Can You Put Regular Furniture In an RV?


Can-You-Put-Regular-Furniture-in-an-RV

An RV is a home away from home for many people. The furniture in an RV is standard for safety and flexibility. RV furniture can be a little drab, so many people choose to install new furniture. New RV furniture can come from the dealership or be installed by the owner.

Can you put regular furniture in an RV? Yes, an RV can be outfitted with regular furniture. Any household furniture with the proper dimensions can be secured into an RV. However, regular furniture does require some installation adjustments, which keep the passengers, drivers, and RV safe for the open road.

However, the ability to optimize the RV’s space and maintain comfort while road-tripping by far outweigh any disadvantages.

All furniture can become RV furniture. There are a few considerations to make before you choose the do-it-yourself option over a dealership.

Furniture and Your RV

Furnishing your RV with regular furniture gives you more control over the look and feel of your RV. You get to play interior designer on a rolling residence rather than a house.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both the RV furniture that comes stock and the regular furniture you install.

The following chart outlines the pros and cons of both regular and RV furniture:

ProsCons
Regular furniture– Comfortable

– Freedom of choice

– Elegant and stylish

– Only paying for the furniture and installation partsStreamlined look
– Most dealerships won’t install it

– Can be difficult and time-consuming to install it

– Does not always offer dual or multiple uses
– Must remove old furniture
RV furniture– Specifically designed for an RV

– Comes installed when you purchase
– Can be replaced at a dealership Versatile – often has multiple uses
– Not always the prettiest

– May be uncomfortable

– May be unstylish

– Dealership labor can be expensive

As you can discern from the chart above, the types of furniture are evenly matched. The major difference with adding or upgrading your RV to regular furniture is that it takes your labor and time to do the installation.

If you are handy with tools and other home renovation tasks, this is an easy project for you!

Compatible Furniture for Your RV

There are four major spaces to think about when outfitting your RV with regular furniture: the living room, dining area, kitchen, and bedroom. Many times, the furniture in an RV serves multiple purposes, so you may sacrifice that luxury when you install regular furniture.

Potential pieces of furniture to replace:

  • Living room couch and chairs
  • Dinette booths and table
  • Kitchen cabinets
  • Mattress and bed frame

Where to find regular furniture for your RV:

  • Anywhere you shop for regular furniture
  • Furniture store
  • Thrift store
  • Online shopping
  • In overstock

If you have a favorite furniture store or thrift shop, stop there first. You want to find a furnishing that will fit into your space, both physically and stylistically.

Related reading: How Wide Is a Standard RV Door? – All You Need To Know

Replacing and Removing Your RV’s Furniture

Replacing your RV’s furniture requires a significant time commitment and some do-it-yourself skills. RV renovations are fun and very feasible projects.

Follow these steps to find the right furniture for your RV:

  1. Take detailed measurements of the current RV furniture and surrounding areas.
  2. Do not forget to measure the opening where you plan to bring in the new furniture. This ensures you can get your new furnishings through the door!
  3. Use these dimensions to find a piece you like.

You will want to avoid heavier pieces. You do not want the furniture to add extra weight to the vehicle. Make sure to choose a lightweight, easy to maneuver piece of furniture.

How to Install New Furniture in Your RV

Installing RV furniture by yourself can be tricky. It helps to have a helping hand to maneuver the furniture throughout the cabin. When you install your furniture, there are three different methods most people use for attachment.

The three different types of RV furniture attachments are:

Type of AttachmentFeatures
Bungee cords– Stretched across furniture and attached to interior holdings

– Can be removed when parked

– May cause sliding but not substantial movement during travel
Brackets– Drilled into the furniture and the RV

– Fixes the furnishing in place

– Most permanent option

– May cause unwanted damage if you consider the RV twisting and bending while in motion
Velcro straps or strips– Least visible

– Provides great security

All of these options are relatively affordable and will give you peace of mind while on the road. Choosing an attachment type may depend on the piece of furniture you are installing.

However, it is always important to make sure the furniture is secure to operate your RV safely. Once you have decided how you will attach your new furniture, you are ready to install it.

Follow these steps to install a piece of regular furniture in your RV:

  1. Remove all unwanted furnishings.
  2. Clean and prep the space thoroughly for install.
  3. Move your new furniture into place.
  4. Mark out and remeasure for where you are going to attach the furniture to secure it.
  5. Check the attachment sites for any wires, pipes, or other equipment that may be disturbed by the attachments.
  6. Think about the areas you may not be able to see, like a pipe under the floor that you don’t want to drill into accidentally! You don’t want to interrupt any important and integral structures.
  7. Attach the furniture using your choice of attachment.
  8. Once your furniture is secure, you are ready to drive!

Related reading: How To Repair Travel Trailer Walls [Must-Read]

Additional Upgrades That Enhance the RV Experience

In addition to new furniture, many RV households do more cosmetic changes. These changes can range from simple to time-consuming.

Other types of RV enhancements include:

  • Painting – Any surface in your RV can be painted
  • Installing flooring – A new floor can be a drastic change to the feel of the space
  • Reupholstering – Sometimes cheaper and less time-consuming for fabric furnishings
  • Refurbishing cabinets – Paint, outfit with new hardware, or add new shelves
  • Adding additional storage – Turn unused overhead space into shelves or cabinets
  • Upgrading your curtains and shades – Choose black-out options that allow you to sleep in

Your RV can be a mini dream house. With a little imagination and creativity, you can transform the often cramped spaces into what works best for your needs.

How to Save Space in Your RV

On top of upgrading your RV, many opt for regular furniture because it can open up the space and make it feel larger. Space-saving measures are a must for any RV.

Some quick options for saving space are:

  1. Temporary hooks – Allows for easy removal, but creates room for towels, jackets, and more
  2. Storage bins, containers, and baskets – Organize and consolidate similar items
  3. Thin hangers – Closet space will go much farther without those clunkier hangers
  4. Rethink your walls – Can an empty space have more shelves installed?

Where Can I Sell My Used RV Furniture?

When it’s time to upgrade your RV furniture, RV owners are most likely to realize just how expensive RV furniture has become.

Often it’s a more cost-efficient move to sell your used furniture to defray expenses or seek quality used RV furniture online. Some great places to sell your used RV furniture is these sites:

  1. Craiglist

Craigslist is a good place for private sellers who wish to advertise their used RV furniture to the public.

Registration is easy and you may upload photographs and information that may be relevant to your prospective buyers.

One caveat is to never allow merchandise to be collected or shipped without proper proof of payment. Less than savory types do seem to gravitate to this portal sometimes.

3. Ebay

Ebay may be a similar option for a private seller wishing to advertise used RV furniture. However, one had to look into shipping prices etc if you wish to receive offers from international buyers.

3. Facebook 

Facebook often allows people to form groups to trade and sell specialized items such as RV furniture.

Search local groups to find if people close to your residence are trading or selling similar items.

How Do You Secure Furniture In An RV?

You can secure your furniture in an RV by using Velcro, bungee cords or bolts. For more details, check down below:

1.Velcro

One neat and non-intrusive way to keep your RV furniture shifting when you travel is by securing them with Velcro.

The Velcro comes in a roll and can easily be secured to your furniture and keep it from shifting during transit. This is the best solution for RV owners who wish to stop their furniture shift but still want the choice to move their furniture in the RV as they choose.

2.Bungee cords

You may secure your Rv furniture by screwing in four eye bolts into the floor of your RV with enough space to fit the furniture you wish to stabilize.

You can use a bungee cord net secured to your eyebolts to prevent your furniture from shifting during transit.

3. Bolts

If you are certain of the perfect spot for a piece or pieces of RV furniture, you can make the situation permanent.

You may attach the item using small angel brackets found at most hardware stores and secure it to the floor using small wood screws.

Ensure that you know where you are drilling before you get stuck in, and that fluid or mechanical parts aren’t underneath your drilling area.

Who Makes Thomas Payne RV Furniture?

Who makes Thomas Payne RV furniture? The Thomas Payne RV furniture brand is part of the Lippert Components company and has a reputation for high quality and durability.

Established in 1956 as a manufacturer of galvanized roofing for RVs Lippert Components has come a long way.

Their name is now synonymous with top-tired supplier of furniture for motorhomes, 5th wheels, and travel trailers.

They have a large range of motor home, and travel trailer specific jackknife sofas, trifold sofas, and right-hand recliners, just to mention a few.

With over 60 years of experience, they are one of the longest running family owned RV catered manufacturers out there. 

What Is A Tri fold Sofa?

What is a tri fold sofa? A trifold sofa is an excellent alternative to the traditional pull out beds that are uncomfortable to sleep on due to the center bars beneath the mattress.

Trifold beds pull out easily and rest their weight on legs that fold out when you pull out the center part of the couch.

They are specifically made without bar supports under your sleeping area for extra comfort and the legs are adjustable to give you a perfect angle of flatness.

An example of a trifold bed is the Thomas Payne RV Sleeper Trifold on Amazon

What Size Is An RV Sofa Bed?

What size is an RV sofa bed? The most common RV sofa bed sizes you will find on the market are the following:

  • ¾ or antique size – 48”x75”
  • Twin mattress 38”x75”
  • Queen bed 60’x80”
  • Full 53”x75”
  • King size bed 72”x80”

RV sofa beds come in a variety of sizes to suit your RV needs. You need to ensure that you measure your available space carefully in order to purchase the correct sofa bed for your space limitations.

RV sofa beds are available in trifold, jackknife, and traditional hide-a-bed. Inflatable hide-a-beds are also a budget option but are not as durable or comfortable as the other styles of fold-out RV beds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions people often have about RV furniture:

In Conclusion

Your RV is a mini home, and you can decorate it like one. Regular furniture in your RV will completely change the look and feel of the space.

Adding regular furniture allows you to think outside of the box and approach this challenge with fun and creativity.

RVing is all about the drive; you want to be comfortable and happy. Outfitting your RV with regular furniture is an easy project that only requires a few helping hands.

Remember, though, that this is a completely do-it-yourself type of job. Your regular furniture will turn heads, and you will get to brag about how you did it all yourself.

Jessica Gilmour

Jessica is co-founder of RV and Playa and loves sharing her enthusiasm for the Beach- and RVing lifestyle. As a full-time RVer since December 2017, Jessica playful writing style helps make learning about RV a bit more interesting. Nothing is as freeing as being on the beach (Playa), lacing your feet with the sand, having the water lap your legs and becoming one with nature.

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