Caravan renovation guide: complete DIY instructions

A caravan renovation can seem like a daunting process if it’s your first time. But with a little guidance, you’ll soon realise that it’s not as hard as it seems.

Learn how to renovate a caravan with this ultimate guide. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so that your project is up and running in no time!

Towards the end, you’ll also learn how to budget for your caravan renovation. And, most importantly... how to earn a return on your investment!

Safety Disclaimer: We are not certified builders, carpenters, electricians or plumbers. This is only an introductory guide to caravan renovation so make sure to do your own in-depth research and consult appropriate professionals before beginning the build.

How to renovate a caravan

Step 1. Buy a used caravan

Start your search for the perfect caravan by answering these questions:

• How do you plan on using your caravan? Holidaying, touring, off-roading or a mix?

• How many people will be sleeping in your caravan?

• What do you want to be able to do in your caravan?

• What is your budget?

• Which makes and models of caravan have the features you want?

Once you’ve settled on a make and model, use sites like TradeMe to compare the best-used caravans for sale in New Zealand. Arrange for an inspection and ask the owner lots of questions before purchasing.

Alternatively, if you’d rather save the hassle of searching for a decent second-hand caravan, you can always have a look at the best caravan to buy brand new.

Step 2. Waterproof your caravan

Strip your caravan back to basics, removing anything that you no longer want inside (e.g. old appliances, mattresses, cupboards, cushions, etc.).

You should now have easy access to the floor, roof and edges of the caravan. Look for any signs of water damage or gaps that might allow water to seep into the interior.

Use gap filler on the exterior of the caravan to seal any holes you find. Allow to sit and dry as per product instructions.

If you have a pop-top, use our pop-top caravan renovation guide when repairing or replacing the skirting.

Step 3. Get rid of rust

Inspect the exterior and interior of your caravan for surface rust. Don’t forget the wheels as well! Rust needs to be treated so that it doesn’t continue eating into your metalwork.

Use a wire brush to get the majority of the rust off. Then use sandpaper to smooth the area. If there’s still some rust you can’t get off, try using a liquid rust remover. Finally, put a layer of sealant over the affected area to prevent the rust from returning.

Step 4. Paint the exterior

Before you paint the exterior of your caravan, give it a thorough wash. Then place masking tape around the window seals and cover the windows with newspapers to prevent getting paint on the glass.

Prepare the exterior by roller painting it with a white oil-based undercoat. It’s recommended you use two undercoats to prevent flaking and peeling.

Once the undercoat is dry and you’ve chosen a colour, you can begin painting the exterior of the caravan with a spray gun or roller. But remember, it’s best to paint on a cool and shady day so that the paint doesn’t dry too quickly and become tacky.

Extra tip: Don’t forget your wheels as well. Cover the tyre with newspaper and tape before spray painting the rims.

Step 5. Upgrade the electrics

If the electrics in your caravan don’t work or aren’t sufficient for running modern appliances, now is the time to replace them.

If you plan on using 230V electrics in your caravan, this is a job that must be done by a certified electrician. They will provide you with a Warrant of Electrical Fitness, which is legally required if you want to plug your caravan into mains power.

Step 5. Repair the internal walls

Inspect the internal walls of your caravan for signs of damage or warping. It’s rare that the interior walls of the caravan will need to be replaced entirely. Most of the time, damage to the wall can be repaired with filler and then sanded back.

Step 6. Replace the windows

Inspect the inside and the outside of the windows on your caravan. Are they cracked, chipped or stained? Or can they be salvaged with a simple scrub?

Many modern caravans now use acrylic instead of glass because it is stronger and lighter. Get an acrylic sheet cut to size for your caravan window and insert it by loosening the screws on the frame.

Step 7. Renew the cabinetry

Do the cupboards and drawers in your caravan look tired? Most of the time, they can be restored with some simple touch-ups.

Remove the doors from the cupboards by unscrewing the hinges. Then fill any damage, sand back the surfaces and paint an undercoat.

Whilst you wait for the undercoat to dry, use sandpaper to clean up the metal hinges, doorknobs and drawer handles. Spray them with gold or silver paint to match your colour scheme.

Once the undercoat is dry, paint your cupboards, drawers and other cabinetry to your desired colour scheme. On top of your undercoat, it is probably wise to add another two layers of paint.

Finally, when the paint is dry, reassemble the cabinetry and screw the doors back on.

Extra tip: If you think that the drawers and cupboards in your caravan are beyond salvation, it’s probably not worth the effort to restore them. Instead, you can easily replace them by popping along to your local furniture store and buying pre-made solutions. Or you can build your own drawers and cupboards if you have carpentry skills!

Step 8. Replace the benchtop and sink

Measure the size of the current benchtop and take those dimensions to your local hardware store or timber yard. The team there should be able to cut a fresh piece of timber to size.

Then choose a sink you like, measure its dimensions and use a jigsaw to cut a hole into the new benchtop. Set the sink in place and seal the edges.

Finish by applying a timber varnish to the benchtop. This will give the timber some character and make it a stand-out feature in your caravan.

Extra tip: Don’t forget about the other table surfaces in your caravan, such as the dining table. If they do need to be replaced or repaired, now is a good time to do so.

Step 9. Paint the interior

Once the interior walls are repaired and smooth, you can prepare them with two undercoats of white paint. Wait for the undercoat to dry before adding a coat of white semi-gloss.

Lightly sand the walls again before applying the final two coats of your chosen paint. This will help the paint to grip and leave a smooth surface.

Extra tip: Remember, lighter tones and colours can help your caravan to feel more airy and spacious.

Step 10. Replace the flooring

Inspect the caravan’s flooring for signs of wear and tear. If it’s old, dirty and damaged, it’s probably best to pull up the flooring so that the subfloor is revealed. Then, consider replacing the old flooring with a modern option such as vinyl plank, sheet vinyl or carpet.

Vinyl planks are a popular option because they are affordable, durable and super easy to install. Most planks use a tongue and groove system so that the boards can simply be slotted together. It’s also easy to cut planks to size for tricky shapes and tight corners.

If the floor in your caravan is structurally sound, you might want to save time and money by simply fitting sheet vinyl over the top.

Step 11. Replace the curtains and cushions

After years of collecting dust and being exposed to the sun, your caravans curtains are likely looking thin and tattered. Update your interior and invest in a new set of short curtains or roller blinds.

Roller blinds are a functional option that look modern and are easy to install and clean. On the other hand, curtains can be charming but you might struggle to find the right size, in which case you would need to use your sewing skills to shorten them.

Don’t forget to also replace the cushions and cushion covers. Find a comfortable foam option to replace the old inner cushion and ensure that your new covers are made of durable and UV resistant fabrics.

Step 12. Install new kitchen fittings and appliances

If your kitchen appliances and fittings are old and worn out, now is the time to replace them with shiny new ones. This might include a gas burner hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and any other appliances inside your caravan.

Step 13. Renew the plumbing and bathroom

Inspect your caravans fresh and grey water tanks for leaks or damage. Both will likely benefit from a quick clean. Consider using a mixture of bicarbonate soda and vinegar to clean the inside of the tanks. Drain, rinse and allow to dry afterwards.

If your caravan has a bathroom, make it modern by replacing old parts with new fittings. This might include the showerhead and handles, the shower base, the toilet and the hand basin.

Ensure that your bathroom has enough ventilation so that moisture can escape. Consider adding a roof fan for extra airflow.

Finally, test the hot water unit to see whether it is ok or needs to be replaced.

Step 14. Finishing touches

Your caravan renovation is almost complete. Now, all that’s left to do is add some finishing touches.

Think about features that will make your caravan homely and unique. Perhaps some additional lighting, such as a hanging lamp or stick-on LED strips? Or maybe a tiled splashback above the new kitchen benchtop?

There’s no limit on your creativity here, just your budget and imagination.

How much does it cost to renovate a caravan?

Depending on how much work is needed, it can cost anywhere from $4,000 - $15,000+ to renovate a caravan.

A simple breakdown of the costs might look something like this:

• Flooring: $200 - $500

• Windows and ventilation: $250 - $1,500

• Water system: $300 - $500

• Electrics and lighting: $2,000 - $3,000 (including labour)

• New mattress: $500 - $1,500

• Bathroom: $250 - $400

• Benchtop and sink: $250 - $500

• Curtains and cushions: $100 - $300

• Paint: $250 - $500

• New kitchen appliances: $250 - $3,000

• Tools and other costs: $250 - $500

Earn a return on your caravan renovation

Now that you know how to renovate a caravan, you’re one step closer to your dream home away from home! And there’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on the money you invest in renovating a caravan - rent it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!

Don’t just let your caravan gather dust while it sits in the driveway. Lease it out to other verified travellers on Camplify and make money from the comfort of your own home.

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their caravans through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused caravan!