When upgrading your motorhome, it’s tempting to go for the latest features and gadgets. However, not all upgrades are worth the investment. Some add weight, complexity, or unnecessary costs without actually improving your experience on the road. In this article, we’ll highlight 16 motorhome upgrades that may sound appealing but won’t enhance your travel lifestyle.
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Oversized TV Screens
Though a large TV may seem like a luxurious upgrade, it can overwhelm the limited space inside a motorhome. It occupies valuable room that could be used for storage or seating, and its oversized nature becomes impractical in such a confined area. These screens also consume more electricity, which is a concern when conserving power on the road. For most travelers, a smaller, energy-efficient TV provides the same entertainment without the drawbacks.
High-End Surround Sound Systems
Installing a high-end surround sound system might sound appealing, but it rarely enhances the overall experience. These systems involve complex wiring, which can become a maintenance nightmare when things go wrong. Additionally, many campgrounds enforce noise restrictions, meaning you won’t often get the full benefit of your system. Portable speakers or soundbars offer a simpler and equally effective solution for enjoying music or movies.
Marble Countertops
While marble countertops may add a touch of luxury to your kitchen space, they’re impractical for motorhomes. Not only are they heavy, but they also add considerable weight, reducing fuel efficiency and possibly pushing your RV past its weight limit. They’re also prone to stains and cracks, especially on bumpy roads, making them a high-maintenance option. Durable and lightweight alternatives, like laminate or solid surfaces, are better suited for mobile life.
Fancy Lighting Systems
Complex lighting systems with color-changing features seem fun, but they often create more problems than benefits. They require significant amounts of power and can drain your battery quickly, especially if you’re camping off-grid. The installation process can also be complicated, with many opportunities for malfunctions. Standard overhead lights or portable lamps are usually more practical and require far less upkeep.
Expensive Leather Seating
Upgrading to leather seating in a motorhome is often more about aesthetics than comfort or durability. Leather seats can be hard to maintain, as they crack and fade when exposed to temperature fluctuations. They also add unnecessary weight and come at a steep price without significantly improving comfort. Stain-resistant fabrics tend to be more practical, easier to clean, and just as durable in outdoor environments.
Complex Navigation Systems
While built-in navigation systems seem like a good idea, they often don’t offer much advantage over a smartphone or portable GPS device. These systems tend to become outdated quickly, and updates are expensive and inconvenient. Modern apps provide real-time traffic information and route suggestions, which most built-in systems can’t match. In the end, it’s a costly upgrade that offers little improvement over simpler alternatives.
Dishwashers
Adding a dishwasher to your motorhome can seem like a luxury, but it comes with several downsides. Dishwashers consume large amounts of both water and electricity, resources that are often limited when traveling. They also occupy valuable cabinet space that could be used for more essential storage. Given the small number of dishes typically used, handwashing is usually faster and more efficient.
Full-Sized Refrigerators
A full-sized refrigerator may seem like a good idea for storing more food, but it’s impractical in the small space of a motorhome. It takes up a significant amount of room and uses a lot of power, which can quickly drain your resources. The added weight also affects your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, making it a costly addition in the long run. Compact, energy-efficient refrigerators are usually a better fit for motorhomes.
In-Floor Heating
Although in-floor heating can be tempting in colder climates, it’s usually an unnecessary upgrade in motorhomes. This system requires considerable energy to operate, which can deplete your power supply if you’re off-grid. Additionally, the installation is complex, and any malfunctions are difficult to repair. For most motorhome users, a small portable heater is more than enough to stay warm.
Built-In Espresso Machines
A built-in espresso machine may appeal to coffee lovers, but it’s often an impractical addition to a motorhome. These machines require a steady supply of electricity and regular cleaning, which can be cumbersome on the road. They also take up valuable counter space that could be better used for food preparation. A compact French press or stovetop coffee maker is a simpler, more efficient option for travelers.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces add ambiance, but they’re far from practical in a motorhome setting. Whether gas or electric, fireplaces consume large amounts of fuel or electricity, which can be a major downside when resources are limited. They also take up wall space that could be used for additional storage. Portable heaters offer the same warmth without the hassle or expense of installing a fireplace.
Satellite TV Antennas
While satellite TV antennas may once have been a must-have, the rise of streaming services has made them largely obsolete. Bad weather or remote locations can easily disrupt satellite signals, making them unreliable. Additionally, they take up valuable roof space that could be used for solar panels or other equipment. Most travelers find that a smart TV with internet access is a more practical way to stay entertained.
Luxury Showerheads
Luxury showerheads might promise a spa-like experience, but in a motorhome, they can be more trouble than they’re worth. These high-end showerheads often use more water than your RV’s tank can handle, leading to shorter showers and quicker depletion of resources. Additionally, they add unnecessary complexity to your plumbing system. A standard, water-efficient showerhead is far more practical for conserving water on the road.
Retractable Awnings with Built-In Speakers
Retractable awnings with built-in speakers may seem like a fun addition, but they’re often more hassle than benefit. These systems are prone to malfunction due to exposure to the elements, requiring regular maintenance. The sound quality from the built-in speakers may not meet expectations, especially in outdoor settings. A simple retractable awning paired with a portable Bluetooth speaker offers the same experience with fewer complications.
Automatic Leveling Systems
Automatic leveling systems promise convenience but often introduce unnecessary mechanical complexity. These systems are expensive and prone to malfunction, requiring costly repairs if they break. Manual leveling blocks are simple, easy to use, and significantly more affordable. For most motorhome owners, the manual option is perfectly sufficient and far less likely to fail.
High-End Security Systems
While security is important, high-end, complex security systems in a motorhome are often more than what’s necessary. These systems can be costly, difficult to maintain, and drain your vehicle’s power supply when not plugged into shore power. Portable security measures like motion-sensor lights or smart locks are usually sufficient for most motorhome owners. In many cases, overcomplicating your security setup just creates more opportunities for malfunctions.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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