Category: Campers and RVs

See campers and RVs that have been restored, repaired, and decorated.

Here are a few of our favorite Campers and RVs:

Camper Decorating Ideas: Laura’s 5th Wheel Makeover

15 Awesome Airstream Interiors

Fabulous 5th Wheel Camper Makeover

RV And Camper Decor Series: DIY RV Design

Vintage Campers and RV’s
If vintage campers and RV’s are one of our favorite topics here are a few articles you may enjoy:
9 Great Vintage Travel Trailer Campgrounds
A Mobile Home Remodel In 1954
How The Mobile Home Stigma Began

If you like mobile homes, campers or new manufactured homes you are definitely in the right spot. Welcome to Mobile Home Living!

  • Top 10 Most Popular RV Upgrades

    Campers and RVs have a ton of cool upgrades you can buy nowadays. An RV owner could go broke trying to keep up with the latest gadgets (trust me, I know from experience). 

    I have spent hundreds of dollars trying to get a mirror shine on my 1965 Airstream. It probably would’ve been cheaper in the long run if I would’ve just hired an expert to do it. There’re 4 different types of polishing paste needed and you have to use a GOOD power buffer.

    Anyway, RV upgrades usually fall into 2 categories; really useful or just useless junk. At least, that’s been my experience.

    Installing RV upgrades should always do two things; make your RV more comfortable and/or more functional and increase the value of the RV.  The list below covers the most popular RV upgrades that can do both.

    Our list has a couple of products on it that may require professional installation like the solar system, tankless water heater, and roof fan. However, if you’re a seasoned DIYer with a good grasp of plumbing and electrical systems you should be fine.

    So which RV upgrades should you get?

    If you Google ‘Best RV Upgrades’ you’ll get pages of articles and videos that share each author’s opinion on the best products. After double-checking, it was easy to see that there were a few products that were always listed.

    In this article, we’re focusing on the top 10 most recommended products for campers and RVs based on the first 15 articles and videos on Google search for the keywords ‘RV Upgrades.’

    These products have to be pretty good to make it on 7 of the first 10 articles on Google. That’s pretty impressive.

    They all make life a little easier in an RV whether you live in your RV full-time or just camp on the weekends. RV builders are starting to add these options to their newest models but it’s DIY or nothing for the rest of us.

     

    Tankless Water Heater

    There are a few benefits and a few drawbacks to installing a tankless water heater. I’ll not go too far into it but key aspects to consider are size, flow rate, energy usage, portability, and the time it takes for hot water to reach the fixture (usually about 5 seconds or is a lot of water wasted especially if you’re off-grid for a few days).

     

    LED Lighting

    The first thing I did after I bought the Airstream was to replace the old light bulbs with LED lighting.

    The old incandescent bulbs get hot and need a lot of energy but LEDs don’t. It cost around $24 to replace every interior bulb.

    LED lights last a lot longer than traditional light bulbs plus they have a higher wattage to illuminate all the corners of the RV. You can pick up these light bulbs at any department store or home hardware store.

    You can also purchase surge protector power bars to decrease the chances of disrupting the power throughout the RV. These surge protectors are available at local stores or through online sources.

     

    Install Solar Panels

    Another smart RV upgrade is solar power. There’s a lot more to a solar system than most realize though.

    The solar panels themselves are just the beginning. You also need a charge controller to regulate the energy that flows from the panels into the battery bank in DC (direct current) form. To use the energy stored in the batteries you need a pure sine wave converter to convert the DC energy to AC so you can use your appliances.

    Learn more about RV solar systems here. Solar panels have been getting more affordable with each passing year. This can be a complex project and if you’re not comfortable with drilling holes in your RV’s roof it’s probably best to pay a professional.

    Upgrade Your Mattress and Sofa Bed

    Upgrading a standard RV mattress to a thicker and better-made one will make a huge difference. There are some great mattresses and sofa beds on the market for RVs and Campers. You can spend anywhere between $99 and $1500 on a pull-out sofa bed or a mattress.

    Get Storage and Organization Products for Campers and RVs

    One complaint that people tend to have when it comes to RVs is the amount of storage space located inside or, the lack thereof. You can use scrap wood located around your garage to build a small set of shelves that will fit underneath the sink of the RV, shelving that can go up the overhead of the bunks, or a little end table to place next to the couch with shelving inside. Paint the exterior of your shelving bright and welcoming colors then use it to proudly display knick-knacks and pictures from previous camping trips. There are some great mattresses and sofa beds on the market for RVs and Campers. You can spend anywhere between $99 and $1500 on a pull-out sofa bed or a mattress.

    High-Pressure Shower Head

    If I could recommend just one thing to someone wanting RV upgrades I’d say the LED lights and the high-pressure shower head would be my first two choices. It’s simple to install and reduces water consumption by a ton which is important if you’re boondocking somewhere and have a limited supply of water.

    Bed Lift

    Most campers and RVs will have decent storage space under the bed. Unfortunately, this space is not easy to get to sometimes. If your RV has a full, queen, or king bed you’d have to raise the mattress and the plywood which can be a few good pounds. A bed lift solves this problem. It’s like air shocks for your bed and they are handy to have.

    Appliance Upgrades

    New appliances make sense for vintage campers and RVs more than for newer makes and models. For instance, the refrigerator in my 1965 Airstream works fine when plugged into shore power but doesn’t work at all with propane. I’ll be getting one installed just as soon as I finish paying for my daughter’s college. New convection ovens can cook food without getting the interior hot. Gotta love technology! An RV cover is not the first thing that comes to mind when you are thinking of ways to upgrade your car, but it can be a very worthwhile investment. A good car cover will protect your vehicle from the elements and keep it looking new for longer. Not all RV covers are created equal, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. There are a few things to consider when selecting a car cover, such as the type of material, climate, and size of your vehicle. 

    RV COVER


    An RV cover is not the first thing that comes to mind when you are thinking of ways to upgrade your car, but it can be a very worthwhile investment. A good car cover will protect your vehicle from the elements and keep it looking new for longer. Not all RV covers are created equal, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. There are a few things to consider when selecting a car cover, such as the type of material, climate, and size of your vehicle.

    Making Memories in RVs

    Both of my grandmothers kept campers and RVs. My maternal grandmother had an old camper she turned into her sewing shed complete with comfy sewing chairs and her trusty Singer.

    Campers and RVs are perfect for making memories whether at the campground or in the backyard. I’ve never met a single person that doesn’t have a beautiful memory involving their family’s RV. I hope these RV upgrades help you and your family make some wonderful RV memories to look back on. As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living®1

  • Static Caravan Is Transformed Into Luxury Family Retreat

    Did you know that what we call a camper in the U.S. is called a caravan in the U.K.? They are categorized into two categories, touring and static. A touring caravan is one that can be towed and a static one is permanently placed at a location in a holiday park.

    Recently one of the followers of our Mobile Home Living Facebook page shared with us a static caravan transformation that we just had to share with you. We are sure you will love it as much as we do!

    All images courtesy of the Daily Mail.

    Unlimited Potential

    Joanna and her husband John purchased this 2003 static caravan back in 2017 for £6,000 (a little of $7,500) with plans to transform it into a luxury getaway spot for her family. And that’s just what they did.

    Uk Caravan Living Room Before
    The Living Space Is Very Roomy.
    Uk Couch Before
    Love The Big Window.
    Caravan Master Bedroom Before
    Bedroom Is Functional But Plain.
    Uk Nd Bedroom Before
    Small Second Bedroom.
    Uk Kitchen Before
    Typical Camper Like Space.

    The Transformation is Stunning

    For around £1,000 (little more than $1,200) the couple completed the vacation retreat transformation back in 2018. Most of the expenses for the DIY project came from buying second-hand furniture locally and then painting to coordinate the pieces with each other, creating a warm lodge style interior.

    Joanne says: “Our biggest expense was the caravan itself and the cheapest and biggest deal would be the sofa for £100($128), including the stool.” Looks like the couple has an eye for bargains.

    Uk Living Room After
    Can You Believe This Is Even The Same Room?
    Uk Fireplace
    So Cozy.
    Uk Living Room Couch After
    Perfect Spot To Relax.
    Uk Caravan Master Bedroom After
    What A Beautiful Space.
    Uk Nd Bedroom After
    The Bunk Beds Add So Much Space.

    One of the biggest changes to this vacation retreat was the kitchen. It was also one of the least expensive, which was accomplished with just paint and new handles for the cabinets. This just proves what we are always saying, paint can totally transform a space.

    Uk Kitchen After
    Very Inviting.
    Uk Kitchen Cabinets
    Plenty Of Counter And Cabinet Room.

    Related: Can’t get enough of these caravan remodels? This Irish caravan is so cute.

    Caravan Exterior
    Not A Bad Spot For A Vacation.

    Static caravans are a very popular choice for vacation homes in the U.K.. They are easy to maintain, roomy than smaller caravans, and offer a nice alternative in a time where staycations are all the rage. The couple says they love sharing their vacation time with their grown daughters and younger son whenever time allows.

    Don’t forget, if you see a mobile home or camper/RV that you think our readers would enjoy, let us know! We are always looking for homes to share with our readers.

    As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • Daydreaming of El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel

    Owning a top of the line vintage camper or mobile home, like a Spartan or AirStream, puts you in a very cool club. There’s a huge fan base driving online communities and blogs dedicated to them all. Restoring and decorating these wheeled wonders are all the rage. It’s a fad, a movement, a hobby, and a special love affair with our wheeled creations. It’s contagious, too.

    Related: A few of our favorite Airstream remodels:

    This Vintage Airstream Remodel is so Cool

    Transforming a Vintage Airstream Into a Tiny Home Retreat

    The El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel

    The El Cosmico is a hotel in Marfa, TX where you can rent yurts, teepees, wall tents and several gorgeous vintage mobile homes and campers. You can pretend any one of the several beauties are yours for as long as you want. Your hardest choice will be picking the one you will be staying in.

    “Our trailers have been beautifully restored and feature stoves, small refrigerators, fans, floor heating and hot water. Each is appointed with unique light fixtures and furnishings. We provide bedding, bath towels, dishes, pots, pans and cooking utensils. Nightly rates are listed next to each trailer (premium rates may apply on select dates). Please call us to learn more or to make a reservation.”

    Even their primitive safari tents are gorgeous:

    El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel-1951 Kozy Coach

    El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel-1953 Vagabond Trailer

    El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel-Spartan Imperial Mansion

    El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel-Spartan Royal Mansion

    El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel-Travel Trailer

    The whole concept behind El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel is more than a just hotel. There’s plenty of events on the 18-acre retreat that make perfect cures for the stressed out free spirit. The website describes it best:
    El Cosmico is part vintage trailer, safari tent, and teepee hotel and campground, part creative lab, greenhouse, and amphitheater – a community space that fosters and agitates artistic and intellectual exchange.

    El Cosmico Vintage Trailer Hotel

    Lambert has worked closely with renowned architecture firm Lake/Flato and Jack Sanders of Design Build Adventure, as well as with a creative team of artists, builders, and students, to create a unique communal outpost in the West Texas desert.”

    The trailers are gorgeous. The whole experience would have to be out of this world. Open sky, free spirits, and Spartan mobile homes always make for a great time!

    Thank you so much for reading Mobile Home Living!

    Be sure to check El Cosmico vintage trailer hotel out when you are in the area of West Texas!
    All photos and artwork the property of El Cosmico.

  • 5 Cool Retro Trailer Park Resorts To Visit

    If you are a fan of camping and of all things vintage then you are going to love what we have for you today. These 5 cool retro trailer park resorts are scattered all around the country and are the hot new trend in camping. Forget sleeping bags and tents, these are where you want to stay!

    All images courtesy of their respective sites.

    The Vintages Trailer Resort

    First up, the Vintages Trailer Resort located in Oregon. Located right in the heart of Oregon wine country, the resort features 35 vintage restored trailers, with 23 different styles including Spartans, Vagabonds, and Shastas. Situated along tree-lined streets, it looks to be a charming place full of vintage charm!

    Retro Trailer Park Resorts The Vintages Resort Flamingo Trailer
    What Vintage Trailer Park Resort Is Complete Without Flamingos?!?
    The Vintages Resort Sign
    Lighting Up The Night Time Sky.

    Related: Take a look at 25 Cool Retro Mobile Home Park Signs we found!

    The Vintages Resort Updated Interior Of Vintage Trailer
    Love That They Kept All The Original Touches.

    Camp LeConte

    Our next find is Camp LeConte in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This glamping destination offers a variety of camping choices, including two vintage 1960 Shasta campers named Glamping at Tiffany’s and the Ruby Slipper. Definitely a cool option if you are thinking of traveling to the Gatlinburg area.

    Camp Leconte Shasta Trailer
    Glamping At Tiffany’S Is Perfect For A Weekend Getaway.
    Camp Leconte Sign
    Add This To Your Bucket List Next Time You Are Planning A Trip!
    Retro Trailer Park Resorts Camp Le Conte Trailer
    The Ruby Slipper Is Bright And Shiny!

    Related: Affordable DIY Vintage Camper Renovation: Adopting Shana the Shasta.

    Caravan Outpost

    If you love Airstreams as much as we do, then the Caravan Outpost in Ojai, California should be top on your trailer park resorts list. Ten gorgeous Airstreams nestled among the palm trees await visitors who are looking to get back to nature while still enjoying all the amenities of a resort atmosphere. Featured among such sites as Dwell, Men’s Health, and InStyle, just to name a few, this is one of our favorite trailer park resorts we are sharing today.

    Caravan Outpost Airstreams
    Take Your Pick!
    Caravan Outpost Setup
    Love The Way They Are Each Enclosed With Their Own Little Jungle Vibe.
    Caravan Outpost Airstream
    There’S Just Something Special About The Look Of An Airstream.

    Junebug Retro Resort

    If you are in the North Carolina area you have to check out the Junebug Retro Resort in Asheville, North Carolina. According to the site, they have 10 restored vintage trailers and the property stretches over 50 acres that also includes a river that runs through the property. You can also book the entire campground for private events, such as wedding parties or family reunions.

    Junebug Trotwood
    All Shined Up.
    Junebug Yellow Shasta
    Love The Little Shasta Campers.
    Retro Trailer Park Resorts Junebug Spartan
    A 1952 Spartan, Be Still My Heart!

    The Shady Dell

    The Shady Dell in Bisbee, Arizona has something for everyone. The Shady Dell started way back in 1927 as a resting spot along Highway 80, which stretches from Georgia to San Diego. Now it’s home to 13 various trailers including a Tiki Bus, a 1955 Kropf Trailer, and a wide array of other vintage beauties. All of the trailers are equipped in vintage decor and are beyond cool. If you are a vintage trailer fan this should be #1 on your list of trailer park resorts to visits!

    The Shady Dell El Raye
    Just One Of The Many Choices Available.
    The Shady Dell Sign
    Looks Just Like A Vintage Postcard!
    The Shady Dell Retro Trailers
    Be Ready To Step Back Into A Simpler Time.

    If a road trip is in your future and you have a chance to visit any of the 5 trailer park resorts we have shared today we would love to hear about your experience. Comment below and let us know!

    As always, we thank you for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • 2005 Park Model RV Becomes One Couple’s Gorgeous Sanctuary

    We have always enjoyed sharing camper/RV remodels with our readers. That’s why when we found this 2005 Park Model RV remodel we knew it would be a great share. Featured among several pages, including Mountain Modern Life and Smaller Living, this remodel is one gorgeous sanctuary.

    A New Adventure Begins

    RV owners Ashley and Mike aren’t strangers to the downsized lifestyle. Before deciding to purchase their 2005 Park Model RV they had previously lived in a 5th wheel, which they lived in for 2 years before deciding to sell it and move into a stick-built home.

    This time the couple decided to go with something a little more permanent than their previous RV since they intended to park it on a friend’s property for the foreseeable future. This allowed them more decorating freedom since they wouldn’t need to worry about securing things to keep them from falling off during travel.

    Take a look at the RV before they began their transformation.

    (All images courtesy of Joyfully Living.)

    Rv Exterior
    Ashley And Mike Are Loving Life!
    Rv Interior Before
    Looks Like A Typical Camper Interior.
    Rv Area With Wall
    The Area Before They Removed The Wall For Their Home Office Space.
    Rv Bathroom Before
    Nothing Fancy But Still Functional.

    Home Sweet Home

    It’s hard to believe this is the same Park Model RV! First up, new flooring and paint were needed. Next, the couple removed a wall and opened up the space that had been the second bedroom to create a home office for themselves.

    The kitchen was also completely transformed with new cabinets and countertops as well as the addition of open shelving. Finally, they tore out the bathtub and installed a high-end shower in its place, along with an upscale copper sink.

    Rv Interior After
    Hard To Believe This Is A Rv.
    Rv Kitchen After
    Look At That Copper Sink!
    Rv Bedroom
    Baskets Under The Bed Adds Extra Storage.
    Park Model Rv Area Without Wall
    The Home Office Was A Must.
    Rv Bathroom After
    Bowl Sinks Are A Popular Option.
    Rv Shower After
    The Exposed Pipes Are A Nice Touch.

    Be sure to check out Ashley’s blog, Joyfully Living, where she shares not only their 2005 Park Model RV remodel but also design and style tips as well as DIY projects to inspire you to great your own gorgeous sanctuary! You can also visit our section on Mobile Home Living to find campers and RVs that have been restored, repaired, and decorated.

    Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • 4 Modern Camper Remodels That Are Sensational

    Today we are sharing 4 modern camper remodels that are sure to inspire you to update your own camper or RV before you and your family set off this Summer to explore the great outdoors. From modern farmhouse to modern luxury these remodels showcase just how cool a camper can be.

    Pop-Up Camper is a Surprise

    Pop-up campers have long had a reputation for being pretty basic when it comes to decor and setup. That’s definitely not the case with this budget-friendly remodel we found on Pop Up Princess.

    A fresh coat of paint, new cabinet hardware, fresh fabric on the cushions throughout, and a cool update to the table and this camper was ready for the road!

    Modern Camper Remodels Pop Up Camper Interior Before
    Functional But Not Stylish Described This Camper.
    Pop Up Camper During Remodel
    It’S Amazing What A Little Paint Can Do.
    Pop Up Camper Interior After
    Can Hardly Believe This Is The Same Pop-Up.
    Pop Up Camper Dining Table
    Wood Strips Attached To The Tabletop Completed The Transformation.

    All images courtesy of the Pop Up Princess.

    Airstream Luxury

    Our next find in modern camper remodels is a cool 1970’s Airstream. Although it was in pretty good shape when purchased, since the couple decided to live in it full time, they decided it needed some updates to give it a more modern look.

    After fully gutting the interior down to the shell, the finished product is nothing short of luxurious.

    Modern Camper Remodels Airstream Interior Before
    Not Too Shabby.
    Airstream Bathroom Before
    Typical Functional Bathroom.
    Airstream Bedroom Before
    Bedroom Definitely Needed Some Love.
    Airstream Dining Area After
    The New Interior Is Magazine Ready.
    Airstream Bathroom After
    Modern Bathroom.
    Airstream Bedrooom After
    Extra Storage Is A Must.

    All images courtesy of Hopscotch the Globe.

    Welcoming 5th Wheel

    Inspiring is the first word that comes to mind when we came across our next modern camper remodel. Taking this 5th wheel from a typical camper decor to a cozy but chic full-time home for right around $3,000 is nothing short of amazing.

    Just like our other modern camper remodels, a fresh coat of paint was the biggest and easiest change made. Along with new furnishings, this 5th wheel became a cozy and stylish home for this family.

    5Th Wheel Interior Before
    Wallpaper And An Outdated Wood Paneling Highlighted The Before Look.
    Th Wheel During Remodel
    Stripping The Camper Down To The Walls For A Fresh Coat Of Paint.
    Th Wheel Interior With Kitchen Before And After
    What A Transformation.
    Th Wheel Interior After
    Play Area For The Kiddos Was A Necessity.
    Th Wheel Exterior
    The Exterior Was In Good Shape.

    All images courtesy of Mountain Modern Life.

    Light and Bright Camper

    Our final remodel is a smaller camper that showcased all the typical features of older campers. Wallpaper, the wood accents, and dark cabinets, as well as the outdated fabric all had to go to create the light and bright finished look.

    One of our favorite projects of this particular remodel, the addition of a pantry and double desk to create workspace for the couple as they traveled.

    Light And Brigt Couch Before
    The Custom Window Dressing Matched The Furniture!
    Light And Bright Camper Kitchen Before
    Small But Functioning Kitchen.
    Light And Bright Camper Interior Before
    The Space Had So Much Potential.
    Light And Bright Camper Couch After
    Entertaining And Pet Friendly Seating.
    Light And Bright Camper Kitchen After
    It Hardly Looks Like The Same Kitchen.
    Modern Camper Remodels Light And Bright Interior After
    If Living Full Time In A Camper Workspace Is A Priority.

    All images courtesy of Today.

    If you are thinking of remodeling a camper for either full time living or just for vacation use, it’s always good to have an idea of what your vision for the space will be. As you can see from our 4 remodels, painting the space white, pulling up the carpet, or changing the fabric of the cushions throughout are all easy ways to get the most bang for your makeover buck.

    Can’t get enough of camper remodels? Visit our entire section devoted to all types of camper and Airstream remodels, from Farmhouse to modern camper remodels. You can also visit our Pinterest page for even more camper, RV and Airstream inspiration.

    Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • A Greyhound Bus Conversion That is One of a Kind

    Over the years we have shared all kinds of different bus conversion projects. But this Greyhound remodeling project is one of a kind. Featured on several sites, including Tiny House Talk, you have to see this transformation.

    A Desire to Downsize

    Jessie Lipskin knew she wanted to downsize and simplify her life. While looking online, she came across this 1966 GMC Greyhound Commuter bus and purchased it for $7,000.

    Although Jessie was a skilled DIYer, this project would need some more work than she could tackle on her own. So with a vision in mind of what she wanted, she enlisted the help of some professionals to help her dream tiny home come true.

    Bus Conversion Exterior Before
    Looks Like A Typical Greyhound.
    Bus Conversion Interior Before
    Those Old Seats Sure Weren’T Built For Comfort.
    Bus Conversion Interior Gutten
    The Beginning Of The Rebuild.
    Greyhound Interior During Remodel
    It’S Starting To Come Together!

    Bright and Open Interior

    The first thought upon entering this greyhound bus conversion is how much bigger it seems than 400 square feet. With two complete sleeping areas, a full bathroom, and a kitchen, this bus is full time living ready.

    Some of the features of the remodel include:

    • Hardwood flooring throughout
    • LED lighting with dimmers
    • A full kitchen that included a washer/drying spinner
    • 2 separate sleeping options
    • A full bathroom with a slate bathroom floor for drainage
    Greyhound Interior
    Crisp And Clean Lines Highlight This Interior.
    Greyhound Front Interior
    This Bus Is Fully Driveable.
    Greyhound Interior Into Bedroom
    What A Cozy Bedroom Space.
    Greyhound Kitchen
    Plenty Of Counter Space.
    Bus Conversion Bath
    Tiny But Fully Functional.
    Bus Conversion Bathroom Floor

    On to the Next Adventure

    After investing more than $100k and three years of work into the greyhound bus conversion, Jessie enjoyed living in the mobile home full time for 6 months, then decided to move on to another adventure, working and traveling abroad. So, she listed the tiny home for $149k and it was quickly bought and is now on to its next adventure, an Airbnb location in Joshua Tree, California.

    Greyhound Exterior After
    Bus Conversion Joshua Tree
    The Greyhound Looks Right At Home In Its New Surroundings.

    Airstream remodels, bus conversions and of course single and double wide mobile home remodels are all reminders of the potential that can be found in Mobile Home Living. It’s all about seeing the possibilities that can be found in these homes.

    Want to see more bus conversions? Check these 9 awesome vintage buses converted into beautiful mobile homes.

    Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • These 3 Airstream Makeovers Are Impressive

    We have a weakness for Airstream makeovers here at Mobile Home Living. Because, of course, anytime someone can take something that looks ready to be trashed and turn it into a treasure we love to share it.

    You may not know this, but Airstreams have been around since the 1930’s. The very first Airstream sold to the public sold for $1200 way back in 1936. They were actually the only travel trailer to still be manufactured before, during, and after the depression. That says a lot about the quality of these silver beauties.

    Recycled Materials Bring this 1970’s Airstream Back to Life

    Our first find was recently featured on Dwell. A 1970’s Airstream that had been left deserted on a job site, but was quickly picked up by the builder on the site, Ryan and his wife Catherine, who saw the unlimited potential of the Airstream. Although it was a total gut job, the finished look was worth the effort! The couple used many reclaimed materials, including douglas fir for the flooring and sawmill extras for the sofa, and even thrift shop fabric finds for the upholstery and curtains.

    (All images courtesy of Dwell)

    S Airstream Renovation Couch And Coffee Table
    The Coffee Table Was Found In An Old Shed.
    S Airstream Renovation Interior
    Sleek Lines Highlight This Transformation.
    S Airstream Renovation Kitchen
    Even The Cabinets Are Made From Reclaimed Items.
    S Airstream Renovation Bathroom
    Nice Size Shower For A Small Space.
    S Airstream Renovation
    She’S A Beauty!

    Related: Can’t get enough of Airstream remodels? Check out these 6 Awesome Airstreams.

    1976 Airstream is Dreamy

    Our next find comes from a sweet blog we found online, from Lynne Knowlton who has, Design the Life You Want to Live. Turns out Lynne had always dreamed of owning an Airstream, so when one finally turned up for sale she couldn’t wait to make it hers. And we have to say, WOW! She took a 70’s interior and transformed it into a dreamy blend of white and pops of color that you have to see to believe.

    (All images courtesy of Design the Life you Want to Live.)

    Dreamy Airstream Makeovers Kitchen Before
    Typical 70’S Look.
    Dreamy Airstream Kitchen After
    Hardly Looks Like The Same Space.
    Dreamy Airstream Dining Before
    Such A Cramped Feeling.
    Dreamy Airstream Dining After
    White Backdrop With Pops Of Color Opens The Space Up.

    1962 Airstream is a Natural Beauty

    Our last of the Airstream makeovers today comes the site, Treehugger. This 26 foot Airstream was a long time dream for artist Bonnie Christine and her husband. Their goal was to find an older Airstream that just needed their personal touch, but not a full renovation. So, they were thrilled when they found exactly what they were looking for!

    Named Miss Marjorie in honor of its original owner, this 1962 is a beautiful combination of pastel colors that creates not only the perfect vacation home, but also serves as an office space when its parked.

    (all images courtesy of Treehugger.)

    Natural Beauty Sitting Area
    The Pastel Colors Are A Perfect Combo.
    Natural Beauty Kitchen Area
    Anyone Else A Fan Of Copper Accents?
    Natural Beauty Dining Table
    The Table Will Create Extra Sleeping Space If Needed.
    Airstream Makeovers Natural Beauty Exterior
    The Perfect Way To Travel.

    We hope you have enjoyed these 3 impressive Airstream makeovers as much as we did. If you are thinking of updating your RV or Airstream and would like to share it with us we would love to hear from you. Plus be sure to visit our Pinterest page where we have pinned some of our favorite ideas as well!

    As always thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

  • 11 Awesome RV Makeovers

    RV living is the ultimate in mobile home living if you think about it. You can’t get much more mobile! To live in a small camper and travel the world is my dream and I can’t wait to get to experience it. I actually have dreams about driving toward the Rockies with my Airstream in tow! For the best mobile home living, you gotta be stylish and these 11 RV makeovers have that covered.

    11 2
    Share This On Pinterest!

    Jacqueline

    Jacqueline, at JacquelineSarahH on Instagram, and her fiance bought their RV to live in fulltime while saving money for their first home. Two adults and a small child lived in this little piece of RV perfection for a several months but a new baby made a move into a bigger house necessary.

    Here’s what the RV looked like before the makeover:

    Rv Makeover Jacquelinesarahh 00008 1

    The RV after the makeover. She doesn’t say what make or model the home is but it appears to be one of the Wolf series camper by Cherokee.

    Rv Makeover Jacquelinesarahh 00001
    They Were Living In Style!
    Rv Makeover Jacquelinesarahh 00003 1

    5th Wheel Living

    The Flipping Nomad on Instagram has a great lemons to lemonade story. A few years ago she was so desperate for housing she bought an RV to live in. While living in it she fixed it up and then sold it and got another. She’s transformed several RVs and is now a spokesperson for the Keystone RV Company (@keystonervcompany).

    Here are a few of her RV makeovers:

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 40 28 P M
    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 39 36 P M
    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 23 25 P M
    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 25 46 P M

    Fifth Wheel Living

    Kirsten Trout, her husband, and three little dogs live in this 300 square foot RV in Nashville, TN. She’s a proclaimed cheapskate and DIYs a lot of the ideas you see on her Instagram, @fifth_wheel_living.

    Here’s the RV before:

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 47 06 P M

    The RV after:

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 46 42 P M

    We have lived full time in our fifth wheel for over a year with our three dogs and we love it!

    Kirsten

    Takeaway: You need something handy for your dogs when they live in a van, such as toys, blankets, dog feeders, diapers, or belly bands for dogs to prevent issues such as dog marking, excitement urination, and other types of incontinence. Furthermore, finding vets in different locations can be helpful.

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 47 41 P M

    Kirsten describes her home as a studio on wheels and it’s easy to see that her creativity knows no bounds. Though she does admit to wishing she had a larger bathroom, the RV has all the luxuries of home except a dishwasher. She told Apartment Therapy that her favorite room was the living room because it’s so cozy and she can see all the other rooms from the central space.

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 57 36 P M

    Here’s the before and after of the TV center:

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 48 16 P M
    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 7 48 05 P M

    Leeannieblivin

    We found this RV makeover a few weeks ago @ leeannieblivin on Instagram but it seems to be gone now. Regardless, the RV is gorgeous.

    Leeannieblivin Sitting Area
    Leeannieblivin Corner Nook
    Leeannieblivin Computer Area

    I love, love, love the wood moment on the counter. This RV office isn’t playing around!

    Leeannieblivin Bedroom

    RV Makeover Tip: Add Lighting to Make an RV Interior Feel Larger

    Twinkle lights are a big hit with RV owners. One of the biggest secrets to making an RV interior feel larger is to add as much lighting as possible. After all, there aren’t a lot of windows on an RV so you need to introduce your own light. You can see on the ceiling above the small LED twinkle lights were added.

    Leeannieblivin Kitchen
    I Adore This Entire Kitchen. Teal Is My Favorite Color!
    Leeannieblivin Rv Decor
    My Sign!

    Simplecatlady

    The simple cat lady is a teacher and her husband and their cats living in an RV. Not just any RV but one that has been given a beautiful makeover.

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 8 18 31 P M
    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 8 22 24 P M

    Everyone in this RV is living the good life with less stress and probably a lot fewer bills.

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 8 18 55 P M

    They are really roughing it! Shew!

    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 8 18 48 P M

    Dreamy No. 9 Farms: 1949 Spartan Mansion

    If you ever visit the Nashville area and love vintage RVs you will want to check out this Airbnb listing

    No.9 Farms in Ashland City. Situated on over 40 acres, the trailer sits under a brand new pavilion with an amazing outdoor bath house, kitchen, an outdoor covered deck and a fire pit.

    Airbnb
    Spartan Lounge Interior
    Spartan Sitting Area
    Spartan Kitchen Area
    1949 Spartan Mansion Exterior

    For the Love of Millie

    This 1975 16 foot Millard Vintage Caravan is stationed in New South Wales, Australia. It gets lots of love from a very active family of 4. It’s a gorgeous RV makeover!

    Millie Kitchen Cabinets
    Millie Countertops
    Millie Dining Area
    Millie Bunk Beds
    Millie Cozy Sleeping Area

    My 2nd Hand Home

    The description for the RV Drifters Instagram account says she’s not homeless just houseless. It’s a great RV makeover that oozes warmth and comfort.

    2nd Hand Home Daybed
    2nd Hand Home Interior
    Screen Shot 2019 11 07 At 8 41 55 P M

    I think this next photo may be my favorite photo on Instagram (besides my own kid, of course). That sly grin is wonderful!

    The before and after images of the RV bathroom is amazing.

    2nd Hand Home Kitchen

    Airstream Renovation

    Ya’ll know I love vintage Airstreams, and I cannot wait to get mine finished so I can show it off. It won’t be as great as this one, though. Wren the Airstream is a gorgeous newer model RV.

    Airstream Renovation Couch

    Husky Tails

    Our final RV makeover is from Zach and Lauren at HuskyTails_and_NomadicTrails. The couple has traveled extensively in their stylish RV with two adorable Huskies.

    Husky Tails Sitting Area
    Husky Tails Kitchen

    RV Makeovers Summary

    If these 11 RV makeovers haven’t inspired you, something is seriously wrong. I noticed there is a clear trend in home decor, and I love it – warm wood paired with dark, sexy black is always a winner!

    Which is your favorite design? Do you have an RV makeover? We’d love to feature it!

    Thanks so much for reading Mobile Home Living®!

  • Fabulous Farmhouse RV Makeover

    I had no idea I was looking at a 5th wheel RV when I first saw these images. I assumed I was looking at a single wide at the least, maybe even a double wide. Imagine my surprise when I found it was a 2012 model Fleetwood Wilderness 5th wheel RV!

    Now, I know camera tricks can make a home look larger but this isn’t any trick. It’s a smart combination of color, decor, and furnishings. Luckily, Toni Arnold, the owner and designer behind this fabulous farmhouse RV makeover, is sharing her camper and a few tips to make your own RV look just as great.

    Shabby Chic Farmhouse Style R V

    Dark Trim and Green Carpet

    Toni jokes that she found some Dixie Belle Chalk paint at a yard sale and just started painting. She didn’t stop until everything in the RV had been removed or painted, even down to the picture frames.

    Toni’s 5th wheel had dark trim and green carpet until a friend gave her a little bit of yellow and blue paint. She mixed the two colors until she got a green she liked.

    Toni Arnold‎ R V Shabby Chic Farmhouse Makeover Living Room 2

    The furniture came from thrift stores, market place, yard sales and even the side of the road.

    The flooring came from Toni’s son-in-law that was leftover from a job. The French doors were just sidelights from an exterior door that she chalk painted. She also antique-waxed the mirror and glass.

    Next, she took the awnings off the windows and most of the doors off the overhead cabinets and hung some tin. To give the room a more homey look she added decorative window film she found from Lowe’s to the two small side windows.

    Shabby Chic Farmhouse R V Makeover Interior 2 1

    It’s given me real joy to take dark and depressing to light and happy.

    toni Arnold
    Shabby Chic Farmhouse R V Makeover Dining Area
    Toni Arnold‎ R V Shabby Chic Farmhouse Makeover Tv Nook 1
    I Had No Idea I Was Looking At A Rv!

    The fireplace area used to be a big built-in entertainment center. Toni took it all out, installed porcelain tile on the floor, and installed a small fireplace she bought used and painted.

    Go light and get joy out of it.

    Toni

    3 Great Tips for Your Own Farmhouse RV Makeover

    I asked Toni if she had any tips she could share with fellow RV owners and she had two really good tips. First, remove the exterior awnings from the windows and doors if at all possible. It allows light in and gives the space a brightness no lightbulb can compete with.

    Toni’s second tip was one I’ve only see in 2 other mobile homes but never an RV: remove the doors from some of the cabinets to make it look bigger. You’ll create a great display space too.

    Her last tip to giving a modern RV a shabby chic/farmhouse look is to get rid of all the builtins and add your own pieces.

    “Take out the furniture that came with it so you can turn it into YOUR HOME.”

    Thank you, Toni, for sharing your beautiful farmhouse RV makeover and for sharing so many great tips.

    As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living!