There comes a time in nearly every RVer’s journey when you find yourself staring at your rig and wondering: “Should we renovate this thing, or is it time to buy a new RV and move on?”
After nearly seven years on the road, and with more than a few RVs under our belt — from a couple of 40-plus-foot fifth wheels to a nimble Class B and now our Class C motorhome — we’ve faced this exact question more than once. Our RV has to function as our home, our office, and our gateway to adventure. So, when things stop working quite right or no longer fit our lifestyle, the big decision looms: Do we love it enough to renovate it, or is it time to list it, buy a new RV model, and move on?
Whether you’re a full-timer (like us) or an occasional weekend warrior, here’s everything you need to know to help you decide whether to renovate or buy a new RV.
When to Consider Renovating Your RV
Renovating your RV can be an exciting opportunity to make your space truly feel like home. And there are countless people who have transformed dated interiors into custom havens with just a little vision and elbow grease.
So how do you know when renovation is the right call? Here are four good signs.
1. Your RV is structurally sound.
If the bones of your RV are in great shape (chassis, frame, roof, and plumbing) then a renovation may be worth the time and investment. There’s no point updating cabinets or installing a new couch if your rig is plagued by leaks or structural issues.
2. You love the layout … but hate the look.
Sometimes it’s not about function, it’s about feel. Maybe your RV has the perfect kitchen size, a layout you love, and just enough storage — but it’s also rocking 2007 faux oak cabinetry and stained carpet that’s seen better days. Updating finishes, replacing flooring, or modernizing the color scheme can breathe new life into a dated RV.
3. You’re handy. (Or at least willing to learn.)
Renovation saves the most money when you’re able to DIY. From peel-and-stick backsplash to building custom dinettes, RVers have proven there’s very little you can’t learn through YouTube. Just know your limits, especially with things like electrical or plumbing.
4. You Want to Save Money
If you love your current rig (and it’s still got plenty of life left in it), renovation is usually far cheaper than upgrading. Plus, small updates can go a long way — replacing cushions, upgrading lighting, or even adding smart RV tech like a new control panel or solar monitoring system can be game-changers.
When It’s Time to Get a New RV Model Instead
As fun as renovation can be, sometimes upgrading just makes more sense. We’ve upgraded RVs for a few reasons over the years: growing needs, shifting travel styles, and the opportunity for better features or reliability.
Here’s four signs it might be time to list it.
1. Your travel needs have changed.
When we switched from slow and longer stays to a go-go-go travel style, our needs changed dramatically. A rig that was perfect for long campground stays and day trips in the truck suddenly wasn’t cutting it, and a Class B became the best adventure RV we’ve ever had. If you’ve changed how (or how often) you RV, it might be time for a unit that better supports that.
2. You’re spending more time fixing than enjoying.
There’s a difference between upkeep and frustration. If you find yourself constantly at repair shops, chasing leaks, or stressing about the next breakdown, it may be time to cut your losses and find something more reliable.
3. The layout no longer works.
Even the prettiest renovation won’t fix a bad floorplan. If you’ve added a pet, a child, or a remote job to the mix and your RV just doesn’t function anymore, it might be time to find a layout that does. Our move from a Class B to a Class C gave us a separate living, working, and sleeping space, which completely changed our day-to-day comfort as we found the happy medium between long stays in the 5th wheels and the go-go-go travel style in the Class B. Our new RV is the perfect balance of those two, and we love it.
4. You’re eyeing new tech and features.
Sometimes, upgrading is about future-proofing. Newer rigs often come with integrated smart controls, better solar setups, more efficient appliances, and stronger insulation for all-weather RVing. If you find yourself longing for what’s standard in newer models, upgrading could be worth the investment, especially if the cost of upgrading your current rig to all these new features is too high.
Renovation: The Pros and Cons
Pros
- More affordable than buying new
- Customize to your exact taste
- Keeps you in a layout or RV you love
- Potentially adds resale value
Cons
- Time-consuming and can be stressful
- May uncover hidden issues
- Costs can add up quickly if not careful
- Won’t fix mechanical or structural problems without a hefty price tag and knowledge of how to fix the problem
Buying a New RV Model: The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Less worry about surprise repairs and an initial warranty if a new rig from a dealership
- Comes with updated features and technology
- Can better suit current lifestyle needs
- Often more efficient and easier to travel with
Cons
- Expensive
- Learning curve with new systems
- Depreciation hits fast if buying new
- Can take time to “find the right one”
Tips Before You Commit
Do a deep clean and reset.
Before you go down the renovation rabbit hole or start RV shopping, try a deep clean, some small updates, and a few days away in your current rig. Sometimes, we just need to reset our perspective. The things you dislike may not be dealbreakers after all.
Rent or borrow other RV types.
If you’re leaning toward upgrading but unsure which style is best, try renting a different RV type for a short trip to make sure it is the right fit.
Make a budget … and stick to it.
Whether you’re renovating or upgrading, costs can balloon fast. Sit down, research what your project or purchase will realistically cost, and factor in a cushion for surprises. Don’t forget to factor in storage or campground fees if your rig will be out of commission during renovations.
Talk to other RVers.
Chances are someone else has been exactly where you are. Social media, RV forums, and campground conversations are full of advice and personal stories that can help you see pros and cons you might not have considered.
Deciding to Renovate or Buy a New RV
At the end of the day, whether you renovate or upgrade comes down to one question: Does your current RV still support the way you want to live and travel?
If the answer is yes, a few upgrades or tweaks might be all you need to fall in love with your rig again. But if it’s becoming a source of stress or no longer meets your needs, it might be time to start shopping for your next home on wheels.
Whichever path you take, trust that it’s part of your RV journey — and the road ahead is filled with new adventures, new stories, and maybe even a fresh set of wheels.
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