Major upgrades don’t have to mean major expenses (or headaches)! There are some changes you can make to your RV that will make a big impact on your RV’s style, but not on your wallet!
1. Paint
Painting isn’t a super costly change, but it is a time-consuming one! Painting dark RV walls a light color such as white can make a dramatic difference in the interior of your RV. RV walls can be challenging to paint though! It takes several coats of good primer as well as several coats of good paint to cover RV walls and look good. Many people decide to also paint RV cabinets and trim. This is quite a big undertaking, but it can completely change the look and feel of your rig!
2. Change Curtains
RVs usually have curtain valances as well as side panel curtains. If you don’t like the look of these, they’re fairly easy to tear down. You have several options for replacements. If you don’t want to make any more holes in the walls (or if you find that you can’t screw any more holes in the wall because it feels like metal—this happened to us!), you can opt to use Command strip hooks and curtain rods. You can shop for curtains you like and them cut them down and hem them as necessary, or choose to make your own curtains from your favorite fabric!
3. Switch Out Light Fixtures
Updated or changing light fixtures is a nice way to put your personal touch of style in your RV. If you decide to try this, be sure and make sure to get fixtures rated with voltage compatible for your rig, and compatible bulbs. The most common RV light can be replaced with any 12-volt LED light bulb. I found several options that worked for our rig on Amazon.
Related videos: RV LED Interior Lights: A Simple Fix For Dim Corners, How To Upgrade Your RV Wall Light To 12V, How To Add An RV Reading Light, LED RV Porch Light Install
4. Add A Backsplash
Adding a backsplash to your kitchen, bathroom, or both can be a fun, inexpensive upgrade. You don’t have to use tile and grout—there are some lightweight, easy-to-use alternatives to tile that work perfectly in RVs. I found some 3D sticker sheets on Amazon that look just like actual subway tile! They didn’t cost a fortune and I didn’t have to hire a contractor to install them! I just measured my space, cut them to size, and applied. They’ve held up great and still look brand new.
5. Add Fun Decor
Adding pops of color here and there can brighten any space. Throw blankets, pillows, and rugs can be used to add different textures, making your space feel cozy. I love having several plants around to keep the air clean and give the feeling of bringing the outdoors inside! Placing a few lightweight decor items on the walls (secured in place by Command strips) can also be a nice way to personalize your space.
Personalizing your RV’s interior doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I hope this list gives you some ideas of ways to renovate your space if you have the itch to make some changes!
Related blog: 8 Tips For A More Luxurious RV Experience
About the Author: Lauren is a wife, mother of two, photographer, blogger, and lover of nature and adventure! Currently traveling around the US in a fifth wheel, Lauren and her family seek to live life to the fullest and continue to look for ways to simplify their lives in order to live larger with less. Follow along on their journey by visiting their family travel blog.
just looking
How are my window valences attached? I want to remove them and don’t know how to start. Thank you, Lynn Robertson
Hello Lynn,
Thank you for contacting us.
What is the year, make, and model of your RV?
Thanks!
WHEN YOU CHANGED YOUR FAN DID YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING TO IT TO MAKE IT 12 VOLT?
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Got utube live
We want to take out the gas oven and stove burners. How do we disconnect the gas lines or block them off after removal of these two appliances?
Hi Frederick,
The connections that went directly to the stove must be capped off. Usually, it is a half-inch flared cap but there are different connections and sizes so you will have to see what is needed. If you follow the gas line under the RV you will typically find a gas manifold. You can also remove the whole line from this manifold and install a plug in its place. This is usually a 3/8″ or 1/4″ mpt plug. This way you would be able to remove the entire gas line.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
My table seat are pealing I don’t know how to fix it
How do I find replacement appliances and parts for this model?
How can I fix a TV to the wall?
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I was wondering if I can take the small tiles off the wall around the range and what problems
I will run into.
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Will a standard home ceiling fan work in my RV?
Hi Dennis,
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Changes to improve looks of interior
water damage repair
Hi Clair. You are welcome to submit any questions you have to our expert. You can submit your questions in our Contact Us page. I have provided a link below for your convenience:
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Sarah
RV Repair Club Video Membership
We heated off all the wallpaper in our Coachman. The walls are tacky from adhesive. If I prime and paint over it, will that work well enough ?
Hello Cindy,
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Thanks!
I need to remodel the front inter walls and fix frame rot. Can’t seem to find any videos for that.
Hi Benjamin. We unfortunately don’t have any videos on this subject at this time. The first thing would be to remove the panels. Look for seam tape on the boards, these are where two boards meet and there will be a stud there. Remove the tape and use a pry bar to pull back the panel. You also want to remove any trim at the top and bottom as well. These are usually just held in place with nails. The panel can now be pulled out. If possible, keep it in good shape to use as a pattern to cut the new board. They are not always squared and the height can be different on ends. With the panel off you can see what studs need replaced or added structure is needed. You can rebuild, cut a new panel and install it over the opening. If there is anything attached to the wall like cabinets, it will all have to removed first. Sorry we don’t have a video but I hope this helps!
Dan
RV Repair Club
I am still looking for my first coach. Since the level of inventory is low, I feel the search will continue for a while. With that said- How difficult is it to remove the old carpet and replace it with a nice tile? Can the coach be taken to a floor installer and have them do it?
Hello Michael,
Thank you for contacting us.
What is the year, make, and model?
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
RV Repair Club Video Membership
I put a stainless plate with 2 strips of 3M clue on the bottom of my outside door as a kick plate. Now I am finding everyone including myself are hooking their heels on the bottom of the plate. Question ….. is there an easy way of taking this plate off with out taking the paint and fibreglass off at the same time ?
Hello David,
Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:
I would try using heat. A heat gun or hair dryer might work. Heat up the area pretty well and pull gently to see if it starts coming apart. It might be hard to get anything else back there but if you start to get a little room, applying an adhesive remover to the back side from along the edge might loosen things up as well. Usually heat is the best option to prevent damage. Since it is a steel plate you might want to use a heat gun as it is stronger than a hair dryer.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
seeking information on the construction of the lower kitchen cabinets from floor. whenever I extend the Lippert slide out, the lower cabinet doors pop open and looks like the center of the cabinets is off 1/2″. What could be happening?
seeking information on the construction of the lower kitchen cabinets from floor. whenever I retract the lippert slide out, the lower cabinet doors pop open and looks like the center of the cabinets is off 1/2″. I cannot get help with this when I inquire. If you could point me in what may be happening, that would be greatly appreciated. I also have a video of this issue if you need it. Thanks!
Hi Richard,
We would be glad to submit this question to our experts. Can you let us know what the year, make, and model of your RV?
You can also send an email with that information and pictures to rvrepairclub@program-director.net and we would be glad to submit the expert question upon receiving that.
Sincerely,
Codi
RV Repair Club Video Membership
where is video on painting interior (specifically steps/prep, etc thanks
Hello Dennis,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
RV Repair Club Video Membership
I would like to see a video on repairing inside walls
Hello Michael,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
RV Repair Club Video Membership
Looking to update the look and feel of the interior
I like to know is it possible to take out my propane stove and put in an electric stove.
Hi Latesha. You would first have to find out if there is an extra space in your distribution center for another breaker. It will have to be on it’s own dedicated breaker. If there is, then you need to see where to run the new wire to that area. If this can be done then you need to find one that could fit into that area. Some modifications might be needed but usually they are about the same size. The most important thing is running new wire, don’t tie into another circuit as it could cause issues with running things. For the gas line you can just cap it off and it would be fine.
Thanks
Dan-RV Repair Club
I have just joined. I will purchase in the new year (2021) so I am looking at all RVs out there. I do not like the ‘corner bed’ that seems to be very popular. I have problems with my knees, so I would like to remove the corner bed and put in a twin bed. Is that possible? I have looked and looked and cannot find an answer. Thanks for your help.
You would have to measure the area and see if a twin mattress would fit. Some things might have to be modified like the bed support if it isn’t long enough or somethings would have to be removed depending on what is there like a bed end. I don’t know the measurements of the area you are wanting a bed so I can’t tell you for sure if it would work or not.
Sincerely,
Dan RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Looking to tear out and replace some of the interior walls and some of the ceiling. Replace the pressed wood plastic covered furniture.
Can I remove two chairs and middle table and replace with another couch?
We have just purchased this rig, and it has no owners manual. Thor only saves the manuals for 7 years. Does anyone know of a source for obtaining one (perhaps an RV Repair club library or database?
Unfortunately there is no online data base for owners manuals. I wish there was as many people have the same issue. The only place to get owners manuals would be directly from the manufactures. The only other place to check would be owners forums and see if anyone has a similar model and would be willing to copy it for you.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Hello Dion-
I found an owners manual for Four Winds at the address below:
https://www.thormotorcoach.com/owners/owners-manual/
I need to make it brighter & update. So drab feeling.
Remodel ideals for my 1986 Toyota sunland Motorhome
This is the perfect RV for me except, I am wanting to add a sink in the bathroom.I have a closet right next to it.so I could take half.Has anyone done this kind of a remodel job.can give me hints/ideas.
What is the average estimate on remodeling a bathroom?
Laurie,
It really depends on what you want to remodel with, what you want to keep and what needs replaced. Just replacing a few faucets can cost a few hundred dollars based on what you get. It really depends on if you want to go high end or just get things to look a little nicer but it could range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. If you want to replace the shower surround, flooring, cabinets you could be looking at a lot more. It all really depends.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
i am looking to remodel
Hello Matthew!
We’d love to help you out! What specific questions do you have and what is the year, make, and model of your RV?
Thank you!
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
What kind of veneer paneling and thickness of vintage travel trailers. Where to buy?
Hey Paul,
Our expert Dan has some tips for you:
The most common paneling used over the years is 1/4″ luan that is either painted or vinyl covered. Most manufactures had the panels made for them so it’s hard to find an exact match out there especially for vintage. If the manufacture is still in business you could try contacting them to see if that color is still available but most likely you will have to use something different. There are plenty of websites that sell RV paneling or you can go to dealerships or service centers and see what they are able to order. You can always just use regular paneling found at local hardware stores as well. This is actually a popular choice when renovating a used camper as it gives it more of a modern look.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
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RV Repair Club Video Membership
In our 2008 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel Pusher model 38V, The chair in the bedroom is missing. Does anyone know where we might get an original chair? Also can anyone explain how to get the setting on a sleep number mattress correct?
Hello James and Janice!
That’s a great question!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
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If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-706-3536 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
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Sincerely,
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
Is it possible to pull the carpet & linoleum from the main area & replace with a laminate that looks like boards. Similar to what is in homes these days?
Hi Steve. It can be done as long as the new flooring isn’t thicker and interferes with anything like the slide out or cabinet doors. Many people have done this and it can look nice when completed. Just be aware that a lot of vinyl floors are glued down and can be really hard to take off. Some manufactures only glue around the perimeter which makes it easier but others glue the entire floor. If you do use planks you also need to be aware that the flooring will shift a lot more than in houses due to the constant temperature changes that occur in RV’s from use to storage. Other than that, it is something that can usually be done and can turn out nice.
Thanks
Dan RV Repair Club
Need a company recommendation to have the inside gutted and redone to make it wheelchair friendly and accessible, including the entry into the motorhome. Located in Fallbrook, CA.
Your tips and repairs seem always to be for big rigs. Do you ever have info for us class B guys?
Don,
We try to make our tips and troubleshooting to accommodate all RV’s, this includes trailers, 5th wheel, Class A, B and C’s and even park models. The components are typically the same and they all use mostly the same appliances so troubleshooting issues will be the same on most models. We just shoot a lot of the videos based on what we have in the shop that day and the problems that arise from them. I am sorry we don’t have many tips showing things in Class B’s but if you are looking for some troubleshooting help and can’t find that in our videos I would be glad to assist you!
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Where is the 12V battery physically located?
Hello John,
Thank you for contacting us.
What is the year, make, and model of your RV?
Thanks!
My overhead bed lost power halfway down. Where can I find power reset?
Dennis,
The best place to look is the power distribution center. There will be a set of breakers and a set of fuses. You will want to check the fuses as this operates off of the 12v system. Most of the time this is where the main power protection is located. There could also be a problem with the switch or a connection but if it stopped half way down most likely the fuse blew from high amp draw. Finding and checking the fuses would be the best place to start.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Factory sofa not comfortable to me I would love a sofa/recliner Theater style in the same color and material
Just want to know how to upgrade my rig.
I do like my rig but just want some Ideas as to upgrade it
James,
We’d love to assist you! Could you supply us with a little more detail on what you’d like to upgrade and we’d be more than happy to recommend items to you!
Sincerely,
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
I purchased self-adhesive towel bars for our RV bathroom. They didn’t stay up (due to heat, I assume). Then I thought they were up for good with super glue, but nope, they have fallen off the wall again. Any suggestions on how to get these lightweight towel bars to stay up? Now I’m afraid the command strips I bought to hang some canvass won’t hold either. Thanks in advance.
Robin,
If they are too heavy for command strips to hold up you might want to consider using screws or gorilla hooks to hold up the towel bar. It is ideal to attach to a stud for towel bars but if that is not possible for the area you are in, using the gorilla hooks is a great way of securing something. These are just hooks that press into the wall panel. These are hooks so you do have to have something hang off of them, you might have to modify the towel rack by drilling a hole in it to use these hooks put they work great and only put a little hole in the wall that can easily be covered up with wood putty when they are removed. Other than that, command strips are what I recommend when going into the panel is not an option. Here is a link of what I am talking about:
https://monkeyhook.com/
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
RV walls are at some places only 1/16” thick? I have found I can drill a tiny hole then dip my screw in Gorilla glue, screw it in and leave it 12 hrs. Gorilla glue foams and expands and it is great for this app.
Hello Dann,
Thank you for contacting us.
What is the year, make, and model of your RV?
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
RV Repair Club Video Membership
I put up some fracture prints (glass photos) using command strips, and 3 of the 6 photos fell after about a month. All three fracture prints were ruined, and one broke in my cat’s food dish. I don’t recommend depending on these hooks. And I made sure the command strips I used could hold up the weight of the glass prints.
Regarding changing out light fixtures, Lowes and Home Depot have a section where you can build your own hanging fixtures and mix and match the rods, glass or metal housings etc. My wife loves the vintage Edison bulbs and I found some 12 volt Edison base bulbs to use in the RV. And the wife loves them!!!
I LOVE the ceiling fan. How did you get that hung and what kind of fan (to keep it light weight)? Thats an amazing touch! Love all your ideas! Thanks
Donna,
The ceiling fan is actually from the factory. It is just a standard ceiling fan that can be found at local hardware stores. There are many trailers and 5th wheels that come equipped with them. They are usually installed into a recessed opening for clearance over the slides when they come in but I have seen others just attached to the ceiling on taller ceiling 5th wheels. These need to be mounted to a roof truss for support and will need 120v wiring to them as well. To be able to install one yourself, 120v wiring will have to be run from the distribution center, through the walls and then through the ceiling. It’s not impossible but a lot of time is needed and things might have to be torn apart and reconstructed.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Redoing a oldie , wondering just how I can put up a new roof on this 1984 Hilo,