There are 5 easy DIY upgrades you can do to transform your RV’s interior.
Believe it or not, with just a little effort, you can completely refresh your space without spending a fortune or needing professional help.
Whether you’re gearing up for a cross-country adventure or enjoying weekend getaways, these simple projects will make your RV feel like a true home on wheels.
Before you head to the store, keep these important reminders in mind to ensure your DIY upgrade goes smoothly and successfully:
Whether you’re planning to repaint the interior, install a peel-and-stick backsplash, upgrade lighting fixtures, or reupholster cushions, these reminders will guide you through each DIY upgrade, helping you transform your RV into a fresh and inviting space.
Let’s explore how you can achieve this transformation!
1. Repainting the Interior
Repainting the interior is a quick and effective way to give your RV a fresh look for only $50.00 – $150.00.
A new coat of paint can completely change the vibe of your RV, making it feel larger, cleaner, and more modern.
With the right color choice, you can create a space that feels like a home away from home.
What to Gather:
- Light, neutral paint to brighten and open up the space.
- Brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and drop cloths to protect your RV and ensure a smooth finish.
How to Proceed:
- Remove or cover furniture and fixtures with drop cloths to protect them from paint splatters.
- Use painter’s tape to cover trim, windows, and light switches.
- If the walls are dark or have a pattern, apply a primer before painting.
- Apply two coats of paint for a smooth and even finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Time to Complete:
- Typically it takes 2-3 days to finish.
- Example: Repainting a 30-foot RV like a Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31K may take closer to 3 days.
- Multiple coats and drying time affect the duration.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- Transforms the look and feel of your RV, making it feel like new.
- Increases the resale value of your RV.
- Offers a great return on investment in terms of aesthetics and appeal.
Watch Out For:
- Skipping primer on dark or heavily patterned walls leads to uneven color.
- Not allowing sufficient drying time between coats can cause peeling or uneven finishes.
- Using low-quality paint that doesn’t hold up to the wear and tear of RV living.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
- High-quality paint: $30.00 – $50.00 per gallon.
- Brushes, rollers, and tape: $20.00 – $50.00.
- Cost-saving tip: Buy paint during sales or use coupons from home improvement stores.
Keep It Looking Fresh:
- Wipe down painted surfaces regularly with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the paint.
- Touch up any chips or scratches as soon as they appear to maintain a fresh look.
Let’s learn from the experience of my friends, RV enthusiasts from Texas, who decided to repaint their 28-foot Class C RV.
They chose a light gray color to brighten the space.
The project took them a full weekend, and they spent around $120.00 on paint and supplies. The result was a more modern, inviting interior that made their RV feel much larger.
2. Installing a Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
Adding a peel-and-stick backsplash is an easy way to enhance your RV’s kitchen or bathroom, costing only $30.00 – $100.00.
Backsplashes aren’t just for aesthetics; they also protect your walls from water, grease, and food splatters, making cleanup easier and helping to maintain the cleanliness and condition of your RV.
What to Gather:
- Peel-and-stick tiles in a design that complements your RV’s decor.
- Measuring tape and cutting tools to fit the tiles perfectly around outlets and edges.
How to Proceed:
- Clean the surface thoroughly to ensure the tiles adhere properly.
- Measure and cut the tiles to fit the space.
- Apply the tiles to the wall, pressing firmly to ensure they stick well.
- Smooth out any air bubbles with a flat-edge tool.
Time to Complete:
- Typically completed in a few hours.
- Example: A small RV kitchen (6 feet x 2 feet) may take 3 hours to 4 hours to finish.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- Enhances visual appeal while protecting walls.
- Simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- Adds both style and functionality to the kitchen or bathroom.
Watch Out For:
- Not cleaning the wall surface properly leads to poor adhesion.
- Rushing the application can result in air bubbles or misaligned tiles.
- Choosing a pattern that clashes with existing decor leads to a mismatched look.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
- Peel-and-stick tiles: $20.00 – $80.00, depending on the size and style.
- Cost-saving tip: Opt for less expensive vinyl tiles that still offer a great look.
Keep It Looking Fresh:
- Wipe down the backsplash regularly to prevent grease buildup.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the tiles.
- Check for any loose tiles periodically and press them back into place if needed.
One good example is an RV enthusiast’s personal experience, who travels full-time in her 25-foot travel traile. She installed a peel-and-stick backsplash in her kitchen.
She spent about $50.00 on tiles and completed the project in the afternoon.
The backsplash not only added a pop of color but also made cleaning up after meals much easier.
3. Upgrading Lighting Fixtures
Upgrading your RV’s lighting fixtures can drastically improve the ambiance of your space for just $20.00 – $100.00.
Good lighting is essential in an RV, where space is limited, and multifunctionality is key.
Proper lighting can make your RV feel more spacious, improve the functionality of your workspaces, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
What to Gather:
- New light fixtures that match your RV’s style.
- Basic tools like a screwdriver and wire connectors.
How to Proceed:
- Turn off the power to your RV.
- Remove old fixtures and install the new ones.
- Consider adding dimmer switches for adjustable lighting.
Time to Complete:
- Typically, it takes about a day.
- Example: Replacing fixtures in a 25-foot RV like a Jayco Redhawk 22J may take 6 hours to 8 hours.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- Improves ambiance and energy efficiency.
- Enhances comfort and functionality.
- Makes your RV feel more like a traditional home.
Watch Out For:
- Not turning off the power before starting is a safety hazard.
- Choosing fixtures that are too large for the space makes the RV feel cramped.
- Incorrect wiring, which can lead to malfunctioning lights or electrical issues.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
- Light fixtures: $15.00 – $80.00 depending on the type and style.
- Cost-saving tip: Consider LED bulbs, which save energy and last longer.
Keep It Looking Fresh:
- Regularly check light fixtures for any loose connections.
- Clean fixtures and bulbs to prevent dust buildup.
- Replace bulbs as needed, and keep spares on hand for convenience.
An interesting story is that of my friends, a couple of RV enthusiasts like myself, who wanted to update the lighting in their 32-foot fifth wheel.
They replaced old, yellowing fixtures with modern LED lights and added a dimmer switch in the living area.
The project took a full day and cost around $90.00, but the result was a brighter, more energy-efficient interior.
4. Creating Custom Storage Solutions
Maximizing storage is crucial in an RV, where space is at a premium.
Creating custom solutions can be done for $30.00 – $80.00 and can dramatically improve how you organize and use your space.
The key to a comfortable RV lifestyle is ensuring that everything has its place, and that your storage solutions are both functional and accessible
What to Gather:
- Shelves, bins, or organizers that fit your space and needs.
- Adhesive hooks or small racks for hanging storage.
How to Proceed:
- Assess your storage needs and available space.
- Install wire shelving in closets for vertical storage.
- Use storage bins in cabinets and under seats.
- Label bins for easy identification.
Time to Complete:
- Takes a few hours to a full day.
- Example: Organizing a 28-foot RV like a Forest River Sunseeker 2500TS may take 6 hours to 7 hours.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- Maximizes every inch of space, keeping the RV tidy.
- Makes belongings easier to find and access.
- Enhances functionality and reduces clutter.
Watch Out For:
- Overloading shelves can cause them to collapse or warp.
- Installing storage solutions in inconvenient locations makes items harder to access.
- Failing to secure loose items, which can shift while driving and cause damage.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
- Shelves and bins: $20.00 – $60.00 depending on size and material.
- Cost-saving tip: Repurpose household items like old baskets or containers for storage.
Keep It Looking Fresh:
- Regularly declutter and reorganize to maintain efficiency.
- Check shelves and hooks periodically to ensure they’re secure.
- Adjust storage solutions as needed to accommodate new items or changes in your lifestyle.
A good example is a solo traveler’s experience in her 24-foot Class B RV, who struggled with limited storage space.
She added wire shelves to her closet and installed adhesive hooks for hanging items.
The project cost about $45.00 and took an afternoon to complete. The additional storage made her RV feel more spacious and organized.
5. Reupholstering Cushions
Reupholstering your RV cushions is an excellent way to update your seating areas for $50.00 – $150.00.
This project allows you to choose fabrics that suit your personal style and improve the comfort of your RV’s seating, making it feel more like home.
What to Gather:
- Durable fabric that matches your RV’s theme.
- Staple gun, staples, fabric scissors, and a measuring tape.
How to Proceed:
- Remove the old fabric from the cushions.
- Measure and cut new fabric to size.
- Use a staple gun to attach the new fabric to the cushion base.
Time to Complete:
- Takes about a day or two.
- Example: Reupholstering cushions in a 32-foot RV like a Thor Four Winds 31W could take up to two days.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- Breathes new life into seating, making it more comfortable and stylish.
- Personalizes your RV’s interior to reflect your taste.
- Extends the life of your furniture, adding comfort and visual appeal.
Watch Out For:
- Not measuring the fabric accurately leads to wasted material.
- Pulling the fabric too tight or too loose results in an uneven or wrinkled finish.
- Using the wrong type of fabric, which may not hold up to daily use.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
- Fabric: $30.00 – $100.00 depending on the material.
- Cost-saving tip: Look for discounted fabric or consider using slipcovers as an alternative.
Keep It Looking Fresh:
- Vacuum cushions regularly to remove dust and debris.
- Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains.
- Rotate cushions periodically to ensure even wear.
I remember a couple who reupholstered the cushions in their 30-foot travel trailer to match their new interior color scheme.
They chose a durable, stain-resistant fabric and spent about $120.00 on the project. It took them two full days to complete, but the result was a fresh, cohesive look that made their RV feel more inviting.
To DIY or not to DIY? That is the question…
The Benefits of DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
The benefits of DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for your RV upgrades depend on your priorities and needs.
DIY offers cost savings, flexibility, and personal satisfaction, while hiring a professional provides high-quality results, time efficiency, and reduced risks.
Our comparison table outlines these differences to help you make the best choice for your situation.
Whether you choose to go DIY or bring in a pro, you can transform your RV into a space that feels like home on the road.
Here’s a quick comparison of the benefits and considerations of DIY versus hiring a professional for your RV upgrades:
Aspect | DIY | Hiring a Professional |
Cost | Lower; pay for tools/materials | Higher costs; includes labor fees. |
Time | Longer; learning curve | Faster; set timeframe |
Quality | Varies by skill | Consistently high |
Satisfaction | High; personal accomplishment | Peace of mind |
Flexibility | More control and choices | Limited; extra costs for changes |
Risk of Mistakes | Higher, especially for complex tasks | Lower; experienced handling |
Customization | Full control. | Limited, with expert input |
Long-Term Maintenance | More frequent touch-ups | Less maintenance needed |
Learning | Gain new skills. | No learning opportunity |
Stress | Likely | Less stress, handled by pros |
Warranty | None; rework is on you. | Often comes with a warranty |
Safety | Higher risk if inexperienced | Pros are trained and insured |
Tools and Materials | Buy/rent yourself | Provided by pros |
Legal Compliance | You ensure code compliance. | Pros ensure regulations are met. |
Support | You fix future issues. | Includes follow-up support |