It’s been your home away from home, your refuge, your mobile happy place. You’ve seen the country together, marvelled at a 1,000 sunrises and sunsets and watched the kids grow, but the miles are starting to show.
Changing it for something new or newer is not an option; you’ve bonded. Even a box made of wood metal has a soul and cannot be carelessly discarded, right?
Fortunately, there are upgrades you can do to your ageing travel trailer or motorized RV that don’t cost an arm and a leg and can significantly enhance your comfort and convenience on the road.
Whether it’s more on the cosmetic level, like freshening up the interior, or improvements in functionality, or increased energy efficiency, these simple yet effective upgrades are well worth the modest investment:
LED Lighting Conversion
Replace your old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. LED bulbs consume less power, last longer, and yield a brighter and more aesthetically pleasing form of illumination. A variety of options is available, from RV ceiling lighting strips, to exterior lighting, to over-counter units. Depending on the options you select and the size of your RV, a complete LED conversion kit can range from $50 to $200.
High-Flow Ventilation Fan
They offer superior circulation and better air quality (standard vent fans that come with your range or cooktop are usually woefully inadequate). Most models come with built-in rain covers. For a basic model, costs start around $150, while more advanced models with additional features may range $200 – $400
Rooftop Air Conditioning & Heating unit
like a heat pump, these units, which are installed into your skylight window opening, provide both heat and cooling. Before going further, let’s just point out that for RVing in Canada, where the winters are only for the hardiest and the summers are usually more moderate, equipping your vehicle with one may not be necessary; however, if you plan is to park in some desert campground in the States, you may not be able to go without one. Keep in mind they will add to your energy consumption. In the final analysis, a quality high-flow vent fan (see above) might be all you need. Figure around $500 for a 13,500 BTU unit.
Solar Panels
go green and harness the power of the sun by installing solar panels on the roof of your RV or use a portable charging kit that can be set up in a jiffy. Before investing, determine your daily power requirements by adding up the wattage of all your devices and appliances, plus estimate your peak power needs. Depending on what your calculations reveal, the cost to equip yourself adequately can range from $200 – $1,000. Additional expenses may include mounting hardware and installation fees.
Get a quality mattress designed to fit your RV
Did you know many RV’s take a special mattress size? In other words, a standard queen (60 in. x 79 ½ in.) is slightly longer than an RV queen (60 in. x 74 ½ in.). Not all mattress companies produce these special sizes and then there are sheets! Prices for RV mattresses vary depending on size, material, and brand. A decent quality RV mattress can be found for around $200 to $500, while higher-end options may cost upwards of $1000.
Kitchen Upgrades
Enhance your kitchen area with upgrades such as a new faucet, additional storage, or a more efficient refrigerator. Costs for kitchen upgrades can vary widely depending on the specific enhancements you choose. Budget-friendly options may range from $50 to $200, while more extensive renovations could cost several hundred dollars or more.
Did you know we carry RV sized mattresses and bedding? Check with your local RV Care dealer or on rvcare.ca. In fact, when you shop RV Care, you’ll find just about everything you need for RVing adventures.
