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5 Easy RV Upgrades

Are you tired of your RV looking and feeling like just another cookie-cutter rig? If so, there are no rules stating that you can’t make your camper fit your personality or easier to enjoy.

RVs are pretty basic when they roll out of the factory, and there are a handful of easy RV upgrades that can transform how you feel about your rig. Today, we’re looking at five easy upgrades you can do to enhance your RV.

Let’s get started!

Can You Improve Your RV Without Spending a Ton of Time and Money?

Some RV upgrades can take a ton of time, cost a fortune, and even require a tremendous amount of knowledge. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly upgrades you can make to your RV that require zero knowledge and only take minutes to complete.

Improving your RV can enhance your safety and provide more comfort while RVing. Some upgrades can offer a tremendous benefit and will have you wishing you had done them sooner.

5 Easy RV Upgrades Anyone Can Do

There are a handful of easy RV upgrades that you can do that will have a huge impact. Let’s look at them and see which ones you might want to add to your to-do list! 

Colorful camper van parked at campsite.
Personalize and upgrade your RV with some easy DIYs.

#1. Upgrade Your RV Lights to LEDs

Many RV manufacturers are still putting incandescent bulbs in RVs because they’re cheap and do the job. However, LEDs are far superior to incandescent lights and are easy to upgrade. They use less energy, last longer, put off less heat, and are available in different color temperatures. Replacing your incandescent bulbs with LEDs is insanely easy too.

The hardest part is finding the intensity and color temperatures that give you the intended results. Unscrew any light bulbs you’re looking to replace and make sure the metal base of the new bulb matches. Once you locate the correct bulb, screw it in and enjoy the new setting. 

#2. Get a New Mattress (or Mattress Topper)

Even if you spend a tremendous amount of money on an RV, it’s likely not coming with a quality mattress. It will probably only take a night or two of sleeping on a bad mattress before searching for a new one or a mattress topper. Doing an RV upgrade to your mattress can make it easier to get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed for the day’s adventures.

You’ll want to know the dimensions of your mattress before you start shopping. A standard queen-sized mattress is 60 inches by 80 inches, but an “RV queen-sized” mattress is 60 inches by 75 inches. If you buy a traditional queen mattress, you’ll have some overhang from your bed. Any mattress that fits your dimensions will work in your rig. So find one that meets your comfort level and enjoy a good night’s rest!

Pro Tip: Sleep soundly with these tips on How To Upgrade Your RV Mattress? Sweet dreams!

Couple sleeping in RV bed.
Avoid sleepless nights by upgrading your RV mattress.

#3. Swap Out Your Showerhead

Showering in an RV can be a frustrating experience, especially if you enjoy high pressure. Upgrading your showerhead can take a minute or two and make a tremendous difference. Like upgrading your lightbulbs, all you need to do is unscrew the old showerhead and screw in the new one.

#4. Install a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

When thinking of RV upgrades, keep an eye on your tires while traveling down the road. If your tires aren’t at the proper pressure, they can blow out. A tire blowout on an RV can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your rig.

Installing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is very easy and allows you to monitor tire pressure constantly. All you do is remove the caps on your tire valves and install the tire pressure sensors. Whether the sensors communicate with an app or a separate display, the sensors will communicate with it and display the pressure and even temperature.

Pro Tip: Not confident in your RV upgrade skills? Don’t worry! We found some easy RV Remodel Ideas for the Average Handyman.

#5. Upgrade Your RV Steps

Your RV steps are likely going to get used thousands of times over the life of your RV. Some manufacturers use low-quality steps, which could result in you tripping or falling while entering or exiting your RV. You don’t want a trip to the emergency room to ruin your RVing adventures.

Depending on the steps you’re upgrading to, you may need an extra set of hands to help with the heavy and awkward lifting. A solid set of steps like Lippert’s Solid Steps can weigh over 50 lbs and be difficult for someone to handle independently. 

The installation process will vary based on the steps you’re selecting but is typically rather simple. There generally are a handful of screws holding the steps in place, and all you’ll have to do is make sure to center the new steps on the entryway. In most instances, you can install a new set of stairs in 15 to 20 minutes.

Are These Easy RV Upgrades Worth It?

These RV upgrades we’ve shared today are tremendously beneficial. They’re relatively inexpensive and provide a tremendous return on investment. They allow you to enjoy RVing while being comfortable and safe. We love that these upgrades are quick and that just about anyone can complete them independently. Most RV upgrades also help your rig retain value and can be attractive features if you sell your rig someday.

What RV upgrades do you have on your to-do list? Tell us your plans in the comments!

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