Small Space, Big Potential: How To Make The Most Of Your RV Remodel

Remodeling and Home Improvement

by LB Gabriel Posted on December 30, 2021

Those with a sense of wanderlust typically fall into two camps: ones who desire a destination and others who long for a journey. For the former camp, there’s no better way to scratch that itch than hitting the open road in an RV. Decked out with the comforts of home, an RV is a great way to rack up miles without racking up big hotel bills. If your RV is dated, though, or just not your style, you’re probably interested in sprucing things up before the fun begins.

Can RVs be remodeled? Absolutely! Undertaking an RV remodel may seem intimidating, especially if you want to handle the work yourself, but we’ve got some simple RV remodeling ideas that will turn your lackluster before into the after of your dreams.

Does renovating an RV increase its value?

Obviously, one of the main reasons why you’d go through an RV remodel is for personal use and enjoyment. However, you may also be thinking about reselling your RV one day. If this is the case, and you’d like to make some return on your RV remodel investment, there are certain design choices you can make that might help secure a higher sale price.

  • Opt for a more modern design. You may love bright florals or geometrical patterns, but neutral colors and “safer” decor typically fare better when it comes to sales.
  • Make room for family. People like RV floorplans that can accommodate more than one or two people. Where possible, add some extra seating and beds.
  • Upgrade appliances and electronics. Just like single-family homes, enhancements are attractive. Set a budget and figure out where you can add some wow factor, like an outdoor entertainment center or smart appliances.
A man doing construction work to his RV

How do you remodel an old RV?

First things first, if your vehicle is more than a decade old, there are some things you need to check for before you begin your RV remodel.

  • Make sure there’s no water damage by inspecting the ceiling, roof, and floors for cracking, bowing, or faded water spots.
  • Unleash your inner child and jump up and down on the floor a few times. It’s not just fun — it’ll let you know if the floors are in good shape. Any instability could be an indication of rot.
  • Look for signs of mold in cabinets and closets by closely inspecting the areas with a flashlight. If there’s mildew, you’ll be able to see it and smell it. If the closets and cabinets are oddly warm — several degrees above the rest of the RV — mold could be growing there.
  • Test the electrical switches and lights. If there are issues, call an electrician for assistance.

No matter how many cute throw pillows you have inside the RV, failing to address these potential issues at the start will cause big headaches down the road. Pun intended.

Once the maintenance and repair issues are addressed, and you’re ready to start your RV remodel, have a PODS portable storage container delivered right to your driveway for extra storage. Keep your RV’s interior furniture and fixtures — not to mention your tools — out of the elements but close at hand while you spruce up the inside. The best part? You can keep the container as long as you need, and when you’re all done, PODS will pick it up.

Now onto specific suggestions.

Replace the RV furniture

Say goodbye to those thick, brown suede armchairs and burgundy floral-clad benches and hello to a more clean and modern aesthetic. As with many home goods, the price range for RV furniture is pretty large — from expensive custom-made pieces to space-saving IKEA finds. Decide on your budget, then figure out which old pieces of furniture could or should be replaced. 

  • Replace heavy recliners with sleeker armchairs
  • Update the bed to a platform model that allows for storage underneath. Need even more storage options? The PODS blog has some great storage suggestions.
  • Mount a drop-leaf table on the wall instead of using the camper tables. It can be pulled out for a desk or dining table, then folded back into place when you’re done.
  • Trade bulky sofas for futons, benches, or loveseats.
  • Store your TV and electronics in a slim entertainment center.
  • Need multiple sleeping spots? Try installing some bunk beds with curtains for built-in privacy.

Keep in mind that your RV has a weight limit. Add too much furniture, and you could wind up with a functional problem on your hands. So remember to keep things light, where possible.

Paint the interior RV walls

Almost all RV remodel before-and-after images feature repainted walls. And for good reason. Choosing the right wall color can make a small space seem less cramped and more open. If you’re working with wood paneling or dark hues, lighten things up with a bright shade, like white or pale gray. If you want to paint your cabinets, remember to do some light sanding first, so the paint will better adhere to the surface. 

For more suggestions on wall colors and other small-space decorating tips, check out this decorating article on the PODS blog.
Installing new flooring into a camper van

Install new flooring

This one is a pretty significant undertaking, but new floors will completely transform your RV — especially if it currently has carpeting. You’ll have to start by taking out the existing flooring, which can be a tough job if you’re new to DIY home repairs. If you need a helping hand, consider hiring a professional for this part.

If you want hardwood floors, consider using a laminate alternative. Real wood is heavy and expensive, but wood-like laminate and vinyl look just as good for a fraction of the cost. Plus, it comes in easily installable click-and-lock and press-and-seal options. If hardwood isn’t your thing, you can prime and paint the subfloor for a custom look.

Invest in windows

One area that doesn’t get enough attention is the windows. If your windows are plastic, replace them with glass. Add some curtains for privacy, and put a blackout shade in the sleeping areas. This will add some much-needed warmth and coziness to your space.

Get organized

No matter how lovely your decor choices are, if you have too much stuff in your RV, it will look cramped and disheveled no matter what. And it doesn’t take that much stuff to overwhelm the space when you’re dealing with low square footage. 

While we’re all for smart storage solutions, the real secret sauce is keeping excess belongings out of the RV to begin with. Either prevent them from entering or, if you’ve already got a clutter problem on your hands, go cabinet by cabinet, drawer by drawer, and complete an RV purge. It sounds intimidating, but it’s a breeze once you get started. This PODS blog article on decluttering has some expert advice.

RV solar panels on top of a camper van

Go green with RV solar panels

For extra energy efficiency, consider installing some solar panels on top of your RV. These panels absorb energy from the sun, then convert that energy into electricity. Not only can solar panels help save on electricity costs, but you also won’t have to worry about maintaining power in remote locations. Added bonus? They’re much quieter than their generator counterparts.

Now that your RV is decked to the nines, it’s time to crank the adventure up to an 11. Enjoy your “home away from home” and soak in the memories and magic of an extended road trip.


LB Gabriel is a freelance writer who lives with her husband, daughter, and Golden Retriever in Memphis, TN. A frequent PODS blog contributor, she's a sucker for any tip she can find on downsizing, cutting clutter, or minimalist living. When she's not on a deadline, you can find her on a tennis court or golf course.

Get a Quote

Choose the service you need

Comments

Jacksonville, Florida, also known as The River City and is a long time, culturally diverse city. The tournament players championship is a popular annual golf event in Jacksonville. It’s held in Ponte Vedra, Florida, which is usually considered part of Jacksonville. Many options for music, concerts, and other special events held in downtown Jacksonville, including at a park venue right on the river. The University of Florida and University of Georgia annual football game is held downtown on the river at the NFL Jacksonville jaguars stadium. There is a beautiful baseball sports complex to enjoy fun, baseball games. Since Jacksonville is the largest city, land, wise, each area of town is like its own contained city. Everything you need from banks to grocery stores to shopping. Some of the best medical facilities in the United States, as well as the world, are in Jacksonville, Florida. Such as Baptist, children’s hospital, multiple Baptist hospital, locations around the city, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Saint Vincent’s hospital on the river and Mayo clinic near the beach. The Saint johns river, which runs north, has many park options to enjoy the river. A variety of wildlife can be explored and enjoyed, too. From right whale, watching, to dolphins to the famous manatees to the eagles, nesting on the river, the options are endless. The two most popular areas to hang out in on weeknights and weekends for shopping and restaurants are the St. Johns Town Center and Riverside, which is next to downtown and on the river. Avoid the Baymeadows area near interstate 95 for any hotels. There are some very beautiful springs and rivers to swim, canoe, kayak, and boat down that are easily accessible from Jacksonville. And Saint Augustine, Florida is an easy drive under one hour from Jacksonville. Orlando, Florida is also an easy drive from Jacksonville, Florida. As long as you miss rush-hour traffic in the Orlando area.
Leave a Reply
Does anyone happen to know where I can live with a pit bull? Having troubles finding places
Leave a Reply
I'm from Jesup Georgia and we always call Jacksonville the largest city in Southeast Georgia
Leave a Reply 1 replies
Great affordable housing in jacksonville florida and senior neighborhoods near the beach and malls and is ther great medical services and dentist and eye care? is ther adult ausitsm services /residentcy? Looking for a great place to retire with a special need adult on the spectrum.
Leave a Reply
My husband & I would like to consider moving to Jax from the Fl. Panhandle (Santa Rosa Beach). We moved to SRB from Miami because we retired and hated all the crime and LOTS of traffic & people in the 305, so we thought that a quieter beach town would be perfect but WRONG. This place is slammed with people all summer long.....tourists from 5-6 states come here and crowd the beaches and restaurants every single day for at least 90 days in the summer and 2-3 weeks in the spring making traffic horrible too, and PS, we don't have the roadways for all of these people. Anyhow......we'd like to see if Jacksonville is a good fit for us. We love shopping, culture, movie theatres, YMCA, biking and more. The one thing that I'd like to know is if there are "seasons" in Jax? We love cool/cold weather in the winter and it does get cold here in the Panhandle but LOTS of rain :-/ Would you say it gets into the 30's or even 40's at night in Jax? :-)) Thanks!
Leave a Reply
I'm getting ready to move to Jacksonville. What places would you recommend where the rent is cheap and the area is safe? Thanks!!
Leave a Reply
What would you say are the safest areas to live at in Jacksonville? They don’t give safety a very high rating. Thanks for any information you can provide.
Leave a Reply
Hello. Hello, I am 63 yrs.old. Hoping to relocate within the next couple of months while working from home so traffic won't be a problem. My 89 year old mom will accompany me. Any suggestions where to live?
Leave a Reply
Jacksonville has long been known as the working son among Florida's playboys. It has a very strong blue collar background whereas Miami, Tampa, and Orlando have been the main tourist spots for decades. Also, it doesn't have a very glamorous name and there's a Jacksonville in about every other state so you never know which one people are referring to. If I visit North Carolina and say I'm from Jacksonville they assume I mean the one in there state.
Leave a Reply
Thanks for all your great information everyone! I’m looking to rent an apartment for 6 months out of the year, as I live in PA and can’t stand the cold weather anymore. I too like the simple life and small town feel. If anyone has any suggestions, I’d appreciate it.
Leave a Reply 1 replies

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment * Comments are required.
Name * Name is required.Name can't be more than 50 character.
Email * Valid Email address is required.

Reply to

X Cancel Reply
Comment * Comments are required.
Name * Name is required.Name can't be more than 50 character.
Email * Valid Email address is required.
An error has occurred please try again later