When RV Manufacturers ignore what consumers are searching for in a Class A motorhome, sometimes the only solution is for consumers to create their own solution! In my previous article, I mentioned that I’d soon be writing about a modern Class A motorhome renovation. More and more consumers are seeking modern RVs that can accommodate working from the road, and renovations like this can be considered one solution to the problem of so few modern-styled, tech-ready RVs available to consumers. From 2001 to 2011 the largest growing segment of consumers in the RV industry shifted from retirees to younger consumers in the 34-60 age demographic who are seeking RVs with spaces and technology features to support working remotely. (See the University of Michigan study here)
The project here features a 2011 Holiday Rambler Trip owned by Dr. Mitch Harper, a doctor and real estate investor in his 50’s from Arkansas, who frequently works from the road. I spotted photos of this renovation online and emailed Dr. Harper to request an interview about the project. I recently caught up with him by phone for a conversation about the renovation and its goals.
When asked why he decided to renovate the coach, Harper explained to me how he and his wife had been looking for a modern coach to replace their previous Class A. They used their previous motorhome to transport their children to cheerleading tournaments and horse shows, but were looking for something with a more modern design aesthetic. Harper’s wife grew up in New Zealand and prefers a more modern, European style, as does he. (Check out this typical Class C motorhome available for rent in New Zealand.) After searching online for a modern Class A and being unable to find one to his liking, he found a used 2011 Holiday Rambler Trip that would serve as a good base coach for a renovation. While the Trip had many of the features the family was searching for, they decided to renovate the coach to update some of the finishes and mechanical components.
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Harper shared his design philosophy with me – most notably his dislike for cheap and “cheesy” traditional finishes and materials. He told me how his family appreciates high-end, high-value, and durable materials such as granite, tile, and authentic woods. He said he selected the Trip because of its “good bones” - clean modern lines, a functional layout, a modern-styled sofa and dinette, solid flush cabinet doors, superior fuel efficiency (12 mpg for a Class A is excellent!), aerodynamic exterior design, front-end-diesel engine, ergonomic and functional driver cockpit area, and the fact that the coach drives like a luxury van instead of a semi truck. The goal of the renovation was to update the aesthetic and add upgraded amenities.
While the photos below show some highlights of the renovation, the most substantial modifications include a tankless on-demand water heater, heated floors in the bedroom and bathroom, new granite counters, a completely new bedroom layout with additional wardrobe and dresser storage, installation of wood veneer walls (Tigerwood in a stain to coordinate with existing wall cabinets), new carpet and cork flooring, upgraded faucet and cabinet hardware, upgraded shower and bathroom walls, upgraded tile floors in the bedroom and bathroom, a dishwasher, and a washer/dryer. The addition of the washer and dryer certainly adds functionality to the coach, and fortunately they were able to be installed to an existing wardrobe cabinet once some electrical wiring was relocated out of the cabinet interior. These changes make the coach feel more luxurious and provide additional efficiency and functionality. While sustainable or “green design” wasn’t the primary goal of this renovation, many of the new finishes enhance the environmentally-sensitive aspect of the coach. For example, the tankless water heater and radiant heated floors increase energy efficiency, while the cork floors are a renewable resource that also provides increased acoustic insulation and is a low-maintenance material.
Dr. Harper is very pleased with the renovation which was completed by one of his patients, Mark Haywood, who specializes in custom RV work. Eager to use the coach for some Arkansas Razorback tailgating, Harper says there’s nothing he would change in the coach now. He considers it a one-of-a-kind custom coach that meets all of his needs.
Having seen this renovation, I can honestly say that I will consider this as one option in our quest for a modern Class A rig in this size range. I love the Trip and it's sister coach, the Monaco Vesta for their fuel efficiency and base design aesthetic. With a few additional modifications like the addition of a few solar panels, lithium batteries, and wifi and cell signal boosters, I think this could be a great coach for us. Although my husband and I designed and built our award-winning solar home from scratch, we have never really considered an RV renovation until seeing this beautiful example. Well done, Dr. Harper and Mr. Haywood!
