RVing Fans

Showing posts with label Fifth Wheel Renovation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fifth Wheel Renovation. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Installing Linoleum Flooring in Our RV: A Budget-Friendly Renovation Win

 One of the biggest projects in our RV renovation has been replacing the flooring. After researching our options, we decided to install linoleum flooring throughout the main living area, bedroom, and eventually the bathroom. Not only has it given our RV a fresh new look, but it has also saved us a considerable amount of money.

For this project, we used Henry 356 MultiPro Premium Multipurpose High Strength Paste as our adhesive. We purchased three tubs, which provided enough coverage for our main living area, bedroom, and our upcoming bathroom remodel.



Why We Chose Linoleum

When we renovated our previous RV, we installed vinyl plank flooring. While it looked beautiful, we found that the planks tended to separate over time due to the constant movement and vibration that naturally comes with RV travel.

This time around, we wanted something different.

We purchased our linoleum flooring from Lowe's for approximately $200, which was significantly less expensive than the plank flooring we used in our old RV. For budget-conscious RV owners, that's a substantial savings that can be used elsewhere in a renovation project.



Was It Difficult?

Honestly, yes and no.

Laying flooring isn't exactly easy, especially in an RV where every corner, slide-out, and cabinet creates additional challenges. However, it wasn't nearly as difficult as we expected it to be.

Like many DIY projects, the key was taking our time, measuring carefully, and being patient with the process. The learning curve wasn't nearly as steep as we had imagined.

The best part? Doing the installation ourselves saved hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in labor costs.

Facts About RV Flooring

If you're considering replacing your RV flooring, here are a few things to keep in mind:



RVs Move Constantly

Unlike a traditional home, an RV experiences vibration, flexing, temperature changes, and movement. Choosing flooring that can withstand these conditions is essential.

Weight Matters

Every pound added to an RV affects towing and fuel efficiency. Linoleum is often lighter than many tile and hardwood alternatives.



Water Resistance Is Important

Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and pet areas are all prone to moisture. Linoleum and sheet vinyl are popular choices because they're easier to clean and help protect the subfloor from water damage.

Fewer Seams Mean Fewer Problems

One reason we chose sheet flooring is that it has fewer seams than plank flooring. Fewer seams can mean fewer opportunities for moisture intrusion and less chance of pieces separating over time.



DIY Installation Can Save Big Money

Professional flooring installation can quickly become one of the most expensive parts of an RV remodel. Taking on the project yourself requires patience, but the savings can be substantial.

Final Thoughts

We're thrilled with how our new flooring is turning out. While there is still more work to do, including the bathroom remodel, seeing the transformation happen has been incredibly rewarding.

Sometimes the best renovations aren't the most expensive ones—they're the projects that combine durability, functionality, and affordability.

By choosing linoleum, using Henry 356 MultiPro adhesive, and doing the work ourselves, we've created a floor that looks great, fits our budget, and should hold up well to full-time RV living.

And that's a renovation win in our book.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Transforming an RV with Faux Stone Wall Panels: Was It Worth It?

 When it comes to RV renovations, everyone has an opinion. Some people believe you should keep things simple, lightweight, and inexpensive. Others think an RV should feel just as comfortable and beautiful as a traditional home. We definitely fall into the second category.

One of the biggest design choices we made during our RV remodel was installing 3D faux stone wall panels. Were they expensive? Absolutely. Were they easy to install? Not exactly. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.



Why We Chose Faux Stone Panels

We wanted a feature wall that would instantly grab attention and make our RV feel less like an RV and more like a home. The textured stone appearance adds warmth, character, and depth that paint alone simply can't achieve.

These panels feature a realistic faux stone design that creates the look of natural stone without the weight, making them a great option for RV living where every pound matters.

The Pros

Beautiful Appearance

The 3D texture creates a stunning visual effect that completely transforms a room. Whether used behind a television, on an accent wall, or as part of a custom entertainment center, the finished look is impressive.



Durable and Waterproof

Made from PVC, these panels are waterproof, washable, and impact-resistant. That's a huge bonus in RV life where moisture, condensation, and everyday wear and tear are common concerns.

This is where I ordered the FAUX STONE WALL PANELS

Lightweight

Real stone wasn't an option for us, but these panels gave us the same rustic charm without adding significant weight to the RV.



Customizable

The panels can be cut and adjusted to fit unique spaces, making them ideal for RV renovations where nothing seems to be perfectly square.

The Cons

The Cost

Let's be honest—these panels are not cheap. They were one of the more expensive decorative upgrades in our renovation. If you're on a tight budget, the price may cause a little sticker shock. $110 just for the wall you see of our RV.



Installation Takes Patience

The interlocking design creates a seamless look, but getting everything lined up correctly requires time and patience. We definitely had a few moments where we questioned our sanity during installation.

Was It Worth It?

Absolutely.

Sometimes renovations aren't just about functionality—they're about creating a space that makes you happy every time you walk through the door. We spend a lot of time in our RV, and we wanted it to reflect our personality and style.

Some people probably thought we were crazy for installing faux stone panels in an RV. That's okay. We wanted a cozy, rustic, custom look, and that's exactly what we achieved.

At the end of the day, your RV should make you smile. If a project brings you joy and makes your home feel more like you, then it's worth every penny, every hour, and every challenge along the way.

And as for us? We wanted what we wanted... and we got exactly what we wanted. 😊

Final Thoughts

RV renovations are full of decisions, compromises, and unexpected challenges. Sometimes the best projects aren't the easiest or the cheapest—they're the ones that transform a space into something truly special.

Our faux stone wall was definitely one of those projects, and it's become one of our favorite features in the entire RV.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

New Stove, New Systems, and Moving Closer to Full-Time RV Living

 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.

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.

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.

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

Upgrading Our RV Cats' Lifestyle: A Hidden Litter Box Solution for Ellie, Abby & Miss Fred

 When you live in an RV with three cats, you learn very quickly that every inch of space matters. After years of traveling with Ellie, Abby,...

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