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31 Cool Ways to Upgrade Your RV – Every RVer Should Know

Over time, RV upgrades have become a hobby of the campers. They look for new, unique ideas to revamp the exterior and interior of the vehicle and improve their lifestyle along the way. The truth is, there’s always room for improvement no matter even if you have a brand-new, top-of-the-line rig. Just keep in mind that motorhome upgrades don’t mean that they have to be something over-the-top. Simple redecorations and enhancements can also make big impacts. In this article, we – Outdoor Fact – will show you the best ideas for RV upgrades.

31 Best Ideas for RV Upgrades and Modifications

Here are some of the most popular and best RV upgrade ideas. These modifications are surprisingly easy to implement but they dramatically improve the quality of your camping life. Consider these RV upgrades if you want to enjoy a more comfortable, functional, and convenient life in your camper.

See this expansive list of coolest RV mods and upgrades collected by recommendation and feedback from 1,000+ RV owners across the globe.

1. Invest in a Quality Shower Head

A long shower is what every RVer expect after a long day on the road. But, the standard shower heads come with the RVs are nothing special. They just don’t release the water at the right pressure that can give you comfort and relaxation at the end of a long day on the road.

The built-in faucets also tend to be crappy. Replace them with shiny new fixtures and try to choose a low-flow shower head and pull-out sink faucets. A quality shower head will feel good at both high and low water pressures.

rv upgrades shower head

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2. Install Solar Panels

If you are someone who finds excitement in traveling off-grid or loves boondocking, solar panels and batteries are something to spend your money on. The cost of solar systems is dropping every year. By incorporating solar power into your own RV, you could easily cut down the utility expense and reduce the dependence on fossil fuel as well.

You don’t have to pay the electricity bills when you have your own solar set-up. It will also save you from the smoke and noise of the generators in remote places. For boondocking fans, solar power is highly recommended as one of the killer RV upgrades

rv upgrades solar panels

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3. Extra Battery Capacity

It’s one of the RV upgrades that you will need when you don’t stay much in the traditional campgrounds with electric hook-ups, the batteries come with the RV won’t be enough. Installing more batteries means you can store more power generated by the solar panels. As a result, you don’t have to turn on the generator except for emergencies.

Also, choose to upgrade the battery system to a lithium-ion unit. It is expensive but it functions better, has a longer lifespan, and requires less maintenance.

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4. Update the Storage Options

Well, it involves a dozen different upgrades since an RV has limited space. Keeping everything in place and organized will help you to keep your sanity and make your house on wheels feel like a home. These simple hacks will help you increase the storage capacity:

  • Install a towel rack behind the bathroom door, so you won’t need an extra furniture piece. Such racks are available at retail stores like Ikea, Camping World, and others.
  • It’s hard to keep cups and glasses stationary when the RV is moving. You may also have to deal with frequent spillage accidents. Purchase a couple of cup holders and install them in the kitchen and newt to your bed to enjoy a spill-free life.
  • How do you feel searching the entire camper for your shoes? Even if you keep them in a specific place, it will soon become a pile of shoes. Either create a simple show rack with some pieces of wooden planks or craft a fabric show storage that features several pockets.
  • Several compartments of huge cabinets or cupboards are often left unused. You can utilize them by installing wire shelves inside them and storing clothes, kitchen accessories, and plastic dishes there.

>> Read more: 10 Best RV Gadgets You Should Equip <<

5. Digital TV Signal Booster

Modern-day RV upgrades depend much on electronics, which is not a bad thing if you invest in the correct product. A TV signal booster makes sense if you have a vested interest in a great entrainment system. If you’re addicted to television shows or sport events, a satellite dish or signal booster is a must-have item for your RV!

A signal booster will work like magic in streaming more TV stations. Many RVs have options for installing antennas, helping you to catch up mobile television service. A signal booster will also won’t let you miss your favorite show even if you are in a remote area.

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6. Hard-Wired Surge Protector

You think that there is no need of installing surge protections since your camper has standard electric outlets. However, it’s one of the necessary RV upgrades since those outlets won’t protect your electronics in the event of a power surge.

Hard-wire surge protector into your RV so that all the appliances are safe even when there is surge or ebb of power in the electric line. It is a slightly costly update but it is certainly cheaper than replacing all the appliances.

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7. Roof Vent Fan

You won’t be able to imagine the multiple benefits a vent fan can offer. It will release the hot air outside and keep the interior during the summertime and remove excess moisture from a humid surrounding.

In addition, the fans are excellent for removing the musty smell and cooking odor. There are plenty of styles available and you can choose one with built-in automatic rain sensor or a remote control.

rv upgrades roof vent fan

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8. Mount a New TV

If you have the habit of hitting the road for long trips, you should spend some money for a standard entertainment system. A quality speaker, headphone, and a mind-blowing selection of songs are the must-have. However, you should purchase an RV TV too, especially when you can’t think of missing a match of your favorite football team or the latest episode of Westworld.

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9. Bulk Up Your Inverter

The RV inverter is another necessary electronics for those who like to do dry camping a lot. It converts the power (12 volts) from the batteries into 120 volts, making it ready to power up the everyday appliances and electronics such as hair dryer, toaster, coffee maker, and more.

With this RV upgrade, you are able to store more electricity for extended periods of time. However, since the difficulty level is high, it should take one hour to complete assuming that you have the skills. In the case you lack confidence in your ability, it would be wise to ask someone to take care of the upgrade in your stead.

rv upgrades inverter

10. Digital Thermostat

Most RV models come with a manual slider control thermostat, which is good but won’t come close to the precision of a digital thermostat. Replace the built-in one with a digital version if you want to have an accurate temperature control.

If you own a somewhat outdated recreational vehicle, it’s highly likely that you have to deal with old thermostats that fail to show the exact temperature in the interior. Want to have more power in regulating the interior temperature? Then you definitely have to secure an RV digital thermostat because it’s one of the few RV upgrades that let you control the degrees inside your vehicle. with reasonable accuracies. Buy one here!

11. Ditch The Carpet

ditch the carpet

As you travel in your RV, dirt shall make their way into the interior of the vehicle which much would be trapped by the carpet. Needless to say, it’s tedious to get all of the particles out of the fabric so you should throw the carper into the trashcan and save yourself a headache.

Additionally, the bare laminate floors of the RV look nice. In most of the case, it’s possible to completely remove the carpet from the floor within hours, depending on the layout of your RV.   

12. Wireless RV Backup Camera

Wireless RV Backup Camera

Considering the size of modern-day recreational vehicles, backing up into certain locations prove to be quite a difficult maneuver. It only takes a minor mistake for collisions to take place and after that is obviously an expensive repair bill. But with an RV rear view camera that provides clear vision, you should have no trouble backing up at short notice.

Of course, such an accessory is pricey but it’s among the must-have travel trailer upgrades for people that feel slightly uneasy maneuvering their recreational vehicle in tight spots.

13. Let There Be Light… Under the Bed

LED string lights

To give more space for RVers to store stuff, the master bed of most RV could be lifted up to reveal a convenient storage compartment. That compartment normally lacks illumination which is quite understandable: who want to put light bulbs right under the bed anyway? Nonetheless, in the case you store many tools under the bed, it’s a good idea to install lighting fixtures down there to aid identification.

Multiple RVers like to hang rows of LED light that lit up surrounding space and consume a bit of energy.

14. Counter Extensions

Space is a luxury in usual recreation vehicles and the kitchen is not an exception.  While high-class fifth wheel might offer you some room on the counter, others types have nothing that worth mentioning. That is why if you talk about RV upgrades, you have to include counter extensions.

As the name suggests, these extensions let you prepare meals conveniently and comfortably thanks to the counter room they give. After you are done cooking, the extension could be folded so they don’t get in the way at all.  

15. Chalkboard Fridge Door

Chalkboard Fridge Door

You often find yourself having to take note of important issues but unable to locate papers and pens in time? Then you must think about getting a chalkboard fridge door in the near future as it’s one of the RV upgrades that could tackle your trouble effectively and efficiently. Once you have to write something, you just have to go over to the fridge door and jot that down. Use this chalk paint!

The chalks might generate too much dust for the taste of some RVers so keep that in mind as well.   

16. New Storage Bay Locks

Storage bin locks

Surprisingly, the storage bin of your recreational vehicle is not exactly secured since people that own the same key as you could access its content. Because of that, replacing the lock is amidst the essential RV upgrades for people that care about their luggage while traveling from campground to campground.

Fortunately, it’s generally a breeze to get a new lock for your storage bin and the straightforward installation means you could finish everything in less than half an hour.

17. Switch Out Your Lights

LED lights

Compared to incandescent bulbs that the majority of RV manufacturers use, LED lights consume less energies and have longer lifetimes. Therefore, in the case you want to optimize the confirmation of your RV, one of the first RV modifications you should do is to replace all the incandescent bulbs on your RV using LED lights.

18. DIY Towel Rack

diy tower-rack

In addition to the lack of internal space, recreational vehicles also don’t have enough racks around for the towels. Luckily, you would be able to address that issue in just a blink of an eye by mounting additional racks. It’s unnecessary to buy actual racks as you could fabricate some from damaged furniture that you no longer use. As a result, if you want to try out some RV upgrades DIY, here is a good one for you.

19. Shoe Storage

DIY shoe rack

Keep tripping over the shoes? Then how about setting up a compact shoe rack to organize the footwear of everyone? Drop by the store, get yourself a compact coat rack and hung shoes onto it. For people that have tons of shoes to take care of, the rack is one the most helpful RV upgrade ideas these kinds of days.

RVers with kids would also love the rack if their children leave footwear scattered over the interior of the vehicle.

20. Pull Out Garbage Can

rv garbage can

You could barely find enough space on your recreational vehicle for the essentials so determining a spot for the trash might be a major headache.  Luckily, with a pull out garbage can onboard, you should be able to safely store the trash for later disposal.

The can is one of the amazing RV modifications that offer a lot of values in exchange for negligible investments. You could secure the can in place using bungee cords if you lack shelf space.

21. New Mattress (and Sheets)

It’s impossible to have good night sleeps if you feel uncomfortable on the bed. As we all know, you would not be able to regain energy for a new day if you are unable to sleep well at night. In the case you have trouble sleeping with the original mattress (most of us have!), getting a new mattress plus sheets is among the RV upgrades you must do as soon as possible to guarantee the comfort during the trips.

This Serenia Sleep mattress won’t let you down! Here RV experts from RV Talk also compiled a list of best selling RV mattresses for your consideration. Make sure to read our list before buying one!

22. Bumper Mount

rv bumper mount

So you don’t intend to tow cars, trailers and so on behind your RV? Then it’s widely advised that you install a bumper mount on the rear of your vehicle to store stuff. Bike, kayaks, RV accessories,…. many things could fit in the bumper mount and let you save space in the interior. The average bumper mounts on the market nowadays should have an easy time handling up to 600 pounds worth of items.

23. WiFi Extender

In the age of technology, various RVers have the need to stay connected as they travel from place to place. Hence, if you want to access the internet as you go, you should consider getting a WiFi extender at once.

With the extender by your side, you could overcome WiFi dead zones and enjoy well-encrypted connections to public networks. Despite the fact that the device requires a good amount of money, it’s shall let you keep tracks of what is going on around the world at all times.

We’re so honestly impressed with the Bearifi BearExtender. It definitely solved your wifi problems, highly recommend!

24. Better Stabilization

Most recreational vehicles have stabilizations jacks in case RVers have to park over uneven terrain. Nonetheless, the jacks on their own sometimes fail to maintain the stability of the RV which force to find supplements. These kinds of days, it’s a breeze to secure some RV specific stabilization rods. Generally speaking, the rods cost pretty much nothing and they allow you rest/sleep comfortably.

Get one here!

25. New And Improved Shelving

rv shelves

Struggling to allocate spaces for dishes, foods, utensils and alike? What you must do is to add a couple of shelves, ideally wire shelves, to the interior of your vehicle. Such shelves would usually not occupy a whole lot of room and they permit to keep your stuff in order. Because of the intuitive installation, it only takes a moment to set up the shelves.

For an easy set-up, many RVers use this adjustable base cabinet helper – a small product but could make a significant difference to your RV space.

26. Shampoo and Conditioner Holder

Shampoo Holder

To put it plainly, the bathroom on conventional recreational space possesses just enough space for basic features and the RVer. That means you should refrain from bringing all sort of shampoo bottles into the bathroom as you take a shower. But by installing a simple shampoo and conditioner holder, it’s possible to store various bathing supplies in the bathroom.

At a very cheap price,  this one in particular comes with four dispensers and doesn’t break the bank! Clean, simple design and easy to refill!

27. Create The Perfect Workspace

office in RV

For RVers that need to work on the road, putting together a workspace on the vehicle is quite a challenge. That being said, if you are willing to invest times and efforts, everything is possible. In the case you have an unused bunked compartment, it should take you around a day in order to convert that into a viable workspace. Here is how to execute the idea!

28. Under-The-Counter Spice Rack

Spice rack

Have a hard time getting pepper, sugar, salts and others?  If that is so, a spice rack could be a nice addition to your kitchen. It would be able to save space on the counter as well as in the cabinet which all RVers appreciate. In term of drawbacks, you need to have some skills to set up the rack and the associated lock mechanism.

29. Upgrade Your Sewer System

Handling the sewer hose is often thought of as one the most tedious tasks that RVers have to perform periodically. However, by implementing upgrades here an there, you could handle the dirty job without trouble.  Depending on the composition of your recreational vehicle, it might require more than a day to finish upgrading the system.

30. RVSkampcan (A Must Have!)

The venerable broom and dustpan clean up dirt fairly well on average but that combo always leave some particles behind. If you want to get rid of every speck of dust, get a skampan for your recreational vehicle. It’s a lid covered compartment installed on the surface of the floor which catches all the debris you push in it.

31. Headphone Jacks For Your TV

RV jack

Want to watch TV but hate to let the noise bother other people around you? In that case, you should construct a custom headphone jack. All you need are some extension cables, basic tools and a bit of patience in order to get it done.  You need to have basic knowledge about RV electricity as well to do the wirings. Overall, the project would take between 1 and 2 hours to finish.

The Final Words

RV upgrades
Upgrade your beloved RV with these brilliant ideas!

The original configuration of recreational vehicles nowadays should be able to meet the basic needs of most RVers. However, a lot of owners of RV still feel that their vehicles could definitely  use some modifications here and there. As a result, the subject of RV upgrades is widely discussed and debated amidst enthusiast. Most people don’t think of any update after purchasing a brand-new RV.

The truth is some little enhancements can make your life on the road much better, more convenient, and enjoyable. From brand new motorhomes to venerable campers, every recreational vehicle could benefit from RV mods

Find out some more useful RV upgrades you can make for your RV!

>> Read more about RV camping tips, click here! <<

Last Updated on March 29, 2023

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