Thor Avanti RV Renovation Guide: Interior Upgrades & Replacement Options for 2012 Models

Short Answer

Yes, you can absolutely renovate that 2012 Thor Avanti! Replacing the U-shaped dinette with a jackknife sofa is very doable and will give you much better living space for solo travel. The floor can definitely be replaced or refinished, and swapping to a standard full-size mattress is one of the most common RV upgrades. For a 71-year-old first-time RV owner, I'd recommend tackling the mattress and sofa replacement yourself, but consider hiring professionals for the flooring work since it involves removing furniture and potentially dealing with slideout mechanisms in the Avanti.

Understanding the Problem

The 2012 Thor Avanti typically came with a factory U-shaped dinette that converts to a bed, which takes up significant space and isn't very comfortable for solo travelers. These units often have laminate flooring that shows wear heavily in high-traffic areas, especially around the entry door and kitchen. The factory mattresses in RVs are notoriously thin and uncomfortable compared to residential mattresses.

Since this is a repo with 52k miles, you're likely looking at typical wear patterns: the dinette fabric will be faded or stained, the floor will show scuff marks and possibly delamination around the edges, and the mattress will have lost its support. The good news is that Thor Avantis have pretty standard construction, so replacement parts and modifications are straightforward.

For solo travel at 71, prioritizing comfort and ease of use is crucial. A jackknife sofa will give you a proper living room setup during the day and still provide sleeping space for guests, while a quality mattress will dramatically improve your sleep quality on the road.

What You'll Need

For the sofa replacement, you'll need a jackknife sofa designed for RVs (Villa, Thomas Payne, or Lippert are good brands), basic hand tools, and possibly a jigsaw if the opening needs modification. Budget $800-$1,500 for a quality jackknife sofa. You'll also need wood screws, L-brackets for mounting, and potentially some plywood for reinforcement.

For flooring, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the best choice for RVs - it's waterproof, durable, and looks great. Brands like COREtec or LifeProof work well. You'll need approximately 150-180 square feet for an Avanti, costing $3-5 per square foot. Tools needed include a circular saw, underlayment, transition strips, and quarter-round molding.

For the mattress upgrade, measure your existing mattress space first, but most Avantis can accommodate a standard full-size mattress with minimal modification. A good memory foam or hybrid mattress will run $400-800. You might need to modify the bed platform slightly, requiring basic lumber and screws.

Safety equipment includes knee pads, safety glasses, and a dust mask for flooring work. Having a cordless drill, circular saw, and basic hand tools will make all jobs much easier. WARNING: Always wear proper eye protection when operating power tools. Keep fingers clear of saw blades and ensure materials are properly secured before cutting. Maintain firm footing and avoid reaching across cutting paths.

How to Fix It

Start with the mattress replacement since it's the easiest and will give you immediate comfort benefits. Remove the old mattress and measure the platform carefully - length, width, and any corner cuts for the wall radius. Common mattress sizes that fit Avantis include a standard full-size (54" x 75" residential size) though RV full mattresses are typically 53" x 75", and RV mattresses are often custom sizes so verify measurements for your specific Thor Avanti model to ensure proper fit. If the platform needs modification, use a jigsaw to adjust the corners or length. Many RV owners also add a mattress topper for extra comfort.

For the sofa replacement, first disconnect 12V power at the fuse panel or battery disconnect, then disconnect any 12V electrical connections for lighting or outlets, then remove the old U-shaped dinette by unscrewing it from the floor and walls. Take photos before removal to see how it was mounted. Measure the space and compare to your new jackknife sofa dimensions. Most jackknife sofas are narrower than U-dinettes, so you might have extra floor space. Consider the weight difference and distribution changes, as this may slightly affect RV balance and handling. Mount the sofa according to manufacturer instructions, typically using L-brackets screwed into the floor and wall studs. For Avanti models with dinette slideouts, test slideout operation after installation to ensure proper clearance and function.

The flooring project is the most complex. Remove all furniture that's not permanently mounted, then carefully remove the old flooring starting from one corner. Use a flat pry bar or putty knife to lift edge pieces, working systematically across the space. If the flooring is glued down, first test a small area to identify the adhesive type, as older RV adhesives may contain hazardous materials. If safe to proceed, a heat gun helps soften the adhesive for easier removal. Ensure adequate ventilation when heating adhesives as they may release harmful fumes. Pull up all underlayment and adhesive residue, using a scraper for stubborn areas. Clean the subfloor thoroughly and check for any soft spots that might indicate water damage. Important: This subfloor inspection should be completed during your initial RV assessment before purchasing any flooring materials to avoid buying incorrect quantities or types. Install the new LVP flooring following manufacturer directions, starting from the longest straight wall and working toward the door.

Plan for this renovation to take 2-3 weeks if you're doing it yourself, working a few hours each day. The mattress swap takes half a day, sofa replacement takes a weekend, and flooring can take a full week depending on your pace and any complications you encounter.

Leave It to the Experts

Given your age and this being your first RV, I strongly recommend hiring professionals for the flooring installation. RV flooring involves working around slideout mechanisms, oddly shaped spaces, and potential subfloor issues that are tricky for first-timers. Expect to pay $2,000-3,500 for professional LVP installation in an Avanti, but it'll be done correctly and quickly.

If you discover any soft spots in the subfloor during your inspection, definitely call in an RV repair shop. Water damage repair requires specialized knowledge of RV construction and waterproofing. This could add $500-2,000 to your renovation depending on the extent of damage.

You should also have the RV inspected by a qualified technician before purchase, focusing on the roof, plumbing, electrical, and engine/chassis components. A pre-purchase inspection costs $300-500 but could save you thousands in unexpected repairs. For a repo, pay special attention to systems that might have been neglected or winterized improperly.

Consider hiring an RV mobile service tech to help with the sofa installation if you're not comfortable with power tools. Many mobile RV techs charge $75-100 per hour and can complete the sofa swap in 2-3 hours, ensuring it's properly secured for road travel.