When you buy an RV, new or used, you definitely don’t want to spend more money.
But sometimes the standard RV furniture just isn’t enough. Whether you’re looking for a touch of color, need a more comfortable option, or want a piece of furniture that doubles as a storage solution, you’ll find many RV sofa replacement options.
Let’s look at a few to make your house on wheels feel like home!
Can you change the furniture in an RV?
You can absolutely change the furniture in an RV. However, you need to do this with some forethought and care.
You can’t just pack random furniture into a vehicle that’s cruising down the freeway at 60 miles per hour. So let’s take a look at what you can and can’t pack in an RV when looking for an RV couch replacement.
Can you put home furniture in an RV?
It is possible, but often not practical, to put home furniture in an RV. The biggest concern comes down to the weight.
RV furniture is typically lighter than residential options and has different designs to fit different spaces. They have slimmer arms and thinner backs, so they work better in an RV.
Also, you need to secure furniture during transportation. You’ll have more trouble strapping down a Lazyboy lounger in a Class A RV when it’s time to move.
And this can pose a major security risk. If you are involved in an accident, you do not want a piece of furniture to fly through the air.
Why Replace Your RV Furniture?
Oftentimes, RVs replace older furniture that is worn out. Or they prefer a more modern look or need to replace a broken recliner.
Sometimes they need more space or a different layout depending on the needs of their family. So they find a small IKEA chaise longue to replace a giant three-fold sofa.
Another reason for replacing RV furniture is to find a more comfortable piece. Perhaps the sofa that came with the fifth wheel is stiff, and owners want something a little plush. RV owners have many reasons to choose replacements for their standard RV furniture.
Things to consider when replacing RV furniture
As previously mentioned, weight is the biggest concern when replacing RV furniture.
If you need a replacement RV couch in the slide of a mid bunk fifth wheel, you can’t select any type of couch to replace it. It must be about the same weight or less so as not to overload the slide.
You also can’t put too much weight on one side of the RV. If you’re removing a dinette and sofa and want to replace it with a giant five-seater sofa, you need to make sure that one side of the RV doesn’t outweigh the other. This can cause sway issues and possible axle and tire overload problems.
Also, you need to take accurate measurements. This not only includes the correct measurement when extending the lounger or retracting the slides on the day of travel. Measuring also includes considering how to get the new furniture into the mobile home.
With Class A motorhomes, you often have to remove the windscreen to remove and install furniture. Or you have a door that’s wide enough but needs to be at an odd angle. And even then the couch might fit through, but it doesn’t make the turn into the living room.
Finally, you must consider the Department of Transportation’s RV regulations for securing RV furniture. You must ensure that your new furniture complies with these laws.
Even with trailers, you need to make sure you can lash or fasten the furniture securely while driving. No one wants a couch banging into the glass of an electric fireplace on moving day.
Where to find the best RV replacement sofas
If you need a replacement RV couch, we have several great options.
Some of these are RV specific and intended for RVs, so you know you’ll find lightweight furniture that’s easy to install. Other options have lightweight lounge sofas that are easy to transport in an RV.
Bradd & Hall
Bradd and Hall is a well-known supplier of quality motorhome seating and offers all types of sofas. The company has been supplying manufacturers with RV furniture for 40 years. They also offer a professional installation in Elkhart, Indiana at their showroom.
In addition, it offers a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and a one-year company warranty. If you are not satisfied with your purchase you can request a refund including shipping where applicable.
RecPro
RecPro supplies all kinds of products to RV manufacturers. The company began adding furniture to its product line over a decade ago.
You’ll find sleeper sofas, jackknife, triple fold sofas, and standard sofas. Because we ship to manufacturers all the time, the RecPro ordering and shipping process should be easy. It also offers two-year, three-year, and five-year warranties on various products.
Lippert
Like RecPro, Lippert is a well-known provider in the motorhome industry. The Thomas Payne Collection is often installed as standard in many RVs.
If you have an older model and want a newer replacement RV sofa, the quality, comfortable Thomas Payne Collection is a great choice for many travelers. Here you will find lounge chairs, sofas and theater seating.
Continue reading: Is Lippert a good brand? Click on the link to learn more about this provider
Coach supply direct
Another supplier located north of Elkhart, Indiana is Coach Supply Direct. This company caters to RVs and offers a range of daybeds, J-lounges, loveseat, standard sofas and theater seats.
Coach Supply Direct has been serving the RV industry for over 20 years so you know you are buying from a solid company.
Discount Motorhome Furniture
Discount RV Furniture has been building custom furniture from sofas to captain’s chairs to benches for over 50 years. You get a three-year warranty on the frames and a one-year warranty on the rest.
And because they can custom-build furniture to fit your RV, you can design just about anything that fits your travel lifestyle. It also means they can make furniture DOT compliant if needed.
Shop4Seats
Shop4Seats is located in California, which is ideal for travelers looking for an RV sofa replacement in this part of the country.
The company offers complete kits for complete conversions and sofa accessories for RV owners who want to add conveniences like a powered tablet holder, wine glass holder, swivel tray or additional storage.
IKEA
The previous five companies specifically design RV furniture. IKEA offers home furniture. However, the lightweight and multifunctional design of many products makes this company ideal for RV owners.
If you want an RV couch as a replacement, you can usually find cheaper alternatives at IKEA than some of the other RV-specific brands.
Often these pieces offer additional storage solutions like sofa beds with storage underneath. You just need to know how to secure furniture for travel.
IKEA furniture also comes unassembled, so you don’t have to worry about getting it in your front door. However, the sofas are not designed for RV use, so they may wear out more quickly over time than RV-specific options.
Keep in mind: Renovations are not easy! Before you start upgrading your RV, learn what the worst part about renovating an RV is
Facebook Marketplace
Finally, Facebook Marketplace can be a great option for travelers on a budget. When looking for an RV sofa replacement, you can specifically search for RV sofas that other travelers have rented.
Some are practically brand new. You can also look for lightweight options that aren’t necessarily designed for RVs, but won’t overload a slide or put too much weight on one side of your RV.
What do you do with the old camper couch?
As mentioned above, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to try and sell your old RV couch. Someone else might want to swap out their furniture too.
You can also contact Craigslist and post pictures and an ad for your old RV couch.
Or you can donate your used furniture to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity or another local organization to support the community. Especially if you don’t need the money, these charities would love to take a couch in good condition.
Make an RV upgrade with an RV couch replacement
Replacing an RV couch can be a simple process or it can take months. Depending on what you’re looking for, how much you can spend, and whether or not you custom build the furniture will determine the length of time.
In addition, if you order from an RV supplier, you can quickly get a couch in stock. But if you’re looking to save money and browse Facebook Marketplace, it may take longer to find the perfect piece.
But don’t be afraid to upgrade your RV furniture. You want your house on wheels to feel like home. Just take the precautions mentioned earlier to ensure you travel safely. Are you looking for an RV sofa replacement?