Buying a used camper is a great way to save money, and much like an old house, a good restoration job can bring back much of an old RV’s lost glory. While the more extreme jobs should be left to the professionals, some cases only require your own time, tools, and talent. To help you get started, here is River City RV’s camper restoration guide.
Think Realistically
Obviously, different used campers will be in different conditions. A still recent model or well-taken-care-of older RV may just need a few replacement parts, which you can easily install at home. As the restoration work gets more involved, your ability to complete it without help or specialized skills diminished. For example, electrical and plumbing issues can be difficult or even dangerous to fix without the right tools and experience. If you are not a plumber or electrician, you should consult or hire one to fix these RV systems.
Before doing anything else, make a realistic assessment of all work that has to be done and how much of it (if any) you can complete by yourself. This alone will save you time and money, and help you avoid accidentally damaging your RV. Older campers may simply be beyond your skill to repair, and you should consult a service department to get their advice.
Ask About the Camper
If you decide to go forward with the restoration work, start doing research. Learn all you can about both your individual camper and the model in general, including maintenance history, materials used in construction, the trailer’s condition, and any other information you can find. This will usually involve a combination of independent research and asking the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is defunct, that can make an RV much more difficult to restore.
Making the Plan
Once you have your information, it is time to make a plan. One of the good things about camper restoration is that it opens up many new possibilities. While you may just want to return the RV to something approximating its original condition, you can also choose to veer off in your own direction. This depends heavily upon your skill level, and any modifications that could potentially make the RV unsafe should still be handled by professionals. At the same time, restoration is a golden opportunity to customize your RV.
Painting
Restoration is about how an RV looks as much as how it runs. Even with every major system replaced or overhauled, a restored camper doesn’t feel restored if it looks the exact same as it did pre-upgrade. A fresh coat of paint is an easy, simple, yet effective way to signal that your RV has taken on a new life. You can choose to follow the original color scheme, or go your own route with a custom set of colors. You can spruce up the interior as well, with new flooring and new wallpaper.
Furniture
Design trends change over time. Your camper’s furniture may be in a style that you dislike or view as outdated. Even if you feel that it has a retro look that you can appreciate, older RV furniture can sometimes come to you in worn down or broken condition. Unfortunately, most camper furniture is bolted down, making it difficult to replace. Keep in mind that RV doors are sometimes narrow, and there is limited space to move around. Getting new furniture inside without scratching anything can be difficult. When replacing furniture, keep in mind that camper manufacturers sometimes strategically place furniture to hide potential eyesores. If you replace the furniture, be sure to find something else to cover the space.
We here at River City RV wish you the best of luck with your restoration project. If you need any help, advice, or spare parts, visit our dealership in Grants Pass, Oregon. Our parts and service department have the materials and know how you’ll need to bring your project to life. We welcome visitors from Medford.
