Renovating A Shasta Camper: A Comprehensive Guide

Renovating a Shasta camper can be a fun project, but it's also a big undertaking. This type of project requires a range of skills, from carpentry and plumbing to electrical work. It's important to be aware of what you're getting into before starting the renovation process.

The first step is to assess the condition of the camper. Look for water damage, sun damage, and pest infestations, as these are common issues in older campers. It's also crucial to check the tires, titles, towing capacity, and RV systems.

Once you've purchased the camper, the next step is to set up a workspace and gather the necessary tools, such as saws, drills, grinders, and air cleaners. Then, it's time for demolition! Remove any damaged or unwanted elements, such as old cabinets, appliances, and plumbing.

After demolition, you'll need to address any issues like water damage, mould, and infestations. This may involve replacing wood, fixing leaks, and spraying for pests.

The kitchen and bathroom are key areas to renovate. You might want to replace cabinets, appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Consider adding cabinet latches and a backsplash in the kitchen, and reflective tiles and a composting toilet in the bathroom.

Storage and flooring are also important considerations. Utilise storage hacks like pouches, hooks, and magnets to maximise space. For flooring, wood or linoleum are popular choices, with linoleum being more affordable and easier to maintain.

Finally, decide on your power, water, and heat sources. You can go off-grid with battery-powered heaters and generators, or use propane and solar power. Don't forget to give the exterior a fresh coat of paint!

Renovating a Shasta camper is a challenging but rewarding project. It requires time, effort, and a range of skills. However, with proper planning and execution, you can successfully transform your vintage camper into a stylish and functional space.

Painting the exterior

Preparation:

Before you start painting, there are a few important steps to ensure a smooth and professional finish. Firstly, remove all the badges, lights, and wings. Polish the metal surfaces with a metal polish like Mother's Polish to remove any oxidation. Replace any rusty exterior screws with stainless steel screws of a slightly larger width. Caulk all seams and joints with clear paintable silicone. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the exterior surfaces, and give the camper a good cleaning to remove any dust or residue. Finally, mask off any areas you don't want to paint, such as windows, trims, or stripes, using FrogTape or similar painter's tape.

Priming:

Apply a coat of spray primer over the exposed metal areas, especially the roof and the front of the camper above the windows. This will help create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to and prevent any previous colours from showing through.

Painting:

For the paint itself, you can choose from a variety of options, including tractor enamel, which comes in a range of bright colours. You'll need at least two gallons of your primary colour (such as white) and a quart of your accent colour (such as yellow). Use sponge rollers and small sponge brushes to apply the paint evenly. Start with the roof and work your way down, checking for drips and bubbles as you go. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Most projects will require at least two coats of paint.

Reassembly:

Once the painting is complete and dried, it's time to reassemble any removed parts. This includes putting back the lights, wings, and badges. Polish any metal surfaces again if needed to ensure a shiny finish.

Maintenance:

To keep your freshly painted exterior looking its best, regular maintenance is key. Wash and wax the exterior periodically to protect the paint and remove any dirt or grime. Consider using a protective coating, such as a clear coat or sealant, to extend the life of the paint job and protect against the elements.

Remember to take your time, work in a well-ventilated area, and always follow the safety instructions on your paint and equipment. With these steps, you'll have a beautifully painted Shasta camper exterior that you can be proud of!

Fixing water damage

Water damage is one of the most common issues an RV can face. The first step to fixing water damage is to locate and repair the source. Check for leaks, especially along the walls, roofing, and toilet area. Look out for soft spots, discolouration, and wrinkles on your wallpaper, which can be signs of water damage.

Once you've identified the source of the leak, it's time to remove any damaged parts, such as floors and walls. RV floors are typically made of plywood, which is vulnerable to water damage. Use a screwdriver to push through the exposed wooden elements of your floor to check for rotting. If there is any rotting wood, it will need to be replaced completely.

Next, remove any mould with a bleach solution. Mix four parts water with one part bleach, apply the solution to the mould, let it soak, then scrub it off. For severe cases of mould, you may need to hire a mould remediation company.

After cleaning off the mould, air out your RV until it's completely dry. You can use an air blower to speed up the drying process.

Finally, replace all damaged areas with new parts. Try to invest in quality parts to prevent the water damage from occurring again.

Revamping the kitchen

The kitchen is in spitting distance from the living area in a camper, so you’re going to want it to look nice and function well.

Cabinets

You can replace the cabinets if they are damaged or outdated. Install cabinet latches to ensure that doors and drawers do not slide open on bumpy roads. You can find latches for less than $16 on Amazon.com. You could also give the cabinets a new coat of paint and install some hooks for paper towels and large utensils.

Cooktops

If you want a new cooktop, it might be a good idea to get a full range. That way, you have an oven and a stove. Most ranges are run on propane. You can find one for less than $530 on Amazon.

Fridges

Most campers are a little too small to fit even a small fridge, but most have room for an icebox that doubles as a cooler and a small plug-in fridge. You can get one for less than $140 on Amazon.

Backsplash

While this is completely optional, a backsplash can make your kitchen look fly as well as functional. Most backsplashes cost under $300. Make sure to buy a few extra tiles so that if you have to replace one, you have the exact copy.

Other appliances

Other small appliances you might want to include are toasters, stove covers, and drying racks. Most people like to replace the cooking appliances because there are hard-to-clean places in the kitchen, and you don’t want to think about what has been lurking there for 40-plus years.

Improving the bathroom

Renovating a camper bathroom can be a challenging but rewarding task. Here are some tips and suggestions to improve the bathroom in your Shasta camper:

Planning and Design

Before starting the renovation, it is essential to plan and design the layout and functionality of the bathroom. Consider the available space and decide on the features you want to include, such as a sink, toilet, and shower. Keep in mind that a camper bathroom is typically small, so choose space-saving options and multi-functional fixtures if possible.

Demolition and Inspection

Begin by removing any unwanted or damaged items from the bathroom. This may include old cabinets, plumbing, or electrical fixtures. Carefully inspect for any signs of water damage, mould, or pest infestations. Pay close attention to the condition of the walls, floors, and plumbing connections. If there is extensive water damage, you may need to replace the affected wooden structures.

Plumbing and Fixtures

Install a small sink, preferably with a water-efficient faucet to conserve water during your travels. Consider a self-composting toilet, which turns waste into compost, eliminating the need for black tanks or dump stations. This is an excellent option for off-grid camping. You can also opt for a traditional RV toilet, ensuring it has a secure connection to the waste tank.

Storage and Decor

Maximise storage space by utilising hanging baskets, pouches, and hooks for toiletries and other bathroom essentials. Install shelves or cabinets with latches to prevent items from sliding open during transit. Decorate the space with a fresh coat of paint, and consider adding a mirror, adhesive reflective tiles, or other decorative elements to enhance the ambiance.

Flooring

Choose a durable and easy-to-clean flooring option. While carpet is an option, it may not be the most practical choice for a bathroom. Consider linoleum, which is affordable, water-resistant, and relatively easy to install. Alternatively, wood floors offer a more premium look and feel but are more expensive and susceptible to water damage.

Ventilation and Lighting

Ensure proper ventilation in the bathroom to prevent moisture buildup and potential mould issues. Install a suitable exhaust fan if possible. Adequate lighting is also crucial, so consider replacing old light fixtures with energy-efficient LED lights to brighten up the space.

Final Touches

Once the major renovations are complete, add some personal touches to make the space feel like your own. Hang decorative items, such as artwork or small plants, but ensure they are securely fastened for travel. Don't forget to test all the fixtures and plumbing to ensure there are no leaks.

Adding storage

When renovating a Shasta camper, adding storage solutions is essential to maximise space and ensure everything has its place. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Install pouches and hooks: Utilise empty wall space by hanging pouches and hooks to store utensils, mugs, and other lightweight items.
• Magnetic spice jars: Attach small spice jars to the side of a cabinet or any metal surface using magnets. This keeps your spices organised and easily accessible while cooking.
• Hanging baskets and file holders: Install hanging baskets or file holders inside cabinets to create extra storage for cutting boards, cookie sheets, and foil wrap.
• Reuse hangers and clips: Get creative and reuse items like hangers and clips to hang items from the ceiling or walls, freeing up space below.
• Suction cups: In the bathroom, use suction cups to attach toothbrush holders and other small containers to the walls, making use of vertical space.
• Stackable bins: Opt for stackable storage bins to make the most of your cupboard space. This allows you to store more items in a compact area.
• Caddies and collapsible trash cans: Invest in collapsible or hanging caddies and trash cans to save space. These can be hung on doors or walls, keeping them off the floor and out of the way.
• Refrigerator bars: Install bars inside your refrigerator to create additional storage for small items, preventing them from getting lost or rolling around.
• Overhead storage: If you have space, consider adding overhead storage compartments or nets. These can be great for storing lightweight items that aren't used frequently.
• Under-bed storage: Utilise the space under your bed by adding storage containers or installing drawers. This is a great place to keep items that aren't needed often, such as extra bedding or seasonal items.
• Door storage: Attach storage solutions to the back of cabinet doors to create additional space for spices, cleaning supplies, or other small items.
• Custom-built compartments: If you're handy, consider building custom storage compartments that fit the unique shape of your camper. This can help you make the most of every inch of space.
• Multi-purpose furniture: Look for furniture with built-in storage, such as benches with compartments underneath the seat or beds with drawers underneath. This doubles the functionality of the furniture, giving you a place to sit and store items.

When designing your storage solutions, consider the weight and placement of items. Distribute weight evenly throughout the camper to maintain balance. Also, ensure that items are stored securely, especially when travelling, to prevent them from becoming projectiles in the event of sudden stops or accidents.

Frequently asked questions