Boost RV Value With These 12 Upgrades

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When you live in your RV full time, it just makes sense to make some upgrades. This will allow you to live more comfortably for the duration of your RV journey. Not only that, but making upgrades to your RV can actually boost RV value! This is especially true if you happen to have an older rig, but some upgrades will even boost the value of a newer rig, believe it or not.

In this article we will take a look at some of the upgrades that boost RV value the most, so you can strategically pick and choose which RV upgrades you make, keeping both comfort and resale value in mind.

Better Lighting

First on the list: RV lighting. Most RVs come from the factory with old-fashioned incandescent bulbs installed. These bulbs burn hot, adding heat to your tiny home, something that can be frustrating in summer. On top of that, these bulbs eat up a lot of electricity, making it more difficult to boondock, especially if you don’t have a large battery bank or solar panels.

The good news? It’s super easy to switch to LED bulbs. Simply buy the right size LED bulbs on Amazon and enjoy the brighter, light, cooler indoor temperatures, along with lower electricity consumption. On top of that, you’re more likely to fetch top dollar for your rig when it is well lit, and you can even list the LED lighting as a selling point.

Updated Flooring

Flooring is also a good RV upgrade choice that is likely to boost RV value, especially if your rig boasts carpet or worn-out linoleum. Vinyl flooring is relatively easy to install on your own and will brighten your space and make it look more modern.

Obviously, it’s nice to live in a space that looks nice, making this RV upgrade beneficial to you while you live in it. That said, potential buyers are also looking for an RV that looks nice, meaning your RV is more likely to sell for more with updated flooring.

New Upholstery

Similar to old flooring, old upholstery can really give your RV a dull and drab look. That’s why we highly recommend recovering any upholstered furniture that may be starting to wear. You can do this using a staple gun and fabric, but it’s also possible to use stretchy furniture covers to cover many types of furniture.

Of course, there is also the option of replacing the furniture entirely if recovering seems like too much work.

Sink and Stove Backsplashes

I’ve never really understood why so many RVs don’t come from the factory with backsplashes in the bathroom and kitchen. They are so much easier to clean than the wallpaper that covers RV walls, and they work so well to break up the monotony of the typical beige- or gray-colored walls in a trailer or motorhome.

Fortunately, it’s super duper easy to install backsplashes in both the kitchen and bathroom in your RV, making this one of my favorite ways to boost RV value. All you have to do is grab some peel-and-stick tile, cut it to size, stick it to a clean wall, and you have a great-looking backsplash at a very low cost and with very little effort. Best of all, this simple upgrade can even help boost RV value.

Related: RV Decor: RV Decorating Ideas to Make Your Rig Feel Comfy

A Coat of Paint

Another cosmetic RV upgrade that can make a huge difference and boost RV value? A simple coat of paint. If you don’t love the boring neutral colors in your RV, a can of paint can go a long way toward brightening things up. You can paint the walls, the cabinets, or both. No matter what you choose, you’ll likely be astounded by how different the space looks after it’s painted.

This is another upgrade that will boost the value of your RV, not because it makes it more useful, but because it makes it more eye-catching and is more likely to pull buyers in.

Modern Cabinet Hardware

Don’t want to go through the trouble of painting, but still want to brighten up your RV kitchen? The aforementioned backsplash idea will help a lot, but if you want to take things a step further, consider changing out the hardware on your cabinets.

Cabinet hardware has a tendency to go out of style every ten years or so. If your RV is more than a decade old (or even if you just don’t like the look of your current cabinet hardware), switching out the hinges, handles, and drawer pulls in your RV can quickly create a more modern look space and increase RV value.

Improved Window Treatments

Okay, one more cosmetic RV upgrade and then I’ll move on. I just have to take the time to mention window treatments.

While there are some newer RVs coming out of the factories with decent window treatments these days, most older RVs are likely to have pretty terrible window coverings. From ugly cornices to mini-blinds that break easily to curtains that don’t quite cover everything, I’m betting there’s something you don’t love about the window coverings in your older RV. So, why not change things up?

Buyers will always appreciate some new day/night shades or even some good blackout curtains in the bedrooms. Better than that, you’ll be able to live more comfortably with more privacy and better insulation in your rig while also boosting RV value.

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Moving on to upgrades that have nothing to do with the way your RV looks, it’s time to talk about tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). In my opinion, every RV should have one of these systems installed for safety reasons. A TPMS will monitor the pressure in your tires, ensuring you always have the right amount of air in each one. Some will also monitor the temperature of your tires, alerting you if one becomes too hot.

These systems do not have to be super expensive and they are relatively easy to install. They will keep you and your family safer while out on the road and are a major selling point for buyers who understand the importance of properly maintaining their RV tires, potentially increasing RV value.

Solar Panels

Plan to do some boondocking or dry camping? Solar panels might be an ideal RV upgrade for you, especially if you are able to pair panels with a beefy battery bank and an inverter.

A solar power system is useful when camping off grid, but also on travel days when you just want to stop and cook lunch or have a rest. (For me and my husband, being able to make espresso anywhere without running a generator was a godsend.)

Such a system is a wonderful thing to have to improve your RV lifestyle, but is also something many buyers will be looking for and will pay extra for. In fact, installing a solar system might be one of the very best ways to boost RV value.

Upgraded Appliances

Another way you can boost RV value pretty dramatically? Upgrading the appliances. Nobody wants to have to worry about replacing or repairing old appliances as soon as they buy a used RV. If you replace the appliances with newer, better appliances that are under warranty separately from the RV, your buyer won’t have to worry about broken appliances for a while and neither will you.

Besides, it sure is nice to have higher quality appliances to use while living in your RV. In fact, better appliances is one of the upgrades that will improve your day-to-day life the most.

Added Storage Spaces

Nobody knows better than full time RVers just how valuable storage space can be. This is why I absolutely recommend adding storage space anywhere you possibly can. This might mean removing a panel here and there, or creating a way to access a spot under a piece of furniture, but the extra effort is well worth it.

Added storage space will help you, of course, but a buyer who is looking to live in the RV they purchase long term will also appreciate having as much storage space as possible. In fact, extra storage could even boost RV value.

Just make sure any storage spots you manage to find don’t create an eyesore in your RV. Add doors, drawers, trim, or whatever else you might need to to make the spot look nice.

Modern Electronics

Like modern appliances, modern electronics can make life much easier. Things like cell boosters, keyless entry systems, nice sound systems, and mounted smart TVs all make your RV a more enjoyable place to live in while also boosting the value of the rig.

While the examples I just listed are more expensive upgrades for sure, and some may require a bit more know-how, they are worth adding if you have the time, money, and knowledge (or a friend with the right knowledge). This is especially true if your are looking to increase RV value for a future sale.

There you have it, 12 awesome ways to upgrade your rig while also boosting RV value. Which upgrades will you make first?

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