Budgeting

[Jscott285]

If you were remodeling a Fifth Wheel, what would be a good starting budget? We are talking new appliances, new carpeting, and new furniture, along with an overhaul on the bathroom. Thanks so much!

[bucky]

The OP never said that he/she was going to sell it after the remodel.
The main issue with the older units is the hideous colors. We have had the dinette cushions recovered and tossed the ugly sofa for nice zero gravity recliners. What a difference little things make. The window valances are next. Maybe the flooring at some point.
The roof was professionally resealed a year ago as a precaution.
Tough to remodel a bath. Maybe update the sink and the toilet.
New mattress and replace the appliances as they fail.
This is a 2007 Jayco 345BHS we've had for 6 years now. Other than it's gigantic size we love it.
Welcome to the forum. Go Heels.

[Super_Dave]

I’ve read countless posts here where everyone laments that older 5ers were built better. Now they aren’t worth renovating or remodeling. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

[filrupmark]

Better reseal your moneypit also. ??

[Johndanielscpa]

An RV is not an investment; it’s a depreciable asset. In short, monetary value is irrelevant. If you are “investing” money to resell it, that is an investment decision which, in this case and as others have said, does not provide a solid return. If you are “spending” money to make an existing asset “better,” that is considered a “betterment,” in which the value is the benefit that comes from the spending. In short, if you really like your trailer, it is solid, and will last you long enough to make spending the money on upgrades worthwhile, ignore the presumed “value” and consider the expenditure as you would any other expenditure that does not provide a monetary return; e.g. a cruise, night out at the movies, two week vacation with family, etc.

[packnrat]

think not in cash value, but in use value.

as in for every $100.usd in, you would be lucky to get back (at a sale) $20,usd.
but you can build as you want, need. not what some other thought you should have.

[Veebyes]

Agree with everyone else. You will probably put more than current worth into it & not increase the value by anywhere near what you put into it when you are finished. It will also probably cost double the original estimate once you get into it & find other things along the way.

That is the bad news.

The good news is, if you really like the trailer & plan to be in it for the long haul, doing a serious refit & upgrade is well worth the time & effort.

[dblr]

Not that it matters but on what brand are you going to do, as some have said might not be worth the cost but then again if it's one of the older builders that built a quality unit and your happy with that might change some folks thought. I am talking like Teton or Travel Supreme and along that line. Good luck and hope it goes well for you.

[Lwiddis]

Whatever you remodel will still an ‘05, ‘06 etc 5er.

[Tyler0215]

For a total remodel like you are talking about, you will never get your money back on selling it.
Spend whatever you are comfortable with and enjoy your "new" 5'er.

[jerem0621]

5-10k

Or in other words, about what the trailer is worth. I am about to do the same with a car. A 2003 Impala with 230,000 miles. It’s not worth much to sell but I’m about to put $2,000 or so in a new transmission. It’s worth it to keep it around for my teenage sons to learn to drive in. It’s reliable and still knocks down 25 plus MPG freeway.

Decide if it is worth it to you, that is the most important thing.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[enblethen]

Probably far more then a replacement rig!