How to make your campervan look like new
Author: Your RV Good Guide Date Posted: 28 October 2022
Is your beloved campervan starting to look a little tired around the edges? Perhaps you bought it second-hand with the intention of giving it a bit of a makeover and adding a few campervan accessories? It can be a lot of fun renovating or restoring a campervan. Not only is it a great way to add a touch of your own personality, but it can also make it more enjoyable to use. And of course, giving your campervan a bit of a spruce up can also help add to its resale value.
The good news is you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money. A few carefully considered upgrades and some well-chosen motorhome accessories can totally transform your campervan.
In this blog, we share a range of tips to help transform your campervan, including:
Top Tips for making your campervan look like new
Upgrade your camper’s accessories
Stay on top of regular maintenance
Ready to give your campervan a makeover?
Top Tips for making your campervan look like new
Renovate your campervan
Refurbishing your motorhome or campervan is a great way to give it a new lease of life. Depending on how old it is and what state it’s in, you may choose to go all in with a total interior and exterior renovation, or just refresh the look with a bit of paintwork and some new RV accessories. Here are some of the ways you can renovate your camper:
Paint the exterior
Painting the exterior of your campervan is a great way to update its look and feel. It can also offer an opportunity to infuse a bit of your own unique personality! There are two options for painting your campervan – either by rolling up your sleeves and doing it yourself or employing the professional services of a vehicle spray painter.
If you’re planning to DIY your paint job, you’ll need to spend a bit of time researching materials and techniques. Like anything involving painting, the preparation takes more time and effort than the painting itself! You’ll need to sand down the entire vehicle and address any rust or damage before you start to paint. And of course, it’s important to invest in safety gear and have a covered garage or carport to work in. If you’re experienced at painting – or have a friend who is – it can be a fun project and one that allows you to unleash your creativity!
Another great option is to employ the services of a spray-painting artist. Check out this creative paint job done by Auckland artist Paul Walsh.
Replace the windows
Have you been putting up with dodgy windows, damaged seals, or windows that don’t shut properly? Replacing the windows in your campervan will make it feel like a brand-new camper. It’s also a very worthwhile investment to help ensure your campervan stays warm and dry.
Having your campervan’s windows replaced isn’t as hard as you think either. The best way to get it done is to book in an installation at your local RV Super Centre. We’ve got a range of windows and window parts to suit all models of motorhomes, campervans, and caravans.
Install new flooring
Installing new flooring is another way you can transform the inside of your campervan. Fresh new carpet or vinyl not only makes the interior look amazing, but it also dials up the comfort factor.
The best type of flooring for your campervan is hard-wearing vinyl. You can buy this from flooring and hardware stores. Installing it yourself is relatively simple and most flooring stores will be happy to talk you through the process.
Upgrade your camper’s accessories
A fun and economical way to give your campervan a makeover is with some new RV accessories. Before you get started, have a think about whether you’d like to work to a theme – such as a particular colour palette, retro styling, Kiwiana, or just a relaxing beachy vibe.
Buy some new soft furnishings
From colourful cushions and throws to duvet covers and towels, incorporating new soft furnishings can really transform the inside of your campervan.
And the best part is, it’s very affordable. If you like caravan-themed items, you won’t have to look too far. With caravanning and RV travel growing in popularity, there’s been a huge influx of caravan and RV-themed accessories available to buy.
If your motorhome sofas are a bit worse for wear, you could take these to an automotive interior specialist to be re-covered. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you might even be able to do this yourself.
Replace the kitchen fittings
Updating your campervan kitchen fittings is another excellent way to spruce up the inside of your camper. This could involve having a new benchtop installed, or swapping out the tired old table for a new one. RV Super Centre has a wide range of tabletops and pedestal kits to help get this done.
Another area of the kitchen to consider upgrading is your cabinets and pantry units. It could be something as simple as new handles or cabinetry baskets. There’s a lot you can do yourself when it comes to updating cabinetry, but if you need advice or help, get in touch with your local RV Super Centre.
Upgrade your appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of new RV appliances. A few carefully considered gadgets can save loads of time and effort, making for more relaxed and enjoyable holidays. This could be as simple as a new kettle and toaster or upgrading your hob, oven and cooker, or fridge.
Kitchens are a key selling point for homes – and the same goes for motorhomes! So if you’re thinking about selling at some point in the future, it could be worth spending a little extra on the big ticket appliances.
Stay on top of regular maintenance
Once you’ve put in some time, effort, and money into giving your campervan a makeover, you’ll want to make sure your investment lasts the distance. Staying on top of regular maintenance is a great preventative measure. This ensures that your campervan will look and feel like new for longer.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your campervan in tip-top condition:
EXTERIOR
- Give your motorhome a full maintenance check every couple of months. If you notice any ongoing issues such as mould or leaks, it’s best to deal with these right away so the issue doesn’t get worse.
- Regularly wash the exterior of your motorhome (especially after exposure to salt water or heavy dust and debris) and give it a polish occasionally to help keep it looking glossy.
- Inspect the roof, hatches, window, and door seals every few months.
- Book in a regular service at RV Super Centre. We have three different service packages to suit – from pre-trip tune-ups through to a deluxe service from tip to toe.
- Read more about caring for your motorhome’s exterior.
INTERIOR
- Regularly clean and polish your motorhomes’ cabinetry to help maintain the beauty and shine of the wood finish.
- Vacuum carpets regularly to remove dust and dirt build-up. Mop vinyl flooring with warm water and mild detergent.
- Regularly wipe down the ceiling and walls using mild detergent and warm water.
- Vacuum and spot clean upholstery as needed.
- Wipe bathroom surfaces using a non-abrasive cleaner – don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals as these will cause damage.
- Read more about caring for your motorhome’s interior.
Store your campervan safely
Storing your campervan in a safe location is another way to ensure your campervan remains in good condition.
If you know you won’t be using your campervan or motorhome for some time, but don’t have somewhere covered to keep it, it’s worth looking into using a covered storage facility. There are a few steps to take before you put your campervan into storage. These include:
- Consider connecting the battery to a multi-stage charger.
- Clean out the fridge and leave the door slightly ajar to avoid musty odours.
- Give your water tanks a thorough flush and clean.
- Clean air conditioning filters.
- Wipe out your cupboards and remove items that might attract pests.
- Place moisture absorbers throughout the campervan if needed.
- Turn off all appliances. Ensure your LPG tanks are off and disconnected.
If you’re unable to store your campervan in a secure facility, a good alternative is to invest in a quality cover. A campervan or caravan cover will help protect it from the elements such as extreme heat, hail, or snow. RV Super Centre has a wide range of quality covers for your caravan, motorhome, trailer, and pop top.
Ready to give your campervan a makeover
Whether you’re wanting to add the personal touch to your campervan, or you want to increase your chances of getting the best resale price when the time comes to sell, there are all sorts of easy upgrades you can undertake to make it more likely. From a few dollars for some colourful cushions, to a custom exterior paint job – it’s totally up to you!
With a full range of RV accessories from tea towels to fridges, RV Super Centre is the best place to get started. Our team of experts can give you the best advice, undertake professional installations, and help you choose the best products for your needs.
