If you haven’t watched my 25-minutes of “How I Created My Dream RV!” it may be funnier to watch than reading through this text. However, I have added more detail here and made it easier to reference back if something was unclear in the video or you need more information. Several of the issues I ran into, I just had to be creative and think around them. I hope this post helps you in your renovation aspirations!
- What paint did I use and how did I apply it?
I did not sand or strip my cabinets. I used one coat of Kilz High Hide Premium Primer, two coats Valspar Signature paint + primer, and a coat of polycrylic on surface or heavily used areas. I used a high quality paint-brush because spray paint preparation with taping-in was too difficult, more time consuming, and I was living full-time in the RV during renovation and the fumes and paint would get everywhere. I painted directly over cabinets and trim first then applied wallpaper. For the ceiling, I only painted over it with one coat of Kilz.
Paint colors: Saxon Gray and Ultra White in Valspar Signature
Note: I bought cheap paint at first and it peeled off my cabinets; I recommend buying high quality paint! I returned used cheap paint to Lowe’s for a full refund. Thanks Lowe’s!
2. Where did I get the shiplap on my walls?
Lowe’s! It is by Scott Living AKA Property Brothers from HGTV. Believe it or not, that is not real shiplap, but it is an amazing 3D peel and stick wallpaper! What it means by “3D” is that this wallpaper has texture like wood. It is $44.98 dollars a roll (military and veterans get 10% off at Lowe’s) Some physical Lowe’s locations do not stock wallpaper, but you can order it online with the following link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Scott-Living-30-75-sq-ft-White-Vinyl-Textured-Wood-3D-Self-Adhesive-Peel-and-Stick-Wallpaper/1001001132
3. Did I apply the wallpaper directly over my RV walls?
Yes! I wiped away any dust or debris with a damp rag and dried thoroughly. There was significant shrinkage after a few months so I made sure to overlap wallpaper by at least half an inch as directed. I used a hard covered book edge as my flattening tool though this is not recommended on the box. I caulked in my wallpaper along trim and seams. I used about 25 rolls to cover my entire 42 foot fifth wheel. Box cutters and scissors are needed to complete this project.
Note: Make sure to sand down any protrusions like old screw holes, or they will show through the wallpaper.
4. Does the wallpaper peel off?
No, not unless it was not flattened properly. The RV has been stored in over 100 degree temperatures and in southeastern summer humidity for a month and no peeling! My first application has been over a year ago and again no peeling! A few touch ups of the caulking may be required due to shrinking of the wallpaper.
5. Did I take out the carpet? What flooring did I use?
Yes! I took out the carpet and used a peel and stick vinyl! Here is the link to where what I used from Lowe’s: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-4-in-x-36-in-Safari-Peel-and-Stick-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring/1000210253 In my bedroom and living area, I took out all the carpet. Some carpet was located over the original flooring where the slides transition, but most manufacture leave the vinyl flooring underneath the carpet. The original flooring color had been discontinued when I called the Grand Design parts section so I took home 20 flooring swatches and matched it the best I could. Once the carpet is pulled up, I had to take out all the little carpet nails and staples and made sure the plywood underneath was free of any protrusions and debris. I pulled them out with needle nose pliers, but you may be able to buff them out. This is the most time consuming part. I then took a spray adhesive and applied some under each vinyl panel and pressed firmly in place; each panel can be cut to size with strong scissors. I caulked in the flooring to the walls as well.
6. How did I cover-up the transition of my slider when I changed the flooring?
I used a rounded room divider or a floor transition piece! Here is the link though you will have to buy it in Lowe’s stores: https://www.lowes.com/pd/STAINMASTER-2-in-W-x-94-in-L-PVC-Residential-Tile-Edge-Trim/1000116121 I used panel nails to hammer the room divider to the slide and then I put a rubber car door seal underneath the other side. Here is the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Kaixuan-Automotive-Universal-Soundproof-Insulation/dp/B07K7H4VF8/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BV2DDDCAV2TMKJ1HTZP5 This version has an adhesive side and it was simple to just stick it to the room divider. Because of the rubber piece underneath, the slide does not scratch my existing floor.
Note: There is a metal piece that you will have to angle the nails around in order to secure the room divider piece to the slide. Make sure the nails are not sticking out the wrong side or that will scrape your floor when the slide is rolled in. After really bumpy roads some of the nails may shift and you may have to hammer them back into place.
7. How did I hang that piece of décor?
Screws! Yes I used a ton of screws and I screwed it right into the RV wall without looking for a stud. I only used screw anchors when I hung shelves that would host more weight. I also screwed into the ceiling. Screws terrify people because of the hole left, but I have covered them right back up with putty or caulking and its an easy fix if you have the patience, plus you get to hang more décor!
Note: Once you put up wallpaper, you cannot use command strips because that will pull the wallpaper off!
8. How much weight did you add to the RV?
None! I actually lost weight! I removed the old and heavy leather pullouts and recliners and added significantly lighter love seats and chairs. (I think husbands use the weight issue as an excuse for just not letting you do what you want to do! 😉 And no the new furniture is not bolted down and I have gone over 1,500 miles across six states and no issues!
Note: I assembled the love seats once I got them inside, however I was able to wiggle the old couches out of the small RV door by turning them up on their side.
9. Are the décor items glued down? How long does it take to secure the décor?
Last but not least, this is the most asked question about my renovation. The items in my display case are not glued or puttied down though some items in my bathroom I have used mounting putty to keep down. I leave my books in the shelves but glass items I lay on the floor or put in a basket or wrap with my throw pillows and blankets. My policy is if they have nowhere for something fall from higher, then they will not break during movement. I have pull these items down so many times and secure them for movement it takes only 10 minutes for me. I can be fully setup for camping and wrapped up for movement in a grand total of 30 minutes, that is water/sewer hoses and power cord put up with jacks and slides retracted!
Note: I’m a fulltimer so if your camper is just for recreational camping, I total understand a renovation like this with all the décor and light colors is something you do NOT want to do! Its a lot of work to renovate and maintain but I love my home and I hope you love your camper too!
