30 Pics Of Old Ugly RVs Redesigned Into Beautiful Tiny Homes By “RV Fixer Upper”
Trina Sholin is a self-taught interior designer, and her husband Steve has a strong background in construction. The couple had been flipping houses to make a living but they started doing similar renovations on RVs on the side and in 2019, it became their full-time gig.
"Steve takes care of all of the maintenance and operations of the RVs, using his decade long experience with RVs, and I handle all design and social media as well as being hands-on during renovation," Trina wrote on their website. "Basically, we both wear 17 hats as do so many small business owners!"
And they're doing a hell of a job, too!
More info: rvfixerupper.com | Instagram
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The couple started this journey when they were seasonal full-timers in Alaska for Steve's job and were living in an RV themselves. "I couldn't handle how drab, dark and unappealing the interiors were no matter the year or the brand. This got my wheels spinning as to how I could make the interior more aesthetically pleasing while maintaining function. We spent three years living in that RV and I couldn't believe the difference it made and how much more it felt like a home after I completed the renovation."
A few years later, they started living full-time in Arizona and wanted to get back into camping, so they bought a fifth wheel, a 2004 Keystone Montana. It was at this point that their love affair for Keystone Montanas began. "It was so ugly, but the layout was perfect and it was in great condition," Trina said. "I could easily see the potential."
Do they hate cupboards? And, like, hello? PRIVACY please in the shower!
They began the renovation by ripping out everything "RV" and replacing it with things they would put in their home. "We put in a chandelier, real tile, and many other beautiful features and completely changed the look and feel of the trailer. People couldn't believe the transformation!" Trina and Steve thought they might be on to something, so they put the renovated trailer up for sale.
"It sold immediately and the rest is history! We buy, renovate and sell RVs as well as offer consulting for clients that need help and guidance in renovating their own RV."
OK, there's no way these RVs are ever intended to go on-road again. Table, loose objects, swinging light fixture... But nice manipulation of camera angle to make it look spacious.
They were redesigned to be tiny homes, not go back on the road
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A lot of negativity! A friend of mine redesigned her and her husbands 5th wheel to something similar like this- they live in it full time. They travel for work and wanted to feel like they are at home when parked, but able to easily pack up when on the road. It's worth it to them to make it feel like home and it's still roadworthy and easily hauled.
Wow, its like an entirely new space. So light and airy. I am sure when they do move the RV, all the bits that can fall will go some place secure. But fabulous job on renovating. Beautiful!
why does all the white make me feel like its like a little blanket fort? i think thats awesome either way
There is NO way this RV would be used. NOTHING white stays that way in one of these. EVER
i like these full shots because like other people asked wher eyou would eat and play cards and now we can see a table
At first i thought the pattern on the original couch and trimming was camo... but either way that was really ugly.
Note: this post originally had 46 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
Granted they look better but a lot of it seems to be lighting and brighter colors. And sacrificing a lot of storage and practically.
Also, how about the added weight? Real furniture in an RV can make it pretty heavy, and then once you get your personal stuff in there (food, clothing), the RV is overweight.
Sacrificed tons of storage to do these makeovers.
Maybe they do not need "tons" of storage. I do not. I am a minimalist and the storage in this RV is way more than I would need.
agreed! I'm a minimalist as well and this is more than enough
I have vastly less storage than this RV in my current house. For me it's an astonishing amount, it cracks me up.
If this was your full time home? Not RVs for vacations but homes.
That the minimalist lifestyle. Keeping the stuff you value and getting rid of the crap
There's nothing "minimalist" about these designs. They're crowded with quaint but worthless tchotchkes. There's a difference between "minimalist" and "poor"; these are prime examples of the latter.
When down sizing you come to find what is needed and what is just material. Hince less cleaning 😁
some of them are from the same rv though..just different angles and areas..did anybody notice?
Which is good, we can get a whole picture of the place and how it flows. I just wish they were grouped
I think these are lovely. Some people are clearly missing the whole "transformed into tiny houses" thing. Regardless, these are what the customers wanted, so... great for them!
I'm going to guess none of these RVs are meant to ever be *mobile* again. B/c, y'know. Loose stuff.
I think that’s the point, these were designed to be homes for people who can’t afford a normal house. There are quite a few people, particularly in the UK, now buying and renovating old boats and choose to live on water as house prices are so expensive.
Amazingly enough, some people have the ability to put things away when they're done with them. Also please keep in mind that these are designer show "home". All the knickknacks and doodaws don't 'convey'.
Insider actually did on article on this couple and this RV a few days ago and it’s more detailed apparently they are still able to drive them they use different things to secure the chandelier and other things. Just google Trina and Steve Sholin RV insider If you’re curious to read more about it!
Read the title! TINY HOMES
@ Red Hair, please take a breath here, okay? HOUSE = permanent structure on foundation, no wheels, can't be towed away, ask a mortgage specialist and try to get a mortgage on a mobile home/trailer/RV as if it's a HOUSE. It may be *HOME* but no, not a house.
Gotta be honest, a lot of these already looked pretty nice and there is some repeating of images going on here
So white and grey instead of brown and natural wood. Open storage instead of closed storage. Heavy materials and furniture instead of light ones. Did I miss something in the abc of RV rénovation ?
Fun? Enjoyment of looking at pretty pics?
I did the opposite. I gutted a wrecked rv and turned it into a chicken coup cheap.
Ripping out storage space isn't exactly renovating. And I read the comments of people claiming that these RV's are meant to be used as tiny houses with the fitting "non-clutter" lifestyle, but that's not what this couple says. "We buy, renovate and sell RVs as well as offer consulting for clients that need help and guidance in renovating their own RV." So yeah, the interior looks fresh and nice but also no, because camping in those RV's is going to be difficult.
And, if used as a tiny "home", in the US it will not qualify as a permanent residence or structure. And if it's dressed as it is in the photos, it's not road-safe even for towing ot a permanent site in some locales. (Swinging light fixtures.) Great "concept", but honestly, I do wish people would realize they're about to dive into the sewage of real estate legalities if they park one of these on a lot and say it is a "house"....
I would live I these
The makeovers are beautiful but seems uncomfortable. I would choose "berore". Comfort is more important to me.
It's probably a bit dependant on personal taste - for me most of the 'befores' are uncomfortable because they are so dark and depressing looking. But I also really loathe cupboards at head-height in general - they make me feel loomed over.
Before
Nicely done! Just concern how safety this RV is and the location.
I don't get putting the microwave over the cooking range. All I see are hand/arm burns and dropped items that are too hot. Makes no sense :(
Well, I see a lot of future projectiles in case of sudden braking
they're not meant to be driven anymore. a lot of people are starting to live in homes such as these since they are much cheaper and, as you can see, gorgeous!
And headaches. The light fixtures... Swinging doom!
I loved these! Also, if anyone else enjoys room makeovers, you should totally check out Mr. Kate's YouTube channel. :)
Can SOMEONE build Norma an RV full of cabinets and TVs please?!?!?!?!?!?!
noo no no you forgot the tables for playing cards with the neighbors
These are beautiful. Totally impractical for RVing, but beautiful nonetheless.
Great, simple ideas. A lot just involve painting and papering, some removal of old fashioned seating and placing new, free standing types. Taking the attitude that it's a home rather than a caravan. Al lot of this you could do yourself - if you could be bothered. Well done!
These were so aesthetically pleasing that its killing me <3
The article failed to mention if the rvs are still road worthy? What about fire retardant in materials they replace?
People build their own trailers from the ground up, these are just a renovation. Plus licencing is a lot easier with these commercial trailers. They are more of a tinder box then a proper tiny house though. Looking at most of these, they are designed to only be moved max a couple times of year as you would have a lot to secure but still doable.
honestly i kind of like some of the older designs better because it makes it feel so much more homey and campy and like memories of your childhood would be filled within the old wooden planks and cabinets. that is what going on road trips in an RV is about! that's where many family memories come from, and making it super modern and stylish kind of takes away from the fun of hitting the road and stopping to camp and roast marshmallows. i still loved the reno's and though they were amazing, and some were definitely improvements, but that's just my opinion :)
Great Idea! All I need to start my own RV renovation company is 1000 liters of white paint and wood grain laminate flooring! Done!
In some of these, they opened up space by replacing larger furniture with smaller, more modern pieces. It looks nice. But I have to admit, a few years ago my husband talked me into ditching my trendy midcentury modern sofa for one of those overstuffed "man" sofas that recline. It's so much more comfortable. If I were living in one of these tiny homes full time, I still think I'd want a cushy sofa rather than an upholstered bench.
Vanessa Lapato like
if you look in the picture that shows the whole room - you can see there is still a sofa just behind the bench, but i get what you mean
Well done. I was hoping to see a teeny RV converted. Thinking of purchasing one when I retire and became a Weekend Warrior on Wheels.
Some places weren't ugly ... They just changed with changing tastes in decor.
I think almost all of these looked fine before redesign. I guess some people have too much $$ on their hands.
now my question is -- was the "makeover" more expensive than just buying a regular house? or just in that case did they want bigger houses or just to stay in the rv
I love how the White opens everything up. Just looking at it redone makes me feel like I can breath easier. I can't help but wonder why they don't design these RV's with lighter, brighter colors (at least to choose from). Do away with all the darkness.....??
What do you do with your tiny "home" when the temperature hits -30C?
@Leo Domitrix - Please take a breath and re-read @Red Heart Blue Soul's comment here, okay? They called it a *HOME*, not a HOUSE.
Allot of these were really nice to begin with...
Another cardinal rule seems to be get rid of the dated but ergonomically sensible rounded counters and tables. I sed bruised hips by the hundreds in these abodes. Yes, right angles are crisper and more contemporary, but in small spaces they're lethal.
Can I suggest that instead of putting abbreviations like RV, which are specific to certain countries, you let everyone know what it actually stands for? We're not all American, you know.
recreational vehicle
Yeah, but my point is this might not be easy to work out for people from non-English speaking countries.
Peoples negative reactions here are just asinine. They can't seem to read the title of what these Reno's are about, and they get off on pulling others down. These little wieners are the critics President Lincoln was speaking of. You look small wieners. Small, petty and jealous. Didn't you get raised with the manners to not speak if all you have to say is negative?
More and more people these days don't need a lot of "stuff". Especially as young kids are growing up and seeing the results of their parents spending a lot of money on too much "stuff"--and as these same kids are facing more of an economic pinch which means they can't afford all this "stuff"--massive amounts of storage space aren't necessary.
Granted they look better but a lot of it seems to be lighting and brighter colors. And sacrificing a lot of storage and practically.
Also, how about the added weight? Real furniture in an RV can make it pretty heavy, and then once you get your personal stuff in there (food, clothing), the RV is overweight.
Sacrificed tons of storage to do these makeovers.
Maybe they do not need "tons" of storage. I do not. I am a minimalist and the storage in this RV is way more than I would need.
agreed! I'm a minimalist as well and this is more than enough
I have vastly less storage than this RV in my current house. For me it's an astonishing amount, it cracks me up.
If this was your full time home? Not RVs for vacations but homes.
That the minimalist lifestyle. Keeping the stuff you value and getting rid of the crap
There's nothing "minimalist" about these designs. They're crowded with quaint but worthless tchotchkes. There's a difference between "minimalist" and "poor"; these are prime examples of the latter.
When down sizing you come to find what is needed and what is just material. Hince less cleaning 😁
some of them are from the same rv though..just different angles and areas..did anybody notice?
Which is good, we can get a whole picture of the place and how it flows. I just wish they were grouped
I think these are lovely. Some people are clearly missing the whole "transformed into tiny houses" thing. Regardless, these are what the customers wanted, so... great for them!
I'm going to guess none of these RVs are meant to ever be *mobile* again. B/c, y'know. Loose stuff.
I think that’s the point, these were designed to be homes for people who can’t afford a normal house. There are quite a few people, particularly in the UK, now buying and renovating old boats and choose to live on water as house prices are so expensive.
Amazingly enough, some people have the ability to put things away when they're done with them. Also please keep in mind that these are designer show "home". All the knickknacks and doodaws don't 'convey'.
Insider actually did on article on this couple and this RV a few days ago and it’s more detailed apparently they are still able to drive them they use different things to secure the chandelier and other things. Just google Trina and Steve Sholin RV insider If you’re curious to read more about it!
Read the title! TINY HOMES
@ Red Hair, please take a breath here, okay? HOUSE = permanent structure on foundation, no wheels, can't be towed away, ask a mortgage specialist and try to get a mortgage on a mobile home/trailer/RV as if it's a HOUSE. It may be *HOME* but no, not a house.
Gotta be honest, a lot of these already looked pretty nice and there is some repeating of images going on here
So white and grey instead of brown and natural wood. Open storage instead of closed storage. Heavy materials and furniture instead of light ones. Did I miss something in the abc of RV rénovation ?
Fun? Enjoyment of looking at pretty pics?
I did the opposite. I gutted a wrecked rv and turned it into a chicken coup cheap.
Ripping out storage space isn't exactly renovating. And I read the comments of people claiming that these RV's are meant to be used as tiny houses with the fitting "non-clutter" lifestyle, but that's not what this couple says. "We buy, renovate and sell RVs as well as offer consulting for clients that need help and guidance in renovating their own RV." So yeah, the interior looks fresh and nice but also no, because camping in those RV's is going to be difficult.
And, if used as a tiny "home", in the US it will not qualify as a permanent residence or structure. And if it's dressed as it is in the photos, it's not road-safe even for towing ot a permanent site in some locales. (Swinging light fixtures.) Great "concept", but honestly, I do wish people would realize they're about to dive into the sewage of real estate legalities if they park one of these on a lot and say it is a "house"....
I would live I these
The makeovers are beautiful but seems uncomfortable. I would choose "berore". Comfort is more important to me.
It's probably a bit dependant on personal taste - for me most of the 'befores' are uncomfortable because they are so dark and depressing looking. But I also really loathe cupboards at head-height in general - they make me feel loomed over.
Before
Nicely done! Just concern how safety this RV is and the location.
I don't get putting the microwave over the cooking range. All I see are hand/arm burns and dropped items that are too hot. Makes no sense :(
Well, I see a lot of future projectiles in case of sudden braking
they're not meant to be driven anymore. a lot of people are starting to live in homes such as these since they are much cheaper and, as you can see, gorgeous!
And headaches. The light fixtures... Swinging doom!
I loved these! Also, if anyone else enjoys room makeovers, you should totally check out Mr. Kate's YouTube channel. :)
Can SOMEONE build Norma an RV full of cabinets and TVs please?!?!?!?!?!?!
noo no no you forgot the tables for playing cards with the neighbors
These are beautiful. Totally impractical for RVing, but beautiful nonetheless.
Great, simple ideas. A lot just involve painting and papering, some removal of old fashioned seating and placing new, free standing types. Taking the attitude that it's a home rather than a caravan. Al lot of this you could do yourself - if you could be bothered. Well done!
These were so aesthetically pleasing that its killing me <3
The article failed to mention if the rvs are still road worthy? What about fire retardant in materials they replace?
People build their own trailers from the ground up, these are just a renovation. Plus licencing is a lot easier with these commercial trailers. They are more of a tinder box then a proper tiny house though. Looking at most of these, they are designed to only be moved max a couple times of year as you would have a lot to secure but still doable.
honestly i kind of like some of the older designs better because it makes it feel so much more homey and campy and like memories of your childhood would be filled within the old wooden planks and cabinets. that is what going on road trips in an RV is about! that's where many family memories come from, and making it super modern and stylish kind of takes away from the fun of hitting the road and stopping to camp and roast marshmallows. i still loved the reno's and though they were amazing, and some were definitely improvements, but that's just my opinion :)
Great Idea! All I need to start my own RV renovation company is 1000 liters of white paint and wood grain laminate flooring! Done!
In some of these, they opened up space by replacing larger furniture with smaller, more modern pieces. It looks nice. But I have to admit, a few years ago my husband talked me into ditching my trendy midcentury modern sofa for one of those overstuffed "man" sofas that recline. It's so much more comfortable. If I were living in one of these tiny homes full time, I still think I'd want a cushy sofa rather than an upholstered bench.
Vanessa Lapato like
if you look in the picture that shows the whole room - you can see there is still a sofa just behind the bench, but i get what you mean
Well done. I was hoping to see a teeny RV converted. Thinking of purchasing one when I retire and became a Weekend Warrior on Wheels.
Some places weren't ugly ... They just changed with changing tastes in decor.
I think almost all of these looked fine before redesign. I guess some people have too much $$ on their hands.
now my question is -- was the "makeover" more expensive than just buying a regular house? or just in that case did they want bigger houses or just to stay in the rv
I love how the White opens everything up. Just looking at it redone makes me feel like I can breath easier. I can't help but wonder why they don't design these RV's with lighter, brighter colors (at least to choose from). Do away with all the darkness.....??
What do you do with your tiny "home" when the temperature hits -30C?
@Leo Domitrix - Please take a breath and re-read @Red Heart Blue Soul's comment here, okay? They called it a *HOME*, not a HOUSE.
Allot of these were really nice to begin with...
Another cardinal rule seems to be get rid of the dated but ergonomically sensible rounded counters and tables. I sed bruised hips by the hundreds in these abodes. Yes, right angles are crisper and more contemporary, but in small spaces they're lethal.
Can I suggest that instead of putting abbreviations like RV, which are specific to certain countries, you let everyone know what it actually stands for? We're not all American, you know.
recreational vehicle
Yeah, but my point is this might not be easy to work out for people from non-English speaking countries.
Peoples negative reactions here are just asinine. They can't seem to read the title of what these Reno's are about, and they get off on pulling others down. These little wieners are the critics President Lincoln was speaking of. You look small wieners. Small, petty and jealous. Didn't you get raised with the manners to not speak if all you have to say is negative?
More and more people these days don't need a lot of "stuff". Especially as young kids are growing up and seeing the results of their parents spending a lot of money on too much "stuff"--and as these same kids are facing more of an economic pinch which means they can't afford all this "stuff"--massive amounts of storage space aren't necessary.