Is Modding worth it?

[chappyk]

Hi,


I have read through a bunch of the mod posts and wonder, because I really want to make a project out of our new to us camper, is it truly worth fixing up an older rv? Here is our baby. I dont have it here so don't know the model number. My plans so far are to upgrade the cabinets with paint, put in a laminate wood floor, replace the destroyed awning as well as putting on an electric jack. Once i get started, I will post pics, but really do want your opinion on going to this extent over buying brand new.

 

[johnnybgood-SUN]

Congratulations on your new Sunline!

My opinion on fixing up your camper is go for it if you’ve got the time and skills. It can be very time consuming. I’ve been working on my 2000 T2370 off and on for a couple years and still not quit finished. Although we were able to camp along the way once the “must be fixed before camping” stuff was done. Rest of it was mostly cosmetic.

I personally would never purchase a brand new travel trailer. I’d look for a 4 or 5 year old model that hasn’t had water intrusion. They depreciate pretty quickly and you’d save a bunch of money.

 

[mainah-SUN]

Go for it my T1700 is highly modified.

 

[chappyk]

Go for it my T1700 is highly modified.

What mods have you done?

 

[El-Kraken]

I just got my 2006 T-2970 and brought it from Albany, NY to Miami, FL, and as soon as I got down here removed the carpet, all the old blinds, cabinet doors as well as all the hardware such as hinges and handles. Took off all the upholstery and will be taking all tomorrow to have it done, but this time with marine-grade vinyl. Because we are going to be most of the time near beach areas and people coming in and sitting on the coach will be a lot easier to protect everything. New vinyl waterproof flooring coming up on Monday and blind replaced by roll-up style.

I'm very excited to start this new journey in my life with my family.
PS: I also got a 2006 Lance 18 06 Pick up camper which is also super cool

 

[JohnGB]

I have read through a bunch of the mod posts and wonder, because I really want to make a project out of our new to us camper, is it truly worth fixing up an older rv?

Hi chappyk,

Making your camper new or old, tailored to your likes can be a very rewarding feeling. It's yours, like your house, you can change it to make it more home to you. I do and have made many modifications on our campers over the years. I use wood and steel, the wife uses material, yarn and thread. It's ours!

You used the words, truly worth it, not understanding the context of that. Campers and camping are usually all about enjoyment. You are investing in enjoyment and relaxation. They can do great things for your disposition.

As far as worth meaning in a monetary way, you may not recoup the investment of your time and materials for mod's if you go to sell it. That is a risk, I would say a small risk, but it would not stop me from making a nice mod to my camper.

Go for it!

 

[mainah-SUN]

I'm not a brand conscious person so desecrating a Sunline did not bother me they are nicely made campers but in my case very early 90's. Most of the newer campers I have seen are extremely cheaply made and with the exception of a few are extremely boring and I more than likely would hack them up too. Trying to explain what I did would be lengthy so I'll gather a few pictures and post them.

 

[apackof2]

I have made many mods to my Sunline and would do it again over some cheaply made newer camper! Go for it

Here is my latest

 

[mainah-SUN]

OK some photos. As I say it's yours it's an empty canvas have at it.

 

[jim44646]

Some thing that's called mods is actually upgrading regular maintenance to the extreme. On my trailer my spring and equalizer bushings were shot. Instead of replacing I upgraded to greasable brass bushings.
Then while Axel's were out I did an over under flip which raised my camper about 5". Of course while I was at it I upgraded the break wiring that had became old and brittle. By raising camper 5" meant a new set of entry steps, going from a single to s double.
So are mods worth it? Maybe not better but safer.