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Do You Want to Remodel a Camper?

How to remodel a camper… Remodeling a camper is an excellent way to create an environment that meets every one of your expectations in style and functionality. It’s also one of the best ways to dig yourself deep into a project you can’t complete. 

Understanding the process and the depth of knowledge required to remodel a camper is vital before you start removing cabinets, ripping up carpets, and messing with the electrical system. If you’ve got the skills of a general contractor, then, by all means, treat remodeling a camper just as you would remodeling a house.

However, if you’re like most people and will search for “how to” videos on YouTube for most of your information, think carefully before getting into the projects that would probably require a permit if you were remodeling a house (like electrical and plumbing).

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved in remodeling a camper.

Find a Camper with “Good Bones.” Find a camper without obvious leaks, serious mechanical problems, and rust. Getting a dated van for a campervan is fine, as long as it has a strong engine. A dated camper is fine, too, as long as all the systems (water & power) are intact.

Plan and budget the step-by-step remodel process. Learn how to complete your renovation before you take anything apart. If you don’t know how to put a floor down, find an instructional video before you begin the demolition.

Purchase materials and tools. Don’t start ripping things out of the camper until you know you can get your replacement materials.

Demo items and remove debris. Take it easy when removing various pieces of the camper. If you’re converting a van, don’t just throw away the seatbelts and toss the chairs. Sell, recycle, or repurpose them!

Rebuild and frame the interior. If you’re going wild with your remodel, begin construction when you’ve removed absolutely everything you don’t want in the camper.

Deal with mechanical, electrical, HVAC, batteries, and plumbing details. Of all the steps in a remodel or renovation, this is the one where you need to tread lightly. It’s far better to ask for help or hire someone to handle the electrical and plumbing if you’re not experienced or unsure of the process.

Add surface materials like cabinets, flooring, paint, and fixtures. This is the exciting phase when you get to add all the visual materials that will create a comfortable camper.

Add decorative features, kitchenware, and linens. You might hold off buying any of the decorative objects and small functional items until you’re done with all of the previous steps. You might have things on your list that you decide later on aren’t necessary.

If you’re not comfortable taking on some of these steps, by all means, shorten this list. Don’t gleefully rip out all the electrical wiring if you’ve never heard of a multimeter or used a wire stripper.

How hard is it to remodel a camper?

Remodeling a camper is as straightforward or as complex as you want to make it. The price and complexity can skyrocket if you entirely gut a camper and install everything brand-new. Plan your remodel according to your abilities or the amount of time you’re willing to invest in renovation work.

Is renovating an RV worth it?

Remodeling or renovating an RV is definitely a labor of love for many owners. It’s challenging and time-intensive, but the process is a rewarding one when you get to the finish line. If you’ve “always wanted to” remodel or renovate an RV, maybe now’s the time to find your camper.