If you’ve been following along on our journey, you know that remodeling a 5th wheel is equal parts exciting, exhausting, and full of unexpected surprises. Every project we complete gets us one step closer to our goal of full-time RV living, and while progress may feel slow at times, it’s definitely happening.
Today, I wanted to share one of our most recent (and honestly, one of the most satisfying) updates: our stove situation and propane system overhaul.
The Reality of Buying Used
Let’s rewind a bit.
A couple of blog posts ago, we mentioned that we discovered broken propane lines in our 5th wheel. According to the previous owners, the damage was caused by a tire blowout. Whether that’s exactly how it happened or not, the reality is this:
When you buy used, you inherit someone else’s history.
And sometimes… that history comes with hidden issues.
At first, it felt overwhelming. Propane lines are not something you want to mess around with—they’re critical for safety and functionality. But we quickly shifted our mindset.
Instead of seeing it as a setback, we chose to see it as part of the process.
Because truthfully? This is what RV life is about.
Fixing.
Learning.
Adapting.
Making it your own.
Enter: The Right Help at the Right Time
We were incredibly fortunate to find someone who not only knew what they were doing but genuinely cared about doing the job right.
Justin Moline, owner of Just In Time Mobile RV here in Willard, Utah, stepped in and completely took care of the propane issues. And when I say took care of it, I mean he went above and beyond.
He didn’t just patch things up. He fixed the propane lines properly, making sure everything was safe, secure, and up to standard. That kind of peace of mind is priceless, especially when you’re planning to live in your RV full-time.
Out with the Old Stove…
While Justin was working on the propane system, we decided it was the perfect time to make a change we had already been thinking about: replacing the stove.
The original stove in the 5th wheel had seen better days. It worked… but it didn’t fit our vision for how we plan to live and cook in this space.
So we made a bold decision.
We removed it completely.
…And In with a New Setup
Instead of replacing it with another traditional RV stove/oven combo, we chose to install a new stovetop only, and skip the oven altogether.
Now, I know that might sound surprising to some people.
“No oven? How will you bake?”
Here’s the honest answer: we probably won’t.
Or at least, not enough to justify the space it takes up.
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| We love our stove top - EASY to get too!! |
Why We Ditched the Oven
This decision came down to one simple thing:
How often would we realistically use it?
When we really thought about it, the answer was: not much.
And in a small space like a 5th wheel, every inch matters.
So instead of dedicating valuable space to something we’d rarely use, we chose something far more practical for our lifestyle.
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| Here is the OLD and it's GONE |
Hello, Storage!
In place of the oven, we now have a pan drawer, and let me tell you, this is a game-changer.
Storage is everything in RV living.
Having a dedicated place for pans and cooking tools makes the kitchen feel more functional, more organized, and honestly… more like home.
It’s one of those small changes that makes a big difference in day-to-day life.
Safety First: A Must-Have Upgrade
While working on the propane system, Justin also installed a brand-new propane alarm.
And this is something I want to pause on for a moment because it’s so important.
Our 5th wheel didn’t have a working propane alarm when we got it.
Let me say that again:
It didn’t have one.
That’s a huge safety risk.
If you’re reading this and you own an RV (or are thinking about getting one), please make sure you have a propane alarm installed and that it’s up to date and functioning properly.
It’s not optional. It’s essential.
This upgrade alone gave us a massive sense of relief.
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| If you need to upgrade or get one, here is where we got ours and it was highly recommended |
Gratitude Where It’s Due
We truly cannot thank Justin enough for the work he did.
Finding someone you trust, especially when it comes to mechanical and safety-related systems, is everything in the RV world.
His attention to detail, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile made this part of the remodel so much smoother than it could have been.
If you’re in the Willard, Utah area and need RV work done, having someone reliable makes all the difference.
The Remodel: Slow but Steady
Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture.
The remodel is moving… just not as fast as I’d like. 😅
If you’ve ever taken on a project like this, you know the feeling.
You start with so much excitement and momentum, and then reality sets in:
- There are more steps than you expected
- Each project depends on another
- Time feels limited (especially on weekdays)
Right now, progress feels a little slow, but I keep reminding myself:
Slow progress is still progress.
The Next Big Step
One thing that will make a huge difference is when we finally get the 5th wheel moved next to us.
Once it’s right there, everything becomes easier:
- More time to work on it
- Easier access to tools and supplies
- More flexibility with our schedule
I truly believe that once it’s in place, things are going to speed up significantly.
And honestly… I am so ready for that.
The Countdown Is On
Our goal is to be fully moved into the 5th wheel by May 1st.
That date is always in the back of my mind.
It’s exciting, but also a little stressful.
There’s still a lot to do:
- Painting
- Finalizing interior touches
- Organizing storage
- Setting up functional living spaces
But having a deadline keeps us focused and motivated.
Prairie Cooking in the RV
Another fun (and slightly overwhelming) piece of this puzzle is planning out filming for Prairie Cooking in the RV.
This part is exciting because it blends creativity with functionality, but it also requires some thought.
I’m currently trying to decide:
- Where cameras will be placed
- How to best use the kitchen space for filming
- Lighting and angles in a small environment
The good news?
I still have time to figure it out.
The priority right now is getting the space ready.
Painting Comes First
Before we can really dive into anything else, painting needs to be done.
And if you’ve ever painted an RV… you know it’s no small task.
There are:
- Tight corners
- Odd angles
- Cabinets, walls, and trim to consider
But paint is one of the most transformative parts of any remodel.
It’s what takes a space from “someone else’s RV” to “our home.”
So while it may feel like a big job, it’s also one of the most exciting.
Weekend Motivation
At this point, I find myself constantly thinking:
“Come on, weekend!”
Weekends are when the real progress happens.
Longer stretches of time.
Fewer interruptions.
More momentum.
And right now, I’m more than ready to dive in and keep pushing forward.
Final Thoughts
This journey hasn’t been perfect and honestly, I don’t expect it to be.
There have been surprises, delays, and moments of frustration.
But there have also been wins.
Moments of excitement.
Progress we’re proud of.
A growing sense that this dream is becoming real.
Every repair, every upgrade, every decision brings us closer to full-time RV living.
And while the road to get there might be a little messy…
It’s ours. Our ME GONE RVING ADVENTURES
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