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Perry Mack
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Perry and Cindy Mack
Words and Photos by Perry and Cindy Mack
Manufacturers design RVs to appeal to the largest numbers of potential buyers – that’s good business sense. But that doesn’t mean you have to love everything about your RV as it is. If you buy/order a new RV, you should be able to get exactly what you want (depending on your budget), and it’s essentially the same as when you buy/build a new home. If you’re buying a used RV but can’t find exactly what you want (within your budget) or if your needs and wants have changed since acquiring your existing RV, it’s time to make some changes.
We picked up a used RV last summer that was close to what we wanted. After using it 'as is' for a few trips, we decided it was time to personalize our new-to-us RV. Our 2014 Black Rock 22RKS from Outdoors RV was designed to sleep and dine four people. However, there are only two of us now as our three children have discarded us, until they need something. When it comes to children, the good news is if you do a good job parenting they will grow up to be confident and independent. The bad news is they will grow up to be confident and independent, and you’ll never see them. Wait, that still might be good news…
Perry and Cindy Mack
Our goal for our RV renovations was, and still is, to spend as little as possible, yet achieve a level of comfort and style. This requires some luck, diligence, and creativity. The small slide on the Black Rock contained a dinette that occupied the entire space. As we didn’t need dining for four, the storage underneath was difficult to access, the table was wobbly (despite our best efforts) and from a comfort and aesthetic perspective, it wasn’t either.
With a power drill and some grunting, the bench-diner came out and we replaced it with a dinette for two. You could buy a three-piece dinette brand new, or save some money shopping at a thrift store. Our bulldog Emmett found ours. Walking the dog has led to a number of curbside discoveries, including the two chairs pictured here, an elliptical, a hose reel, two glass end tables, and a recliner. We laughed every time we went back for the pick-up truck. There’s just something joyful about getting something for free.
Perry and Cindy Mack
Of course, each item went through a thorough cleaning and disinfecting process and we were satisfied that we’d done something good for the planet – recycle and restore. It may not be for you but when opportunity knocks, we answer. Cost for two dinette chairs – $0 plus time and steam cleaning solution.
The table was from an old wood patio set. It has the benefit of folding down on one side against the wall, which makes it a perfect space saver. With both sides folded down it is light and easily goes out the door to dine al fresco. They’re not expensive to purchase brand new but since we already owned it, we sanded, oiled, and restored it. The cost was $25 including sandpaper, teak oil, and additional brackets to make it sturdier.
Perry and Cindy Mack
The loveseat sofa bed in our Black Rock was so poorly designed it had to have been done intentionally. Folded flat, the cushioned back was uncomfortably higher than the seat. Even Emmett refused to sleep on it. Retrieving items from the storage underneath was awkward and required two people. One person had to hold the seat from collapsing, and of course, the person who drew the short straw was the retriever. It was either designed to knock a person unconscious or decapitate them.
Perry’s head will never be the same shape again as he stubbornly attempted the operation alone – several times. The expression ‘knock some sense in’ to a person clearly didn’t apply to him. The sofa bed had to go. Once again, using our trusty power drill we easily removed all visible screws, however, there were more hidden below the closet next to it. As members of Cirque du Soleil were nowhere to be found, this required Perry to insert himself into a drawer space (figure 3 bottom left) with a flashlight and screwdriver. Curse you, sofa-bed-designer.
Perry and Cindy Mack
After a visit to the chiropractor and massage therapist, we placed our curbside recliner into its new home along with one donated by our parents – yes, we’re also the kids who come home when we need something. They are completely different in a ‘hideous are you colourblind and visually impaired kind of way,’ however slipcovers are on route and will turn them into a closely matched pair. Cost $75 for two slipcovers.
For roughly $100, plus some time and effort, we’ve personalized our RV and made it more comfortable. Stay tuned for future issues as we find creative ways to replace the lost storage space, update the look, and add more features and benefits for little or no cost.