Category: Living

If you’re a fan of the RV lifestyle, you know that renovating and maintaining your motorhome can be a significant expense. As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the expenses involved in renovating an RV in 2023.

In this article, we’ll supplement RV Trader’s Renovation Guide with a discussion of all things related to reno costs, covering everything from the price of materials and labor to helpful tips that will help you save money along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned RV enthusiast or just starting out, keep reading to learn more about the cost of renovating an RV in 2023.

Popular RV Renovation Trends for 2023

As we head into 2023, there are several RV renovation trends that are becoming increasingly popular. One of the most exciting trends is the use of designs that are similar to a modern modular home with loft space.

This trend allows RV enthusiasts to create a living space that is both functional and stylish, with ample storage and comfortable sleeping quarters. These designs often feature clean lines, modern finishes, and an open-concept layout that maximizes space and creates a sense of flow. The modular design of these RVs allows for easy customization and reconfiguration, making it possible to create a truly unique and personalized space.

Additionally, many RV owners are incorporating innovative technology into their renovations, such as automated lighting and climate control systems, to make their home on wheels more convenient and comfortable.

Other popular trends include the use of eco-friendly materials, which help to create a more sustainable and efficient living environment. As more and more people embrace the RV lifestyle, these trends will continue to shape the way we think about mobile living spaces.

Understanding the Cost of RV Renovations

When renovating your travel trailer or other RV, the cost can vary based on several different factors. The age and condition of your RV are significant factors that will impact the renovation cost. The extent of the required renovations and the materials and labor involved are also crucial cost drivers.

There are a few common renovation projects that RV enthusiasts might consider, including upgrading the kitchen, bathroom, and dinette. For example, renovating the kitchen may require installing new countertops, cabinets, and appliances, which can cost between $2,000 and $4,000.

Upgrading the bathroom may involve replacing the toilet, shower, and sink, which can cash in between $1,500 and $3,000. Lastly, renovating the sleeping area may require upgrading the bed, adding storage, or installing a Murphy bed, which can cost between $1,000 and $3,000.

Budgeting for RV Renovations

Creating a realistic budget is a crucial step when renovating your toy hauler or other RV. The first step is to research the cost of materials and labor. This research will provide a clearer picture of how much the renovation may cost and help you make informed decisions about which materials to use and the extent of the renovation project.

It’s essential to prioritize necessary repairs to avoid overspending on luxury upgrades. To save money, consider doing some of the work yourself and buying used or recycled materials. For instance, repurposing a wooden pallet into a headboard for the bed or using repurposed kitchen cabinets for extra storage can save you a lot of money.

Choosing the Right Motorhome Renovation Professional

Working with a qualified RV renovation expert is crucial. With specialized knowledge and experience in handling RV-specific issues, they can help you save time and money in the long run. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an RV service technician:

• Credentials. Check the credentials, including their licenses,certifications, and training. You want to work with someone with the proper training and experience to handle your RV renovation project.
• Reviews. Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of the quality of work the RV service technician provides.
• References. Request references and contact past clients to ask about their experience working with the service center.

The advantages of working with a reputable RV renovation expert include access to specialized tools and equipment, which can save you time and money in the long run, and the ability to troubleshoot and fix any unexpected issues that may arise during the renovation process.’

Small damages here and there can be fixed by yourself without outsourcing help. However, if the damage is substantial, you’ll have to factor in the price of the new parts, plus labor costs. Labor costs can range from $65 to $129 per hour. It’s important to factor in these variables while determining the total renovation cost.

Budgeting for Ongoing RV Maintenance

In addition to renovation costs, it’s essential to budget for ongoing RV maintenance. Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs down the road and keep your RV in good condition for years to come. The cost of ongoing RV maintenance varies depending on the age and condition of your fifth wheel or other RV. However, setting aside a budget of around $300 per year can help cover routine maintenance costs.

Renovating a motorhome in 2023 can be a costly investment, but it can also provide endless opportunities for fun and adventure. By understanding the cost of renovation, budgeting for necessary repairs, and choosing the right RV service center, you can enjoy your RV for years to come. Don’t forget to budget for ongoing maintenance, as this can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your RV in great condition.

Ready to look for a used RV to purchase? Check out RV Trader’s nationwide inventory at RVTrader.com to begin your renovation journey.

By Kevin Fagan, Editor at NextModular 

 

RV travel is all the rage right now, and for good reason. Traveling in an RV is affordable, flexible, and offers a special way to connect with both your travel companions and nature. RVs are also great investment projects for those who love to fix up and renovate. 

RV Trader recently surveyed over 1,000 RV shoppers and asked them about buying and renovating RVs. We found that the majority of shoppers (64%) are looking to buy an RV that’s totally ready to roll. However, nearly a quarter (24%) are open to renovating depending on the RVs they find on the market. Finally, 12% of RVers specifically intend to buy an RV in order to renovate, with either minor updates (8%) or a full overhaul (4%). 

Among those who are open or actively seeking to renovate (36% of all shoppers), virtually everyone wanted to renovate an RV for personal use, with only 2% of potential renovators hoping to flip the RV for resale.

When asked which spaces had the highest priority when renovating, respondents said they were most interested in renovating their living space (40%), kitchen (39%), and sleeping space (36%). This makes sense, as the aesthetic of those areas largely determines the vibe of the entire RV. The bathroom was also a popular choice (29%). Some of the less popular renovation areas were creating storage space (16%), the driver cab (10%), and outdoor appliances (7%).

It was also eye-opening to learn about the specific projects renovators are hoping to tackle. The top two planned projects were painting (41%) and refurbishing seating and bedding (41%). Kitchen renovations were the third most popular response (35%). Beyond that, respondents were also interested in replacing flooring (29%), replacing upholstery (28%), refurbishing bathrooms (27%), replacing appliances (26%), and replacing roofing (11%). 

And what about those shoppers who have no interest in renovating an RV? Among those who don’t want to renovate, exactly half (50%) say that’s because they simply want a travel trailer or other RV that already meets their needs. They’d prefer to make their purchase and hit the road immediately. The second most common response (31%) was that they don’t want to go through the hassle of renovating. That’s fair enough, as renovations require a significant amount of time, money, and patience. Finally, a smaller percentage of respondents said they don’t have the skills (10%) or the spare time (8%) needed to renovate an RV. 

Taken as a whole, the survey results are very insightful into today’s RV shoppers. First of all, relatively straightforward renovation projects that can be learned and completed without much skill or experience ranked as the most popular projects. Tasks like painting, refurbishing seating, and refurbishing bedding can be time-consuming, but they’re not extremely difficult. 

Second, respondents prioritized completing renovations in areas where they tend to spend the most time. The living room, kitchen, sleeping space, and bathroom were all top choices. Meanwhile, side projects that don’t affect main RV spaces ranked much lower. It makes sense to tackle major areas that will immediately make a huge difference in your space and leave smaller projects for later. However, if you’re just starting out and intimidated by the renovation process, small wins can give you the confidence to move forward with larger projects. That’s something to keep in mind while planning your renovation timeline.  

Third, it makes sense for some RVers to buy a camper that’s already road-ready. If you don’t feel like dealing with the logistics of renovating a used Class B RV or other RV, that’s more than okay. There are plenty of great new motorhomes on the market that will fit your needs and budget. Ultimately, you have to make the decision that’s right for you. 

Whether you’re eager to renovate a used RV, or purchase a brand new RV from a dealership, you can find exactly what you’re looking for on RVTrader.com. Our nationwide inventory of new and used campers offers a make and model for every budget. 

When it comes to renovating an RV, it can be helpful to seek guidance from a fellow RVer who’s currently in the midst of renovating their own motorhome. Speaking to a seasoned member of the RV community can give you invaluable insight into the renovation process, along with tips and tricks they learned during their own experience. 

RV Trader had the chance to speak to AJ Harless, a Trader Interactive team member who’s currently renovating a travel trailer with his wife. He gave us the low down on which projects he’s already tackled, currently working on, and planning to complete in the future. He also provided us with some amazing insider knowledge and advice that can benefit both beginners and those who are more experienced with renovations. If you want to get some fun project ideas or hear a firsthand account of the RV renovation process, check out our interview with AJ below!

1. What type of RV are you renovating?

We are renovating a 2021 Coleman Lantern 17B. It’s a relatively affordable, entry-level travel trailer that is great for first-time buyers. It has pretty standard features but is a very popular unit with a great community of buyers who like to customize and upgrade their RVs.

2. Were you already familiar with renovating, or did you start out as a beginner? 

We are brand new to RV renovations. This is our first RV so we’re learning a lot as we go in terms of how the trailer is constructed, what we’re able to customize, and what our limitations are. However, we’ve tackled a number of home renovation projects, so we’re able to apply some of those learnings to the projects inside of the RV.

3. Which renovation projects have you tackled so far?

We’ve knocked out quite a few projects already. The first project we tackled was to wallpaper the wall that separates the dinette from the twin bunk beds at the back of the unit. This was a really easy win to start. From there, we decided to re-upholster the cushions for the dinette to brighten up the space with a lighter vinyl cover as opposed to the stock brown vinyl.

Our next project was to apply stick-on backsplash to the kitchen area of the RV. We’re both fans of black textures so we went with black herringbone pattern. Since the RV’s interior is primarily a shade of white, this added some nice contrast.

To really make the unit feel like our own, we painted all of the cabinets in the kitchen area a darker shade of green. This color complimented the black backsplash very well and makes it feel unique.

The most recent project that we completed was replacing the dinette tabletop. The original table was constructed with low-grade materials and covered in a marbled vinyl. We wanted something a little more appealing. Fortunately, my father-in-law has 30+ years of woodworking experience and was able to hand-craft a solid Hickory tabletop. We detached the stock fold-up table legs and used them on the new tabletop. Soon, we hope to replace the legs as well for something with a little more high-quality.

4. What projects were the most challenging? What projects were the easiest?

Due to the pattern and the aluminum material, the stick-on backsplash was our toughest project so far as we had to do a lot of trimming to fit the backsplash around the window with rounded corners. We anticipated this would be an easy project since it was stick-on, but the pattern added a level of complexity to keep the backsplash straight.

Our easiest project so far was the wallpaper for the dinette wall. It’s a very small space, but adding the wallpaper really livens up the area and adds some visual interest.

5. Is there anything you learned along the way that would have made your first projects easier to complete?

I would say one thing that we learned is that you should always make sure you have the right tools for the job. With the backsplash project in particular, it would have been much easier had we started with the cutting tools we needed, especially given that the backsplash is made from aluminum instead of vinyl. Instead of trying to power through with what we had, we should have started out with the appropriate tools.

6. Which renovation projects are you planning to tackle in the future? Which ones are you most excited about?

We are currently in the process of replacing the shelf above the queen bed. The stock shelf isn’t quite deep enough to hold most standard-size baskets. Given the smaller size of our unit, we need to make sure that every storage space is functional and practical. My dad will actually be custom-building a shelf from poplar wood so that it’s much stronger and visually appealing, similar to that of the custom tabletop. 

At the same time, we will also be applying wallpaper to the wall on which that shelf is mounted. This is the largest wall in the unit and it comes standard with a faux wood wallpaper. We’re excited to see how a brighter, more modern wallpaper will add to the aesthetic of the space.

7. Do you have any helpful advice for RV renovation beginners?

When it comes to achieving a cohesive aesthetic in the RV, start by picking one statement piece from which you can build everything else around. This could be wallpaper, bedding, etc. Find something that you love the look of, and then allow that to inspire the look over everything else around it.

My wife, Shaina, owns her own business, HartwoodDesign.co, in which she designs and creates custom laser cut and engraved decor. With our space, she was able to draw from the various patterns and themes and create custom pieces to accentuate the overall design.

Once you have your style solidified, it’s important to not let perfection get in the way of good. What I mean by that is don’t stress over the little imperfections that come along with your DIY projects. Tiny wrinkles in your wallpaper, a scratch on your backsplash, a run line in your paint; at the end of the day, these will be invisible and become part of the story behind your renovation.

8. What is your favorite part about renovating your RV?

Our favorite part of this renovation is the experience of customizing the unit and making it our own. Spending time together, figuring out how to overcome the obstacles, and being able to admire our work in the end is the most rewarding part so far. We’re excited to take the RV out this season and get to adventure in our custom unit and show it off to friends, family, and those we meet on the road.

9. Is there anything else I didn’t ask about that you think would be helpful for RV renovators to know? 

If you’re renovating your RV, there’s a good chance that there are others like you out there doing very similar projects, or who have completed those same projects and are willing to share their tips, the tools they used, etc. We’ve been fortunate to find a good community of Coleman Lantern 17B owners who frequently share their projects in a Facebook group. We’re able to consult this group for any specific measurements, questions about the unit, tips, etc. This has been invaluable in our renovation process.

Lastly, I would say to anyone thinking about starting a renovation – your RV is your home on the road. Make it feel that way. Make it your own!

Are you ready to look for a used RV and get started on your own renovation projects? Check out our nationwide RV inventory on RVTrader.com. 

Retro campers that have been flawlessly renovated are hard to ignore. They’re bold, lively, and fun. The best part? They look vintage, but they offer modern conveniences and appliances. If you’re eager to stand out on the road with groovy patterns, bold paint colors, and appliances that offer a blast to the past, you’ve come to the right place. RV Trader is sharing seven helpful tips that will help you transform your used motorhome into a retro paradise.

1. Paint the exterior. 

Renovating the exterior of your RV will make a huge difference in how your motorhome is perceived. If you want to add an obvious retro edge to your travel trailer or other camper, choose your favorite retro colors, brainstorm a bold pattern, and get to work. 

Before you paint, wash the outside of your RV thoroughly, remove old decals, and caulk any exterior joints that show cracks or gaps. In addition, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as painter’s tape, a sanding block, acetone, a microfiber cloth, and more. 

Ultimately, painting your RV will give it an opportunity to shine in all its retro glory.

2. Use retro kitchen appliances.

There are so many retro appliances to use in your Class A RV or other motorhome these days. Your options are truly endless! Here are some fun items to consider.

•  Smeg toaster, which comes in a variety of fun colors, such as cherry red and bubblegum pink
• Galanz mini fridge, which provides a pop of bright turquoise to any space
• COMFEE microwave to match, along with a Nostalgia electric tea kettle
• Magic Chef mint green microwave that’s sleek, compact, and perfect for your new and improved retro kitchen
• HADEN Dorchester Coffee Maker comes in seafoam green, blue, and white

3. Incorporate retro colors. 

Before you begin your RV renovation, decide which nostalgic color palette you want to use. Are you drawn towards warm browns, oranges, and golds of the 1970s? Or do you prefer softer pastels that were all the rage during the 1950s? This decision will help guide your renovation projects moving forward. 

Your cabinets, walls, and trim are all great painting projects to tackle. You can also choose furniture and decor that fit into your chosen color scheme. Ultimately, incorporating vintage colors and accents will help give your space a groovy, retro feel.

4. Install funky wallpaper. 

Patterned wallpaper is a great way to transform the vibe of your RV’s interior. Bold prints, kitschy designs, and colorful florals are all great options for a retro theme. 

Nowadays, wallpaper application is simple. With peel-and-stick options, you can change up your chosen design as often as you want. This is a great way to keep the interior of your fifth wheel or other RV fresh and interesting. Fortunately, since RVs don’t have an extensive amount of wall space, this renovation project is a quick and easy one.

5. Get creative with lighting. 

Swapping out your old bulbs and light fixtures for new ones is a great way to enhance the retro feel of your RV. From accent lighting to table lamps, your options are infinite. 

First things first, remove any fluorescent bulbs from your RV. Manufacturers typically install these in brand new motorhomes, and for some RVers, they’re perfectly fine. However, they give off a bluish tint and can make your space feel unnaturally bright. Instead, opt for warmer bulbs that add a cozy factor to your space. 

Second, consider adding a fun table lamp or two to your bedroom or living room. This mushroom lamp from Urban Outfitters is a great option, along with this green ceramic lamp from JCPenney. 

Third, brainstorm creative ways to add textured, retro lighting to your RV’s interior. For example, stick-on glow stars can be installed on your ceiling for an extra pop of light after dark. Many RVers also string fairy lights around the interior of their space for a cozy, late-night glimmer.

6. Have fun with textures and fabrics. 

Incorporating texture and a variety of fabrics will bring your retro RV to life and transform it into a cozy, functional home. Shag carpets and crushed velvet pillows are fantastic options for this. You can even DIY your RV’s seating and swap out the fabric for something that aligns with your chosen theme and color palette. Tie dye prints, checkered fabrics, and paisley designs are popular options for a retro look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and patterns. This will only enhance the retro feel of your RV.

7. Decorate with vintage accents. 

Get creative with your retro RV renovation. Add a lava lamp, a vintage fan, or a neon sign to your space. If you’re a music lover, invest in a record player. Once again, your options are endless. Decorate in a way that feels authentic for you.

The first step towards renovating a camper is finding the perfect used model for your project. If you’re ready to search for a used RV to renovate, check out our nationwide inventory at RVTrader.com.