If you had to redecorate a used RV, what would you do?

Christie Decker
by Christie Decker
I have an older 30 foot, RV, and I'm working on remodeling it...I'd like to live in it full time, actually...but I know that it would need some major changes, as insulation in an RV isn't much, things aren't built for every-day use, almost no closet space.

I don't have a lot of wood working skills though I do know the working end of a screwdriver and hammer. I have removed the dinette and sleeper sofa...I would rather an easy chair and folding table as needed. I'm hoping to sell them, they are in excellent shape, no cracks, tears or visible stains on any of it, no fading from the sun either.

Decorating isn't my strong suite either...I'd like to include solar power, this RV doesn't have any...and of course, funds are quite limited...so I'm a thrift-store and dollar store shopper.

Thanks for your ideas and help...much appreciated.

The front of the RV, not our license plate, a previous owner's one...

Bathroom. The camper toilet was replaced with a cassette commode because the black tank is broken.

The faucet is new, but kitchen is cramped. A four-burner stove-top

  13 answers
  • Pat Russell Pat Russell on May 07, 2018

    Oh, wow! What a project! No suggestions, but I know it can be done. Don't rush it. Our SIL redid an aluminum camp trailer, but it took about a year. They put it on some farm property they own and use it on weekends. Good luck.

  • Jcraw Jcraw on May 07, 2018

    I would very strongly suggest you binge watch tv. Small House Nation, and two new shows on the Great American Country channel and there’s an Extreme RV on 5he travel channel.

    Folks are doing amazing stuff, so sit on your hands for a while and do lots of research on tv and online blogs. Let other people make the mistakes first.

  • Diane Diane on May 07, 2018

    What a fun job that is going to be! I would love it. I redid a pop up camper and it was so fun. I got all of my ideas from Pinterest. Check on there and you will too. I would think about doing the floors with vinyl planks, paint cabinets, etc., paint appliances if you are not replacing them. Just start looking on Pinterest.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on May 08, 2018

    There are lots of U-tube videos of people like you redoing class B & C RV's and the newer vans for year round living. Check them out for lots of creative ways for additional storage, floor plans and fun places to live. Some ideas will strike a chord that you can apply to your RV.

    • Christie Decker Christie Decker on May 08, 2018

      Mine is a class A. I truly do need more storage for sure! The only closet long enough for a dress/longer coat - is exactly 11.5 inches wide. My old motor home had about 5 feet of storage plus cupboards. It had 30 inch cots opposite each other for the 'master bedroom. This time, we - hubby and I (he's disabled, no remodeling help from him) can sleep in the queen sized bed - TOGETHER! :)


  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on May 08, 2018

    We have an RV too - and have often thought about painting the walls, just to get rid of the "camper" look. Choose an eggshell or satin paint in an off-white do paint the entire interior one color. Put up new curtains, redo the fabric on the cushions, paint the cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom - quick and inexpensive redo!

    • Christie Decker Christie Decker on May 08, 2018

      Yes, making new curtains...kept the carpet for the present...a teal color...though it was a '90's look, I do like the color and I've been finding accessories that do match today...


      I need to remodel the bathroom completely...previous owner broke the black tank, so instead of replacing or repairing, they took the toilet out and put in a cassette toilet. It isn't going to work for boon-docking, that's for sure! I could go composting, but not sure I'm up for that either. We'll see.


      Thanks for the tip, I think I would like an eggshell style paint. :) And I want it to look like a home for sure instead of camper. So, will be working on it.

  • Linda Linda on May 08, 2018

    50's décor because it's fun and colorful. Now it's called "Mid-century modern". You can find a lot of things at thrift stores and antique malls.

    • Christie Decker Christie Decker on May 08, 2018

      I was born in the 50's, lol. I kinda want to leave that time period alone, lol. But thanks for the suggestion.

  • Alradborn Alradborn on May 08, 2018

    Just another suggestion. Also look into school bus remodeling.

  • Susan Bechamp Susan Bechamp on May 08, 2018

    For great ideas on how to cram as much usable storage into your RV, go to your local RV showroom and examine (in person), all the details you like on the showroom floor. Examine RV magazines for more ideas. Keep in mind as you design - when the RV is moving down the road, everything inside will want to move too!

    • Christie Decker Christie Decker on May 08, 2018

      I've seen some amazing bus makeovers...I really like a lot of them, I don't have the skills...the buses are awesome though. I learned to drive a large vehicle in my 5 years as a substitute school bus driver. :) Blessings!

  • Tara Brown Holmes Tara Brown Holmes on May 08, 2018

    if youre on facebook join fulltime familys. its a group of those that live in their rv/campers fulltime. they have loads of diy redos between them and ideas on storage.

  • Susan K Mullins Susan K Mullins on May 08, 2018

    If you have any DIY friends, take them out for dinner and present them with your challenge. DIYers love a challenge. Watch Utube and shows on tiny houses, take notes of things you like. Keep your notes in a journal and plan exactly what you desire in your RV.

    • Christie Decker Christie Decker on May 08, 2018

      Now dinner, I can cook - I'm a volunteer assistant to a chef at a camp for retreats in spring and fall...so cooking I can do! Need to enlarge my friend base...we're all of the cooking/baking ilk. :)

  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on May 08, 2018

    We did replace some flooring with vinyl plank flooring and love it.

  • Susan K Mullins Susan K Mullins on May 08, 2018

    Well, you have something on me, I definitely am not a cook. Thankfully hubby is and a good one. Wish I was close by to help With your project. Good luck!

  • Frances Anderson Frances Anderson on May 11, 2018

    I am a member of #vanlife loads of great ideas on there for all sort of transformation of road vehicles into homes. I personally just converted a mini bus into a gypsy camper and love being a road trip junky. @transitgran x