15 Before-and-After Photos of Stunning RV Remodels
RV Renovators Give New Life to Motorhomes, Vans, and Trailers
RV renovators do amazing work, whether it’s giving a vintage travel trailer a modern makeover or salvaging a motorhome that needs a little TLC. These talented and innovative artists can transform an RV interior into an elegant and comfortable living space using some surprising materials and components. In some cases, the RV remodels are so good that you might even forget you’re actually inside a vehicle capable of driving just about anywhere.
Don’t believe us? Check out these stunning before and after photos of some of the best RV renovations on the road today.
Meet Maxine
Wendy Wise is an interior designer specializing in decorating RVs and tiny homes. One of her past projects is a travel trailer that she affectionally named “Maxine.” As you can see in the photo, she took an outdated dark space and turned it into something bright, airy, and inviting.
Jayco Fifth Wheel Makeover
Our Lively Tribe is a company that specializes in RV renovations. One of its more impressive projects is this complete overhaul of a 2012 Jayco Fifth Wheel trailer. The interior space on this camper went from a fairly traditional design to something that resembles a residential home, only slightly scaled down for life on the road.
Back to the Future
When she bought her Coachmen Cadet in 2014, Sarah Lemp had an RV that was definitely a product of the 1970s. But after an extensive update, the towable transformed into a camper that barely resembles its original form, joining the 21st Century in the process. Now, Sarah renovates RVs for a living and offers advice on how you can transform your motorhome at her All Things with Purpose website.
Home Away From Home
A 2011 Keystone Laredo 291TG gets a new lease on life thanks to the renovation specialists at Revamping Camping. The travel trailer feels more spacious, functional, and attractive with modern upgrades to the appliances, floor, and walls. The furniture even looks more comfortable, giving the camper a residential vibe while parked at the campground.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
This renovation—which was done by Sarah Marturano—is a perfect example of how repainting the interior of an RV can have a dramatic effect. In this case, the family camper went from functional but drab earth tones to pastel colors that brightened up the cabin. The new floor is an excellent upgrade too.
Renovating a FedEx Truck
Collectively known as The Wandering Woods, Justin and Betsy took a retired FedEx truck and turned it into a camper van. The duo replaced the shelving units and spartan interior with a warmer, more functional space designed to support their nomadic lifestyle. The RV features a small kitchen, a built-in bench, and a spacious sleeping area lofted over built-in dressers. In other words, everything you need for life on the road.
A Blank Canvas
Camper van conversions are some of the most popular renovations in the RV space as travelers continue to chase that #vanlife. Many of those vehicles start as a blank canvas, giving their owners plenty of room to create the exact space they want. Such was the case with this Sprinter, which belongs to rock climbers Charlie Low and Dale Comley. The couple turned a basic cargo van into a tiny home on wheels for their mobile adventures.
Aussie Road Trippers
When Australians Megan and Drikus came to the US to visit all 50 states, they decided to overhaul a fifth wheel to serve as their base camp. As you can see in the photo above, they managed to take a travel trailer that had seen better days and restore it to its former glory. The entire renovation process took just three weeks to complete, resulting in an RV that looks amazing.
Another Fixer Upper
Anyone who has an Instagram account like @rvfixerupper has to know what they’re doing when it comes to RV renovations. That handle belongs to Trina Sholin, who has a number of camper revamp projects under her belt. In this photo, we see what she was able to accomplish with the kitchen of an older model that was in desperate need of an update. The results speak for themselves, with an interior that looks modern and beautiful.
The Flying Dutchmen
Maggie Lott searched high and low for a camper that could accommodate her family, eventually settling on a 2002 Dutchmen Classic. While the travel trailer had enough room for everyone, the interior was dated and worn. The DIY specialist set out to change that, adding vibrant colors, much-improved flooring, and a variety of new furnishings. After the revamp, the camper is practically unrecognizable in all of the best ways possible.
Creating a Personal Space
Katie and Eric Nathey thought the kitchen in their 2008 Tiffin Open Road 32La was fine but didn’t exactly match their style. So, they set out to remodel it and the rest of the interior to give the towable a more distinct look that fit their personalities. The result is an RV that is unlike any other. They now share tips on how to remodel your own camper on their Mountain Modern Life website.
A Romantic Cottage on Wheels
Cami Graham is a talented decorator, photographer, and writer who shares renovation tips on her Tidbits blog. She also shares photos of her beautiful RV renovation, which involved taking the outdated interior of a fifth wheel and turning it into a romantic cottage on wheels. As you can see from the photo above, she was highly successful in that effort, creating a living area that is the envy of the campsite.
Ready for a Little Adventure
Toni and Karlton Tillman bought their 1999 Damon Intruder off Craigslist for $16,500. They sunk another $4000 into renovating it, proving you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the RV of your dreams. The previous interior was functional but lacked personality, so they upgraded the flooring, repainted the cabinets, added a custom couch, and revamped the kitchen. Now, they share their experiences from life on the road on their This Little Adventure YouTube channel.
Reviving a Vintage RV
At Vintage Revivals, Mandi and Court Gubler share tips and tricks for any number of DIY projects, including RV renovations. In the case of this reclamation effort, they managed to keep the retro design of the original tiny trailer while giving it a thoroughly modern makeover. These before-and-after photos show how improved lighting and a brighter color scheme can improve a space.
A School Bus Renovation
Tawny and Mike McVay live and travel aboard a renovated school bus with their teenage kids. When they bought the vehicle for $5000 in 2018, it didn’t resemble an RV in any way. But after an extensive overhaul, it is now their full-time home. The comfortable and inviting space has everything they need to work and homeschool from the road. It is also a stunning example of how an interior space can be transformed to suit your personal needs.
These are just a few examples of some fantastic RV renovation projects. Perhaps they’ll provide inspiration for a future DIY project of your own.