Off-Season RV Upgrade Ideas

Off-Season RV Upgrade Ideas

Whether your RV is your full-time home or you want to make sure it is ready to go for the next camping season, performing upgrades in the off-season keeps your camper in great shape for years.

Outdoor Enhancements

Actively maintaining your RV's exterior can help extend your vehicle's life while keeping it looking like new. Here are some ideas for outdoor enhancements.

Exterior 

• Paint/decals: Over time, your camper's exterior paint job may fade due to sun exposure and salt on the roads. A paint job in the off-season is essential to prevent rusting.
• Solar panels: Adding solar panels to power your RV allows you to camp in remote locations without hookups. If you already have solar panels, look over them in the off-season to guarantee they are operating correctly.
• Lighting: Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs improves the lighting in your camper while reducing your electricity use.

Safety 

• Backup cameras: Backup cameras are a great addition to any RV, regardless of size, as they can improve the parking process.  
• Enhanced lock systems: If you plan on leaving your camper for extended periods to hike or explore a local attraction, an enhanced locking system can prevent thieves from entering or towing your camper away.
• Additional fire extinguishers: Having multiple fire extinguishers improves the overall safety of your RV since it's easier to access them from anywhere in the camper.  

Parking and Stability

• Leveling systems: Leveling systems help keep your RV stable regardless of where you park.
• Wheel chocks: Wheel chocks prevent your RV from moving after parking, so be sure to check that they are in good condition before the next camping season.
• Stabilizer jacks: If you do not have a leveling system, invest in a stabilizer jack, which keeps your camper stable on uneven surfaces.

Indoor Enhancements

The interior of your RV could also use some love in the off-season as well. Here are some interior upgrades you can make.

Technology 

• Satellite internet and TV: Adding satellite internet and TV to your camper lets you stay connected wherever your travels take you.
• Smart home features: Smart home features such as Bluetooth-controlled thermostats allow you to get more out of your RV. 
• Electronic charging stations: Being able to charge your phone and other devices in your RV means you don't have to look for outside charging sources, and you can easily contact emergency services. 

Appliances

• Air conditioning systems: Keep your RV comfortable in the hot summer months by upgrading your air conditioning system.
• Improved cooking appliances: Newer appliances can make cooking more efficient and use less energy. 
• High-efficiency refrigerators: The fridge is often the biggest draw of electricity. Current models operate with less energy, giving you more wattage for other devices.

Interior Design 

• Furniture: New furniture can help enhance your RV's comfort. 
• Flooring: Over time, your flooring can become scratched or dirty, making it vital to put in new flooring periodically to keep your camper looking fantastic while remaining safe.
• Space-saving fixtures and storage: Adding space-saving fixtures and storage gives you more overall room in your RV.

Mechanics and Maintenance

Some of the best RV upgrades include ensuring your engine and other mechanical components are in working condition. 

Power and Plumbing

• Improved battery systems: Updating your entire battery system can make it more resistant to temperature changes so you can start your camper even in the dead of winter without any concerns.
• Water filtration systems: While the water you use at campsites is likely safe, adding a water filtration system offers additional protection.
• Waste management solutions: The last thing you want is for your plumbing to experience a clog, so it is vital that your waste management system is working as it should.

Engine and Chassis 

• Engine upgrades: An RV engine is essentially towing all the time, making it beneficial to perform maintenance at least once a year — and replace components as necessary.
• Suspension enhancements: Enhancing the suspension system reduces any excessive swaying and sagging.
• Tire pressure monitoring systems: A flat tire can stop any camping trip in its tracks. Having a tire pressure monitoring system in place lets you know when your tires need more air. 

Planning and Implementing Your RV Upgrades

Have a plan in place before you start your camper upgrades. For example, you could start with areas of improvement you noticed throughout the year or perform a multi-point inspection to see what needs are more urgent than others. 

A plan can also help with budgeting, especially if you need a professional for more complex fixes such as engine replacement or rewiring your camper. Regardless of how you plan to improve your RV, waiting until the off-season ensures you have plenty of time to get your camper in tip-top shape before heading out on the road again.

Bring Your RV to Klamath Falls KOA Journey

After you complete your off-season projects, one of the best places to take your RV is Klamath Falls KOA Journey. This Oregon-based KOA offers tranquil views for a peaceful way to make lasting memories. Book an RV Site to start your next adventure today!