By Janet Groene, F47166

Time for a complete renovation to the interior layout of the motorhome you love? For many, the same old motorhome is as comfortable as an old house slipper. You wouldn’t change a thing. It may need new soles or heels from time to time, but basically it’s still perfectly sized and shaped for the life you lead. Minor repairs and upgrades work for a while, but the time comes when a complete tear-apart makeover has to be done.

Here are some tips on how to go about making that once-in-a-lifetime renovation.

Companies that specialize in RV interiors include Custom RV Interiors; Classic Coach Works, Lakeland, Florida, (800) 971-0017, www.classiccoachworks.com; Island Yacht Interiors, Chester, Maryland, (410) 643-9594, www.yachtfurnitureonline.com; and Jacobs’ Upholstery, Spokane, Washington, (800) 481-6033, www.jacobsupholstery.com.

Check the "Services" section of FMCA's Business Directory for other possibilities. The Business Directory is published in the January and June issues of FMC and online at FMCA.com.

— Consider total carpet thickness. That was the lesson learned by self-described mobile mavericks Larry Johnson and Annette Lamb, F257402. They live full-time in their 38-footer, making a living on the go by giving classes and courses. (See them at www.eduscapes.com.) They chose plush, new carpeting and padding, not realizing that the additional thickness would interfere with the operation of their slideout. While decorators say it’s important to replace padding at the same time as you install new carpeting, it’s also important not to increase overall carpet height. If you do, doors and slideouts may not open and close properly.

— Professionals do window coverings best. They know how to measure odd-sized windows; to secure curtain tops and bottoms so they won’t wear out from swaying while the motorhome is moving; to line draperies to protect against ultraviolet ray damage and temperature extremes; and to make for a perfect fit that won’t leave gaps. In crowded campsites, window coverings provide privacy and security. Professionals know where to buy hardware and fabrics that aren’t found in the consumer marketplace.

— Before starting the job, reserve a storage locker for everything that can be removed from the motorhome. For a margin of comfort, rent the storage space for at least one month longer than you think you’ll need it.

— Go to www.housecarers.com to see whether you can find a house-sitting job during the renovation. With luck you can find a place to live and store excess "stuff" while your coach is being renovated.

— Create a plan starting with plumbing, wiring, or structural work that has to be done before redecorating can begin. Adding an ice maker may mean installing new pipes. Replacing a shower stall with a Jacuzzi tub may require new electrical lines and perhaps stronger support under the floor. Changing the location of the TV means rerouting wires and cables. Adding a new microwave-convection oven over the stove may mean heavier wiring, stronger supports, and new ducting for the exhaust fan.

This is the time to add a central vacuum system, a down-draft stove, in-floor heating, a bigger generator or solar power system, a new computer desk, the latest security system, or larger or smaller holding tanks. The better job you do scheduling the various subcontractors, the sooner life can return to normal.

— When adding custom cabinetry, use a cabinetmaker who knows RVs or boats. Before measuring for the new piece, old cabinetry may have to be torn out to the bare walls, because space that appears to be available actually may be filled with plumbing, ducts, or a wheel well.

— Add insulation and soundproofing material wherever possible. Both can be inexpensive and almost weightless, yet will add greatly to your comfort and heating/cooling efficiency. When replacing interior paneling, determine whether insulation with a higher R rating would fit in the walls. Replace single- or double-glazed windows with triple-glazed units. Shop for windows with the best heat-transfer ratings and install them with a first-class caulk job.

Upgrade the bathroom with sound-absorbing touches such as a padded toilet seat, a fabric shower curtain instead of plastic, and vinyl flooring instead of tile. When you get down to bare studs and find that the inside of your bathtub is hollow, stuff it with fiberglass insulation. Your bath water will stay hot longer. Anywhere you can replace hard surfaces with soft ones will make the coach quieter, such as carpet instead of a vinyl floor, an upholstered headboard instead of wood, fabric furniture instead of leather. Textured, sound-absorbing wall and ceiling coverings are found in do-it-yourself stores.

— This is also the time to improve air circulation. Simple, metal louver vents cost little. They’re found in dozens of sizes and are easily spray-painted to match or contrast with the other decor. Cut a hole in any door, drawer, wall, or cupboard that needs more airflow and snap in the vent with a couple of screws. Louvered wood closet doors add a decorator touch and weigh the same or less than solid doors.

— Never forget weight, balance, and cargo carrying capacity. Your motorhome is, above all else, a vehicle. Every addition contributes to the total load that must be accelerated, stopped, bounced over potholes, and moved around corners. When adding or replacing appliances and other equipment, make sure that your motorhome's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) aren't exceeded.

— No matter how carefully you plan, there will be delays. Count on it. You pry off wall paneling and find frayed wiring that needs to be replaced. You remove old carpeting and discover a spot of wood rot in the subfloor. Shipments are delayed, or you receive the wrong thing and have to start back at square one. Workers don’t show up as promised. A job has to be shelved until you can find the right tool, fitting, or adhesive. Stuff happens.

Be flexible, keep your sense of humor, and try to have a backup plan for every situation.