An RV Remodel Can Bring Modernization To An Out of Date Vehicle
Buying an older RV can protect your budget while greatly improving your travel options. However, you will need to focus on the basics when choosing your vehicle. Making sure that the vehicle is 100% waterproof is key, as is confirming that the frame and chassis are in good shape. If there has been any leaking or rust, you will need to get that addressed and cleaned up before you start your remodel. While shopping, you will want to look for signs of new paint and do your best to sniff out the RV for mold. RVs on the road can pick up dust, but if you smell anything that is similar to urine, you will want to move along and keep shopping. Carefully review the RV roof, especially around the air conditioner, as they are quite heavy and can contribute to your risk of leaks on the roof. Once you find a weather-tight RV, you can begin your renovation adventure. There’s a lot that can be done to fix up that old RV into something incredible. Not all the factors of a remodel are even that complicated.
1 - Replace the Dinette
Built-in dinettes can really date an RV. Old fabric and cushions can also trap odors and dust. A table and chair can give you more flexibility, or you can put together a combination of a storage bench with a new cushion on one side and a couple of chairs on the other side for optimum flexibility. Worst case, update the materials being used on the dinette. Get rid of fake leather and plastics and replace them with something better looking and more comfortable.
2 - Replace the Flooring
RVs are very tight spaces. If you or the previous owner did a lot of cooking indoors, no amount of cleaning will get the scent out of the carpet. Also, if the RV is old enough it might have shag carpeting (shudder). While you are renovating, especially if you choose to tear out the dinette, go ahead and replace the floor with laminate or quality sheet vinyl. If you use laminate, make sure you get a tight fit to cut down on places where dirt can gather.
3 - Update the Curtains
Old RV curtains can also hold onto dust and scents. These curtains can also date your rig. Instead of curtains, consider putting up light blocking magnetized window covers that you can use for privacy and to keep out the heat of the sun. These flat covers can feature whatever fabric you like on the inside and boost your decorating options while lowering the amount of bulk on the wall and over the windows. This gives you more room for decorating as you would like.
4 - Replace the Toilet
A common complaint of RV life is odor. Even a properly maintained and odor-free black tank can be unpleasant. You may want to consider adding a composting toilet. Not only will this give you a tidier way to deal with solid waste, but you can update your blackwater tank to serve as a second greywater tank and extend your ability to camp out.
5 - Create an Office Space
While updating your dinette, consider adding a table top with a pencil drawer or a computer keyboard tray. This will make it possible for you to work at the same table you and your family eat at. Remote work options can make it possible for you to stay on the road even longer as long as you can find some friendly wifi options along the way if you don’t already have internet set up in your RV.