wpblogtesting

Tag: diy

  • 5 Ways to Make a Wow-Worthy RV

    5 Ways to Make a Wow-Worthy RV

    There’s something about stepping into an RV that feels like you’ve opened the door to adventure – literally and figuratively – as that door, once secured behind you, can whisk you away to some of the most memorable experiences of your life. Trust me, I know. After six years of RVing, you would think that my wife and I would be ready to hand in our keys, but we know that the open road and RV travel will always be in our blood.

    But what if your RV could be more than just a means to travel – what if it could be a showstopper and head turning event unto itself? How do you actually wow everyone who steps inside (or catches a glimpse from the outside)? Whether you’re looking to enhance the interior for your own comfort or want to turn heads at the campground, we’ve got five great ways to transform your RV into a jaw-dropping, wow-worthy home on wheels. Let’s get started!

    1. Upgrade Your Flooring

    One of the easiest ways to give your RV an instant “wow” factor is by upgrading the flooring. While some manufacturers are listening to us long-time RVers about stepping their interior game up to feel more like a true home, many older RVs feel dated and come with basic linoleum or carpet that can wear down quickly and hold onto dirt, stains, and odors. Switching to something more durable and stylish like vinyl plank flooring or laminate can completely transform the space, making it feel more like a true home. Plus, these options are easy to clean and maintain, which is essential for life on the road.

    Pro Tips

    Make sure to calculate the weight difference between your old and new floors so that you know what your final weight capacity will be, and that you’re not going over your suggested weight with a new heavier material.

    Also, choose a flooring material that can handle the temperature fluctuations and constant earthquake-like conditions inside your RV. You don’t want something that will warp or crack due to weather changes or washboard roads!

    DIY Suggestion

    Check out this video from The Flippin’ Tilbys about RV floor replacement by an expert DIY couple for good options and a detailed walkthrough.

    2. Revamp the Kitchen Space

    Whether you have a huge fifth-wheel or a Class B van, your RV kitchen can make a big impression! To jumpstart a kitchen upgrade, begin with updating the cabinetry with a fresh coat of paint or new hardware to give it a modern feel. Consider adding a peel-and-stick backsplash for a quick and easy pop of color or texture. If you’re willing to invest a bit more, upgrading the countertops or installing more efficient appliances (think compact microwaves or induction cooktops) can make a world of difference.

    Pro Tip

    Opt for lightweight materials when doing any kitchen renovations to avoid adding unnecessary weight to your rig. You’ll see this as a common theme, because weight is always at a premium in RVs and can make the difference between safe and fun ride or a dangerous experience.

    DIY Suggestion

    Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are not only affordable but also give your kitchen an updated, custom look without a major renovation effort. You can also swap out dated handles and knobs for a sleek new look.

    3. Brighten It Up with Lighting

    Nothing says “wow” like walking into a bright, well-lit space – or so my wife loves to tell me. If your RV feels a little dark and dingy, upgrading the lighting can make a huge impact. Replace old, dated fixtures with modern LED lighting, and consider adding battery-operated under-cabinet lights in the kitchen or reading lights in the bedroom area. For a more dramatic effect, install dimmable LED strip lights around the ceiling or furniture to create a cozy atmosphere at night. There are even some that come with colors and connect to apps on your phone. This is a fun mood changer that is easy to install and adds a little flair.

    Pro Tip

    Battery-operated LED lights are a great option for RVers who want to avoid complicated wiring and want to save power when boondocking. They’re easy to install and perfect for creating ambiance without using shore power.

    DIY Suggestion

    If you have a cabinet or pantry that you know you will be using during dark hours and don’t want to wake anyone up, then you can look into some smaller motion-sensor LED lights.

    4. Add Personalized Decor

    Your RV should reflect your personality, and adding personal touches can make it feel more like home. Think about adding things like throw pillows, cozy blankets, artwork, or even some greenery (faux plants work well if you don’t want to worry about maintenance). A few strategically placed decor items can really elevate your space and make it feel inviting and warm. My wife has done this in every RV we’ve had, and you can’t imagine what a welcome atmosphere just a few of these can create.

    Pro Tip

    Use removable hooks or adhesive strips like Command strips to hang your decor and avoid damaging your RV walls. It’s important to keep things lightweight and easily removable for when you’re rolling down the road.

    DIY Suggestion

    Consider framing some of your favorite travel photos or printing out a custom map of places you’ve visited to create a fun, travel-themed gallery wall. Check out my wife’s picture experience wall in our newest RV.

    5. Upgrade the Exterior with an Awning or Outdoor Space

    Let’s not forget the outside of your RV! Creating a functional and stylish outdoor space can take your RV setup from basic to amazing. If your RV doesn’t already have an awning, adding one can create a perfect shaded space for lounging, cooking, or hanging out with friends and family. You can also create an inviting outdoor area with outdoor furniture, string lights, a portable grill, and a few outdoor rugs. Let’s face it, when you are out RVing in the middle of nature with friends and family, the goal is to be outside, and if you make the outside that much more inviting, you’ll find yourself lounging around a campfire, sharing stories with your loved ones, late into the night.

    Pro Tip

    Opt for lightweight, foldable outdoor furniture to save space and reduce your RV’s weight. A portable fire pit is also a great addition for evenings spent under the stars.

    DIY Suggestion

    Check out this easy-to-install awning shade for an instant outdoor upgrade. Adding some solar string lights – make sure they are lightweight and plastic – for an RV safe and eco-friendly glow at night!

    Bonus Tip: Regular Maintenance Goes a Long Way

    While these upgrades will wow your guests, keeping your RV in top condition with regular maintenance is just as important to make sure your home on wheels is functioning smoothly while you’re adding all the bells and whistles.

    Making your RV a wow-worthy space doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few key upgrades and some creativity, you can create an inviting, personalized home on wheels that will impress everyone at the campground – and make your travels even more enjoyable. Happy renovating, and may your RV adventures always be filled with great memories!

  • The Secret Delight of an RV Garden

    The Secret Delight of an RV Garden

    Having a lush garden is one of the brightest joys in life. And you don’t need a farm, a big yard, or any yard to cultivate one. It’s one of the many life lessons that RV living has taught me: less is more. The best garden I ever tried my thumb at was, in fact, a bucket garden. So, if you’re wondering if an RV garden is possible, I’ve got great news for you. It is. And not only is it possible, it’s a great way to grow your own veggies. Which saves money and makes for healthier — and tastier — meals.

    So, how do you grow an RV garden? Let’s make it an open secret and dig into the details.

     

    An RV Garden in a Bucket

    First, I should share this. I have tried my hand at gardening in many yards. But the only garden that yielded delicious, plentiful, healthy plants was a bucket garden. It seems counterintuitive doesn’t it? A garden needs lots of soil, space, and room to grow, right?

    I’ve found that gardening is about quality, not quantity. It’s not about how much soil the plants get, it’s about what kind of soil. In a traditional garden, you are at the mercy of whatever is in your yard. But in a container, you are in control of every ounce of dirt. Using nutrient-rich soil and compost gives you bright, flavorful produce. The arugula that came out of my bucket garden was so delicious and spicy it almost crackled in my mouth.

     

    Containers, Pots, and Buckets

    Space in an RV is precious, and you want to curate every inch of it. You may want to start off with herbs and microgreens in smaller containers. Or jump in with both feet by getting a few mixing buckets for full-size fruits and greens.

    Lest you feel like your RV is going to look like a science lab — this is the fun part. Well, I take that back, it’s all fun in my opinion, but making your buckets stand out is where you can really let your creativity shine. If your containers are small enough you can make macrame hangers for them, transforming your little buckets into crafted masterpieces. If you have a sturdy enough support to hang your garden from, consider this pot hanger, which can support and display a clay pot up to 50 pounds.

    And remember, you don’t have to be a sedentary RVer to make this work. If you’re on the go, look for (or build) a collapsible folding plant holder to put your buckets on while you’re stationary. It’s easy to fold up and put away when you decide to hit the road again. And if buckets are too heavy, or take up too much space for your RV garden set up, check out these growing bags. They are small, lightweight, and can be hung from various places.

     

    What to Grow in Your RV Garden

    With a container garden, you want to curate your selection of plants to those you like to use, and that will produce a useful yield in the space you have. Other selection criteria include cost-effectiveness, hardiness, growing time, and possible pests.

    My favorite herbs for cooking are mint, cilantro, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley, all of which do great in containers. Microgreens do well in small containers, and they don’t need drainage.

    Fruits that grow well in containers and small spaces include peaches, plums, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, among others. Salad greens as a rule do very well in containers, especially arugula, mustard greens, kale and swiss chard. Vegetables to consider would be spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, and peppers, just to name a few.

    Each plant will need a different amount of soil. Most herbs need just a few inches, but larger plants, such as tomatoes, will want at least a foot of soil. If space is a concern, a lot of fruits and vegetables come in dwarf varieties. I prefer the taste of cherry tomatoes, which fit much nicer in a bucket than the larger variety.

    Make sure you have enough space not only for your plants’ containers, but also room for them to grow. Do a little planning before you roll an empty cart into Home Depot’s plant section with a belly full of coffee and a head full of ideas. That is a dangerous place to be in if you haven’t come up with a shopping list and a plan of attack.

     

    Choosing the Right Soil Mix

    The best soil for a bucket garden is a lightweight soil that holds nutrients and drains well. Garden soil is too heavy. A good blend would be a soil substitute mixed with peat moss, pearlite or vermiculite and compost. Any soil sold at a hardware store for “raised bed gardens” should do the trick. Drainage is key: the soil needs to drain extra well to prevent mold and rot.

    The formula I follow, from bottom to top, is:

    • ¼ gravel rocks at the bottom
    • ½ raised bed potting soil
    • ¼ compost

    The potting soil already has compost in it, but I like to sprinkle a little something special on there, like mushroom compost or Black Cow.

    Tip: Before you start, don’t forget to drill drainage holes in the bottom of your container if they’re needed.

     

    Planting and Growing

    When potting, leave just enough room around the plant for it to fully grow. Traditional spacing recommendations are meant to facilitate bulk harvesting. Since you will be manually harvesting your greens – and space is at a premium – don’t worry too much about crowding.

    Otherwise, growing in a bucket is much the same as growing in the ground. Check the care instructions for each type of plant, paying attention to the amount of sun and water they need. For day-to-day maintenance, you can install an app on your phone to remind you when it’s time to water and fertilize, but most plants just need to be checked once or twice a week.

     

    Harvest to Table

    A great perk of an RV garden is keeping your fridge clear of excess store-bought produce. At first glance, an RV garden may seem cumbersome and space-consuming. But, if you think about all the space those peppers, spinach, tomatoes and eggplants take up in your fridge, you might reconsider! Here are some more tips on keeping your RV kitchen supplied and your RV meals delicious and hassle-free.

    As the seasons change, so can your plants. With a little variety in your bucket RV garden, you can continue harvesting edible plants from your containers all year long.