Whether you’re road-tripping or camping in the great outdoors these 7 easy DIY-upgrades mean the home comforts aren’t too far away whilst living off-the-grid.
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Lighting
When camping in the middle of the woods, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter much artificial lighting but this doesn’t mean you should cut your evenings short.
Installing LED or solar powered lights is an easy upgrade to make. These add atmosphere and consume less power which is beneficial when you’re off the grid.
Good lighting means you make the most of your motor home all hours of the day. LED light strips can even be used to highlight specific features, like cupboards or kitchen areas for space division and allocation.
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Curtains
Simple but effective, adding or upgrading the curtains in your motor home greatly improves your camping experience. They provide privacy, light control, acoustic insulation, and defence against UV rays.
Black-out curtains are especially useful for making sure you get your full 8 hours and act as a privacy defence, as they become a barrier between your haven and the bustle of the outside world.
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Outdoor space
You choose to vacation via motor home because you want to be out in nature, but unpredictable weather can foil your plans. To avoid spending the entirety of your outdoor holiday indoors why not invest in a foldable awning or gazebo?
You can make the most of this added space by decorating with some fairy lights, soft furnishings and even a portable fire pit. These upgrades may seem only aesthetic but they improve the functionality of your caravan by providing more space for cooking, dining and general relaxing.
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Temperature control
If you plan to be on the road all summer long the temperature of your caravan will change with its location. Typically caravans don’t have great insulation, because of this they will heat up fast in the summer and are unable to retain heat in cooler conditions.
Investing in good temperature control means constant comfort no matter the weather. In colder weather, you might need an electric or portable gas heater. In warmer weather, a compact air conditioner or portable fan could work well.
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Upholstery
Another way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your motor home is upholstery. Sun damage and constant use can quickly wear away at your caravan’s seating, mattresses and cushions. Re-upholstery can breathe new life into a space.
By purchasing some upholstery foam and a durable fabric of your choice, a quick fix can have a lasting impact. When picking the fabric it’s important to choose material that is suited for purpose. You want something that suits your style, but is easy to clean and keep well-maintained.
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Storage
If your caravan is a few years old maybe the amount you pack, the friends you take or the family that use it has multiplied. Fitting everything you need for your dream getaway in such a small space can be a big task.
But with a bit of creativity you can implement some space saving solutions that get the most out of the small space offered in caravans and motor homes.
All available space should be put to use. For vertical spaces install some simple shelving or hooks for hanging organisers. The backs of doors are good for this too. Under-bed storage is ideal for bedding, towels and any bulky camping gear.
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Technology
Upgrading your caravan’s technology doesn’t have to be expensive, or take away from the rustic feeling of camping and being in nature. The truth is after a long day out hiking, swimming or exploring it’s nice to return to some homely comforts.
If your caravan or motor home doesn’t have built-in WI-FI, a portable hotspot provides safety and entertainment, making sure you’re connected wherever you go. Bringing a simple speaker along on your vacation can help bring everyone together when cooking or relaxing outside.
A more expensive, but efficient improvement could be a solar panel system to power your devices while you’re off-grid.
Final thoughts
Updating your caravan or motor home with simple adjustments maintains style, comfort and functionality. Helping you make the most of your summer vacations on the road.
