I Renovated an RV 5 Years Ago & Here’s What’s Held Up (and What Hasn’t!)

If you’re here looking for RV renovation ideas, whether you’re dreaming of a tiny home on wheels, planning a family camper makeover, or just want to freshen up an older trailer, you’re in the right place! I’m sharing exactly what’s held up beautifully in our RV over the last five years… and what I’d skip (or do differently) if I were starting again.

Five years ago, I took on one of the biggest DIY projects I’d ever tackled: renovating our RV. I was dreaming of a cozy, functional home-on-wheels—one that felt more like a cottage than a camper—and I was determined to pull it off on a budget. Fast forward to today, and I’ve learned a lot. Some of my design choices were absolute wins. Others? Let’s just say they’ve taught me what not to do next time.

Let’s go room by room and get real about it!

The Cabinets: What Worked and What Didn’t

What Worked: Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel

One of the best decisions I made during our RV reno was how I tackled the kitchen cabinets. I cleaned them with Krud Kutter Gloss-Off, used Behr Bonding Primer, and finished with Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel. Friends, this combo has been gold. These cabinets still look freshly painted, with no chipping, peeling, or weird stains, even after all the travel, temperature changes, and sticky kid fingers.

What Didn’t: Chalk Style Paint in the Bunk Room

I wish I could say the same for the bunk room. I used a chalk-style paint on the cabinets in there, and while it gave that soft, matte look I love, it’s been hard to clean and hasn’t held up as well. If I could go back, I’d use the same cabinet painting method I used in the kitchen… lesson learned!

If you’re gathering RV renovation ideas and wondering what paint is worth it, trust me: invest a bit more in durable, scrubbable finishes for high-touch areas. You’ll thank yourself later.

The Walls: A Budget-Friendly Win

Painting RV walls can feel intimidating (they’re often textured and can have a plasticky feel), but it’s one of the quickest ways to completely transform the space. I simply cleaned the walls, then painted them with Behr Scuff Defense. This paint has been such a game changer—it’s easy to apply, easy to wipe clean, and has totally held up over the years.

If you’re feeling stuck in your own RV renovation and don’t know where to start, paint is the lowest-cost, highest-impact option. Don’t skip it!!

Flooring: The Vinyl Plank Controversy

Here’s where I went rogue. Almost every RV renovation tutorial I found said not to glue down vinyl plank flooring, especially in campers, where shifting and temperature changes can cause problems.

But… I did it anyway. I glued ours down firmly with PL Construction Glue, and five years later it still looks amazing. No lifting. No warping. Just a beautiful, durable floor that feels like it belongs in a modern home. (And we store out camper outside in freezing temperatures!)

I’m not saying you should ignore expert advice, but sometimes you’ve got to trust your gut, and your glue!

Peel & Stick Countertops and Backsplash: Surprisingly a Win!

Let’s talk about peel-and-stick surfaces—because I know these can be hit or miss in the DIY world, especially in an RV where moisture, movement, and heat all come into play. I used a marble-look peel and stick vinyl on the countertops and a hex tile-look peel and stick backsplash behind the kitchen sink and coffee bar… and honestly? I’m still impressed.

The countertops have held up really well. There’s a little bit of wear near the edges where we wipe constantly, but no peeling or bubbling. Just a durable surface that still looks elevated and clean.

And the backsplash? That’s been another win, but only because I took the time to prime the wall underneath. If you’re adding any kind of peel-and-stick tile to an RV wall, I can’t recommend this enough: clean the surface really well, give it a quick coat of bonding primer, and then apply your tile. It made all the difference.

These easy upgrades added such a custom, high-end feel to the RV without spending a fortune. If you’re gathering RV renovation ideas and want instant impact on a budget, peel-and-stick surfaces are 100% worth considering… with the right prep work!

The DIY Light Fixtures: Half Success, Half Fail

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll remember the DIY upcycled light fixtures I made using wooden beads and simple flush mounts. One of them is still going strong (yay!), but the other sadly gave out this year… the Gorilla hot glue just couldn’t handle the heat fluctuations.

If you’re hunting for RV renovation ideas that involve custom lighting, I say go for it, but maybe use industrial-strength adhesive next time.

The Spray-Painted Hardware: Not Worth It

I tried to save money by spray-painting the cabinet handles and faucet gold. At first, they looked amazing: so luxe and polished. But after a couple years, the paint started chipping off, especially on the faucet, which we’ve since replaced.

If you want that gold finish, I’d recommend either buying hardware that’s already finished in gold or using a sealant coat like Varathane to protect your paint job. Or better yet: skip the spray paint on high-use items altogether.

The Coffee Bar: Mostly a Win!

I created a cozy little coffee nook using an IKEA hanging rail a simple shelf, and a peel-and-stick backsplash. And overall? It’s still lovely. The only real signs of wear are some gold paint wearing off the IKEA rail and a bit of lifting on the backsplash corners (I didn’t prime underneath; ugh!).

If you’re dreaming up cozy RV renovation ideas, a designated coffee area might sound indulgent, but trust me: it adds such a feeling of home. And with a few affordable fixes (like priming the wall underneath & not spray painting the rail next time), it’s totally doable.

The Main Bedroom: Still My Favorite Spot

The main bedroom in our RV is still one of my favorite mini makeovers. I removed the bulky upper cabinets, added paneling, painted the wall & cainets a deep green, and added cozy linens and layered textures. It completely transformed the space from cramped and dated to calm and inviting.

And five years later? The paint still looks incredible. It was a bold choice, but one I’d make again in a heartbeat.

So What Are My Top RV Renovation Tips After 5 Years?

If you’re gathering inspiration or building your own list of RV renovation ideas, here’s what I’d tell you now from experience:

• Don’t skimp on prep work. The surfaces in an RV can be tricky—glossy, greasy, or just plain weird. Deglossers and bonding primers are your best friends.
• Choose paints made for durability. Even if it means spending a little more, pick products like Behr Scuff Defense or Cabinet & Trim Enamel that are designed for wear and tear.
• Invest in good flooring. Vinyl plank is still my top choice for looks, price, and longevity. Just be strategic with installation.
• Be thoughtful about DIY shortcuts. Spray painting might save money in the short term, but it doesn’t always stand the test of time.
• Think about how you live in the space. Little comforts like a cozy coffee station or soft lighting make a huge difference when you’re on the road (or parked for the weekend!).

Is It Worth Renovating an RV?

If you’re wondering whether all the effort is worth it… my answer is a big YES!!

Renovating our RV made it feel like ours. It turned a dark, outdated camper into a bright, beautiful little retreat that we’ve made so many memories in. And while not every project was perfect, I learned so much along the way.

My hope is that this honest look at what’s held up (and what hasn’t!) helps you feel more confident tackling your own camper transformation. Whether you’re painting cabinets, installing flooring, or dreaming up DIY lighting, your perfect cozy RV is totally within reach.

Looking for even more RV renovation ideas?

Browse the “RV Makeovers” category on Cozy DIY Home for tutorials, product sources, and behind-the-scenes peeks at every project we tackled.

Have questions or your own renovation story? I’d love to hear it! Leave a comment below or message me on Instagram @cozydiyhome.

Happy renovating!