Community Forums

aknavy · 02-27-2017, 06:20 PM

While looking for a fifth wheel, I seem to come across alot of used RV's that I like, other than the horrid brown/honey oak colors. Is refinishing cabinets and changing colors in a high end unit with real wood any different than doing it in a home? Any pitfalls in that? Also, is it feasible to do any painting in one? I've done a complete home renovation in the past, so I'm pretty handy - just want to know if there's a significant difference with RV's.

RV Wizard · 02-28-2017, 04:37 PM

Other than cabinets and flooring, I can't think of similar materials for the rest of the RV. Therefore, I don't think painting is done very much and refinishing some of these fabrics and materials is difficult.

vjkahler · 02-28-2017, 05:24 PM

I've seen many RVs remodeled. Painted walls, cabinets, etc. Painting wood cabinets white does greatly lighten the interior of the units I've seen. I don't know how resale value would be affected, if that is a concern. I'd love to paint my woodwork a light gray color, but my husband considers it a sacrilege to paint real wood. I may paint over the wallpaper if I can remove the border paper. Hideous does not begin to describe it. I will also be replacing the accordion shades with roman shades that I will make myself. If you want to do it and you're not worried about resale value, go for it.

aknavy · 02-28-2017, 07:40 PM

If I end up buying used, I'm not to concerned about resale. I'd like either off white/antique cabinets, grey, or go the other way and stain them dark. Just can't stand the light brown.

Grenadiers · 02-28-2017, 08:24 PM

Our Class A was remodeled in 2009, new upholstery and window trim to match, along with pillows and bedspread; and new marble floor tile. Looks great with the darker cabinets, which I believe were factory. Compared to others of the same vintage and age, our 2004 Vectra looks a lot newer. To us anyway~!

aknavy · 02-28-2017, 08:29 PM

Nice! That's a color I could live in. I don't know that I could get away with marble in a fifth wheel, but I wonder if vinyl plank flooring would work? I'm going to be traveling with two dogs. so not a big fan on the almost white carpet that are in most.

IC2 · 03-01-2017, 06:26 AM

If you are looking at high line 5ers for full timing and have no concern about resale, find one you like that doesn't have water damage and go for it. One caution about refinishing cabinets and doors is that many, including very expensive units, have a Thermofoil** plastic coat finish rather then an actual wood stain. These cannot be scuffed and painted successfully. As far as materials - most anything that you can use for a home can be adapted to an RV with a bit of time and effort. You just need to use your discretion if it will add significant weight.

That's always been a dream of mine to try - find a good 'box', gut it and do my 'thing'.

If you end up doing this as project, keep a thread and post photos. Some of us can dream

**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermofoil