What We Love Most About Our Renovated RV

From Old Fifth Wheel to Cozy Home

Brief story

We own a 1998, 22-foot Kustom Koach fifth wheel. Two years ago, we went on our first local camping trips together and quickly learned what worked — and what didn’t.

We loved the size (and the fact that it’s paid off). It’s easy to park, simple to maneuver, and lighter than many larger fifth wheels. Once the season ended, we talked about giving it a fresh coat of paint come spring… but as these things usually go, it didn’t stop there. It’s never just paint.

👉 See my other post for in depth details on this transformation: Coming Soon!

This makeover took it from a standard brown RV to something entirely different — a warm, welcoming home on wheels. The space feels calmer, more functional, and far more reflective of how we actually live.

1. Bedroom Warmth & Coziness

Long gone is the blue and purple headboard. The soft, neutral tone we chose instead instantly makes the space feel calmer — the kind of place you naturally want to lean back with a book before drifting off to sleep.

The deep green accent wall (which matches the half back wall) creates a cozy, nook-like feeling that visually grounds the space. Paired with the curtains — similar in tone and full of texture — the bedroom finally feels intentional.

It now feels like a retreat we climb into at the end of the day, not a blue, purple, and brown pit.

2. Real Home Finishes & Thoughtful Design

We love the new laminate flooring. The tone instantly adds warmth and, as a bonus, it doesn’t show dirt nearly as much as the old white linoleum. It feels like a real material — warmer underfoot and far less “plastic” than what was there before.

The real upholstery fabrics on the couch and dinette were another game-changer. No elastic covers or temporary-feeling finishes — everything looks and feels custom, which goes a long way in making the space feel permanent.

What really seals the deal is the ease of use. Nothing feels fussy or makeshift — it functions the way a home should, and that makes everyday life in the renovated RV feel natural instead of compromised.

4. Kitchen Upgrades

More counterspace has been one of the biggest improvements. Having room to prep food, set things down, and actually move around while cooking makes everyday meals feel far less cramped. It’s the difference between constantly shifting items around and being able to cook with ease.

The deep sink has also been a game changer. Washing dishes, filling pots, or multitasking while cooking feels much more natural now. It handles real dishes and real messes without feeling like you’re working around the space.

We chose a real glass tile backsplash, which instantly elevated the kitchen. It reflects light beautifully, is easy to wipe down, and adds texture and depth that typical RV finishes often lack. It’s one of those details that quietly makes the space feel finished.

The butcher block countertop brings warmth and character into the kitchen. Beyond being beautiful, it adds to that “real home” feeling — solid, functional, and inviting. It’s a surface that feels meant to be used, not tiptoed around.

One of the most practical changes was adding a pull-out drawer under the oven instead of a standard cabinet. It makes better use of the space and keeps items easy to access. Little decisions like this have made the kitchen feel thoughtfully designed rather than adapted.

Together, these upgrades turned the kitchen from something we worked around into a space we genuinely enjoy using every day.

5. Bathroom Upgrades

The bathroom is another space where small, thoughtful upgrades made everyday routines feel noticeably easier and more comfortable.

One of the biggest improvements is the ease of use of the shower head. Instead of pulling it off the sink tap — like many older RVs — it has its own dedicated handle. It seems like a small change, but it completely changes the experience. Showering feels straightforward and intuitive, not awkward or improvised.

Overall, the bathroom now feels functional and comfortable, in a way that mirrors home rather than reminding you you’re in an RV. Everything is where you expect it to be, and nothing feels like a workaround.

We also widened the curtain track, which makes a surprising difference — especially for wide-shouldered men. It creates more elbow room and makes the shower feel less cramped and far more usable.

The butcher block countertop carries through here as well, adding warmth and continuity with the rest of the space. Paired with a black sink and faucet, it strikes a balance between practical and modern without feeling out of place in a small bathroom.

We also used glass tiles for the backsplash and along the top of the shower, which adds another layer of texture and polish. It’s a subtle detail, but it brings that same “real home” finish into the bathroom and ties the whole space together visually.

Finally, the addition of pot lights that illuminate inside the shower makes the space feel brighter and more open. Good lighting removes that cave-like feeling many RV bathrooms have and makes even quick routines feel calmer and more comfortable.

Together, these changes turned the bathroom into a space we actually enjoy using — not just something we rush through.

6. Lighting That Sets the Mood in our Renovated RV

Lighting was one of those upgrades that quietly changed everything. In a small space like an RV, it has a huge impact on how the space feels — open or cramped, calm or harsh.

The addition of dimmable pot lights allows us to adjust the ambiance depending on the time of day. Bright and functional for morning routines, then softened in the evenings to create a warm, cozy atmosphere. That flexibility makes the space feel more like a home and less like a utility space.

We also simplified how the lighting is controlled. Instead of each light having its own individual switch — many of which were awkwardly placed or difficult to reach — everything is now controlled from one easy-to-access switch. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement, but one that makes daily use effortless.

Good lighting also completely changes the perception of space. With even, well-placed light, the RV feels larger, more open, and more inviting. It eliminates dark corners and makes every area feel inviting.

It’s a reminder that comfort isn’t always about adding more — sometimes it’s about making what you already have work better.

7. Custom Nightstands

The custom nightstands are one of those upgrades that make everyday life noticeably easier.

They’re built at the perfect height to function as true bedside tables, making it easy to set down a book, a glass of water, or a phone without any awkward reaching. We also added an electrical outlet at bed height, which makes charging phones or other devices simple and practical — exactly the way it would be at home.

Below bed height, we added two medium-sized drawers, secured with magnets so they stay closed while traveling — a small but important detail when you’re on the road.

Above bed height, the open shelving provides easy access to books and essentials, keeping the space functional without feeling cluttered.

Because they’re completely custom, they fit the space perfectly and make full use of an area that would otherwise be wasted. Painted in the same green as the accent wall, they blend seamlessly into the room rather than standing out as separate pieces.

8. Reflection: Life on the Road in a “Real” Home

Honestly, these upgrades have made us miss the RV when we’re not in it. The space feels comfortable, warm, and genuinely inviting — the kind of place you want to spend time in, not just pass through. Because of that, we find ourselves wanting to travel more and looking for more opportunities to use it.

Transforming the RV into a space we truly love has changed how we experience life on the road. Even small changes, like a fresh coat of paint, can make a meaningful difference. That said, with older RVs especially, it’s worth going in with realistic expectations — it’s rarely just paint. But the extra effort is often what turns a camper into a place that actually feels like home.

👉 See my other post for in depth details on this transformation: