Transforming A Camper: The Gutting Process And Beyond

Renovating a camper can be a fun and rewarding project. Whether you're looking to create a cosy home-on-wheels or a stylish glamper, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets and levels of expertise. From simple changes like replacing light fixtures and adding throw pillows to more extensive overhauls such as gutting and rebuilding, the possibilities are endless. With some creativity and hard work, you can transform your camper into a space that truly feels like home. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and get ready to embark on an exciting journey towards your dream camper!

Painting over wallpaper

Prepping the Walls

First, check for any damage, holes, soft spots, or peeling edges and make the necessary repairs. Use 3M spray adhesive, Gorilla Glue, or wood glue to re-adhere any problem areas. Cut away loose particles with a utility knife and patch with paintable wood filler. Sand and smooth the repaired spots, then vacuum and/or dust the walls, especially along ceilings, floors, and corners. Give the walls a good scrub with a heavy-duty sponge and soapy water, then rinse with plain water. Tape off and cover anything you don't want to get paint on, such as light fixtures, outlets, switches, cabinets, floors, etc.

Priming the Walls

Most RV wallpaper has some texture, so it's recommended to apply a coat or two of primer. Primer helps fill in the texture and quickly covers any dark colours or stains. It also adheres to challenging surfaces better than paint alone. Use a roller cover with a 1/2" nap and a short-handled 2" angled paintbrush around the edges and taped areas.

Painting the Walls

For the paint, an eggshell or satin sheen paint is preferable. Use at least a 3/8" nap roller cover (a 1/2" nap will also work). To avoid roller lines, paint in "W" shapes, and in narrow areas, paint in criss-cross "X" motions with your brush. For best results, let the first coat of paint dry for at least 12 hours, then apply a second coat. Let the second coat dry for an hour or two, then remove the painter's tape.

Benefits of Painting

Painting is a great way to change up your space without a lot of hassle. It's easy to paint over later if you want to switch things up, and it's affordable, especially in the small space of an RV. You can also easily create patterns or "statement" walls.

Disadvantages of Painting

Painting can be messy, and it can be challenging to get creative with more complex designs. Painting in a small, confined space can also result in fume headaches, so be sure to ventilate the RV well.

Replacing furniture

When it comes to replacing furniture in your camper, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, measure your space – and then measure it again! Camper living spaces tend to be small, so it's easy to end up with furniture that doesn't quite fit. You can buy furniture from anywhere you like – you don't need to shop at RV-specific stores unless the chair or sofa you're replacing needs to include a seatbelt. IKEA is a good option, as their furniture comes disassembled, making it easy to fit through narrow RV doors.

When choosing furniture, remember to keep your RV's weight in mind. All RVs have a cargo-carrying capacity, and exceeding this can be dangerous. A rig that is unevenly loaded can also cause problems when driving. If you have a travel trailer, make sure your new furniture doesn't cause you to go over your truck's tow capacity.

It's a good idea to bolt down any new furniture to avoid flying furniture in the case of an accident or a bumpy ride. Use "L" brackets to secure your pieces.

If you're looking to save money, consider shopping at thrift stores or garage sales. You could easily save hundreds of dollars and still find furniture that you love.

Updating lighting fixtures

Updating the lighting fixtures in your camper is a great way to improve the look of your space. Many vintage trailers have 110V electrical systems, but today's huge selection of low-voltage and specialty LEDs offers a wider range of options for lighting your RV.

• Swap out old fixtures: Replace outdated or inefficient lighting fixtures with new ones. You can find a variety of modern and energy-efficient options at your local hardware store or online.
• Low-voltage LED lights: Consider wiring in low-voltage LED lights so that you can run them off 12V batteries when needed. This will give you more flexibility and efficiency in your lighting setup.
• Small-scale fixtures: Look for small-scale lighting fixtures with low or recessed profiles to save space in your camper. This will help ensure that your new lighting fixtures don't take up too much valuable space.
• Wireless battery-powered lights: Add wireless battery-powered lights in less common but critical places, such as under the cabinets, to increase illumination and create more visual interest.
• Dimmer switches: Install dimmer switches to give you more control over the lighting levels in your camper. This will allow you to create different moods and atmospheres, from bright and cheerful to soft and romantic.
• Motion sensor lights: Consider installing motion sensor lights in key areas, such as the entryway or bathroom, to make it easier to navigate your camper in the dark.
• Colour-changing LEDs: Add some fun and flexibility to your lighting by installing colour-changing LED strips. You can change the colour and brightness to suit your mood or activity, from a soft warm glow to a vibrant party atmosphere.

Remember to consult with an electrician or a professional if you're unsure about the electrical work involved. With these tips, you can update your camper's lighting fixtures to improve both functionality and style.

Changing the flooring

Once the old flooring has been removed, it's time to prepare the subfloor. The subfloor is the surface underneath the flooring. It is important to ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and smooth before installing the new flooring. Fill in any holes or cracks with a patching compound and sand down any uneven areas. If you are installing vinyl flooring, you may need to apply a levelling compound to ensure a completely flat surface.

When choosing new flooring for your camper, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, weight is an important factor as you don't want to exceed your camper's carrying capacity. Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for campers as it is easy to clean, durable, and can be installed by almost anyone. It is also a good idea to choose a floating floor that is not glued down, as this will not be affected by the shifting that occurs during travel.

Another option is laminate flooring, which is tough, waterproof, and easy to install. It can be cut with a box knife or sturdy scissors and simply snapped together without the need for glue. However, keep in mind that laminate flooring may not be as durable as vinyl flooring when it comes to withstanding the shifting and movement of your camper during travel.

Wooden flooring is also an option, but it is important to note that it may be more susceptible to damage from moisture and humidity fluctuations. If you choose wooden flooring, make sure to select a high-quality product that is suitable for use in campers or RVs.

Finally, it's time to install your new flooring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of flooring you have chosen. For floating floors, simply lay down the underlayment and snap the flooring pieces together. For glued-down floors, apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions and lay the flooring according to the layout you have planned. Be sure to leave a gap of about 1/4 inch between the flooring and any walls or obstacles to allow for expansion and contraction.

With these steps, you can give your camper a fresh new look and feel with a stylish and functional flooring upgrade.

Improving cabinets

Cabinets are a great place to start when renovating your camper. They are often dated and can be an eyesore. Here are some tips to improve the look of your cabinets:

Replace the Hardware

Older hardware on cabinets can make them look super dated. An easy way to improve the look of your cabinets is to replace the hardware with something new and modern. This simple change can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your camper.

Sand and Paint the Cabinets

If you want to take your cabinet renovation a step further, you can sand and paint them for an extra clean look. This option requires more time and effort, but it can transform the space. Make sure to use a good primer before painting to ensure the paint adheres well and doesn't peel off.

Choose the Right Paint

When painting your cabinets, it's important to select the right type of paint. Go for a paint that is specifically designed for the surface you are painting. For example, if you are painting over laminate cabinets, choose a paint that adheres well to glossy surfaces. You may also want to consider using a primer to ensure a smooth finish.

Consider the Colour Scheme

When selecting a colour for your cabinets, consider the overall colour scheme of your camper. Choose a colour that complements the other design elements, such as the walls, flooring, and furniture. You can opt for a bold colour to make a statement or go for a more neutral shade for a classic look.

Add Some Personal Touches

To make your cabinets feel truly yours, consider adding some personal touches. You can add decorative knobs or handles that reflect your style. You could also line the inside of the cabinets with a fun contact paper or paint the inside a contrasting colour to create a unique look.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

If you are making any significant changes to your cabinets, such as adding new doors or altering the structure, be sure to measure twice and cut once. Camper spaces can be tight, so precise measurements are crucial to ensuring your new cabinets fit perfectly and don't impede on other areas.

Keep Weight in Mind

Remember to consider the weight of any new materials you are adding to your cabinets. Cabinets can contribute significantly to the overall weight of your camper, especially if you are using solid wood or heavy materials. Keep in mind any weight restrictions and distribute the weight evenly to avoid an uneven load while driving.

Frequently asked questions