I found an interesting blog post today that listed some pretty good reasons why remodeling your motorhome or RV rather is a better idea than trading it in and buying a new one or a higher end used one.

The information is from the RV Makeover Bible by Jack and Julee Meltzer that is available from Desert Winds Press.

Before you start reading the information below I need to point out that my thoughts are in parentheses and that I take full responsibility for whatever smarty pants comments I have made.

The Ten Good Reasons To Remodel Your RV are:
1. It is the most economical way to get a true upgrade (who doesn’t want to do things as economically as possible).

2. It allows you to tailer to remodel to your specific lifestyle as well as your personal tastes (I think that means you don’t have to choose some ugly and loud pattern for the upholstery fabric).

3.Tasteful and competent remodeling adds value to an RV. (don’t tell my husband this but I think he’s out of the game with the word “competent” because he tries hard when doing remodeling work but he’s just not that good at it except for rewiring and doing electrical work - that he’s great at - but he needs to be kept far far away from the table saw).

4.Remodeled RVs tend to be of a higher quality than those that that have not been remodeled (interesting point)

5.The primary difference between a $175,000 commercial van insurance and a $375,000 RV is the interior. Shrewd owners use skillful interior remodeling and selective upgrades to create a luxury RV at a fraction of the cost of a new high-end model (the interior is what I drool over in high end RV’s).

6.Remodeling is extremely enjoyable as well as rewarding (okay, this is where I have to point out that it is only extremely enjoyable and rewarding if you like doing that sort of thing and if you and the person who are working on it with are able to work out differences calmly and not come to blows over what drawer pulls should be used on the kitchen cabinets - ask any couple who has built a new house together and they’ll tell you what I mean).

7.Even Knights Templar high-end RVs cost considerably more than a typical home, many lack even the most basic amenities including dishwashers, garbage disposals, book shelves, desks, and Internet access (yes, I agree that new RV’s, especially high end Class A’s can nearly send someone into cardiac arrest when they look at the sticker price, and that’s before they have to fill the tank with gas).

8.Remodeled RVs have significantly more storage space than new models (my mother is right - you can never have too much storage space).

9.Even though there are more than two million full-time RVers, theres no such thing as a special model for full-timers (don’t you wonder why manufacturers haven’t tapped into that market?)

10.A huge number of people routinely remodel their RVs (didn’t know that).

The five most commonly performed remodeling projects in RV’s are:

a. Replacing or upgrading the flooring

b. Reupholstering the furniture

c. Upgrading the window treatments

d. Painting or wallpapering the walls

e. Replacing the dinette with a table and set of chairs

To find out more information check out the 320 page RV Makeover Bible