible furniture can be a winner in small spaces such as motorhomes in order to give the tiny footprint various multifunctional living options.
Great furniture ideas to research are drop-leaf tables for dining or home working and sofa beds or dining tables that turn into beds for additional sleeping spaces. Sliding or lift-up worktops can provide more surface space and seating can accommodate plenty of hidden storage underneath.
Learn to upcycle
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The great thing about purchasing a doer-upper RV or well-loved motorhome is that the framework is already in place. Easy modifications can then make a great deal of difference at a little extra cost.
The DIY Mommy has perfected this cute RV kitchenette. Before Christina Dennis got started it was top-to-toe dated honey oak complete with 80s wallpapered splashback. Now thanks to a whole lot of crisp white and fresh mint green paint it's transformed. Other easy upcycle ideas include spray-painted handles and taps, a peel-and-stick penny tile splashback and the countertop has been re-covered in marble-effect contact paper. Take a look at her YouTube video for the full makeover.
Better the bathroom
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When it comes to renovating your RV don't forget the bathroom. Take a look at the layout and decide whether there could be a better and more practical option that makes better use of space.
Carrie and RW Hansen who own Driftless RV Renovators changed the orientation of the sink and mirror in this Toy Hauler and added a custom vanity to improve the bathroom's function. Warming tiles, a shower shelf, new fixtures and a tension rod shower curtain bring the washroom right up to date.
Pop in a portable loo
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Bathrooms in large RVs usually come as standard, however, smaller motorhomes probably do not. 'To loo or not to loo' is often a big camper question.
The advantages of a camper van toilet are convenience, privacy, cleanliness and being environmentally friendly. The downsides are emptying, odours and use of space. Here The Hills Campers have solved the loo space issue in this pretty transit van conversion by popping a portable loo in the shower room.
Install new kitchen appliances
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Updating kitchen appliances can be a wise investment when modifying an RV especially if you spend long periods on the open road or like to boondock.
Look for specialist RV product suppliers such as Furrion as they will advise on appliances designed especially for van life such as smaller, lighter and energy-efficient models. However, from the outer design and aesthetics, you would never know the difference.
Lighten it up
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Most RV interiors are usually manufactured in dark colours. Madison Cox from Troop Nashville told Business Insider that this is because it's easier to keep looking clean.
Painting an RV with a lighter or brighter colour can be a game changer, but it's not as simple as painting a house interior. Madison and Bo advise that before you reach for a paintbrush you must thoroughly clean, sand, fill, caulk and then clean again. Plus, always prime before finally painting.
String up fairy lights
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Fairy lights can be an RV homemaker's best friend. Battery-operated options mean they can be installed almost anywhere inside a rig. The little LED lights will create an ambient glow and whimsical feel to the small space at night.
Josie Rose owner of @bus.off.josie thinks you can never have enough fairylights. For a more permanent solution, why not put a few of our genius hacks for LED strip lights into practice in your motorhome?
Heat things up
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These days RV living is an all-year-round activity so it is vital to ensure the space is heated well. There are lots of options such as electric heaters, gas and diesel and propane, the latter produces CO2 ventilation and a carbon monoxide detector is vital.
If you are looking for a homely heating element why not consider an RV wood stove? They are specially made for campers as they are smaller and lightweight. Note that they will need professional installation which of course will be a cost and regular cleaning. Renee and Brad from @wisco_flip have created a modern, clean and cosy farmhouse ambience by installing an electric fireplace into a faux chimney breast with an integrated TV mounted above.
Optimise water reserves
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Hot and cold water, showers, toilets and sometimes even baths, modern motorhomes usually require a plumbing system to suit a lot of water. RV and campervan water is stored in a storage container and can be transferred via plumbing pipes for easy use with the simplest of foot pumps to more complex diaphragm systems.
Although weight should always be considered Shane Monks O'Byrne from The Van Conversion advises upgrading to as large as possible and adding a fill point to the side of a van. Hope and Manny, owners of Beer Run Bus fill up their 35-gallon tank from a gas station every two weeks. They have a garden hose and carbon filter that reduces sediment and chlorine.
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