The Cost of Renovating a Camper
One of the most frequent questions I get asked is “what was the total cost to renovate your camper?”
Well, I’ve gone into this a little bit in previous posts, but I thought I’d do a super basic breakdown of the cost involved in a couple different example scenarios. With each camping trailer or RV we have renovated, there have been several factors involved in the decision to purchase and how much we’ve been willing to pay. The shape of the camper you are considering or the extent of the damage will impact how much you should spend initially on the purchase price. We try to do a very quick but thorough assessment of the repairs we will need to do and communicate that with the seller.
Check-List of What to Look For
When inspecting a trailer and considering a purchase, there are quite a few things we look for while visualizing price tags in our mind! Here is a checklist of things to look at.
Major/High Price
- Engine problems (RV)
- How many miles does the engine have?
- Listen and inspect belts, oil level, exhaust, look underneath, look for damage, etc.
- Ask questions about the history of maintenance. Was it driven frequently or did it sit for a long time?
- Take it to a mechanic or have a friend that knows a lot about cars come along to inspect!
- Water damage
- Do you see visible cracks or holes in the siding or roof?
- Do you see ripples in the wallpaper or ceiling?
- Inspect all interior walls and ceiling, be sure to open cabinet doors and look inside!
- Water damage can travel! It may be hard to tell how far it has spread, but if there is a clear source of the damage it might be easier to fix.
- Cushions, Mattress, Couch
- These are things that can really add up in price!
- Do they smell? Can they be cleaned?
- Can they be recovered or will you need to buy new?
- Frame damage
- Is it rusty or cracked? A damaged frame can get incredibly costly and sometimes impossible to repair
- Windows
- Are they in working order? Are they intact?
- Check skylights and vent coverings too!
- Are screens in place?
- Appliances
- Appliances can be quite costly to replace! Do they all work? Check them!
- Fridge
- Hot water heater
- Stove
- Microwave
- AC
- Heater
- Tires – Tires can be quite costly depending on the size of your camper, but you want them to be in great shape!
- Electrical – Do all exterior and interior lights work? A problem with lighting can either be a quick fix, or a sign of something more complicated
Minor/Low Price
- Outdated decor – Nothing a little paint can’t help!
- Ugly wallpaper – Easy, paint over it!
- Old/outdated toilet or faucet – Not that expensive to replace and fairly simple to do
- Flooring – Flooring can be ripped out and painted or replaced pretty inexpensively
- Lights – lights can be painted or replaced rather inexpensively
- Smoke detectors
- LP gas/Carbon monoxide detectors
- Pipes and tanks – Annoying to fix, but not the most expensive thing
- Gas tanks
- Sewage hoses
Disclaimer
Before I go on, I should note that every situation has been so different. You’ll never be able to predict what will or won’t go wrong. One of the ways we have saved money is by owning all the tools and most of the supplies already. Power tools and saws will obviously be an extra cost if you don’t already have them on hand. We also had a lot of the nails, screws and lumber left over from other projects. All these things add up!
Our 1990’s RV Remodel
In the example of our 90’s RV, the purchase price was $3,200 with the cost of repairs coming to about $2,370. The larges expense was the price of tires which was $1,300 right away. If you can find an RV with new tires that are in great shape, you win! We have 5 kids, so safety is very important to us and having a quality tire that’s in good shape is a must.
Here is the approximate breakdown of the repairs we did:
- Tires – $1300
- Caulk – $50
- Paint – $300
- Flooring – $30
- Couch (Facebook Marketplace) – $100
- Mattress – Already had
- Dinette Cushions (RV surplus store) – $40
- Engine Tune-Up and Minor Repair – $200
- Microwave – $190
- New Sewage Hoses $40
- Decor $20
- Window Coverings – $100
Cost of Repairs = 2,370
Purchase Price = $3,200
Total Price = $5,570
Selling Price = $12,500
Profit = $6,930
*Additional costs include license and registration, additional decor and bedding, extra camping gear, etc.
Read: Our 90’s RV Renovation
1980’s Trailer Remodel
In the example of our 1980’s trailer renovation, we bought it specifically to resell, so this impacted a lot of the decision making process. We wanted to keep the cost low and not spend a lot of money on specific features that may or may not be important to the next owner. The tires were in pretty good shape, so there was no immediate need to buy new ones. There was a section of the frame that needed to be repaired, but not a lot of damage. All appliances were in working order. Because it was so large, the biggest expense was paint.
Here is the proximate breakdown of the repairs:
- Paint – $500
- Couch (Futon Bed) – $100
- Cushions/Pillows (recovered original with fabric on-hand) – $25
- Caulk – $50
- Decor – $50
- Shades – $150
- Lumber $50
Cost for Repairs = $925
Purchase Price = $1,000
Total Cost = $1,925
Selling Price = $8,000
Profit = $6,075
*Additional costs include license and registration, additional decor and bedding, extra camping gear, etc.
Read: Our 1980’s Trailer
1950’s Vintage Trailer Renovation
Our vintage, 1950’s trailer renovation was the very first camper I remodeled. She was my dream come true! I had always wanted to own a vintage camper and the dream became a reality when we found “Gidget” as we affectionately named her. The damage was extensive, and I learned a lot about water damage and running new electrical. It was a lot of trial and error, but it was a fun experience! Read more here: Gidget the Vintage Trailer
Here is the breakdown of costs involved in remodeling Gidget:
- Frame/Welding Repair – $1200
- Tires – $500
- Lumber – $500
- Paint – $300
- Caulk – $50
- Cushions and Fabric – $200
- Mini Fridge – $100
- Microwave – $40
- Decor – $50
- Electrical panel and converter – Stripped out of my parent’s old pop-up camper
- Electrical wire – left over from a past project (this could possibly be a big expense)
- Mini space heater – Already had
Cost for Repairs = $2,940
Purchase Price = $1,700
Total Cost = $4,640
Selling Price = $8,900
Profit = $4,260
*Additional costs include license and registration, additional decor and bedding, lights, extra camping gear, etc.
Read: Our Vintage Trailer Before and After
I hope this has been helpful!
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Pin-It for Later
Madonna Allore
Hi Sarah, I have been following all the advice you are giving about RV’s I have a problem I hope you can advise me where to turn. I have a class C Jayco I am renovating for a few 2 whippets to travel to shows with and the shows have hook ups ect. My question is my fridge needs replacing I took in my camper to Camping world for them to replace and they said I need a professional to remove this. Where can I go to have this done and thank you so much Madonna
Oscar
I am in Las Vegas and looking to get into flipping trailers. Thanks so much for this post. I was wondering if you inlcude the decor when selling?
Jody
Hello. Wow!!!
Can we purchase one of your updated RV’s???
Would be for us a dream come true. We r a senior couple, healthy with a couple goggles!! Please respond…
Amber Gibbons
I’m currently remodeling a 2005 Rockwood by Forest River. Perfect for 2 people. It was a doll before but I wanted to transform it and give it more of a home vibe. If you’re interested please don’t hesitate to reach out to me [email protected] I’m still in the process of chosing the paint colors. I’ve already bought new appliances. Brand new 10in memory foam hybrid mattress. The items to fully stock it to be completely road ready. I’ve bought duvet, sheets. Electric soap dispensers for bathroom and kitchen. Brand New floor. This will turn out to be extremely unique. Can’t wait for it to be finished and find the perfect home. I’ll also be giving the counter tops, desk and dining table a granite look. Super excited for final look. I can send you before pictures now and then the Afters to see if you may fall in love. Stay blessed ☺️
Nikki
I just live your work! I have been a fan since I read an article about you in the Detriot news (I think it was a while ago). I have been debating about trying to contact you to see if I can either work with you or at least get your advice on a possible renovation. I am not handy but can definitely learn and paint. Even having your advice would be priceless.
Lorie
We have a travel trailer that has a window the width of the bed behind it. We have placed sunshield material behind the accordion fabric blinds to minimize heat coming thru. Do you have any suggestions as to how we can achieve a more decorative look? The bedroom is at the front of the trailer so it bows out.
Scott
Hello yes i was just given an camper for free. Keystone Lerado 33BL i havent seen it in person yet but the person said it was put up for storage last year and had a lead that was unknown looking at probably doing a complete gut and replace depending on how bad it is are there any tips you have thanks
Amelia McIntosh
What flooring do you recommend?
Marie
Hello! I am looking to purchase a tear drop camper soon and then start remodeling in the future. I am wondering where you found campers for such a good selling price? I have been looking mostly on Facebook marketplace. Is there somewhere else that I should be looking?
Brandy
Thank you for sharing this info! My mom just bought her first camper and we are going to remodel it together! I’m nervous and stoked at the same time!
Liz
Great job!!! Absolutely amazing We are planning on remodeling our fifth wheel this summer! I love how you broke down each of the things in your article with cost and budget and everything. I especially love how it turned out. Looks so amazing!
Aliner Camper
I have an 2015 aliner expedition with soft dormers. It was always kept in a garage. We moved and left it uncovered outside. There is some damage to the floor. I wonder how I could find someone who might be interested in taking on the task and has skills and tools to do this. Would you be interested?
Rebecca Payne
Great, Great Job!
Yovana Garcia
Hello i would like to know how much you will charge me to repair n remodle my driveable rv?
Pamela Loomis
We have an Airstream land yacht motor home. It had sprung a leak in bedroom. We both have health problems and we need someone to do this renovation repair.
edwina Cook
i would love to know how you replaced flooring with vinyl, for $30? i am remodelingmy RV,I am a bargain shopperand finding to cost much more than the numbers you are reflecting.i would love some pointers. Yours is adorable!
Kate
We bought a 1983 Ford Shasta last year. Unfortunately, this RV had quite a bit of water damage, but didn’t realize just how much until we bought it. We weren’t able to work on it consistently, so we bought a RV cover. Again, unfortunately, the cover did not hold up and the RV has sustained even more water damage to the point where the floor, along with the walls, ceiling and insulation will have to be replaced. At this point we are looking at just scrapping it and seeing what we can get for the metal and selling the parts that are still in working order.
What would your advice be for something like this?
Theresa
If u haven’t scrapped it yet…keep going with it. My bf & I picked up a 1995 Coachman Travel Trailer for free from the Freebies/Offer Up sites. Even though neither of us have ever fixed up & flipped anything, let alone a RV. We we’re so excited that it was free & didn’t know at the time we picked it up exactly what we were going to do, keep it, flip & sell and then keep our 2nd one or continue to buy/flip. I love a challenge w/ exterior/interior decorating, painting, woodworking, etc. Once we realized how much/bad the water damage is we were ready to scrap ours. The entire bedroom area walls, floor & ceiling are ripped down to the bones (there is water damage the entire length of the travel trailer but nothing like the bedroom, is was kept to about a foot in of the ceiling on the left side trailer). We haven’t started the work yet but we just finished gathering supplies to rebuild the room & we spent $65 – believe me, we are in no financial shape to buy all the stuff needed. Over a 2 wk period we got all the the supplies we needed for the rebuild, including flooring, paint & calk just driving around each day on trash days in several local towns/cities. It sound gross but when it comes to wood & other building supplies people through out brand new (extras) or almost new items. Ur not rummaging through trash cans, these items are on the curbs. Ex: I’m currently making a breakfast bar out of a thrown out coffee table, only using the top of table which is in great condition. If you see a home or a business that’s obviously being renovated and they have a dumpster outside don’t be afraid to go inside and ask if they mind if you take the wood or anything else you may like, they’ve always say yes I’ve never had anyone say no. Now the only thing you need to keep in mind is the weight of EVERYTHING (you may or may not know this) so you want to make sure you get things like press board, old paneling is great for the ceiling just paint it or you can get peel & stick EVERYTHING & it looks great ( we are doing peel & stick shiplap over paneling as our ceilings – be sure to spray Skills over any wood u find) items like say if you’re going to use a tabletop or things like the vinyl stick & peel flooring good for 3 reasons the weight, cost and the fact that the RV moves so you want something that’s a little flexible. It may sound like I’ve done this before, Ive done nothing like it (also keep in mind you and ur other half WILL want to choke each other at times but just like any circumstance you’re with this person cause you push through it together) Over the past month I’ve done more research than you can possibly imagine and Pinterest has been a huge help, never used it before until now. So good luck with your RV if you kept it, if not take another shot….I know I’m waiting for the fun part, the design/decor of the inside!
Theresa
Tony Volpi
I bought a 1989 31 foot fleetwood bounder class A motorhome. And paid $2,500 for it. I knew the previous owner and new he took good care of all the mechanical things such as regular routine maintenance oil changes always making sure the motor, transmission and basically everything to do with keeping it road worthy. However the rest of the RV suffered he wasn’t the best when it came to how it looked those things were not important to him. But I am a retired contractor and even had a mobile home remodeling & repair business for 15yrs and would still work on 3 or 4 a year while building brick and mortar homes. So after buying it I decided to remodel it and being the over achieved and structural kind of guy I have always been. What started out to be a quick upgrade has turned into a complete refurbishment from floor to ceiling including the storage compartments, all new plywood on floors walls and ceilings I putplastic down after fixing all holes cracks caulked and glued everything then put 1/2 in. plywood on top of all that and put another layer of underlayment down and installed engineered waterproof laminate flooring. So its almost a frame off rebuild using the best material there is, I don’t believe in cutting corners. However the cost is getting a little crazy and mine and my wife concern at this point is. What if we end up not being the RVers type and end up hating it. After shelling out thousands of dollars because not only is the remodel material up there in price I have literally replaced ever compnant fridge $1600, furnace $800, converter, toilet, shower, lights to all led, stove top, sinks, microwave, and one air conditioner be cause the other had been replaced a couple years ago. $800 for 2 optima bluetop batteries. And considering a couple quiet generators. They are all the latest and energy efficient and new tires are next $1400. It is basically a well built 2020 RV with a 1989 title. what are the chances of recouping some of that money if we decide to sell it after the first month of RVing? I think high book is only $8,000 or $9,000 and Im in it about $12,000 do RVers take those things into consideration?
Don
Not that I’m an expert but I wouldn’t worry about high book unless the buyer is getting a loan and must convince the lender it’s worth what they are paying for it. You might not get everything back that you put in but any buyer will be able to see that it’s in far better condition than most 30 year old RVs. The power train, even if well maintained, might be a question mark. Even low miles can sometimes conceal issues like rubber or plastics that are much more time sensitive than mileage sensitive. At the end of the day, it’s worth what someone will pay for it. A buyer shouldn’t care much about what you have spent on it but should care about how much they are getting for their money.
Amber
In one of your pics there’s two beds and you painted it white and the original up top? Well I’m the pro goal the before on the left side the wall is damage what did you do to repair the wall to make the see less look?
Stephanie H
I’m curious as to how I can buy one you are reselling. We have been looking for one and I love your work on them. Do you have a website or anything?
Stephanie
Amanda
Hi i am wondering how you painted your 1980s trailer. We just got a1989 king of the road 30 foot “ish” trailer we have been stripping it down. I need some help and I have some questions it would be amazing to ask your opinion! Thank you! Your work is beautiful!
Bloggin Brandi
Always love seeing these renovations. Nice to see the break down. Thanks for sharing these numbers. Thinking about buying and fixing up a camper to sell.
Scheryl
Ideas on remolding 2009 Fleetwood 5 th wheel rv 3 slides rear kitchen
Robin Beck
What type of paint do you use for the exterior?
Audra Sailors
Hi you do amazing beautiful work. My question is this, I own a 1964 Dodge van. It’s completely gutted and I don’t need it to run. Just want to use it as my she shed. But I can’t get the design right. Like where to put a hot water heater? Should I just use a composting toilet. I really want to do this. I have lots of cypress wood to use. But don’t know anything about running electrical. Any suggestions?
Jessica
Thanks for writing this article! I live in a camper with my husband and two kids, and what you wrote makes the remodeling experience way less daunting.
How much time was put into each of your remodels?
Takeema Batson
Hi how much do you spend a month to keep your camper functioning properly ..like on gas and to keep the camper warm/cool, to cook and use shower and toilet.? Can there be a tv on it.?I’m thinking about buying one for me and my two kids. I am seeking more financial freedom this year.
Sarah Lemp
Hi! We do not live full time in our RV, but I can tell you that gas for traveling is definitely more expensive. I would say on a normal trip with the RV, we would pay at least double the amount in gas. But, if you are just parked somewhere and not traveling far, you wouldn’t need gas! You either hook up to electric or use propane for heat. The cost will depend on where you are staying and how much they charge per night.
Pamela Loomis
We own a 1993 Airstream LandYacht Motorhome, low mileage. We were in the midst of redoing it, replaced some of the floors, added new couches, added accessibility with wide door and a ramp for our son in a wheelchair. Then unfortunate sickness allowed the rv not being aired out. It sprung a leak, a thin green mold came on everything, the cream leather ceiling came unglued. Now we are overwhelmed. Is this too much for an rv service to fix?
Lori
What do you use to clean and then paint over hideous wallpaper?
Sarah Lemp
Hi Lori!
Don’t worry about removing the wallpaper – in most campers it is not like normal wallpaper in a house, and is not possible to remove. I would clean the walls with a degreaser and then prime them with a bonding primer like Stix – or use a paint like Behr Marquee that is self priming. Just paint right over them!
Brittany Snipes
How did you install the double bunk beds?
Sarah Lemp
Hi Brittany!
The double bunk was original to the camper. Aren’t they great though? They’re considered “quad bunks”
Amanda
What if the wallpaper is bubbling from being old and not takin care of from previous owner i was using a blowdryer to remove it but it taking FOREVER so i gave up and started chipping away at the bubbled areas and sanding the edges smooth.. I’m not sure if it will work though?