Plenty of RV owners are attached to an ageing rig — and there is no rule that says the only way forward is a new travel trailer or motorhome. Here are the affordable upgrades that make the one you have more comfortable, more convenient and more efficient.
LED lighting conversion
Replace your old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. They draw less power, last far longer and light better. Ceiling strips, exterior lights and counter lighting are all options. A complete LED conversion kit can range from $50 to $200 depending on your choices and the size of your RV.
High-flow ventilation fan
A proper fan moves more air and improves air quality far more than a standard range or cooktop vent. Most come with a rain cover. Entry-level models begin around $150, while more advanced models with additional features may range $200 – $400.
Rooftop air conditioning & heating unit
Heat pump units install into the skylight opening and both heat and cool. For Canadian RVing you may not need one — the summers are moderate and the winters are past what a heat pump handles — but desert camping in the United States is a different matter. Figure around $500 for a 13,500 BTU unit.
Solar panels
Work out your daily power requirement before you buy anything. Depending on what your calculations reveal, the cost to equip yourself adequately can range from $200 – $1,000, with more for hardware and installation.
Quality RV-sized mattress
A standard queen and an RV queen are not the same size. A decent quality RV mattress can be found for around $200 to $500, while higher-end options may cost upwards of $1000 — and it is the upgrade you notice every single night.
Kitchen upgrades
A new faucet, extra storage or a more efficient refrigerator. Budget-friendly options may range from $50 to $200, while more extensive renovations could cost several hundred dollars or more.
Stone’s RV and your local RV Care dealers carry these products and everything that goes with them.
