While RVs are designed to be turn-key, many aftermarket accessories can upgrade your RV interior. Whether you splurge on big-ticket items like lithium batteries or simply replace the showerhead, these items increase the functionality of your RV. Small changes can make a big difference in your day-to-day enjoyment.
Before changing anything, try several test runs in your new rig to see where your pain points are, which will be different for everyone. Then, look to see if there’s a solution. Chances are, you can find many ideas and products that will solve practically any problem you have. Before long, you’ll be relaxing in comfort.
Here are 8 of the best RV aftermarket upgrades and accessory essentials for your interior:
1. Mattress
- A good night’s sleep is essential, so it’s not surprising that replacing the mattress is often one of the first upgrades RVers make to their new RV. While manufacturers are continually improving the OEM mattresses, yours may not fit with your preferences.
- Luckily, a number of options exist. If you have a standard-size mattress, you can replace your RV with any mattress you can fit through the door (memory foam mattresses are popular for this reason). If you have an unusual size or shape, some manufacturers create customized mattresses.
- Recommended Products: RV Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding and Tochta
2. Showerhead
- A showerhead is something you use daily and may not think a lot about—that is, until you realize an inexpensive upgrade can make a true difference. Replacing your showerhead can increase the pressure. Not only can a replacement offer a better experience, but it can also help you conserve water.
- Many offer a “pause” feature, allowing you to temporarily cut the water down to a dribble while you lather without turning it all the way off. Your water stays at your selected temperature and is ready to go whenever you are. Plus, there’s no need to be handy, as this is a simple upgrade to make at home.
- Recommended Products: Oxygenics and Dura Faucet
3. Water Purification System
- How clean do you want your water? Your answer may depend on where you’ll primarily be sourcing it from. If you plan to hook up at RV parks where clean city water is readily available, adding a simple inline water filter to your hose may be all you need.
- However, if you’ll be camping in remote locations and drinking a lot of tap water, installing an upgraded system can ensure you remove chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants from your water. Plus, this may even improve the taste of your water. Many options exist, and some may require an experienced service center for installation.
- Recommended Products: Acuva Technologies, Clearsource, and Camco
4. Lithium Batteries
- Depending on where your RV batteries are housed, this could be an exterior upgrade; however, when replacing OEM batteries with lithium, many owners prefer to move them inside whenever possible to offer better protection. Lithium batteries are more sensitive to temperature and moisture.
- Despite this, they offer many advantages over typical lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries can be discharged to a lower percentage without damage, meaning they last longer. While they cost more than lead-acid batteries, they have longer lifespans and won’t require replacement as frequently. They also weigh less, charge faster, and do not require as much maintenance. A knowledgeable supplier can help you find the best option for your rig.
- Recommended Product: Dragonfly Energy
5. Vent Fan
- Replacing your vent fan can increase ventilation and reduce moisture, which is especially helpful in your bathroom. Some have rain sensors, allowing them to automatically close to prevent water from entering.
- Additionally, some have temperature sensors, allowing them to automatically activate when your RV warms above the set temperature. Some models come with remote controls, giving you the power to change the settings without leaving your chair or bed. While this may be a DIY project for some RVers, installation may require the expertise of a service center.
- Recommended Products: Maxxair and Dometic
6. Temperature Monitoring System for Pets
- Are you traveling with furry friends who will remain in the RV while you venture out? If so, a temperature monitoring system is essential, allowing you to receive alerts whenever the temperature goes out of a safe range. You never know when your campground or RV is going to experience an electric outage, so these monitors offer peace of mind. Some require a WiFi signal to operate, while others can use cell signals. They do not require any installation. Simply place the device in your RV and set up your controls on the app.
- Recommended Products: Waggle, Necto, and Temp Stick
7. Screen Door Guard
- If you’re traveling with pets or small children, consider adding a screen door guard to protect the fragile screen your RV likely came with. These overlays easily attach to your existing door and help prevent tears and falls. They are available in plastic and metal, and some even add a decorative touch. It’s better to protect your screen than to deal with repairing or replacing it later.
- Recommended Products: Lippert, Duo-Form Plastics, and Camco
8. Storage Solutions
- To optimize your limited storage, it’s often helpful to purchase extra shelves, bins, drawer organizers, and hooks. Inside your storage cabinets, shelves and bins can help you pack the space more efficiently, while staying more organized. Wherever you have a blank wall, adding hooks can give you extra spots for storing items like hats, keys, and jackets.
- Some RVers add sliding cargo drawers under dinette seats and in underbelly storage compartments to increase access to hard-to-reach spots. Many websites and Facebook groups share inspiration, allowing you to find the solutions that work best for you. Before long, you’ll have a place for everything and everything in its place.
- Recommended Products: etrailer and Lippert
