Create a Home-Away-from-Home

Simple solutions to make your trailer or motorhome more comfortable on the road.

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Words by Steve Fennell

If you’re a snowbird or spend a lot of time travelling during the summer, adding some personal touches or completing simple DIY projects to your RV provides personal comfort and makes it feel ‘more like home.’  Many are simple, inexpensive, and can be completed while your unit is parked in your driveway or in a storage unit. Here are just a few appointments and small tasks to consider.

Update the RV Flooring

If you have a new or pre-owned late model RV, chances are likely the decor is contemporary and stylish with vinyl or laminate flooring. However, if you want to add a more personal touch to your unit, a popular option is to lay down some carpeting.

Short of gutting the entire floor and taking on a huge DIY task (that may be required for older RVs), adding carpet to select areas is an easy, inexpensive project that has nice results. Although it’s less durable than other materials, it can be ideal for areas with less traffic such as bedrooms or under lounges.

Most importantly, it provides added comfort, especially when you wake up to a cold floor in cooler temperatures. It’s available in many colours, weights and patterns, offers better traction and can even improve sound insulation.

If you’re content with your RV’s existing flooring, area rugs in the living area, lavatory and bedroom(s) are simple additions. Runners and doormats, too, are other options to create an inviting atmosphere. They also protect the flooring and provide more comfort when cooking or entertaining.

Window Treatments

From valances and blinds to curtains, window treatments are another personal touch you can add to your RV’s interior. Valances may be too traditional for your tastes, but they conceal curtain and blind hardware, fill some space and come in many trendy colours or patterns.

If you prefer less bulk around the window frame, blinds are available in many styles and materials. Installation only requires custom measurements and basic tools and once complete, you’ll have a cleaner modern look. Blinds also offer privacy or natural light when needed. Keep in mind that you can keep them secure during travel with specific hold-down clamps.

Curtains are another option that can make your RV feel like home. They are budget-friendly, offer privacy, are available in a number of trendy colours or materials, and are easy to make (if you’re handy with a sewing machine). Simply choose the fabric in bulk and design them to the exact specs of the window.

In the event you prefer constant natural light, dress up your windows with house plants. They can either be hung just at the side of the window frame or placed on specific shelves (with pot holders) that extend the width of the window. To keep them secure during travel, just place the plants in a sink or another area in your RV.

Update the Master Bedroom and Living Area

You just might be surprised by how comfortable an aftermarket RV mattress is. They are weight-friendly to accommodate a variety of RVs and there are many options.

Yet, it’s important to realize that the sizes of RV mattresses differ from residential sizes. For example, a queen-short measures 152 cm x 190 cm (60 x 75 in), which is a few centimetres less than a residential queen-size. An RV king measures 183 cm x 203 cm (72 x 80 in) but is 10 cm (4 in) narrower than a residential king. So, before purchasing one, you’ll want to precisely measure the area, understand the sizing and perhaps leave some room if you also want a wardrobe or nightstand in this area.

Once the mattress is in place, and if it’s necessary, apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls or even use wallpaper with a contemporary pattern to further personalize the space. Light colours work well and then simply colour-coordinate with a new duvet, pillows, and other bedding, accents and appointments. You just might be surprised at the transformation.

Buying a new RV has many advantages including having the choice of interior decor in the living area and galley. When you think it’s time to add a more personal touch, backsplashes in the galley (or other spaces) are a great addition and throw pillows and plush blankets on the lounges may add some colour or texture.

Decorative fixtures, too, can provide a sense of home as well. Artisan markets, unique boutiques, flea markets, and antique stores are all great places to find some personal appointments.

You can also make your RV feel like home - and extra comfortable - by using residential cookware/flatware, table cloths, favourite coffee mugs, and upgrading the appliances. All can provide a more residential feel to your RV.

Aromas and Scents

Maintaining cleanliness is always important in an RV to eliminate odours but having a constant, indoor scent will ensure an inviting, personal atmosphere. A wide variety of options are available - from household air fresheners to cleaners - but one option to consider is an oil diffuser.

Easy to stow during travel and very compact to place in many areas of your RV, diffusers work by breaking down essential oils into smaller molecules, dispersing them into the air, and creating a pleasant aroma. Several all-natural oils are widely available and depending on the scent(s) you choose, they can even promote health and wellness.

A variety of diffusers are available including evaporative, heat/electric, and nebulizing but an ideal choice for an RV is an ultrasonic/humidifying diffuser. Its plug-and-play design not only breaks up the oil molecules but creates a fine mist and operates like a cold humidifier by adding moisture to the air. No heat is required and simply dilute the oil of your choice to achieve an aromatic and healthy living space. They also require little power to operate and some are even cordless for even easier use on the road.

Want to Replace Your RVs Flooring? Consider these Tips

Replacing the entire flooring in an RV is a common DIY task. Although the results are a cleaner, functional interior, it’s important to remember your RV is sensitive to weight.

It’s best to replace the flooring with nothing heavier than what was already installed and always remove the existing flooring before laying down new material. A good rule of thumb is to determine the weight of the floor per sq metre to know precisely how many kilograms you’ll be adding.

There are several flooring options available - from hardwood to laminate - but according to J.D. Power, one of the best choices is vinyl, which is durable, resistant to moisture, easy to clean and can withstand the demand of active RVers and families. It’s also widely available in many tones and patterns and is easy to install for most DIY’ers.