Converting our RV bunkhouse to an office

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Bunkhouse-Conversion-Before-After_RFW

One of the main reasons we chose our specific RV was so that we could convert the existing bunkhouse (two bunk beds) into a separate, dedicated office. Marc continues to work full-time (virtually) at his regular 40 hour a week job during our travels. He has always placed a high value on work-life balance, health, wellness and on being a high producer at work. He had a separate office to work from in our stick n brick home (pictured below).

Here is Marc’s criteria for what he needed to achieve for his workspace while living in an RV:

  • A dedicated workspace with enough space for his 17 inch laptop and external monitor.
  • Privacy and a quiet space to conduct conference calls and focus on his work without distraction.
  • Excellent ergonomics, to keep him in good physical and mental health.
  • The ability to literally “close the office” at the end of the working day and week.

[DSC_0189_marcoffice4301 Marc’s home office setup in our stick n brick home

When we realized how important these factors were in supporting Marc to create the environment he needed to work effectively and live happily, it made it a lot easier for us to narrow down our final choice of motorhome to the Tiffin Allegro Open Road 35QBA. Until that time, we’d been very seriously considering the new Winnebago Sightseer 33C. But it would have been a little more crowded and Marc would have had to work in the main living space. Which wasn’t ideal.

Now for the conversion

As soon as we got our coach back home to Colorado after our maiden voyage driving from Ohio in May, Marc started scoping out the RV renovation project to convert the bunkhouse into an office. Fortunately, Marc had a week vacation from work so we could spend time with my (Julie’s) Dad, Ken (aka KS) and his wife Helen who were visiting from Australia and staying with us in our townhome. 

It was a bonus to have both the time and an extra set of hands to do the job, so we put KS to work with Marc. An added bonus is that KS was a pattern maker by trade, so we had two very capable men on the job. Not to mention a fun bit of Aussie lingo and humor thrown in (which you’ll see in the video). Meanwhile, Helen, a talented sewing teacher, helped me create some fabulous decor and accessories for the coach!

We’ve put together a pretty comprehensive video that covers the key steps of the bunkhouse to office conversion project in more detail. This includes a couple of the challenges we faced and several tips from our learning experience. We hope this video will prove to be a useful resource for anyone considering a renovation project in their RV. Especially one that involves building an office and/or converting an RV bunkhouse into a dedicated workspace. Check it out.

In a nutshell, there were 9 key phases of the project:

Step 1: Dismantling and removing the bunk beds

This required two sets of hands. So Marc was very happy to have my Dad (Ken) on hand to help out with what would end up being the most time consuming, fiddly and heavy duty part of the project. The space was tight and the bunk board was large and awkward. 

In order to get it out, Marc and Dad (Ken) needed to completely remove the window covering from the lower bunk window and also temporarily remove the lower wall light fixture. They needed every inch of space to get that bunk out! 

We stored all of the parts we removed from the bunkhouse just in case the future owner of our coach prefers the original bunkhouse setup over our awesome office (even though that would be crazy, right?)

1.-Marcbeforebunk_RFW Our RV bunkhouse before dismantling and removing it

Step 2: Disconnecting the DVD monitor wires

Our RV bunkhouse had the upgraded DVD monitors, typically to entertain kiddos. We left the top monitor in the ceiling and the lower one came out with the removal of the top bunk. This part of the job involved turning off the power source to the coach (and flipping the breaker on the fuse panel). Then carefully disconnecting the wires between the lower DVD monitor and the coach power source, capping and labeling the wires with some masking tape. And then, sealing the caps with electrical tape.

2.-DisconnectCapWiresCollage_RFW The wire situation you need to deal with if your RV has bunk DVD monitors

Step 3: Removing and inspecting the bunk floor

Lifting up the floor gave Marc an opportunity to inspect what was needed to increase the base support sufficiently for a heavier duty floor that would support the more focused weight of his body weight sitting in an office chair.

3.-Underfloor_RFW Surveying under the bunk floor to determine our needs for additional supports and a heavier duty base

Step 4: Measuring up the wood we needed for the office

Marc took all the necessary measurements for the desk, floor and additional supports, with KS on hand to capture and sketch the detail.

Note: If you are converting your own bunkhouse, please understand that the image below is specific to our coach measurements. Even if you have the same coach as us, you will need to take your own measurements as they can vary widely (as you will see in our video commentary).

MeasurementsPage_RFW Sketch and measurements outlining our needs. These vary between RVs so measure your own rig accordingly

Step 5: A trip to the hardware store for supplies and wood cuts

Lucky for us, there was a Home Depot right across the road, so it was a quick trip in the Mini to pick up all of the supplies they needed to finish the job. 

Home Depot made the boys’ job a lot easier by cutting the wood at the exact measurements needed for each element of the project. They used a sheet of 3/4″ premium plywood for the desk and floor, and cedar for the supports. Cedar is light yet strong. Thus reducing unnecessary weight in the coach without compromising on strength and durability.

HomeDepot_rfw Never underestimate what you can haul in a MINI 🙂 Lucky for us, Home Depot was just across the road

Step 6: Sanding and staining the wood

Next, Marc set about sanding the desktop to a smooth finish, then sanded both the desktop and the floor to give them both nice, rounded edges. Rounding the edges on the desk prevents injury if anyone was to bump into the desk corner. Also, slightly rounded the edges on the new, stronger floor piece made it easier to install without scratching the wall finish. 

We picked up English Chestnut wood stain to match the rest of the cabinetry in the coach. Marc even found a heart shape in the desk corner that showed up while he was staining. This was amusing to us, being RV Love after all. Yes, we know, we’re cheesy like that. Marc also drilled a hole for the cables and some holes for the screws for when it was time to attach it in the RV.

6.-Marcstaining_RFW Marc staining the desktop

Step 7: Finishing the floor with a matching vinyl laminate tile

We found some vinyl laminate tile flooring at Home Depot that was similar to the vinyl tile in the coach. Then dropped over to our friend Rob Reilly’s house. Rob is a flooring professional who offered to install the vinyl tile onto the board for us as he has all the tools and supplies, plus mad skills. 

While we could have installed the vinyl flooring ourselves using adhesive, we were very happy to accept Rob’s generous offer. He did a fantastic job! Rob is a great guy and meticulous with his work.

RobFlooring_RFW 

Our friend Rob, a flooring professional, measures the flooring to apply the vinyl tile

Step 8: Installing the desk and floor in the RV

Time to install the desk and put the floor in place! Marc screwed in an extra support underneath on the right side and attached the desk to the supports then dropped the finished floor into place. Easy peasy!

[BunkINstall_RFW Marc’s happy about being on the home stretch, as he installs the new desk and drops the floor into place

Step 9: The finishing touches that complete the project

With the labor-intensive part of the job complete, it was time to add a few final touches and call it a wrap. First, Marc installed a keyboard tray under the desk for better ergonomics. Meanwhile, because the lower window covering had to be removed to allow space for Marc’s chair, the lower bunk window needed an unobtrusive cover to provide privacy and reduce solar heat gain. 

I picked up some cardboard, foam padding, some suede-like fabric that complemented the wall and some velcro strips and cut the cardboard to the size and shape of the window. Then spray glued foam padding and suede fabric to cover the cardboard then spaced velcro strips around the cover, sticking the opposing velcro strips around the window frame. 

The cover now sticks to the window frame via the velcro, covering the lower office window. It was an easy, lightweight and effective solution. Finally, I found a lovely pair of neutral, linen-look curtains with grommets at TJ Maxx for just $20. All I had to do was I cut and hem them to fit. We hung them on an adjustable tension road, which removed the need for screws. All in all, the project was a highly successful and rewarding team effort.

9.-Finishing-TouchesCollage_RFW Our new vinyl laminate floor and home-made window cover (left). Marc installing keyboard tray (center).

And now, Marc can literally close off the office at the end of each day, to forget about work and focus on play!

How long did it take?

The entire project took place over about a week. Allowing time for the stain to dry, the odor to subside and Rob’s work on the floor. We estimate the total number of hours was around 20-25. Including Rob’s time affixing the vinyl tile to the floor, and Julie’s time on the window covering and curtains. 

You might save some time learning from our experience when trying to remove the bunkhouse, as you’ll see in the video. Naturally, the time required will vary widely depending on any number of factors, including your type of rig, whether or not you have DVD monitors, your level of skill, whether or not you have an extra person to help you and the extent of work required. If you’re really focused and all goes smoothly, you could knock a project like this out over a weekend.

Total RV Bunkhouse Office Cost: $194

We had basic tools and supplies on hand. Things like a screwdriver, tape measure, sanding block, staining brush, wire nuts, masking tape, electrical tape, glue. So in the list below, we’ve only included the items we had to purchase for our RV bunkhouse renovation project. Here’s the detail:

Plywood for desk and floor: $35
Cedar board for supports: $19
Pack of cedar shims: $5
Screws (x 3 lengths): $6
Sandpaper (x 2 grades): $4
Wood stain: $5
Vinyl laminate tile flooring: $58
Home-made window covering supplies: $20
Curtains: $20
Tension curtain rod: $12
Keyboard tray: $10

For under $200, we think we’ve made a pretty great investment in our new home and lifestyle, which allows us to travel, work and play in the way we like. We are both delighted with the finished result, especially Marc who loves his new workspace with it’s ever-changing view.

Thanks again to KS for your help with the build project, Rob for installing the floor covering and Helen for your help with our RV decor and accessories.

If you’ve just been reading this post and want to see Marc (and my dad Ken) in action, here’s the link to the video showcasing their workmanship.

After-Collage_RFW
The finished result –Marc’s new RV bunkhouse office – shown from both angles

What did you think?

We’d love to read your comments, thoughts and questions. Please share them in the Comments section below and/or in the comments section of the YouTube video.

Disclaimer: We are neither RV experts nor building professionals. Marc is just a very handy guy. If you plan on doing your own RV renovation or bunkhouse conversion project, please consult with your RV manufacturer for advice. This information is simply shared with the intention of providing ideas, inspiration and entertainment.

© RVLove.com

12 thoughts on “Converting our RV bunkhouse to an office”

  1. Just now came across this; fantastic detail and instructions. But how did you provide the electrical power for the computer? Thanks

    Reply
    • Thank you. Glad you liked it. Fortunately, the electrical power was easy on our particular renovation. Our Tiffin bunkhouse model already had power outlets in the bunk area, and drop-down monitors. I guess they figured the kids would want some entertainment in there. I certainly would not expect this to be the case in all bunkhouse models. But fortunately, it was in ours. -M

      Reply
    • Great question Mary! We lay the chair down on the floor, and pack the laptop away in a laptop bag. The monitor we usually stand up against the back wall on the floor of the office who the screen facing the padded seat of the chair. And pad it with pillows/cushions all round. We have also on occasion laid the monitor face down in the bed under the covers to keep it from bouncing off the bed while driving. We also have to remember to pop the keyboard and mouse in the laptop bag, as we have forgotten that once or twice before and they slide off the keyboard tray when driving! We plan to do another video about our pack down / set up process so that’s an important part to include. Thanks for asking!

      Reply
  2. We bought a 1987 Country Coach Mark V with a Queen size bed in the back. I’m looking to convert it into 2 bunk beds for the kids and add a fold down L couch opposite the existing one to make close to a King size bed that folds up during the day for me and the wife. Thanks for your article. Very informative and inspiring for my project.

    Reply
    • Awesome David! Sounds like a great project and glad our article provided some inspiration. Perhaps you can also write a post or do a video on your creative conversion too! Am sure many people would enjoy that.

      Reply

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