Refit or remodel or renovate or start over

[larrydirtbag]

I’m a photographer/consultant and really want to travel. Seems I spend a terrifyingly large amount of my life inside my home office and see real humans on the weekends while shopping. Sometimes while on a walk. Kid @the university, seems time for a change.

Despite being computer comfortable, I love turning wrenches, and working with my hands… and I’m not afraid to take things apart…

I really like a lot about my RV, it’s nothing fancy looking, isn’t fancy inside but has a good feel. But I really dislike numerous interior aspects…
Let’s start with the 1978 era porno glass panes on the bed, and periodically located elsewhere… It has waaaay more brown than appropriate. Wallpaper was painted, but it’s great either.

Things definitely needed,
Stamp up desk
Support for two large monitors
Modern furniture
Safe security box (Swedish camera gear is wildly valuable)

I got the RV for a great price, to replace it with something I like will cost a lot for an equivalent unit which makes it seem sensical to revamp it. Am I wrong?

I’m not really sure which way to go. I’ve visited a a nice Entegra and HR, very nice yet neither really addressed the need for a mobile workspace. Still felt dark and jamed full of couches and recliners.

I guess I’m looking for someone who has been here before…

Anyone?

[scbwr]

Haven't done any extensive RV modifications, but I can give you my 2 cents worth.

Replacing furniture and updating cabinets can certainly be done. If you're talking about changing/moving walls and plumbing, then the job could get a lot more complicated.

Modifying cabinet doors to get rid of mirrors/glass can certainly be done either by removing the glass and inserting a wood panel. Or, new doors can be made. You can find pre-made furniture (i.e. desk unit) that you need and mount it securely or you could have it custom built.

We've made several purchases from braddandhall.com and recommend them highly for RV furniture. They have their own woodshop and manufacture a line of tables, cabinets and accessories which are built on site and sent out to a nearby company for final finish. I believe they will custom build wood furniture.

So, if your rig is mechanically sound and you're confident that it will continue to do so, then redo the interior so that it meets your needs. Just do a little planning and research so you have an idea of the price range for what you want to do. Good luck and if you proceed with the project, I'm sure a lot of forum members would love to see the before/after pics!

[jergle]

Since it sounds like your needs are fairly specialized, I doubt you will be able to find what you need "off the rack". If you have some tools, skills, and time, and the "bones are good" on your current rig, you could certainly renovate to suit your needs and tastes. I've always found doing those kinds of projects fairly enjoyable. As noted above, I would try hard NOT to mess with any of the basic systems, particularly plumbing, since that could get complicated in a hurry. There isn't easy access within walls, floors, or ceiling in an RV, and holes are harder to fix than a house with sheetrock and paint. Best of luck!

[Nwcid]

I am in a similar situation. The unit we have now is ok with just me remote working but this year both of us became remote workers and will spend more time on the road.

My current unit is in decent shape but is also showing its age from the amount that we use it.

I have found 1 commercial unit that fits out needs and while it is a quality brand there are still a lot of the normal "RV' issues. These are often items related to how they are factory assembled on a production line.

There are several units that have floorplans that would work for us, but the lack things like large water/waste tanks or built in gas generators.

With the price of these units it is hard to buy one that does not suit the need. To have a custom build done is out of my price range.

I have really been considering building my own toy hauler. I know things will be done right and I can build it exactly how I want.

As others have said, if you are in a motorhome, how are the drive train components?

[twogypsies]

Do a Search on YouTube for RVers who renovated their RV workspace. You'll get lots of ideas. There are many who work from their RV nowadays.

As to your other updates.... easily done.

[larrydirtbag]

Originally Posted by scbwr

Haven't done any extensive RV modifications, but I can give you my 2 cents worth.

Replacing furniture and updating cabinets can certainly be done. If you're talking about changing/moving walls and plumbing, then the job could get a lot more complicated.

Modifying cabinet doors to get rid of mirrors/glass can certainly be done either by removing the glass and inserting a wood panel. Or, new doors can be made. You can find pre-made furniture (i.e. desk unit) that you need and mount it securely or you could have it custom built.

We've made several purchases from braddandhall.com and recommend them highly for RV furniture. They have their own woodshop and manufacture a line of tables, cabinets and accessories which are built on site and sent out to a nearby company for final finish. I believe they will custom build wood furniture.

So, if your rig is mechanically sound and you're confident that it will continue to do so, then redo the interior so that it meets your needs. Just do a little planning and research so you have an idea of the price range for what you want to do. Good luck and if you proceed with the project, I'm sure a lot of forum members would love to see the before/after pics!

Indeed, I came across the shop while googling so the feedback is really appreciated. The rig has good bones, just uncertain. The recent Entegra, and I was impressed…..

[larrydirtbag]

Originally Posted by jergle

Since it sounds like your needs are fairly specialized, I doubt you will be able to find what you need "off the rack". If you have some tools, skills, and time, and the "bones are good" on your current rig, you could certainly renovate to suit your needs and tastes. I've always found doing those kinds of projects fairly enjoyable. As noted above, I would try hard NOT to mess with any of the basic systems, particularly plumbing, since that could get complicated in a hurry. There isn't easy access within walls, floors, or ceiling in an RV, and holes are harder to fix than a house with sheetrock and paint. Best of luck!

My wants are a tad different. I’ve definitely noted the walls and ceilings and rather different. I’d really need to improve the interior lighting, no way to run wire without opening pandora’s box…

I definitely agree, It is enjoyable…

[larrydirtbag]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Do a Search on YouTube for RVers who renovated their RV workspace. You'll get lots of ideas. There are many who work from their RV nowadays.

As to your other updates.... easily done.

I completely agree! There’s a crap ton of people doing rvlife and vanlife and lifestyle. Nearly everyone is crap. I’m not especially looking for what color would be best on my cabinets but more Utilitarian.
My workspace is geared towards a higher level professional. My dual displays are (74” horizontal) and maybe not required, but it’s akin to asking Ricky Bobby to drive slow…. And I don’t think I’m the only person…

[twogypsies]

See if these pics give you any ideas:

https://heathandalyssa.com/mobile-office/

[DebbieMH]

Originally Posted by larrydirtbag

My wants are a tad different. I’ve definitely noted the walls and ceilings and rather different. I’d really need to improve the interior lighting, no way to run wire without opening pandora’s box…

I definitely agree, It is enjoyable…

You maybe surprised at all good RV reno companies can do. Talk to Wood Design in Nappanee, IN ... they do absolutely wonderful work. I had a medicine cabinet put in my bath in my Entegra a couple of years ago. They ran all new wiring for lighting in it as well.