In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best budget-friendly RV upgrades that give you the most bang for your buck. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can customize your rig to suit your needs and style.

RV Organization Upgrades

One of the biggest complaints among RV owners is lack of storage and organization. Clutter can quickly build up, making your living space feel smaller. Implementing some simple and affordable organizational upgrades can help maximize your usable space.

Install Shelving
Taking advantage of vertical storage space is a must in an RV. Install shelving, cabinets or cargo nets on walls, doors, under beds and in cockpit areas to neatly store items of all sizes. Focus first on organizing kitchen implements and pantry goods, then move onto folding clothes, games/toys and miscellaneous gear. Sturdy wire, plastic or wood shelving can be purchased very reasonably from hardware and home improvement stores.

Clear Storage Bins
Plastic bins are an RVer’s best friend. They allow you to neatly sort and store anything while keeping items visible. Labeling them makes finding things even easier. Look for clear plastic bins and containers that stack, connect and slide easily. Storage bins take up way less space than cardboard boxes and prevent things from shifting around while driving.

Add Drawers
Replacing or expanding kitchen and bedroom cabinet space with drawers will make the interior feel more residential. Drawers keep stored items tidy and are easier to see/access than deep cupboards. Check RV salvage centers for discounted drawers and hardware or install affordable options from IKEA. Use storage containers/bins inside the drawers to optimize space.

RV Kitchen Upgrades

The kitchen is where we spend much of our time in an RV. A few small upgrades here can make meal prep faster, easier and more enjoyable.

Add a Backsplash
Applying inexpensive tile, laminate sheets or peel-and-stick backsplash transforms blank kitchen walls into a stylish accent. This protects walls from stains and splatters while allowing you to easily install hooks for utensils and towels. Self-adhesive backsplash tiles are very budget-friendly and provide a wide range of colors/patterns to suit any décor.

Install a Built-In Spice Rack
Whipping up tasty dishes is much simpler when spices and dried ingredients are within arm’s reach. Mount a store-bought or DIY spice rack on the kitchen wall, inside cabinet doors or even above the windshield when parked. Make sure it’s secure enough to withstand vibrations and swaying while driving.

Convert to Induction Cooktop
Replacing an RV’s factory-installed cooktop with an induction version is a game-changing upgrade. Induction uses electromagnetic energy to directly heat pots/pans, making it safer, more efficient and easier to clean than propane or electric ranges. Small, portable induction cooktops start around $60. Permanently-mounted options are pricier but look sleek and free up counter space.

RV Plumbing & Water Upgrades

Fresh, flowing water and an odor-free drainage system are essentials for a pleasant RV lifestyle. These upgrades tackle common problems for less.

Install a Water Filter
Protect your RV’s plumbing and improve drinking/cooking water quality by installing an inline water filter. This removes contaminants, minerals, odors and tastes from the source before reaching your taps and tank. For about $30, you can install a basic 5-micron sediment filter. Higher end 10-micron and carbon filters provide more comprehensive filtration for less than $100.

Replace Flex Hoses with PEX
Those thin, bendy plastic hoses used for fresh water supply lines in RVs can degrade, leak and restrict flow over time. Replacing them with flexible PEX tubing solves these issues while making winterization easier. PEX also withstands freezing better if lines accidentally burst. This is an intermediate DIY job but using pre-sized tubing kits cuts down the work.

Install a Black Tank Sprayer
Nothing helps break down RV waste and keep tanks fresh like a black tank sprayer. For about $15, you can screw one into your toilet’s water line. Each flush then powerfully rinses the black tank walls to prevent lingering odors and accumulation. This cheap gadget makes a huge difference in controlling nasty smells. We recommend installing one ASAP!

RV Electrical & Lighting Upgrades

Modernizing and expanding your RV’s electrical system and lighting opens up possibilities for powering more appliances and tech devices, custom illumination and off-grid upgrades.

Install LED Lighting
Swapping out dull, power-hungry incandescent bulbs for LED lighting makes RVs brighter, cooler and more energy efficient. LED bulbs last 10+ times longer too. Upgrade interior and exterior lighting fixtures piece by piece or install complete LED replacement kits. Prices vary widely based on the number and type of bulbs needed. But on average, RV LED upgrades cost $150-300 while slashing lighting-related energy use by 75%.

Replace Battery with Lithium
Deep cycle lead acid batteries are common in RVs but lithium batteries vastly outperform them. Pound for pound, lithium batteries store more energy, recharge faster, last 5-10 times longer and have more usable capacity. This translates to longer dry camping times and fewer related headaches. Relatively new for RVs, lithium batteries remain pricey upfront, often $2000+, but pay off over their extra-long lifespan.

Install Solar Panels & Components
One of the best investments for enjoying off-grid RV living is adopting solar power. Solar panel kits have dropped significantly in price while technology continues improving. For $500-1500, an entry-level 100-400 watt system can sufficiently recharge batteries, power lights/electronics and even run AC. Scale up by adding panels and accessories like generators and inverters for nearly unlimited energy potential.

RV Interior Comfort Upgrades

Customizing the inside of your RV to better suit your needs and preferences will make every day spent traveling more relaxed and homey.

Replace Mattress
Few things affect sleep quality more than an uncomfortable mattress. RV mattresses are notoriously thin and lumpy. Upgrading to a medium-firm memory foam, latex or hybrid mattress designed for RVs can seem indulgent but your body will thank you. Look for made-to-measure shape and multi-layer options from reputable RV brands. Expect to spend $500-1500 for a queen.

Install Smart Home Device
What’s better than controlling lights, temperature and appliances with the sound of your voice? Smart home assistants like Amazon Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini work perfectly in RVs. Connect to campground WiFi or tether one to your phone’s Bluetooth to enable wireless voice control. Use smart plugs and bulbs to expand capabilities. At around $25-50 for an entry-level device, this useful upgrade is a steal.

Window Treatments
RV windows typically offer little privacy and light blocking ability. Installing custom curtains, blinds or shades transforms not only the aesthetic but also the functionality of the space. Choose room darkening fabrics in your style for the bedroom and blackout roller shades for the windshield and main living area windows. HomeGoods and thrift stores offer curtains and valances on a budget if you’re willing to hunt.

By implementing some or all of these 15 budget-friendly upgrades, RVers can customize their home on wheels to better meet their needs while adding style, convenience and functionality. The cost for these DIY projects ranges widely from less than $20 for a tank sprayer to over $1000 for new mattresses or solar gear. But combining small affordable changes with a couple bigger ticket upgrades allows most RVers to transform their rig over time on a reasonable budget.

Get out there and start improving your RV to maximize comfort and enjoyment without breaking the bank. Consistently making little upgrades here and there will have you living in your ideal customized mobile home before you know it. I sincerely hope you find this “Budget-Friendly RV Upgrades In 2024 That Make a Big Impact” article helpful.

Tracy

Tracy, the expert behind OurNextRVAdventure.com, brings over 9 years of experience in travel writing and RV living. With a Master’s degree in Travel and Tourism Management, she offers in-depth knowledge on RV maintenance, scenic routes, and campground recommendations. Connect with her adventures on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

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