Everything You Need to Know Before Remodeling Your RV

Know Before Remodeling RV

So, you’ve decided to remodel your RV! Remodeling your outdated rig can be an exciting project to take on. Creating a space that you truly love will help you enjoy your home-on-wheels that much more. But before you tackle this project, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. In this blog, we’ll go over budgeting, time, weight, knowing when to ask for help, and your warranty.

Starting a New Project

Let’s say you’ve decided that your RV needs some updating, or you bought a used rig that needs to be restored. Regardless of the specific reasons, it’s important to set expectations and goals for yourself. It’s easy to be inspired by what we see online or on TV, but knowing what to expect before remolding your motorhome will set you up for success. Before you start your new project, decide exactly what you want to update. We suggest starting small and working in sections. For example, start by updating the bathroom, then the kitchen, and so forth. If you do everything at once, you could get overwhelmed with the amount of work and disorganization. For more resources on tips, modifications, and inspiration, click here. And remember to play to your strengths! Depending on what you plan to remodel, you could need knowledge ranging from mechanics, electrical and plumbing systems, to carpentry, upholstery, painting, and so much more.

Budgeting

You can certainly save money if you decide to do the work yourself. If money is not an issue, consider buying a used renovated RV and save yourself the hassle.

The amount of money you put into your renovations depends on how extensive your plans are. But there are smaller changes you can go for that will offer a whole new look without the hefty price tag. New fixtures, fresh paint, new furniture, or a new backsplash can all be done on a limited budget. If you take on more, remember it’s a little like RVing in general: expect the unexpected, and plan for those expenses. Again, this is why working in sections and starting small will work to your benefit.

Time

If time is of the essence, you might want to call in some help. A professional can help you knock out this project in no time. It’s important to be patient and expect delays when finishing up a project. Remember, you don’t want to rush when upgrading your rig. Moving too quickly can cause accidents and overlooked areas. If you plan on upgrading your whole rig, expect about 4 months to finish your project.

Weight

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that your rig has is the amount of weight that includes the entire vehicle full of your stuff and full tanks. This is a number that you cannot exceed. Keep this weight in mind as you decide to tackle renovation projects. If your RV doesn’t have a solid foundation to begin with, this could mean you’ll end up wasting a lot of time and money on the vehicle. Always choose lighter materials than the originals if you can. This will relieve the added stress of “what if”, and help keep you safe while traveling.

What About Your RV Warranty?

Before you start making those modifications to your home-on-wheels, you need to know if this will affect your extended warranty coverage. RV extended warranties are for mechanical and electrical components of your rig. A good rule of thumb to go by when making updates to your motorhome is that if the mechanical function isn’t affected, the modification most likely won’t affect your coverage. When it comes to any plumbing or wiring, it’s best to either keep things as they were built. If necessary, go back to the manufacturer directly for an upgrade to ensure your policy will still cover these items. Although you’re limited with mechanical and electrical mods, there are tons of possibilities when it comes to aesthetic upgrades! Let’s run through some examples of modifications that won’t affect your warranty policy.

Coat hooks, shelves, or wall decor mounted with screws don’t affect anything mechanically, and therefore would not affect the policy.
Updating the windows with new curtains, curtain rods, or window shades would do nothing to the way your rig functions. Good to go there!
A fresh coat of paint or wallpaper- totally fine!
Updating kitchen cabinets, won’t change the coverage you’re able to get on your rig.
Lights and light fixtures are not typically covered under warranty policies, so as long as they don’t affect other electrical parts, go for it
Flooring is okay to change too! This will not affect the way your rig functions, making this upgrade acceptable.

If you are unsure about whether something will be covered, talk to your RV Warranty Specialist. They are here to answer your questions every step of the way. Just like renovations, RV repairs can be expensive, especially when major components fail. Ensuring you have RV protection can help you enjoy peace of mind in your newly spruced up home-on-wheels!

Are you thinking about renovating your RV? Have you completed upgrading your rig? Share your experience with us in the comments!