Class B RV Interior Mods for Fulltime Living
So, how do you like your van?
We get asked that a lot. I think it’s the small size. People - other RVers mainly - wonder how we can live in a 19’ campervan comfortably.
For me, it’s all about being organized. And comfortable. And “chasing away the ugly” parts of the van - faded woodwork, etc.
Main Areas
We’ve covered how we’ve organized the Class B kitchen and bathroom. And how we’ve managed clothes storage and device charging.
Other Modifications
We’ve done a bunch of other things to the interior of the van, so I’m covering them here in this catch-all post. Photos and details below.
Up front we replaced the uncomfortable "blue marshmallow" RV captain chairs with more comfortable bucket seats from an '02 Dodge minivan.
This hook is just right of the main side entry door. When parked we loop the seat belt through it. Otherwise the hanging seat belt blocks part of the entry way.
Before and after of installing a new floor. The new floor is just peel and stick tiles and cost < $20.00.
The rear door didn't have an interior grab handle, so I added one.
I bought a $3 mantle clock at Goodwill, pulled the clock portion out, and mounted it up between the front seats.
I removed the fabric from this entry wall, painted it, and mounted a photo frame with pictures from our travels.
I also painted the (sunfaded) outer portion of the wall and put decal versions of our logo and name there. We can choose to display them or not by just opening or closing the left side door.
This shelf is at the very back of the van. We keep books there but they kept falling out while the van was in motion. I snagged a cargo net from a junkyard car and installed it to keep everything in place.
The radio didn't work, and we use a bluetooth speaker anyway. I created a filler panel and adapted a GPS mount to attach to the filler panel. The wiring all runs behind the dash.
I used Command Hooks to make a storage spot for my different glasses.
I installed magnetic phone mounts above the bed. We now can lay back and stream movies from Amazon Prime.
What Mods Have You Made?
If you are a fellow van-dweller, what mods have you made to make the tiny home more liveable?
Hey Michael: Great modifications there. How difficult was it to change out the faucet? Is the sink above the refrigerator box? I like the front seats. Our 2006 PW has the old style Captain’s chairs and the driver’s side can’t rotate because of the closet. The passenger seat can rotate but it’s a real hassle. Smaller trimmer seats might help. We used a 24” by 60” shoe hanger for inside the bathroom door and we can stow a lot of miscellaneous stuff in there. I’ll send some photos of our other mods if you’re interested. We changed out the sofa for twin beds with actuators to make them recline.
The faucet was the hardest project I’ve done yet.
First was the research - our van has the gray polybutelene plumbing that is illegal to install now. I went to a local long-term plumbing supply house and as soon as I said what I had I could tell they just didn’t want to deal with me.
They referred me to a supply shop 25 miles away that specializes in RVs and mobile homes. I called them and was all assured they had what I wanted. Got there and it was like..phone call? What phone call? They sold me PEX connnectors and said they’d also work on the gray PB stuff.
Not so.
Came home, did more research and found the SharkBite transition couplings designed to do just that - bridge between the PB an PEX. I found them at my local Lowes.
Install was a hassle - but no, no fridge underneath. Just cabinets and drawers. Lots of awkward positions and scrapes on arms from reaching in. I had to add an elbow to connect things and first one I bought leaked like a sieve. I bought another Sharkbite elbow and it looks to be holding.
Ideally I’d replumb the entire van to get rid of all the PB stuff - but I have no time for that at the moment.
These seats work great. Passenger side just swings around nicely. DS I have to move some chairs I store behind it but then it’s not bad.
I have my eye on the inside of the bathroom door - so far we don’t need it but it’s good to have room for expansion.
You should put your pics up on the web somewhere…then I could link to them here!
Great mods. It’s amazing how much difference small changes make. It looks like “yours” now. I especially like your accent wall and the photo frame collage of your travels.
Thanks De’Etta!