who has done a complete renovation

[koresample]

Hi, we have recently purchased a 1999 Newmar Mountain Aire 4080DP and are starting to determine what we want to do to renovate/update it to our tastes. I would like to hear from others that have done something similar (think bus conversion as the level of reno)as we want to essentially gut it and completely redo it. Floors, wall panels, roof panels/lights, kitchen, bath and floors. We want to update it to a contemporary style from it current traditional motif. The body and mechanicals are perfect, so just looking to make the inside as nice as the outside. Having said that, the interior is in perfect condition, just don't like traditional styling.

Thanks!

[koresample]

Thanks Barth, where did yiu source the light fixtures from?

[barth]

In our 2001 Scepter, I've done the following so far:

I replaced the carpet and ceramic floor with new ceramic in the entrance, Engineered wood floor in the kitchen, Heated ceramic tile in the bathroom, and floating floor in the bedroom.

I replaced the kitchen table with the new legless-style, sliding table which I built myself including the cabinet that attaches to the wall.

I replaced the cloth covering on the sofa and recliner with leather.

I replaced the original cloth covering on the kitchen chairs with a new design.

I replaced all window valences with new ones that I made in solid cherry.

I replaced all the polished brass hardware and light fixtures with the new ORB color (dark brown).

I've added a new medicine cabinet beside the existing one.

I've removed the front TV cabinet and replaced it with a slimmer one that now holds a 32" LED TV.

My next projects are:

Adding sliding trays in the bottom compartments.

Replacing the light bulbs and fluorescents with the new LED ones.


As you can see, I like working on my motorhome. My Scepter doesn't look like a 2001 RV anymore.

[koresample]

the overall weight and distribution should remain pretty close as we are removing a sectional sofa from that same side and replacing it with a stressless type chair. In addition, the kitchen will become a more open concept type with less overhead cabinets which will help balance the weight distribution.

Crasster, what did your reno's cost you and did you do much yourself or get it done?

[rgatijnet1]

koresample wrote:
The existing kitchen is made from hardwood with a solid surface countertop so it is probably pretty heavy no? The existing ceiling is carpet so just needs to be completely replaced. Good point on the floor drain.

My existing cabinets are made from hardwood also, but it is much thinner hardwood on the sides and rear of the cabinets. Also the joint where the cabinets come together is usually just a single piece, in most coaches, since the cabinets are custom made to fit the location. To fit a specific area, you will have to use several standard size cabinets.
With Ikea cabinets, they are made of particle board on the sides back, and tops. Some even have laminate covered particle board on the fronts and doors. Ikea cabinets all come in various stock sizes and where they join together, you will have 1/2 particle board on each cabinet.
Off hand I would guess that Ikea cabinets replacing the hardwood cabinets that I have in my Monaco coach would weigh from 1 1/2 times to twice as much.

[crasster]

We redid about 80& of an RV interior. It was hard, but mostly paint, flooring, new toilet, sink, and faucets go a long way. We left the original seat cushion colors... Made custom curtains and the sheets were all new....

[tropical36]

I think I'd be weighing the rig fully loaded beforehand and would also know what the CC was and allowing myself some leeway, before beginning.

[koresample]

The existing kitchen is made from hardwood with a solid surface countertop so it is probably pretty heavy no? The existing ceiling is carpet so just needs to be completely replaced. Good point on the floor drain.

[rgatijnet1]

Ikea kitchens are pretty nice but TOO heavy for RV use. Most RV cabinets are made using lightweight materials, where possible, so as not to impact the gross weight. Keeping things in balance on the chassis will be your biggest problem. I would keep moving any walls to a minimum. You can go with a larger fiberglass shower enclosure, but I would not try to move the plumbing drain lines. Moving the "in wall" plumbing should not be a problem, but moving the drain line can get very complicated.
I would also maybe rethink using tile for the floor because of weight. Some of the new laminates look like tile and are a lot lighter.
The less weight you use in your coach should help performance as well as allow you to carry a bigger load.
As far as the ceiling, I would contact the Newmar factory. I have a vinyl ceiling in my coach and it looks very easy to cover the old vinyl with new vinyl but if you want more than that, check with the factory.

[koresample]

Thanks for the feedback. We plan to keep it and use it for retirement travel. We woukd be paying others to do the work although I am capable, I dont have the time or shop space to do the work. Our daughter is an interior designer and would do the layout and design around fairly clean lines.We are thinking an ikea kitchen, new doors and hardware for bedroom cabinets.what I am unsure of is the costs to do a new ceiling in vinyl, sidewalls and a moving the wall for the shower forward (replacing a china cabinet) to make room for a bigger shower. The costs of a new tike floor, ligjts etc I can figure out. Has anyone done those specific type or modifications and what did it cost, who did you use?

[hitchup]

We hate cookie cutter houses and RV's. So we've done a few basic mods to our 5er to make it more comfortable and unique without spending too much money.

Such as replaced day/night shades with residential honeycomb, curtains (some off store shelves, some I sewed), throw rugs, comforters, residential Qn mattress, Lazy Boy loveseat and recliner, residential- faucets, showerhead and toilet seat. Also added a cat tree so the cats have a good view. Then we removed a wall sconce, put a plate over it and hung a lightweight mirror so I can wash dishes and watch TV. Have also added new bathroom cabinet w/door frames only which DH added the mirrors and also had the factory build door frames to put in open grill for easy remote control access to DTV receiver/ DVD player.

Eventually, we'd like to redo the window valances, add residential fridge and redo the countertops. But that will be a few years down the road...

We have nice cabinets, but if your cabinet boxes were good, it would be easier and less costly to make new doors only.

[tropical36]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I've restored several Classic cars, a few airplanes, and a couple of motor homes. Any project can be undertaken, no matter how large, as long as you have the ability to do the work, and the money to finish the work. There is nothing worse than running out of money half way through a project.
One other thing to consider is IF you want to have the vehicle completely out of service for the entire time of the renovation, or if you want to use the coach during the renovation. Last, and maybe something to consider, is what are your plans financially? Do you plan to use the coach and then sell it at a profit, which is next to impossible? Do you just plan on redoing the coach to your own tastes, and could care less what it costs, since it is for your own use and enjoyment? Do you understand that almost every cent you put in to the coach, and 100% of your labor, will be difficult, or impossible to recoup? Do you have the shop space, tools and equipment, and skill, to do everything you want to do, or do you have to pay others to do the work?
Best of luck with the project and I hope it turns out to be everything you envision.

Couldn't have said it any better myself and would have to be because there wasn't any such thing as a coach out there that would suit your taste as well...

[rgatijnet1]

I've restored several Classic cars, a few airplanes, and a couple of motor homes. Any project can be undertaken, no matter how large, as long as you have the ability to do the work, and the money to finish the work. There is nothing worse than running out of money half way through a project.
One other thing to consider is IF you want to have the vehicle completely out of service for the entire time of the renovation, or if you want to use the coach during the renovation. Last, and maybe something to consider, is what are your plans financially? Do you plan to use the coach and then sell it at a profit, which is next to impossible? Do you just plan on redoing the coach to your own tastes, and could care less what it costs, since it is for your own use and enjoyment? Do you understand that almost every cent you put in to the coach, and 100% of your labor, will be difficult, or impossible to recoup? Do you have the shop space, tools and equipment, and skill, to do everything you want to do, or do you have to pay others to do the work?
Best of luck with the project and I hope it turns out to be everything you envision.