RV Remodel Ideas

Velos · September 1, 2015

We have decided to remodel instead of buy new and have been making little changes all summer. I found this show on HGTV called Tiny House Nation and many of the ideas can work in an RV.

I just watched a recent episode that had an incinerating toilet? http://tinyhousefor.us/tiny-house-spotlight/perfect-tiny-home/

I have never seen one before but thought what an idea you only have to empty the ash every 6 mos or so?

I found several websites explaining how they work: https://www.google.com/search?q=incinerator+toilet&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

gypsydan · September 1, 2015

Looking forward to hearing what people's experiences have been.

I'm interested in comparing this with composting toilets, which have also been discussed on this forum.

Darryl&Rita · September 1, 2015

As a service/repairman, I wouldn't waste the time or money on one. We installed a bunch, at a customer"s request. Due to training issues for the end user, we had many, many failures. You don't want to have to work on one that's failed. The thought was to save money by reducing Honey Wagon trips, but repair trips ate any savings.

Chris Smith · April 22, 2016

This article has some cool upgrades that aren't too hard or expensive. There are some great ideas that can just make you feel more at home like a nice shower head, and better kitchen storage.

https://camera-source.com/blog/10-low-cost-low-tech-upgrades-for-your-rv

Nuke-E · May 3, 2016

It's still a work in progress, but feel free to check out what's been going on in my rig--mainly in the kitchen. I'm slowly getting the content caught up to where I am now.

This link will take you directly to the posts on the kitchen remodel, while the link in my signature will take you to the main site. Newest stuff first, so if you want to follow along from the beginning head to the bottom of the last page.

Yarome · May 3, 2016

that

I just watched a recent episode that had an incinerating toilet?

I don't have any personal experience with them, but it's something I did look in to a year or two ago. I have a trusted acquaintance that had one installed. I don't know if he uses it any more, but at the time he remarked, "horribly inefficient, fumes, runs forever, don't try to use it too much, good luck expecting to clean just 'ashes'."

That's about where I decided it wasn't for me. I know the 120v models do much better than the 12v (although.. at the time.. they were pulling 15amps with a 'liquid' cycle around 5-10 minutes and a 'solid' cycle around 35-40 minutes), and I know they have LP and diesel fueled models out now. For a 50amp rig on shore power that probably doesn't mean much, but a 30amp rig would need to watch their other loads every time you need to 'flush'.. and on inverter.. that's just not really a viable.

Nuke-E · May 4, 2016

I suppose I'm curious as to why you'd look at an incinerating toilet as part of the remodel. I certainly see it if you don't already have a holding tank, or don't have any space below the floor (like a lot of tiny homes), but I guess I'm missing the appeal otherwise. It's bigger, more expensive, and you're still going to have grey water to need to get rid of. But certainly, if you go that route, it would be interesting to see what you think.

Yarome · May 4, 2016

I guess I'm missing the appeal otherwise.

It has fantastic appeal to me, but just not practical. Not using water to flush greatly extends your fresh water supply, the existing black tank can be converted to gray water storage or be removed to add additional fresh water capacity. If it worked as advertised it also would negate the need to deal with black water disposal and is much more eco-friendly.

Nuke-E · May 4, 2016

the existing black tank can be converted to gray water storage

Duh. I should have thought of that. Another 75 gallons of grey would let me go almost to the end of my fresh water supply.

and is much more eco-friendly

I guess that all depends on the criteria--if you end up running the generator for power, probably not. If you're just talking about dealing with the waste itself, I could see that.

pugsly · May 4, 2016

If you want to get away from black water, my choice would be a composting toilet. I know several folks who have gone to one, and they all seem quite happy with the way they work - but also state that there is a bit of a learning curve on care and feeding.

Velos · May 4, 2016

It's still a work in progress, but feel free to check out what's been going on in my rig--mainly in the kitchen. I'm slowly getting the content caught up to where I am now.

This link will take you directly to the posts on the kitchen remodel, while the link in my signature will take you to the main site. Newest stuff first, so if you want to follow along from the beginning head to the bottom of the last page.

Just looked at your kitchen remodel link. Thanks for posting GREAT ideas and well done.

Nuke-E · May 4, 2016

Just looked at your kitchen remodel link. Thanks for posting GREAT ideas and well done.

Thanks!

sandsys · December 22, 2020

14 hours ago, LaurenPham said:

Remodeling your RV can be a daunting project, but it can also be a whole lot of fun. After all, depending on how far you take it and how much work you’re willing to put in, you can basically create your very own custom RV from scratch. And even if you’re not ready to strip your rig down to its bare bones, it’s surprising how much small touches can add to your RV’s ease of use and coziness.

Welcome to a friendly and helpful forum. It sounds like you might fit right in.

I know this thread is four years old but as a newby to this lifestyle it makes sense to me that you will be reading lots of stuff that is old to many of us but new to you. Your input is welcome whatever form it takes.

Linda Sand