Owner guides
Motorhome renovation tips & ideas
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Owning your own motorhome gives you the freedom to take off on all sorts of adventures when the travel bug calls. And if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to create your dream home on wheels, then a second hand motorhome is just what you need! With some DIY, you can bring an old motorhome to life for a better price than buying brand new. Below, we share some of the easiest yet most effective motorhome renovation ideas to get you started!
6 tips for a brilliant motorhome renovation
Make your motorhome renovation the best it can be with these top tips:
1. Fully assess the job
Renovating a motorhome can actually be easier than you think, but it’s essential to fully assess what’s needed first. List every area or item you’ll renovate, and jot up the cost of tools, materials and labour where relevant – for example, it’s always a good idea to get a professional in to do the electrical work.
You’ll need to assess your skill set, being realistic about your DIY skills and how much you can do yourself. RV renovations can be time consuming, so also be clear about how long you’ll need.
2. Create an ideas board
Use Pinterest or similar to pin/save images and ideas of motorhome renovations and decorations you like and that might work in your motorhome. Or do it the old-fashioned way with scissors and paste, to create a mood board that’ll inspire you while you’re renovating!
3. Make notes from YouTube
Whatever type of DIY project you want to get stuck into, it’s likely there’s a YouTube video showing you how, so watch and take notes! Watching someone else do a task is also a great way of assessing whether you’ll be up to the job or will need to outsource that particular task.
3. Update the look and feel - not just the functionality
Motorhome renovation isn’t just about fixing and fitting items – freshening up the interior and look of the vehicle should be a consideration here too. If you’re planning to hire your motorhome out, it makes sense to have as attractive and modern a living space as possible. Factor the cost of bedding, rugs, cushions, lighting and other interior items into your overall renovation.
Browse our listings to see how other motorhomers have decked out their vehicles – we love the subtle colouring inMoroccan Motorhome, above.
4. Buy a decent set of tools
A good tool set is a must for any motorhomer, even if you’re planning to outsource most of the work. Don’t skimp on price either; spend as much as you can afford and use a specialist shop rather than a big DIY store. Screwfix, Machine Mart and Halfords Professional are all good options, as are companies sellingmotorhome conversion kits.
At the very least, your motorhome tool set should include a set of spanners and screwdrivers, a socket set, an angle grinder, a drill and metalworking tools like files and hacksaws. You’ll also need a workbench, preferably with a vice.
Don’t forget nuts, bolts and screws!
5. Do a sniff test/check for rust before you begin
Once you have your motorhome, make a full assessment of your newly acquired motorhome for damp or rust. Damp on furnishings or interiors is fairly easily noticed by its smell, while you can check for rust by examining the main danger areas: the chassis, the front panels and around the suspension and seat belt mounting points. These issues may need to be sorted out before you begin any other renovation tasks.
10 motorhome renovation ideas
Once you’re fully researched, have all your tools and your motorhome is ready to work on, it’s time to start the renovation! The possibilities for this really are endless, but here’s what we reckon are the top 10 things to do.
1. Get rid of rust
If a motorhome has a serious rust problem, it’s best not to buy it. But a little spot of rust here and there needn’t be an issue if you treat it properly. Do make sure you treat it though, as otherwise it’ll eat into your metalwork.
Inspect the interior and exterior of your motorhome for rust, including around the wheels. Use a wire brush to get the majority of the rust off, then use sandpaper to smooth the area. If there’s still some rust you can’t get off, try using a liquid rust remover. Finally, put a layer of sealant over the affected area to prevent the rust from returning.
2. Paint the exterior
Giving the outside of your motorhome a fresh coat of paint is a surefire way to get it looking smart. Follow these steps to do it as simply as possible:
You know what they say, first impressions count! Giving the exterior of your motorhome a fresh lick of paint is the perfect way to get some new life out of it. You’ll need a spray painter and automotive grade paint. Follow these steps:
First, remove any decals on your motorhome
Next, give it a good power wash to get rid of any dirt or grime and give you a nice fresh slate for painting
Cover and tape the windows
Fill up your spray painter and go
If you’re not committed to repainting the entire motorhome, then just do the door. Only painting the entranceway is enough to change the whole look of the motorhome: for added impact, choose a bold colour that really stands out.
3. Remove and replace the flooring
Yes, this is a big job, but there’s no doubt that it’ll instantly revamp your space. Tear up the old flooring and modernise your motorhome with one of these cost-effective options:
Laminate: these planks look just like real hardwood, but are much lighter and cost a fraction of the price.
Vinyl: peel and stick vinyl is another popular choice, generally being more flexible and affordable than laminate. (Peel and stick vinyl can also be used on surfaces like kitchen counters or tables to provide a quick and easy update.)
Thisluxury six-berth motorhome available for hire in Sheffield has laminate flooring in a sophisticated dark wood, whileNessie also uses wood-style flooring, this time in slate grey. And just look atHarper in Lancashire (above) – a gorgeous example of how lovely flooring can look!
4. Replace the furniture with a custom kit
A motorhome furniture kit is a fantastic way to update a motorhome interior. As they’re custom-sized for each motorhome model, they use every inch of room effectively – perfect when you’re in a small space. From a table that folds out, to shelves and hammock beds, there are so many ways to utilise your space with a custom fit out.
If you’ve got some building experience, put it to work creating a custom furniture kit designed specifically for your motorhome. If not, now’s a good time to outsource – it will be money well spent.
For some sleek furniture inspo, see our motorhome for hire Transmaster, pictured above.
5. Replace furniture piece by piece
Of course, you might not want everything fully matching in your motorhome, or you might prefer a more eclectic look. Mix and match furniture items like kitchen cabinets or cupboards for an easy, cost effective and stylish way to renovate your motorhome in your own individual style.
If you’re not confident about building and installing the furniture from scratch, find abespoke joiner who can design and build it in the right sizes for your motorhome model.
Want to see how it’s done?Karbon Rentals in Buntingford features two styles of furniture for a modern look – we love the cream cabinets! Have a look too atRufus in Lincolnshire, where the lower kitchen cabinets are black and the upper in wood.
6. Paint the interior walls and cupboards
If you don’t want to replace your cupboards and cabinets, just replace them! You can use peel and stick vinyl as with flooring, or use paint. A white interior on motorhome walls instantly gives the impression of extra light and space, while cupboard doors can be done in bright colours for a contrasting effect. Just make sure to clean and sand cupboards before painting, so that the paint goes on smoothly.
You can buy specific cupboard paint for door surfaces, which most often comes in white, cream or eggshell. One of our favourite easy renovation ideas is to paint one cupboard (or the inside of the door) in blackboard paint – perfect for lists and reminders. Or why not use a vinyl tile covering for part of the wall, like our motorhome for hireRagamuffin?
7. Reupholster the seating
Like flooring, this can be a big job, but looks great when done. It’s a brilliant way to add a little bit of flair to your motorhome, plus it’s nice and practical too! Reupholstering your motorhome seat covers will have your interior looking fresh and feeling comfortable, while also protecting against spills along the way. Or just reupholster part of the ceiling, like in Julie above.
To reupholster fully, you will need:
Fabric: choose between canvas, neoprene or vinyl
Scissors
Sewing machine
Elastic
Pins
Butcher’s paper
It always helps to have a pattern to follow. Of course, each motorhome seat is different, so you’re going to have to measure your own. Start by pinning the butcher’s paper to your seat in each section:
Centre seatback
Centre seat bottom
Seat backside
Seat bottom side
Trace around each one and cut out. This can be used as your template for the material. Then:
Pin the butcher's paper piece to the material. When you are cutting out, you want to allow yourself a good half-inch as a seam allowance. Keep everything pinned to the pattern until you’re ready to sew. For the bottom of the seat, you want an extra few inches for the elastic.
Get sewing! Place the right sides together and start sewing. Make sure you finish off the seams, so the covers can go through the wash without unravelling.
Once you’re done, you can join up all your pieces, with the part that goes over the back of the seat joining up with the seat section that wraps around.
Now’s the time to add the elastic at the bottom to keep it fitted to the seat. Fold over that extra few inches you left at the bottom and sew. You can then feed the elastic through. Join the two pieces of elastic together at the end and sew; then put the elastic into the casing and sew shut. Done!
8. Add a skylight
It’s amazing how a little extra light in your space can really open it up. Hire a professional to install a skylight for you, or follow these DIY steps:
Climb onto the roof and work out exactly where you want the skylight to go. Once you know the size, head out and buy your skylight, ready to install.
With your skylight in hand, confirm exactly where you want it to go (and also check the space from the inside). Mark out the space for the skylight before you start cutting.
Drill holes in all four corners to help start the process. Grab your saw and cut along the lines between the corners.
File down the exposed edges to smooth them out.
Use a sealant to stick the skylight down. This will help prevent leaks and any water from making its way in!
Like the sound of a skylight? Try before you buy and test out a motorhome that has one already! Jasper in Leeds, shown above, is the perfect example of how light can open up a space. Also available to hire on Camplify,Teo in Denbighshire uses a skylight to add light in the bedroom.
9. Redecorate
Not ready for a full-blown renovation? Then simply get to work redecorating your motorhome! It’s amazing what a few choice items can do to bring your space to life.
Start with the bedspread and cushions. Add in some throw pillows for a splash of contrasting or complementing colour to make it pop. Next, move onto the wall hangings and showcase some art that sets the perfect vibe. You can also decorate with pieces you collect along your travels, such as vases, fruit bowls, throw rugs and so much more. Ourmotorhome interior ideas andmotorhome storage ideas blogs have dozens of tips for inspiration.
Ready to see what you can achieve through a little decorating? Hire this luxury motorhome (above) in Chislehurst to enjoy the personal touches and matching décor added to brighten up the space. AndColin in Chester shows how simple it can be, adding a little bunting for a fun and colourful effect.
You could take this one a step further and add some A/C to keep you and your hirers comfortable all year round, no matter the weather! Check out the best motorhome air conditioning units to get started.
10. Replace the cupboard handles
Our final idea is probably the easiest motorhome renovation tip on the list. The handles on cupboard doors – in the kitchen area, bedroom and bathroom – are extremely easy to remove and replace, and make your space look instantly updated. Look for steel, chrome, wood or even glass handles; you don’t have to have them all the same either! And it’s a job of minutes to add them in, making this a simple way to update your motorhome’s look.
To see how it’s done, check outBoho Boxer in Harrogate, where the cupboard and cabinet handles have been replaced on a white surface for an overall stylish effect.
Get started with these motorhome renovation ideas
Whether you’re thinking of buying a motorhome secondhand or have already purchased one, then it’s time to get started on the above motorhome renovation ideas! These tips and tricks, along with ourmotorhome conversion tips, will help you to transform your space so that you can hit the open road in style and comfort.
Better yet, when you aren’t travelling, you can earn a return on your investment by renting out your motorhome. Give someone else the chance to embark on their own adventures from the comfort of your newly renovated motorhome – all while you make money without leaving your driveway.
Earn extra income from your motorhome
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If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your motorhome, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!