Refurbishing A Camper: What's The Cost Breakdown?

Renovating a camper can be a fun and rewarding project, but it's important to be aware of the costs involved. The total cost of refurbishing a camper can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the desired level of renovation, and whether any professional help is required. Here are some key points to consider when estimating the cost of refurbishing a camper:

- Purchase Price: The initial cost of the camper will depend on its age, condition, and any existing issues. It is common to find decent RVs under $15,000, but prices can vary widely.

- Structural Repairs: Addressing structural issues, such as water damage, electrical problems, and mechanical faults, can incur significant costs. This may include replacing damaged walls, floors, or electrical systems.

- Cosmetic Upgrades: Painting, reupholstering, and updating decor can make a big difference in the appearance of the camper. Costs for materials and labour should be considered.

- Appliances and Furnishings: Replacing appliances, such as the fridge, stove, or air conditioning unit, can be expensive. Additionally, new mattresses, cushions, and window treatments can add to the overall cost.

- Labour Costs: If hiring professionals for certain tasks, such as electrical work or plumbing, include their rates in the budget.

- Personalisation: Adding personal touches, such as decorative accents, storage solutions, or custom lighting, can further increase the cost.

The cost of refurbishing a camper can range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000, depending on the scope of the project and the level of renovation desired. It is important to assess the condition of the camper, create a detailed plan, and set a realistic budget before beginning the refurbishment process.

Repairing water damage

Water damage is one of the most common issues in the RV world. Direct sun can wear the protective layer of the roof, making it weak and allowing rain to cause many issues, from fully collapsed roofs to damage to interior walls and nasty mould inside and outside the walls.

If you have discovered a leak or are purchasing a used RV, it's important to understand the principles of what water can do to an RV. Water damage is most commonly found under windows, inside cabinets and compartments, and any spot that has been pierced on the exterior of the RV.

Look for stains, delamination of fibreglass, dark-coloured wood, and bumps or bubbles in the panelling. If it's just a small area, it can typically be contained and repaired without too much trouble. If the water has affected the wall or floor structure of the RV, it gets a lot more messy financially and from a labour standpoint.

The rule of thumb generally says that minor water damage can be fixed and large-scale water damage is more likely to cost more than the RV in some cases. For small repairs, there are new products coming along all the time to assist with repairing water-damaged wood, which is the main cause of failure from water damage. For example, there is Elmer's Damaged Wood Repair, which is designed to refurbish water-damaged wood without the need for an expensive replacement.

If you have swollen plywood, you will need to cut the membrane 1 inch from the edges and carefully pull/peel back until you hit dry plywood. Then, cut out and remove the damaged plywood, clean/disinfect, let dry thoroughly, and install/glue on new plywood.

If you are repairing water damage, you will need to fix any affected interior walls and ceiling, be sure to open cabinet doors and look inside, and check skylights and vent coverings too.

Replacing appliances

When refurbishing a camper, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of replacing appliances. This can vary greatly depending on the type, brand, and quality of the appliances you choose. Here are some estimates and guidelines to help you plan your budget for this aspect of your camper refurbishment:

Types of Appliances

Firstly, let's break down the types of appliances you may need to replace:

• Refrigerator: A new camper refrigerator can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500 or more, depending on the size, features, and brand.
• Stove: A portable or installed stove can range from $20 to $400.
• Sink and plumbing: Expect to spend at least $350 for a sink and basic plumbing system.
• Water system: The cost of a water system will depend on its complexity. A basic setup with fresh and grey water tanks and a pump might start at $1,500, while a more advanced system with on-demand hot water and outdoor shower fixtures can go up to $6,500.
• Electrical system: A basic electrical system for lighting and charging devices might cost around $3,000. If you want to run appliances like an induction cooktop or air conditioning, expect to pay $6,000 to $12,000 for a more robust electrical system.
• Solar panels: Solar panels and other renewable energy sources can be a great addition to your camper, but they come at a cost. A basic solar setup might start at $3,000, while a more complex system with lithium batteries, inverter, and charge controller can easily exceed $1,000.
• Heating and cooling: Maintaining a comfortable temperature in your camper is essential. Basic ventilation fans start at $750, while built-in air conditioning and heating systems can add $3,000 to $7,000 to your budget.
• Lighting: LED lighting and touch-controlled lamps can enhance your interior and range from $200 for basic setups to $1,000 for advanced systems with dimming capabilities.

Factors Affecting Cost

The cost of replacing appliances in your camper will depend on various factors:

• Size and type of camper: The size and type of your camper will determine the scale and complexity of the appliances you need. Larger campers may require more powerful and expensive appliances to meet your needs.
• Brand and quality: The brand and quality of the appliances you choose will significantly impact the cost. Higher-end brands and premium features will naturally increase the price tag.
• New vs. used: Buying used appliances can be a great way to save money. However, keep in mind that used appliances may have a shorter lifespan and may not be as energy-efficient as newer models.
• Installation costs: Don't forget to factor in the cost of labour and installation when budgeting for new appliances. This can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the rates charged by your chosen installer.

Tips for Saving Money

• Shop around: Compare prices from different retailers and brands to find the best deals.
• Consider second-hand or refurbished appliances: You can often find gently used appliances at a fraction of the cost of new ones. Just be sure to inspect them thoroughly and ensure they are in good working condition.
• Prioritize your needs: Focus on the appliances that are essential for your comfort and safety, and consider which features you can live without. This will help you allocate your budget more effectively.
• DIY installation: If you have the skills and knowledge, consider installing the appliances yourself to save on labour costs. However, always prioritize safety, especially when dealing with electrical or plumbing installations.

Fixing the frame

It is important to note that repairing a damaged camper frame can be challenging and, in some cases, impossible. Therefore, it is crucial to have a mechanic inspect the framework to determine the extent of the damage and provide an accurate estimate for repairs.

When restoring a vintage camper, the cost of materials can quickly add up. For instance, replacing the siding and roofing of a camper can cost upwards of $2,000. Additionally, other essential components, such as tires, appliances, and electrical systems, can also be expensive to replace. As a result, the total cost of refurbishing a camper can easily exceed $10,000, depending on the desired level of comfort and features.

To save money on camper refurbishment, consider the following tips:

• Shop around for the best deals on materials and appliances.
• Look for second-hand or discounted items.
• Do some of the work yourself if you have the necessary skills.
• Prioritize repairs and focus on essential items first.
• Negotiate with dealers and sellers to get a better price.
• Consider renting a camper before buying to ensure you choose the right one for your needs.

Painting

If you decide to paint your camper van yourself, the cost will depend on the materials and equipment you need to purchase. This may include paint, primer, clear coat, guns, compressors, lights, and other supplies. For example, one person shared that they spent a total of $5000 on their DIY paint job, including $3200 for paint and $650 for guns. Keep in mind that the amount of paint needed may be more than expected, and mistakes or repainting can add to the cost.

On the other hand, hiring a professional to paint your camper van will likely result in a higher cost. Professional paint jobs can range from $3000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the quality and complexity of the work. For instance, one person mentioned that they knew someone who spent $8000 to have their truck painted, while another person's professional paint job cost $7500 twenty years ago.

In addition to the paint itself, there may be other costs associated with preparing the van for painting. This could include stripping the interior, deep cleaning, and repairing any damage. These steps are important to ensure a high-quality finish and should not be overlooked in the budgeting process.

When planning to paint a camper van, it is essential to consider the time and labour involved. Painting a vehicle can be a time-consuming task, especially if you are doing it yourself. It may take several days or even weeks to complete the project, depending on your skill level and the complexity of the design.

In summary, the cost of painting a camper van can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. It is important to consider the materials, equipment, time, and labour involved in the process to ensure a successful and satisfying outcome.

Replacing the flooring

The first step in determining the cost of your new camper floor is the size of the space. The bigger the camper, the more money you will have to spend on flooring replacement. For example, Class B RVs are the smallest type of RV, so replacing the floor will be less costly than for a Class C or Class A RV, which are significantly larger.

The next step is to choose the type of material you will use for the replacement floor. Costs vary widely for different camper flooring materials, and the time and labour cost to install different materials may vary as well.

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for campers as it is pretty easy to install yourself, it's durable, easy to clean and waterproof. It also comes in a variety of styles and designs, including planking, stone, and tile. For 20 square feet of laminate flooring, you might spend between $60 and $75.

Vinyl is another great option for camper flooring as it is pretty hardy, but it can suffer scuffs and scratches with regular use. It is also less expensive than laminate. For 20 square feet of vinyl flooring, you might pay about $40 to $50.

Carpeting is plush and a good option for the bedroom, but it is prone to stains and you will have to make sure it doesn't get too damp so you don't end up with mould or mildew. For 200 square feet of space, you could pay between $500 and $650 for the carpeting alone.

Linoleum is a more expensive option but it is durable and will last a long time. For 200 square feet of linoleum, you might pay between $500 and $700.

Hardwood looks nice but it is quite pricey and you have to be careful to avoid water damage. It is also heavy, which is an important consideration for a camper. For 200 square feet of hardwood, you might pay between $250 and $600, not including the cost of staining, sanding and sealing.

Finally, there's tile. Tile is inexpensive unless you opt for a high-end option, and it is durable. Glazed ceramic tile is the most popular type and generally costs between $2 and $4 per square foot.

If you are able to do the project yourself and use affordable materials, it may cost less than $500. If you opt for professional help, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for labour and materials.

Frequently asked questions