Remodeling RV bathroom/bunk beds?
+5
As you can see in the floorplan below, this camper has bunk beds next to the bathroom. I don't need these, but do need the bathroom bigger, so I was thinking about converting the bunk area into additional bathroom space and storage or office space. This may ultimately mean repositioning the toilet and sink, as well as changing out the shower for a larger one.
Does anyone have advice on how to go about doing this? Or possibly some resources I could use for research? I'm having issues finding anything about changing floorplans online instead of just redecorating, unfortunately.
A couple of videos that may help you,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xdm3whLjKk
I think this one is more like what you need,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLhpuE4gFNw
Motor homes and RV trailers are not constructed as stoutly as a conventional house... and the bunk beds may be structural in your RV design.... the best thing to do is talk to the manufacturer and see what is involved in taking them out... if they say they are not structural... then CAREFULLY remove them... after that you can begin planning the re-design.
Being able to see how much space you will have... will help you decide what to put where.
First, this is not a camper, it is a travel trailer.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_recreational_vehicles
Next, do you know how to Google effectively? Literally anything can be found if you know what words or words to string together to find what you need. And there are hundreds of utube videos out there too. In this case you need to find "RV remodeling." Here are a few.
https://rvshare.com/blog/travel-trailer-remodel/
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/travel-trailer-remodel/?lp=true
https://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/remodeling_rv/amp/
http://traveltrailerrenovaton.blogspot.com/2013/06/remodeling-travel-trailer.html
https://axleaddict.com/rvs/How-To-Repair-Or-Remodel-Old-Camper-Trailer-And-Motorhome-RV-Interiors
Great idea to make the bathroom bigger they are always too small and tight! Check a good, well stocked newsstand or hit up the library for copies of different RV magazines, they have sources for hard to find supplies if you do not have them available in your area. A fun project for sure- Good luck!
Just take the wall down, remove the bunks and go from there.
We have been camping with a camper/travel trailer for many years, and are now on our third unit--so I have some advice based on experience. I would never try to relocate a plumbing fixture in a camper; you do not know what unseen obstacles you would face. But I do agree that the bunk space could be put to better use. I would create an enclosed clothes hanging closet with shelves, and a separate enclosed food pantry with shelves in the bunk space. If you have remaining space, go ahead and use it to enlarge the bathroom. You will be amazed at how much easier camping is with these amenities. One more hint: We bought pliable upright laundry "baskets" that have a small footprint and can "nest" together. They stand nested inside the shower and we deposit dirty laundry over the top of the shower and directly into the basket. To take a shower, just remove the nested baskets, and replace them when you're done. No floorspace required!
One more thing to think about... If you are planning to tow your caravan/travel trailer, the existing layout would have been designed so that the weight is properly balanced. Changing things could make the caravan/travel trailer unbalanced and dangerous (or at least difficult and uncomfortable) to tow.
We have a boat. Same problem balancing weight and trim. You could put a small tub shower in the corner with outside fan for ventilation and create a desk area with cabinet above. Estimate what he beds weigh and that’s how much roughly the stuff you are replacing it with should weigh. Or enlarge the wardrobe with shelves, no doors. The shower should be clear or frosted to allow light and not close in that corner. happy renovating
Penny has a very good point about when floor plans in travel trailers are altered, it can throw off the proper weight distribution.
To any motorcycle riders out there- think about the first time you tried to manage the bike with a passenger sitting behind you.