How to Make your RV your Own
By Bethanie Hestermann
Not loving that pattern on your RV’s seat cushions? Feel like your camper’s vibe is retro, except not in the good way? You’re not alone. Last year saw record RV sales in the United States, and the RV Industry Association projects 2022 will be the second or third best year on record, following a decades-long upward trend. In this era of peak RV ownership, home is where we park it. Let’s explore some ways you can make your camper or RV feel more like home.
Upgrades on a Budget
Some of us are buying RVs and camper trailers off the lot, and while they’re all in perfect shape, they’re also a lot alike. Others of us are buying used campers and RVs that have outdated interiors and need some TLC. In both cases, there are many inexpensive ways to turn your RV into a place you really want to be.
To make your camper or RV your own with a small budget, consider replacing or purchasing:
- Decorative but functional pillows for indoor seating areas. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to add intentional color and style to your RV or camper. Choose a few pillows with different heights and shapes and place them where they make sense. You may also choose a throw blanket to make it extra cozy.
- Dishes, flatware, and cups/mugs. Camping dishes don’t have to be disposable, and they don’t have to be an eyesore, either. Choose a set you like and it’ll make meals that much more satisfying.
- Bedding and towels. If you take some time to select bedding for your RV that matches your personal style, it’ll automatically feel more like home. If you’re the kind of camper who bathes or showers, you may even go crazy with some matching towels.
- Personalized door mat. Stamp the dirt out of your hiking boots on a mat that says something funny or meaningful. “Welcome” is nice, but you can do better.
- Bumper stickers. Personalize your RV by adding some bumper stickers that mean something to you. Maybe it’s a sticker from each place you visit, or maybe it’s a sticker that represents a hobby or something else about your personal life—no matter what it is, if it’s unique to you, it’s perfect.
Going All-In
If budget is no issue, you have a lot of options for making your RV your own. For aesthetic improvements, you can reupholster your cushions and switch out your curtains. For better sleep quality, you can upgrade your mattress(es). You can also drop some cash to upgrade the function of your camper trailer or RV by adding rooftop solar panels, an A/C unit, or about a million other things.
If buying used, you can focus your efforts on fixing your camper up to look as good as new, but with your own flair. Or you could always consider a complete renovation—tearing out flooring, switching out cabinets, and so on. If it’s overwhelming to figure out where to start, consider ways your RV can better serve your needs while camping and solve those problems first.
General Tips
Whether you’re on a budget or going all-in with a complete reno, come up with a color palette to help guide your RV-refresh project. (There are free tools online to help you get started.) If you stick to the colors within your palette, it’ll all feel more cohesive and inviting when it’s done.
Remember, the goal is for you to love it. Your RV doesn’t have to be fancy to be the perfect home away home, it just has to be functional and comfortable according to your own personal definition of those terms. Often, a little sprucing up can go a long way in making your RV unique to you.