How to Customize a Travel Trailer

Customizing a travel trailer can be accomplished with a few simple tools, some fabric, and fancy cabinet knobs from the local hardware store. Adding slip covers to chairs and futons give a designer look, especially when paired with matching throw pillows. Changing the cabinet hardware to special-order hardware is a quick and inexpensive upgrade to any travel trailer.

Instructions

1




Measure futon mattresses with a tape measure.

Measure the futon mattress. There are three measurements you will need: length, width, and depth of the mattress. Add 2 inches to each measurement. The top piece and bottom piece will be a piece of fabric that is the length and width measurements. There will be four side pieces. Two will be the size of the length and depth measurements. The other two will be the width and depth measurements.

2




Sew a futon cover.

Sew the shorter side pieces to the short sides of the top. Sew the long side pieces to the top joining at the corners. Sew the bottom piece to the side pieces leaving one side open. Slide the futon mattress into the cover and slip stitch the seams to close.

3




Use scissors to cut fabric

Cut two pieces of matching fabric, 10 inches by 12 inches. Place right sides together and sew along three sides. Turn right side out. Insert an 8-inch pillow form and slip stitch closed.

4




Sew curtains for a designer look.

Measure the windows across the center horizontally and then vertically. Add two inches to each measurement. Using fabric that matches the pillows and futon, sew curtains to cover the windows. You can add a 1-inch pocket at the top of the curtain to slip a rod through or you can sew the curtains without a rod pocket and use caf rings instead. Small travel trailers can use a king size sheet set to customize all of the windows and pillows. If you use sheets, the only curtain seams you will need to sew are the bottom seams on the curtains.

5




Add designer knobs to cabinets.

Count how many cabinet knobs are required and purchase the correct number from the hardware store. Pay close attention to how these attach to the cabinets. Some knobs require two holes and others just one. To make life easy, get the same type so that holes do not have to be drilled or filled in.

6

Remove existing cabinet knobs with a screwdriver. Attach new cabinet knobs by putting the new screw for the knobs through the existing hole and twist the new knob until it is secure.

7




Replace standard light bulbs with energy-efficient ones.

Replace all standard light bulbs with LED or other energy-efficient bulbs. This will greatly decrease the load that the travel trailer's battery has to power.