Katie and Pierce
Looking to breathe new life into your RV? Whether you’re working with a tight budget or planning a complete overhaul, these remarkable RV renovations prove that any camper can be transformed into a stunning home on wheels. From DIY projects to professional renovations, each makeover showcases unique approaches to common RV challenges.
Let’s explore how these owners turned dated motorhomes into modern, functional spaces that anyone would be proud to call home.
1. 2007 Jayco Fifth Wheel: DIY Dream Makeover
Christina from TheDIYMommy.com proves that amazing transformations don’t require a huge budget! She found this Jayco for $10,000 on Facebook Marketplace and invested about $1,800 in renovations over two years. The impressive part? She did almost everything herself with no prior DIY experience!
The makeover included brightening up the space with whisper white paint, adding peel and stick marble look countertops, and creating an adorable pink bunk room for her daughters. She removed most of the carpet and used luxury vinyl plank flooring, securing it with PL construction glue. This method has held up through three Canadian winters! In the kitchen, she created extra counter space by removing some upper cabinets to create a coffee bar area. She even tackled the cabinet painting herself, using primer and cabinet enamel for a durable finish. For the walls, she kept the original wallpaper (smart move since it’s actually a protective layer) and painted directly over it with latex paint.
2. 24 Foot Class C: Modern Functionality
This Class C motorhome renovation focused on combining style with practical upgrades. The owner installed a Lippert solid step (goodbye wobbly steps!), added new appliances including a Norcold fridge, and incorporated a clever rec Pro shower door that rolls back to maximize space.
The interior received vinyl plank flooring throughout, and the dinette was upgraded with a model from a 2021 Forest River. The kitchen got a complete overhaul with a new range, microwave, and a clever sink setup with a removable cutting board and tray system. The bathroom now features a Dometic 320 toilet that feels more residential, and they upgraded the shower with a new head and that space saving shower door. The total investment came to about $13,000 for materials and labor, proving you can get a “like new” RV for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
3. Grateful Glamper’s Interior Upgrades
Who says you need a massive budget to make a big impact? This renovation showcased clever, wallet friendly solutions that anyone can tackle. The peel and stick backsplash has proven durable for over 3 years, making it a reliable budget option. Instead of expensive vinyl plank flooring, they opted for roll out sheet vinyl, though they noted some lessons learned about placement near slide mechanisms.
One of their best tips was keeping the original RV wallpaper and painting directly over it, using rollers for the smoothest finish. They swapped dated RV valances for modern roller shades from Home Depot (cut to fit!), and added magnetic, rechargeable sconce lights for better ambiance. For personalization, they used Mixtiles (removable photo tiles that don’t damage walls) and lightweight decor from IKEA. They even shared a clever tip about removing the plastic trim on Norcold fridges for an easy paint refresh!
4. Holiday Rambler Class A: Total Transformation
Talk about a complete overhaul! This Holiday Rambler renovation went all in, stripping the RV down to the studs and rebuilding it from scratch. The renovation included everything from new ceiling and floors to a custom office space perfect for digital nomads. The bathroom renovation really stands out, featuring luxury vinyl tiles that mimic Carrara marble while standing up to RV life.
The bedroom was transformed into a digital nomad’s dream with a huge desk space and plenty of storage. The kitchen received custom solid surface epoxy countertops and a drop down convection oven. They even included a splendid all in one washer/dryer unit in the bathroom area. The exterior got just as much attention, with all graphics removed, phylon buffed out, and fresh paint on the lower sections. The renovation took about four months to complete and included practical upgrades like a full solar setup and a 7,500 watt diesel generator, perfect for extended boondocking adventures.
5. 2008 Tiffin Phaeton: From Leak to Chic
What started as a leaky slide out discovery turned into a complete interior transformation! The owner of this Tiffin Phaeton took a potential disaster (rotted subfloor) and used it as motivation for a full refresh. The renovation centered around new flooring throughout and professionally sprayed cabinets in a modern two tone design with darker gray lowers and lighter upper cabinets.
The owner made the smart choice to keep the original upholstery since it complemented the new color scheme perfectly. The entryway received special attention with beautiful tile work and custom Corian pieces that tied everything together. They even added under cabinet lighting with a convenient switch for ambiance. While there are still a few items on the renovation wishlist (like updating the dated chairs and valances), the transformation shows how taking advantage of unexpected repairs can lead to a beautiful full makeover.
Make Your RV Renovation Dreams Reality
These renovations show there’s no single “right way” to update an RV. Whether you’re tackling a complete rebuild like the Holiday Rambler or making budget friendly updates with peel and stick materials, the key is choosing improvements that match your lifestyle and abilities. Remember that even small changes like updated lighting or new window treatments can make a big impact. And if you discover a problem like the Tiffin’s leaky slide out, consider it an opportunity to make your RV even better than before.
The best part about these transformations is that they prove you don’t need to buy new to have your dream RV. With some creativity, patience, and willingness to learn, you can create a beautiful, personalized space that’s perfect for your adventures on the road. Ready to start your own renovation journey? Take inspiration from these makeovers and start planning your RV’s transformation today!
