Choosing the Proper Furniture for Your RV

A recreational vehicle is perfect for you if you enjoy travel and want to live comfortablywithout sacrificing the coziness of home. And whereas furnishing a non-mobile home that one owns is far from simple, the constraints of an RV are entirely different than those of a traditional home. What you choose in a rig will directly affect where you have to stay, what you can carry with you, how comfortable your living is, and how efficiently you'll use fuel. So, when it comes to splurging, there are a few things you'll want to get right so your money isn't wasted on something that won't make your trips on the road more enjoyable.

Size and Scale

The most important dimension is size and scale. RVs are small and there is only so much square footage with an exact floor plan. Exact dimensions are a must before you buy any product. Don’t just size up floor area and height, though — also ensure that furniture you’re moving in will fit through the door and under over-conveyed cabinets, air conditioning units or smokestacks. Oversize furniture can also crowd the floor and block paths, creating safety hazards. You also want to find pieces that are to scale for your interior, where you can move around and it doesn't feel closed in.

Weight

Another function closely related to size is weight. A heavy, solid-wood sofa can look lovely, but eat up your RV's hauling cargo carrying capacity (CCC) in a hurry. As Your vehicle is packed up with the household staff furniture, then the weight of the vehicle is also increased by each pound of stuffed furniture and it affects your breaking distance, handing and miles per gallon. Look for light construction on an aluminum frame, laminated wood or high-quality plastic. And there are also plenty of companies out there who focus primarily on creating furniture specifically for RVs, so you can find pieces sturdy but light enough that you won’t exceed the weight limit of your vehicle when you’re on the road.

Durability and Materials

Shop for durability as well as material. RV furniture needs to be able to withstand life on the go in the motorhome world while we're rolling down the road. Opt for sturdy frames constructed of powder-coated steel or hardwoods, and steer clear of anything frail. Upholstery demands special attention. Fabrics need to be very strong, stain resistant and easy to clean. High-performance materials are far more spill and dirt resistant than delicate linens or silks, and marine-grade vinyl can stand up to juice box spills, pet hair and everyday spillage with ease.

Mini Crib

Also, a mini crib is multi-functional — and this is the rule in RV living. When space is tight or your space performs double (or triple) duty, multiple-use furniture is a must-have. And a dinette that transforms into a guest bed, a sofa complete with storage cubbies, or a coffee chest with a hinged top for blankets will add to your living and storage capabilities. This makes for less mess and more use when you're able to haul plenty of gear without over-cluttering your available space.

Safety and Regulation

Lastly, never forget safety and regulation. If you put in any furniture make sure to bolt it to the wall or floor. Take care to secure unsecured items it may prove deadly when you jam on the brakes or get into an accident. Most of this type of furniture (made for RVs, that is) even has its own mounting points. And for health safety — particularly in a small space — look for materials with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) to minimize indoor air pollution.

In the end, decorating an RV is about good design. Using suitable, lightweight, strong, versatile materials, you're able to convert your van into a home on wheels safely, comfortably and efficiently. If you prepare and pick wisely, you make sure that you would travel in your way, with as much freedom and adventure, as a piece of open road can possibly provide.