DIY Fifth Wheel Renovation: Budget Breakdown & Lessons Learned
- Feb 20
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
If you'd like to see the final product, check out my other post "What we love most about our renovated RV" and Our Exact RV Renovation Products List: The Paint, Flooring & Fixtures We Used
What “worth it” means to us
We wanted more time camping—but every time we stepped inside, our RV made us wish we were outside even faster. Inside, it felt outdated, awkward to use, and far from inviting. Some of the equipment was a daily frustration, and the overall space just didn’t make us want to be there. It was functional, sure—but it was also a very typical old brown RV that hadn’t aged gracefully.
The starting point: what we bought
We purchased a 1998 Kustom Koach 220 that was in generally good condition, both inside and out. While the RV was definitely dated, everything was in working order, which gave us a solid foundation to build from. That said, some of the walls had prior water damage, though it was hard to tell whether it was ongoing or from the past. We knew that a few interior wall panels would need replacing, but aside from that, most of the renovation scope was focused on cosmetic updates and improving functionality.
Our fifth wheel renovation budget breakdown
(A new post with all the products coming March 23rd!)
Numbers are approximate.
Total: ~ $4000
Structural repairs/ walls & framing : $220
Roof reseal : $600
Electrical / plumbing : $200
Flooring : $160
Paint : $200
Custom nightstands : $150
Outdoor shower set-up : $100
Finishes (Includes sinks, faucets, curtains, countertops & tiles) : $1350
Furniture: $220
Tools & supplies : $300
Random expenses: $400
Unexpected costs: windows seals $150-$200 (for all windows)
Where we saved the most money
We cut costs in a few key ways in this fifth wheel renovation. Most of the reno was DIY, guided by YouTube tutorials and Google research, with the only exception being the couch side cushions, which we had professionally reupholstered due to their odd shape. We also focused on function over trends, choosing timeless, practical updates rather than chasing the latest design fads. Reusing and repurposing materials helped too—for example, we gave old hardware a fresh look with gold spray paint and updated the couch and dinette cushions instead of replacing them entirely.
Where we spent more than expected
Some surprises added costs we hadn’t anticipated. More walls than we expected had active mold, which meant gutting and reframing those areas before installing new wall panels. After everything was rebuilt and painted, a few days of heavy rain revealed another issue: one of the window drain holes was clogged with dirt and debris, causing water to back up inside and leak onto a freshly painted white wall. The good news was that it was easy to spot and fix, but it highlighted the importance of thorough sealing. That became our mantra: seal it, and seal it tight—windows, roof, walls—there’s no cutting corners. One expense we hadn’t planned for was the roof sealing treatment itself. After spending so much time ensuring the walls and windows were properly sealed, skipping the roof would have been foolish.
So… was it worth renovating our old fifth wheel?
✔ Worth it for us because:
We genuinely enjoy spending more time inside now—the space is inviting, comfortable, and feels like home.
Daily tasks are less frustrating, with a better-functioning shower, more counter space, and an overall layout that makes sense for how we use it.
There’s peace of mind knowing the unit is well sealed and all the major issues have been addressed.
❌ Might not be worth it if:
You don’t camp often or only do short trips (1–2 times a year for a couple of days).
You’re not comfortable with DIY projects or hands-on work (though if you are… this can be fun!).
You don’t plan to keep the RV long-term, or may sell soon—renovation costs might not be fully recouped.
What we’d do differently next time
Set a firm budget—and stick to it. Renovations always have surprises, but knowing your limit keeps you from overspending.
Invest in deeper fixes early. Sometimes it’s cheaper (and less stressful) to gut and redo a problem area properly instead of doing a quick cosmetic fix that will need attention again later.
Embrace patience over perfection. It’s easy to get frustrated wanting everything done “now” or perfectly. Next time, we’d focus on steady progress and small wins rather than stressing over every detail.
Plan your workflow around how YOU actually use the space. It’s tempting to follow “trendy” layouts or ideas, but considering daily routines first (counter space, storage accessibility, shower usability) makes the biggest impact on comfort and satisfaction.
There’s no “right” answer
Renovating an older RV isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. What matters most are your budget, your expectations, and how much time and energy you’re willing to invest. Just because a rig is old doesn’t mean it’s useless—or that the work will be free—but with the right planning and approach, an older RV can become a comfortable, functional, and even enjoyable home on wheels.
