Safety first: Some upgrades in this guide involve electrical wiring, propane (LP gas) alarms, the water system or working on the roof. Always follow the maker’s instructions and your RV owner’s manual, read every label warning, and use a qualified RV technician for any job you aren’t fully confident doing. Never climb onto a wet or icy roof, and check whether your roof is rated to walk on before you step onto it. See our full disclaimer at the end of this article.
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The best motorhome upgrades are the ones that make every trip safer, easier or more comfortable without a big bill. For most owners, that means starting with a tire pressure monitor, electrical surge protection and a water pressure regulator, then adding comfort upgrades like a better roof fan, LED lights and a good mattress. This guide covers 10 motorhome upgrades worth doing, what each one fixes, roughly how hard it is to install, and when to call a pro.
Motorhome Upgrades at a Glance
| Upgrade | Main benefit | Do it yourself (DIY)? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) | Safety on the road | Easy |
| 2. Electrical management system (EMS) | Protects your RV’s electrics | Easy (portable) or pro (hardwired) |
| 3. Water pressure regulator | Protects pipes and fittings | Easy |
| 4. Inline water filter | Cleaner-tasting water | Easy |
| 5. LED light bulbs | Saves battery power | Easy |
| 6. Roof vent fan | Cooler, drier air | Moderate, or pro |
| 7. Backup camera | Safer reversing | Easy to moderate |
| 8. New propane and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm | Life safety | Easy to moderate |
| 9. Better mattress | Better sleep | Easy |
| 10. Cell signal booster or hotspot | Reliable internet | Easy to moderate |
Safety Upgrades to Do First
1. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Motorhome tires carry a lot of weight, and a slow leak can turn into a blowout before you notice anything from the driver’s seat. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) uses small sensors on each valve stem to show the pressure and temperature of every tire on a screen in the cab, and it warns you the moment one starts to drop or overheat.
Many RVers choose a system with sensors for both the motorhome and a towed car, so one screen covers every wheel. The TST 507 tire pressure monitoring system is a long-time favorite among RVers for this reason.
Installation: easy. The sensors screw onto the valve stems. Set the warning levels using the cold tire pressures on your RV’s tire placard or in your owner’s manual. For more on tire care, see our RV tire safety guide.
2. Electrical Management System (EMS)
Campground power posts (pedestals) are not always wired correctly, and voltage can sag or spike on a busy summer weekend. A basic surge protector only guards against spikes. An electrical management system (EMS) also checks for wiring faults and cuts the power when the voltage goes too high or too low, which protects your air conditioner, fridge and electronics.
Buy one that matches your motorhome’s service, either 30 amp or 50 amp. Our guide to RV surge protector vs EMS explains the difference in plain language, and you can compare RV EMS units on Amazon. Not sure which service your RV has? See 30 amp vs 50 amp RV.
Installation: portable units plug in between the pedestal and your power cord (lock them to the post so they don’t walk away). Hardwired units go inside the RV and should be installed by a qualified RV technician or electrician.
3. Water Pressure Regulator
Campground water pressure varies a lot, and high pressure can damage your RV’s plumbing, fittings and water heater. A water pressure regulator screws onto the campground spigot (tap) before your drinking-water hose and keeps the pressure in a safer range. Many RV owners aim for about 40 to 50 pounds per square inch (PSI), but check your owner’s manual for your RV’s limit.
A brass regulator with a built-in gauge, such as the Camco brass water pressure regulator with gauge, lets you see the pressure at a glance instead of guessing.
Installation: easy, no tools needed.
4. Inline Water Filter
An inline water filter connects between the regulator and your drinking-water hose. It reduces sediment and many of the tastes and odors that come from chlorine, so the water from your faucet tastes better. A popular choice is the Camco TastePURE RV inline water filter. Replace the cartridge as the maker recommends, and always use a hose that is labeled safe for drinking water.
Important: a basic inline filter improves taste and catches sediment, but it does not make unsafe water safe to drink. If a campground posts a boil-water notice, follow it, or use bottled water.
Installation: easy, no tools needed.
Comfort and Power Upgrades
5. LED Light Bulbs
If your motorhome still has older incandescent bulbs, switching them to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make. LED bulbs use far less power, which helps your batteries last longer when you camp without hookups, and they usually give off less heat.
Before you buy, pull one bulb out and check its base type and number (common RV numbers include 921, 1141 and 1156), because the base must match the fixture. Choose 12-volt LED bulbs made for RVs, and pick “warm white” if you prefer a cozy, homey glow.
Installation: easy. Turn off the light and let the old bulb cool before you remove it.
6. Roof Vent Fan
Many motorhomes come with a basic roof vent that has a small fan, or no fan at all. A modern roof vent fan pulls hot, stale air out (or draws cool evening air in), clears steam from cooking and showers, and can keep you comfortable on mild days without running the air conditioner.
The MAXXAIR Maxxfan Deluxe is a popular choice because its built-in rain cover lets you run it in the rain and keep it open while you drive. It fits the standard 14 x 14 inch roof opening, and some versions add a thermostat, a remote control and a reversible fan, so check the model number for the features you want.
Installation: moderate. It means working on the roof and resealing the opening with roof sealant made for your roof type. If you’re not comfortable working at height, have an RV technician fit it.
7. Backup Camera
Reversing a motorhome into a tight campsite is much less stressful when you can see what’s behind you. Many newer motorhomes have a camera, but older ones often don’t, or the original picture is poor.
Many motorhomes come pre-wired for Furrion cameras, with a mounting plate already on the back wall. If yours is, a camera like the Yakry backup camera made for Furrion pre-wired RVs can plug straight into that spot. Check your owner’s manual or look for the round mounting plate before ordering. For recording your drives as well, see our RV dash cam guide.
Installation: easy on pre-wired RVs; moderate if you need to run wires or mount a wireless camera.
8. Replace an Old Propane and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
This one is easy to forget. Propane (LP gas) and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms don’t last forever, because their sensors wear out with age. Many RV alarm makers, including the makers of Safe-T-Alert alarms, say to replace the alarm about five years after it was installed, or by the date printed on the label. If your alarm is older than that, or it chirps an “end of life” warning, replace it.
Buy the same type and size as the old unit (flush-mount or surface-mount), so it fits the existing hole and wiring. A Safe-T-Alert dual propane and carbon monoxide alarm (it comes in several colors) covers both gases in one unit. Test your alarms before every trip using the test button.
Installation: easy to moderate. Alarms are wired to your RV’s 12-volt power, so disconnect the batteries first and follow the instructions exactly. If you’re unsure, have an RV technician do it.
9. A Better Mattress
Many motorhomes come with a thin factory mattress, and poor sleep can spoil a whole trip. A new mattress, or a good topper over the old one, is often the upgrade owners say they wish they’d made sooner.
RV beds often use special sizes such as “short queen” or “RV king,” so measure the platform before you buy. Our RV mattress types, sizes and buying guide walks you through measuring and choosing.
Installation: easy, though a second person helps.
10. Cell Signal Booster or Mobile Hotspot
Campground Wi-Fi is often slow or crowded. A mobile hotspot with its own data plan gives you a private internet connection, and a cell signal booster with a roof antenna can help when the signal is weak. A booster can only strengthen a signal that already exists, so it won’t help where there is no coverage at all.
Our guide on how to work remotely from an RV compares hotspots, routers and boosters, with the gear we recommend.
Installation: easy for a hotspot; moderate for a booster with a roof antenna.
Bigger Motorhome Upgrades to Plan For
Once the basics are done, some owners take on larger projects. These cost more and usually need professional help:
- Solar panels and lithium batteries: for camping longer without hookups. Start with our RV solar systems guide to size a system.
- Slide-out toppers and window awnings: fabric covers that shade the slide-out roof and windows and keep leaves and rain off the seals.
- Upgraded water pump: a quieter pump with steadier flow when you use your fresh water tank.
Your Motorhome Upgrade Checklist
- Start with safety. A tire monitor, an EMS and a fresh propane and CO alarm protect you, your passengers and your RV.
- Protect the water system. Use a pressure regulator and an inline filter every time you connect to campground water.
- Save power. Swap old bulbs for LED bulbs before you spend money on bigger batteries.
- Check fit before you buy. Match bulb bases, alarm sizes, mattress sizes, camera mounts and your 30 or 50 amp service.
- Know your limits. Hire a qualified RV technician for roof, wiring and propane work you aren’t fully confident doing.
Motorhome Upgrade Questions
What is the first upgrade to make on a motorhome?
Start with safety: a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and an electrical management system (EMS). Both are easy to install and protect you from the most expensive and dangerous problems on the road and at camp.
Which motorhome upgrades can I do myself?
Most beginners can fit a TPMS, a portable EMS, a water pressure regulator, an inline water filter, LED bulbs and a new mattress. Roof fans, hardwired electrics and alarm wiring are better left to a pro unless you have experience.
Do these upgrades work on travel trailers and fifth wheels too?
Yes. Almost everything in this list, including the tire monitor, EMS, water upgrades, LED bulbs, roof fan and alarm, works on towable RVs as well as motorhomes.
Do upgrades add resale value to a motorhome?
Well-chosen, professionally installed upgrades such as solar or a good roof fan can make a motorhome more appealing to buyers, but don’t expect to get back everything you spend. Upgrade for your own safety and comfort first. Keep receipts and manuals to hand over when you sell.
Related Guides
- The essential RV maintenance checklist by season
- RV safety tips: how to stay safe on the road and at camp
- RV surge protector vs EMS
- First-time RV driving tips
Acronyms Used in This Article
- CO: carbon monoxide
- DIY: do it yourself
- EMS: electrical management system
- LED: light-emitting diode
- LP: liquefied petroleum (propane) gas
- PSI: pounds per square inch
- RV: recreational vehicle
- TPMS: tire pressure monitoring system
Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Before carrying out any maintenance or safety task on your RV, please do your own further research so you are fully confident in each step. If you are ever unsure, consult a qualified RV professional or get a second opinion. Readers are responsible for their own safety, and PreciousRV.com accepts no liability for any injury, loss or damage. Some links on this page are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Facts checked November 2026.
