8 DIY Motorhome Renovation Ideas

Owning your own motorhome gives you the freedom to take off on all sorts of adventures when the travel bug calls. And if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to create your dream home on wheels, then a second hand motorhome is just what you need! With a little DIY renovation, you can bring an old motorhome to life for a far better price than buying brand new. Below, we share some of the easiest yet most effective motorhome renovation ideas to get you started!

8 motorhome renovation ideas to transform your space

1. Strip and replace the flooring

This is a huge undertaking, but there is no doubt that it will instantly revamp your space. Tear up the old flooring and modernise your motorhome with one of these cost-effective options:

• Laminate: these planks look just like real hardwood, but are much lighter and cost a fraction of the price.

• Vinyl: Peel and stick vinyl is another popular choice, generally being more flexible and affordable than laminate. Simply peel off the back and stick onto the floor!

No matter what flooring you choose, it all comes down to the measurements. You want to fit the flooring around every nook and cranny. Lay the pieces out and cut them to size before installing. As they say, measure twice and cut once! Then seal the laminate to the floor, or simply peel and stick the vinyl in place.

Hire this incredible motorhome in Warrimoo NSWto appreciate how much their flooring adds to the space! The lighter flooring in Matilda in North Lake also helps to open up the area.

2. Paint the exterior

You know what they say, first impressions count! Giving the exterior of your motorhome a fresh lick of paint is the perfect way to get some new life out of it.

Let’s get started. Here’s how to go about it:

• First, remove any decals on your motorhome.

• Give it a good powerwash: this will get rid of any dirt or grime that has built up on the exterior to give you a nice fresh slate for painting.

• Cover and take the windows: you still want to be able to see out of them!

• Spray paint: make sure you select an automotive grade paint and fill up your spray painter and go.

If you’re not committed to repainting the entire motorhome, then just do the door. Only painting the entranceway is enough to change the whole look of the motorhome! Just remember to choose a bold colour that really stands out.

Wondering the difference a freshly painted van can make? Hire out Tarbi in the Garden Suburb NSW and check out how it's done!

3. Reupholster the seats

Another one of our favourite motorhome renovation ideas, this is a brilliant way to add a little bit of flair to your motorhome - plus it’s nice and practical too! Reupholstering your motorhome seat covers will have your interior looking fresh and feeling comfortable, while also protecting against those inevitable spills along the way.

For this DIY, you will need:

• Fabric: we go through the different options below. Choose between canvas, neoprene or vinyl.

• Scissors

• Sewing machine

• Elastic

• Pins

• Butcher’s paper

It always helps to have a pattern to follow. Of course, each motorhome seat is different, so you’re going to have to measure your own. Start by pinning the butcher’s paper to your seat in each section:

• Centre seatback

• Centre seat bottom

• Seat backside

• Seat bottom side

Trace around each one and cut out. This can be used as your template for the material.

1. Pin the butcher's paper piece to the material. When you are cutting out, you want to allow yourself a good half-inch as a seam allowance. Keep everything pinned to the pattern until you are ready to sew! For the bottom of the seat, you want an extra few inches for the elastic.

2. Get sewing! Place the right sides together and start sewing away. Make sure you finish off the seams, so the covers can go through the wash without unravelling.

3. Once you’re done, you can join up all your pieces, with the part that goes over the back of the seat joining up with the seat section that wraps around.

4. Now’s the time to add the elastic at the bottom to keep it fitted to the seat. Fold over that extra few inches you left at the bottom and sew. You can then feed the elastic through. Join the two pieces of elastic together at the end and sew. Pop the elastic into the casing and then sew shut. Done!

Try out Le Petite Chateau On Wheels’ upholstered seats in Kewdale WA and see how they take its interior to the next level. If you’re looking for something a little more funky, then the bright and colourful seats over at The Pineapple Express in Mullumbimby NSW are sure to make your day!

4. Replace the furniture with a custom fit out

Who doesn’t like picking out new furniture? It’s one of the simplest ways to instantly transform your motorhome, while also adding some character!

If you’ve got some building experience behind you, then you can put it to work creating a custom fit out that has been built specifically for your motorhome. Because let’s face it, when you’re short on space, bespoke furniture is the best way to make the most of the room you have!

If DIY isn’t your strong point, then now’s a good time to outsource - it will be money well spent. Getting professional help to make use of all available space in the best way possible will make your life on the road so much more enjoyable! From a table that folds out, to shelves and hammock beds, there are so many ways to utilise your space with a custom fit out.

Not Waiting To Retire in Hammondville NSW is the perfect example of how a great fit out can make all the difference to life on the road. This motorhome can transform from a sitting area and table during the day, to enough beds to sleep six at night.

5. Update the cupboard handles

This is one of the easiest ways to give your motorhome a little face lift. It’s nice and cheap, and so easy to do on your own. Plus, it garners some very noticeable results for such tiny features!

You have so much choice when it comes to cupboard handles, so now’s your chance to shop around and find a look that complements the existing decor, while also showing off your personal sense of style.

Here are a few of our favourite handle ideas to consider:

• Brass or ceramic door knobs

• Chrome bar handles

• Leather straps

• Metal latches

Start by removing your old handle with a drill or screwdriver. If you’re doing a direct swap, then simply screw the new handles in. If you’re making a new space, then mark out with a pen where the new handles will go and get drilling.

To avoid drilling new holes, it helps to find handles that match the set up that’s already there. For example, bar handles are fitted with two holes on either end that are a certain length apart, so choosing new bar handles that are the same length as the old ones will make things much easier!

Check out Retro RV in Belgrave VIC to see how some vintage-inspired handles can add stand-out style to any motorhome.

6. Add a Skylight

It’s amazing how a little extra light in your space can really open it up. Hire a professional to install it for you or follow these DIY steps:

1. Climb onto the roof and work out exactly where you want the skylight to go. Once you know the size, head out and buy your skylight, ready to install.

2. With your skylight in hand, confirm exactly where you want it to go (and also check the space from the inside). Mark out the space for the skylight before you start cutting.

3. Drill holes in all four corners to help start the process. Grab your saw and cut along the lines between the corners.

4. File down the exposed edges to smooth them out.

5. Use a sealant to stick the skylight down.This will help prevent leaks and any water from making its way in!

Like the sound of a skylight? Try before you buy and test out a motorhome that has one already! Alice the Coaster in Wangaratta VIC is the perfect example of how light can open up a space.

7. Remove rust

This is one of the more essential motorhome renovation ideas on our list. Rust needs to be treated so that it doesn’t continue eating into your metalwork!

So whether you’re choosing to paint the exterior or not, removing rust is an important step to maximise the longevity of your motorhome.

Inspect the exterior and interior of your caravan for surface rust. Don’t forget the wheels as well. Here’s a handy guide on how to check for rust in a motorhome!

Use a wire brush to get the majority of the rust off. Then use sandpaper to smooth the area. If there’s still some rust you can’t get off, try using a liquid rust remover. Finally, put a layer of sealant over the affected area to prevent the rust from returning.

8. Refresh the interior decor

Not ready for a full-blown renovation? Then simply get to work redecorating your motorhome! It’s amazing what a few choice items can do to bring your space to life.

Start with the bedspread and cushions. Add in some throw pillows for a splash of contrasting or complementing colour to make it pop. Next, move onto the wall hangings and showcase some art that sets the perfect vibe!

You can also decorate with pieces you collect along your travels, such as vases, fruit bowls, throw rugs and so much more.

But don’t get carried away. In such a small space, a little really does go a long way!

Ready to see what you can achieve through a little decorating? Hire Daisy in Bowral NSW and enjoy all the personal touches and splashes of colour they have added to brighten up the space.

Coastal Breeze in Southport QLD has also updated their interior with neutrals and shades of pink to create a laid back vibe using a throw blanket and cushions!

If you want to see another amazing motorhome, then hire Le Petite Chateau and enjoy all the touches they have made throughout. They are sure to wow.

Get started with these motorhome renovation ideas

Whether you’re thinking of buying a motorhome second-hand or have already purchased one, then it’s time to get started on the above motorhome renovation ideas! Coupled with our favourite motorhome interior ideas, these tips and tricks will help you to transform your space so that you can hit the open road in style and comfort!

Better yet, when you aren’t travelling around Australia, you have the opportunity to earn a return on your investment by renting out your motorhome. Give someone else the chance to embark on their own adventures from the comfort of your newly renovated motorhome - all while you make money without leaving your driveway. It’s a win-win!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Aussies earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their caravan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 NRMA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused caravan!