RENOVATIONS FOR THE ROAD: BRINGING A NEW LEVEL OF COMFORT AND STYLE TO YOUR RV WITH THE FLIPPING NOMAD

THE FLIPPING NOMAD

RV renovator Cortni Armstrong understands that even minor updates can make a real difference. Known professionally as The Flipping Nomad, Armstrong has renovated 40 RVs, and counting, since she began her business six years ago.

Her first project was renovating a fifth wheel for herself while she was living in another RV full time. She began posting updates of the project on social media and soon had almost 40,000 followers checking in to see her latest design ideas.

“This is a very visual business, and living in an RV full time has taught me how to get creative,” Armstrong says. “One of the core principles I follow is functionality before design. If something is going to impact how the rig functions, you have to be very careful with weight and distribution. For example, we can’t do a full-tile shower because it’s way too heavy. So I look for material solutions and maybe find something that gives me the look, but is lighter weight and will be roadworthy.”

Armstrong points out that it’s important to maximize the footprint in an RV space that’s limited to about 400 square feet, at least in the fifth-wheel trailers she renovates.

“One of my favorite things to do is make things multifunctional so they are dual-purpose, like seats with built-in storage,” she says. “Another thing I’ve been doing is installing a dishwasher. As long as the plumbing capability is there, it’s one of the little luxury pieces I’ve noticed while living in an RV. It’s such an added bonus.”

Experience has given her insight into the overall renovation process (flooring is always installed last), and material selection is of the utmost importance, she says.

“I only work with sheet vinyl that looks like hardwood because it’s lighter weight. If you use wood planks, then you get a lot of joints and everything is moving as you’re going down the road, so the joints are too,” Armstrong says.

Kitchen backsplashes and bathroom spaces created with tile add a modern feel to an RV if there is carrying capacity for them. But, she says, they also require a special, flexible grout because traditional grout is too stiff and will crack with regular road vibrations.

“Also, if the rig is going into storage, it could face 140 degrees during the summertime in Phoenix, but it could also face -40 degrees in the wintertime in South Dakota,” Armstrong points out. “We have to design with those elements in mind and find the right materials.”

STYLE MEETS FUNCTION

Owners who want to make updates to their home on wheels can take advantage of several trends on the rise. Solar power and lithium batteries are providing more alternatives to traditional energy sources, allowing RVers to get farther off the beaten path or away from the electrical posts of RV parks.

Off-roading upgrades also allow RVs to reach new frontiers with higher clearance and lift packages to navigate the harder-to-reach travel oasis.

At the same time, interior design is moving toward clean lines and light color palettes with modern accessories. Armstrong says her biggest request on remodels is a modern farmhouse or industrial farmhouse look. She’s also noticing a Scandinavian influence of simplicity mixed with functionality leaning toward minimalism.

“The owner’s lifestyle should always factor in, because it’s a big component,” Armstrong says. “Will they be working from there and need a desk or special workspace? If they have kids, what’s the toy storage going to look like?”  

Technology is another growing area for RV renovation, especially when trying to maintain an option for staying connected.

“One thing that I’ve learned is that manufacturers rarely put outlets by the bed, so if you want to charge your phone at night, your phone is across the room. I always have reading lights in the headboards, and we can tap off that wiring and run wires behind the headboard,” Armstrong says. “Then we can put USB charging ports in the headboards.”

But it’s the smart home technology that may really be the design trend of the future, Armstrong says. New technology and software is making its way into RVs and will likely continue to grow, with the capability of remotely turning lights on and off, retracting an awning, leveling your rig, or receiving phone alerts if your RV has been disturbed while you’re away. It’s something she wants to incorporate more into her future designs.

Pets are often a consideration, as well, says Armstrong, who travels with her dog, Rizzo. There’s usually a place to build a custom crate space or tuck away a dog bed and toys.

GMC LEADS THE WAY

Armstrong joined forces with the Keystone RV Company and GMC to tour the U.S. with The Ultimate Montana concept RV.

The one-of-a-kind RV arrives in style, towed^† by a Sierra 3500 HD Denali built with the power and technology to confidently transport a fifth-wheel trailer.

“The biggest thing I have been impressed with is the power it has,” Armstrong remarks. “I have been able to accelerate up a grade while towing. It is quite impressive!”

The Sierra Heavy Duty’s available technology includes a class-leading available 15 camera views^† featuring the Rear Camera Mirror^†, and the 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display.  

One of Armstrong’s favorite features is the Trailer Light Test, a function of the available ProGrade Trailering System^†, accessible through an in-vehicle app^† displayed on the infotainment screen and through the myGMC Mobile^† App.

“I’m sometimes out with the rig solo, so everything is dependent on me,” she says. “One thing I absolutely love is the Trailer Light Test. Once I get the trailer hooked onto the truck, there’s a button that turns all the lights on for the trailer. It goes through a series of brake lights, flashers, left blinker, right blinker, reverse lights. I just push the button, walk to the back of the trailer and look to make sure everything’s hooked up.”

She also appreciates the ProGrade Trailering System's customizable trailer profiles and pre-departure checklist.

“I love how the trailer has its own profile in the truck. I can see how many miles are on the trailer,” she says. “It’s also cool that the truck recognizes which trailer I’m towing.”

To make life on the go even easier, the Sierra HD Denali is designed to integrate The Ultimate Montana’s available ASA Electronics iN-Command^®† Control System with Global Connect that can be accessed through the myGMC Mobile App. The system allows owners to monitor and control a range of smart systems, such as water tank levels and HVAC controls, in RVs equipped with the technology^†.