Converted buses are the ultimate DIY mobile home. Taking a bus used to transport people and turning it into a rolling home with all the luxuries of a home is am an amazing feat. Those that have converted a bus into a home should be applauded for their can-do attitude and their ability to transform the mundane into something magical and that’s what we’re doing.
These 7 bus conversions will certainly inspire you to hit the road. Traveling the country, whether in a factory-built camper or a DIY bus conversion is a dream for many of us. A recent article said people, especially the younger generation, are turning their focus on experiences rather than possessions. That means more people are looking for inexpensive, original ways to travel and live. These 7 bus conversions we found online prove just how easy that can be.
7 Bus Conversions that will Make You Swoon
A Family of 5 Calls “Big Bertha” Home
This bus conversion is an interesting story that was featured on Treehugger last year. The couple, along with their three children, converted the bus into their full-time home after a new job presented itself. Rather than spend hours away from each other because of the long commute, they decided to transform the bus so they could be together and save money. They turned the bus into a solar power home big enough for now and later as the kids get older.
Notice The Wall Heater?Need Plenty Of Storage With Toddlers.The Tub Is Deep To Keep The Kids From Splashing Water.So Cool.
images property of Treehugger
Couple Tours the Country in a Bluebird Bus
Will and Alyssa are sharing their tour across the country on their blog Outside Found and enjoying every minute of it. Their remodel of a 2001 Bluebird created 200 square feet of living space that even includes storage space for all their outdoor activity equipment. They are also fortunate enough to own their own business and can work remotely, a dream come true!
They Did A Gorgeous Job.There Is Even Overhead Storage Up Front.The Couple Calls This The Garage.You Wouldn’T Expect This Bus To Be So Roomy.
images property of Outside Found
This Bus is Home Sweet Home to a Family of 8
Smaller Living shared this awesome bus conversion a couple of years ago and we were amazed that this tiny home could fit a family of 8 comfortably and allow them to travel. The most impressive feature of this project, the kitchen! It’s just so homey.
No One Feels Claustrophobic In This Bus.The Kitchen Is Amazing.Nice To Be Able To Move Your Home To Anywhere!
Adventure Awaits For This Couple From Germany in a Converted Bus
This couple from Germany was featured on Treehugger a couple of years ago after they decided to venture to from Germany to the United States to travel from Alaska to South America in a converted school bus. They call it their “Loft on Wheels” and they did an awesome job with it!
It’S Decorated So Cool.We Are Big Fans Of Repurposing Wood.Plenty Of Space And Storage In The Bedroom.
Converted Bus Transformed to Cool Bed and Breakfast
This is one of the most awesome bus conversions that we have come across. Located in England, and featured on Huffington Post, is the perfect getaway spot for anyone who is looking to travel off the beaten path. One look inside and it’s hard to believe its even a bus!
Perfect Spot To Relax.So Much Light Flows Into This Bus.A Little Piece Of Paradise.
all images property of Huffington Post
Bus Converted into Tiny Home
This couple decided it was time to try something different and fell in love with the idea of turning a bus into a tiny home. They spent around 6 months on the conversion and then proceeded to live in the tiny home for over two years. They did an amazing job of providing plenty of storage and creating a tiny home they can be proud of.
The Kitchen Is Bigger Than Some Apartments Have.Nice Size Tub For A Tiny Home.In For A Surprise Once You Step Inside.
A Family of 6 Enjoys the Freedom of Living in a Converted Bus
Smaller Living featured this cool take on a bus conversion that is home to a family with 4 small children who are all homeschooled. We love how creative they were, the master bedroom is on one end, the kid’s bunk beds on the other end, with plenty of space to move around in between. They also got creative and utilized every inch of available space for living or storage space.
With 4 Kids A Nice Size Kitchen Is Important.Still Enough Room For The Kids To Sit And Eat.Love The Bedroom Space.
all images property of Smaller Living
Final Thoughts
As you can see from these 7 bus conversions, more and more people are thinking outside the box to find ways to give tiny home living a try. Whether it be to see the world, scale back and save money, or just try something different, bus conversions are the ultimate mobile home and a great way to live life!
Campers are cool! New, old, big, or small – it doesn’t matter what kind of camper it is, it’s gonna be awesome and it’s gonna have unlimited potential (I may be biased). Thanks to the recent camper trend, you can find plenty of neat campers for sale online at a good price. We found these cute camper decorating ideas while scrolling through Pinterest and think you’ll love them as much as we do.
Types of Campers
There are a few different kinds of campers, and they can be called different things depending on your location. Some people use the term ‘RV’ to include motor homes only. Here’s a quick list of the most commonly used definitions to describe most campers:
Travel Trailer (Caravan)
According to Wikipedia, a travel trailer, or camper, is a home unit towed behind a vehicle. They vary from basic models to huge homes on wheels that can accommodate large families.
5th Wheel
Go RVing describes a 5th Wheel Travel Trailer as the same concept as a pull behind travel trailer, but it is constructed with a raised forward section that is attached to a vehicle with a fifth wheel hitch.
Motor Home
The dictionary describes a motorhome as a motor vehicle that is equipped like a trailer, with all the amenities of home including kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Basically, it’s a camper that has its own motor.
RV
Wikipedia describes a recreational vehicle, or RV, as a broad term used for pretty much any kind of travel trailer or motorhome that is used for camping or part-time living. They can be a basic setup with living, sleeping, and bathroom area or they can be luxurious with entertainment centers, multiple bedrooms, and a full-size kitchen and bathrooms. Park model homes are considered recreational vehicles which we think is silly as they can easily be beefed up and made perfect for full-time living (but what do we know?).
3 Cute Camper Decorating Ideas You Can Actually Afford
Of course, it doesn’t matter what kind of camper you have because they are all awesome! Whether old or new, big or small, each one has unlimited potential to become a gorgeous living space.
Here3 cute camper remodels and makeovers we’ve seen online. The owners have created unique spaces using cute camper decorating ideas we can all afford. Yay!
Red, White, and Cute!
Laurie, from Laura Jones Home & Lifestyle, recently featured her camper makeover on her blog. It’s adorably patriotic and sure to turn heads.
Take a look at what can be done with some hard work and imagination! This repurposed vintage camper is full of cute camper decorating ideas.
As you can see, this camper is a typical style from the late 70’s/early 80’s. Browns and greens were the color scheme throughout, and the upholstery is the kind that makes you want to scratch! Here’s a look at the before:
Nothing Special About This Exterior.
Laurie says she had a definite vision of what she wanted to see the repurposed vintage camper turn into. Fun, bright, and reminiscent of her favorite holiday, the 4th of July. Red, white and blue along with some nautical accessories completed the lake ready vacation camper.
Look How Festive.Bright And Cheery Is The Theme Of This Interior.
Laurie says that the backsplash was her biggest splurge in the remodel. We love how it turned out.
Love The Backsplash.
The oven was removed, and a microwave replaces it in that spot. The refrigerator was also updated for a newer model.
Love What They Did With The Space.The Nautical Theme Continues In The Bathroom.
Cute Camper Decorating Ideas: Marble Contact Paper Gives Instant Glam
Minor water damage on one wall was the biggest issue in this 5th wheel camper. Once that was resolved, it was ready for a makeover. Becka, from Life as an Artistpreneur, was up for the challenge.
Incorporating cute camper decorating ideas she found online helped create this glam camper that she and her family travel in. New windows treatments, fresh paint, and updated lighting are all it took to transform this 5th Wheel into a beauty.
They also upgraded the small sleeper sofa to a larger one that would seat the whole family.
Hard To Tell Its The Same Space.
By adding privacy film over the glass and a pop of wallpaper on the back of the built-in they were able to conserve the space and make it cute and functional.
Rather Than Tear Out The Built-In, They Updated It.
Although at first, it looks like the countertops were replaced, they were all just scrubbed down and had marble contact paper added to them!
Splash Of Color On The Walls Easy An Easy Trick.
Bathrooms in campers are typically very small, the fresh coat of paint made the space look bigger.
Hudson and Emily were able to use some of our favorite camper decor ideas and create an RV that they lived in full time while traveling.
Simple but cute decorating ideas gave this RV the feel the couple was looking for. Painting the interior white gave it an instant makeover. White will always de a great canvas in small spaces.
An inexpensive couch creates sleeping and seating space.
Lots Of Seating Room.
Behind the doors beside the desk, there is a laundry basket and a WASHER!
The Desk Was Needed More Than A Dining Table.
New hardware was added to the cabinets after painting.
Paint Is Such An Easy Update.
Peel and stick backsplashes are an inexpensive way to update a kitchen.
Upgraded Faucets And Appliances Create This Kitchen.
These 3 cute camper decorating ideas are great! Replacing hardware and lighting and painting are will always be the most affordable camper updates you can make. Updating the backsplash and countertops can also be budget-friendly upgrades.
The goal for any camper or RV remodel is to create a personalized space that you and your family will enjoy using regardless of location. Some of my best childhood memories was getting to play in my grandmother’s camper while it sat in her driveway. You couldn’t ask for a better playhouse!
Trying to find vintage travel trailers for sale? In this article, we’ll show you our 12 favorite websites that have vintage travel trailers for saleand an arsenal of free tools that will help you search for your favorite vintage trailers.
You don’t have to look on eBay or Craigslist every day, you don’t have to travel through every campground in your state, and you certainly don’t have to hire an agent (though that’s an option if you have the money).
To find vintage travel trailers for sale you just have to know where to look online and how to use a few free tools that will make your search a bit easier.
Best Websites to Find Vintage Travel Trailers for Sale
Craigslist and eBay are musts for anyone searching for a vintage trailer but there are several other vintage travel trailer sites that you’ll want to bookmark as well.
Little Vintage Trailer has been one of the best online resources for vintage travel trailer lovers for years. It’s also one of the cutest sites online (I may be partial). I love everything about this site!
The Sisters on the Fly are the coolest ladies to ever hit the road! This group of women vintage travel trailer owners started in 1999 and have grown to over 10,000 members that all know how to have fun. They meet several times a year and their site is full of great articles and has listings section.
Vintage Campers is the go-to site for vintage travel trailer fans. They have a cool magazine and their site is the most thorough resources I’ve found for travel trailers.
Vintagecampers.com Has A Couple Of Airstreams. Just A Couple, Though…
Airstream Classified is another brand-specific site but there’s a reason there are so many: Airstream is the most popular travel trailer in American history. They are iconic!
Airstreamforsale.com is a good resource if you are looking for an Airstream but not so much if you have your heart set on a Spartan. Still, it’s a good site that can help you learn about the iconic brand.
Spartantrailers.com Has Several Vintage Travel Trailers For Sale.
Spartans are my second favorite travel trailer brand. Maybe I’m attracted to aluminum on a weird psychological level? This is a small site but you can find vintage Spartans for sale which is always awesome.
I don’t know much about Tin Inn but the owner appears to have a ton of experience restoring travel trailers. There are a few trailers for sale and I suspect that if you had a specific model in mind this lady would be able to find it.
You may recognize Flyte Camp because they have their own TV show. I’m a big fan and since you are looking to buy a vintage travel trailer you will be, too! I’m gonna go ahead an warn you, they ain’t cheap but you can be guaranteed that if they’ve restored a trailer they did it right. This amazing Holiday House is available for sale on their site right now. I’ll let you click to see the price. Just be warned it’s a one-of-a-kind collector’s piece. Oh, if only…
I’m hesitant to include eBay on this list because vintage travel trailer listings are often scams. You have to be very careful with these listings.
My rule is that if it costs more than $200 you should only use eBay as a tool to start the buying process but never finish it. You should never bid on an item like a vintage travel trailer without seeing it in person. Your eBay searches should only be for local listings unless you really are willing to travel to get the trailer you want.
Common eBay Scams
One common scam is to list a really awesome trailer at a dirt cheap price while the seller always has a sob story like they are in the military but can’t store their prized possession so they have to get rid of it fast. All you need to do is pay them a storage/holding/delivery fee and then they’ll meet you tomorrow. Click here to read about the top 10 scams on eBay.
Using Advanced Search on eBay
eBay is a popular site for a reason. They have an easy to use interface with a powerful search engine that can help buyers look for exactly what they want.
The advanced search function on eBay is easy but tends to pull up irrelevant listings. I searched for vintage travel trailers within 100 miles of my zip code but was shown stickers, lamps, and postcards. You can refine your searches with their exclusion/inclusion tool and the results are more relevant. Read 7 tips to help you search eBay.
Saved Searches and Watch Lists
Saved searches, also called followed searches, can help you find vintage travel trailers for sale before everyone else. You just enter your criteria and they will email you when a new listing meets your settings. You can save up to 100 searches.
A watch list is another helpful tool to find vintage travel trailers for sale. This is helpful for things that you look for a lot (say you collect vintage mobile home magazines). eBay will email you when a new listing is found or when an auction you’re interested in is about to close.
Stuff Alert is an outside service that may be helpful to you. They continuously crawl eBay for whatever it is you are looking for and will email you when a listing is found. It’s a good tool to use for local searches because in many cases the early bird gets the worm (well, it used to be like that but I think the vintage travel trailer trend has died down quite a bit since 2015).
Facebook Marketplace is a Great Place to Find Vintage Travel Trailers for Sale
I think I may be addicted to Facebook Marketplace. It’s so easy to see a listing and communicate with the seller in real time. I found a brand new doggie door that goes into a sliding door for $40. It was $140 at Walmart. All it took was a quick text (and Facebook even writes that out for you) and meeting them at the agreed place.
The marketplace has a great search tool. You can choose the category and distance area and use keywords such as ‘1965 Airstream Safari’ to pull up all the listings. Here’s an Airstream I found that is just down the road from me.
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of Facebook groups dedicated to vintage travel trailers of all makes and models. Within these many groups are people buying and selling vintage trailers. Some of the groups that appeared when I searched ‘find vintage travel trailers for sale:’
How to Search Craigslist Like a Pro
You can find just about anything on Craigslist. It’s the original online marketplace but I have a feeling Facebook Marketplace will be taking over the top slot in no time. Until then, it’s a must visit to find vintage travel trailers for sale. We use Craigslist here a lot to find great Craigslist mobile homes for sale.
Craigslist is a site that is simple, yet a bit intimidating at the same time so here’s a quick tutorial on how to use Craigslist.
Click on the US link on the top left or click on a purple dot that is close to your home. Personally, I like to click on the US link – it just seems easier for me to read the states than look on a map.
If you click on a purple dot you will see the map zoom in to the dot you clicked and then see more purple dots like this:
If you click on the US link, the page will change to a listing of states and their cities. Like this:
Find your state and then the city closest to you and click on it. You will then be forwarded to a page that looks like this:
Scroll down to the ‘for sale’ section and click on the rvs + campers:
Clicking on rvs + campers will take you to a page with all kinds of listings! Some will be from dealerships and some from individuals but you can use filters to block out the listing you don’t want. You can also change how the listings appear.
To see listings by owners only, simply click on the ‘by owner’ section, you can also block out any listings that don’t have an image.
Another great feature is how the listings appear. Personally, I like the gallery view best because the images are larger and I can quickly find any listing that catches my eye. Just click on the list, thumb, gallery, or map to see which one you like best.
You’ll have a whole screen of listings. If you like one just email or give them a call! Be careful though, never go to a listing by yourself and always meet at a public place. Here are 18 things every Craigslist user should know.
Search Tempest
Search Tempest is a great tool for Craigslist, Amazon, and eBay. They describe themselves as a classified ad search engine. You type in what you are looking for and where you are looking and it takes you to each site automatically. You can also have it email you listings based on keywords which are super handy.
IFTTT is one of the most powerful tools ever made for the internet. They describe themselves as a way to connect apps, services, and sites together. It is powerful so you will definitely want to use it to find vintage travel trailers for sale.
You’ll also want to use IFTTT to do other neat things like creating a Google spreadsheet of all your online purchases as you receive the receipts or add songs to your Spotify when you like a Youtube video or automatically backup your Facebook photos to Google Drive. There are applets for everything! You can search through all of them here after creating a free account. It’s free to use but there are paid plans.
IFTTT for Online Shopping
Using IFTTT to find vintage travel trailers for sale is pretty easy. You’ll need to connect your craigslist, ebay, and
This applet goes a step further. You add a search criteria URL and it sends you an email, a push notification, and logs the listing into a Google spreadsheet. You just have to connect the various accounts to IFTTT.
You should be able to find vintage travel trailers for sale with all these tools and tips. Ebay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups, and all the awesome vintage trailer sites online are great places to start your search but you should never buy a trailer without inspecting it in person. If it’s a good distance away from you then please consider hiring a camper expert or even a mechanic to inspect it for you.
This 1962 Western Pacific Airstream is quite a find. It turns out it is one of only 10 Airstream trailers that were manufactured and used by Western Pacific Railroad. They were used to house their track laying crew working for the company. The new owners took this vintage beauty and transformed it into a masterpiece.
Related: Visit our Pinterest board for some of our favorite Airstream finds.
According to the information we found on the website, Timeless Travel Trailers, these Airstreams were 40 foot long, which is 8 foot longer than a typical Airstream. They were used by Western Pacific until around 1983 and were initially installed on flat cars so they could travel along as the track was being built. Pretty cool!
Being only one of five of the remaining Western Pacific Airstreams left in existence, it is incredible that the Airstream was saved and updated to its current glory! As you can see from the images, Timeless Travel Trailers did a wonderful job transforming this vintage Airstream into a vacation retreat.
A Look At The Exterior Before It Was Restored.The Airstream Shines Up Nicely.
From what we can see, the entire interior of the Western Pacific Airstream was stripped to the frame. An aluminum skin, bamboo flooring, and nice size horizontal windows for tons of natural light, all add to the mid-century feel of the Airstream.
Plenty Of Space For Entertaining.The Wine Fridge Is A Nice Touch For This Vacation Retreat.
The Sink Style Makes A Statement.Gorgeous, High-End Shower.What A Spacious And Bright Bedroom.
We hope you have enjoyed our look at this vintage Western Pacific Airstream. It’s always great to see how people look beyond an old rusted shell and find the beauty that in these classic beauties.
We love all mobile home remodels whether they were done in 2014 or 1954! We found this mobile home remodel in 1954 from a vintage mobile home magazine and had to share it with you!
This very vintage mobile home had siding made from muslin and cotton wadding over plywood. This was a popular siding option because it allowed for a bit of waterproofing and was cheap. It didn’t hold up too well, though. Leatherette was another popular siding option in the 1940’s and 1950’s, but it was a little more expensive.
By 1954, we had some amazing mobile homes! In fact, 1954 was a big year of transition for mobile homes. The association of trailer coaches actually divided and most of them that were building larger homes created their own association for mobile homes that were equipped for full-time living. The trailer coach association focused on smaller campers for recreational use.
This 1954 Trailette model mobile home is an excellent example of the amenities and styles available for the year:
1954 was such a great year for mobile homes because that’s when the tri-level or bi-level homes started getting really popular. They were so awesome! Stewart Coach Industries, Inc. was making a truly unique model, but I think the one that really shines is the 1954 Pacemaker.
Pacemaker Trailer Company was building some amazing mobile homes:
We’ve been remodeling mobile homes since the beginning!
The canvas tents that were boxed and towed behind cars needed to be repaired a lot. From there, the mobile homes got more complex as did the remodels. This mobile home remodel in 1954 shows just a little glance at the good ole days and how they updated and upgraded mobile homes.
A Nice Little Mobile Home Remodel in 1954
This little coach got a nice new look and received some fancy new interior upgrades, too. We put it in video form for you:
Thanks so much for reading Mobile Home Living! We appreciate you!
Have you heard of the latest trend taking over camping? Glamping.com defines “glamping” as where nature meets luxury. Usually found in an exciting or exotic location anywhere in the world, the accommodations move beyond the basic camping and add a touch of luxuriousness to the experience. This can be a custom built tree house, a lodge or villa, even a tepee, but since we love Airstreams, we are concentrating on five awesome Airstream glamping experiences that can be found right here in the United States.
Rocky Mountain Getaway
Our first Airstream glamping experience, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. We found this Airstream listed on GlampingHub and it rents for around $175 per night. With all the amenities you would find in a hotel (including breakfast!), this Airstream is a cozy blend of decor that makes us want to head out West.
Great Spot To Star Gaze. (Image From The Glamping Hub)So Cozy Looking. (Image From The Glamping Hub)All That’S Missing Is A Mint On The Pillow! (Image From Glamping Hub)
Peaceful Retreat in L.A.
We found this vintage remodeled Airstream on Airbnb. According to the listing, it includes all the comforts of home, with an added view of L.A. For only around $100 a night, this seems like an awesome way to see the city and still be away from it all at the end of the day. We aren’t sure which part of this setup we love more, the interior or the patio!
So Bright And Full Of Light. (Image From Airbnb)All The Comforts Of Home. (Image From Airbnb)Nice Spot To Catch Some Sun. (Images From Airbnb)
Cool Way to See the Longhorn State
Another great Airstream glamping experience, we found this 1972 Airstream rental on GlampingHub as well. Located in North Texas, the nightly rate is around $117. We fell in love with the cozy, retro decor of this vintage Airstream. It even features a bathtub and a fireplace!
The Exterior Looks So Festive. (Image From Glamping Hub)Love The Retro Feel! (Image From Glamping Hub)Hard To Find A Tub In An Airstream! (Image From Glamping Hub)
An Entire Campground Centered Around Airstream Glamping
We found this cool campground outside of San Francisco that has turned their entire campground into a glamping experience. According to the article we found at The Sassy Life, its as if you are staying in a mini 5-star hotel (sounds good to us). Rates start at around $170 and going upwards of $600 depending on the size of your party. There are several Airstream trailers scattered around the grounds, each decked out with a modern, simple decor. We love the crisp, clean look of the interiors! And they all include their own little patio.
A Whole Mess Of Airstreams! (Image From The Sassy Girl)Crisp And Clean Describe The Interior. (Image From The Sassy Girl)Love The Patio Set. (Image From The Sassy Girl)
Escape to the Country in New York
When you think New York, typically the big city lights are the first thing to pop into your head, but with this Airstream glamping experience, you are way back in the country. According to GlampingHub, this Airstream is set up along with a bard in upstate New York. The barn is the main rental, with the Airstream used as overflow or if you want a little privacy away from the group. Definitely more pricey than our other settings, at over $1400 per night, our first thought is it would be ideal for a small family reunion or a work retreat.
The Airstream features a super bright and colorful decor and is nestled right beside the main lodging. We love the view as well!
The Snow On The Grounds Adds To The Scene. (Image From Glamping Hub)Look At All That Color. (Image From Glamping Hub)This Airstream Offers A Little Extra Privacy. (Image From Glamping Hub)
It looks like glamping is here to stay. While researching this Airstream glamping article, we noticed tons of sites offering everything from Airstreams, tree houses, vintage campers and everything in between. We have even featured a couple of the campgrounds that offer Airstream rentals such as Daydreaming of Kate’s Lazy Desert Airstream Motel. All in rustic or exotic settings with most amenities included. What do you think? Looks to us like a great way to enjoy nature without actually having to rough it!
We love all kinds of mobile and manufactured homes here at Mobile Home Living. So, when Violeta and Dylan asked us if we would be interested in sharing their overhaul of their 2005 Forest River Sierra, of course, we said yes! They are now Living the dream in a “Gypsy Caravan”.
Violeta and Dylan who are both talented and creative people, met while they were both traveling the world, and married a short time later. (You can read more about their story and adventures on their site The Sage and the Butterfly and see a sampling of their creations as well). For over 6 years they were settled in the mountains of California with their dogs. During a trip to Alaska, Violeta jokingly suggested they take their life on the road full time and Dylan jumped at the chance. The dream was born!
Next came the search for the perfect home to make their life on the road a reality. After an extensive search, they finally settled on a 2005 Forest River Sierra toy hauler trailer, which they lovingly named the “Gypsy Caravan”. Time for the real work to begin.
The Interior Before.
Using Their Creative Spirit to Design Their New Home
First came the tear out of the interior, including furniture, wallpaper, and carpet. Some mild water damage and mold when the walls were revealed cause a little concern, however, bleach removed the mold and the water damage was minimal. Next came a fresh coat of white paint on both the walls and cabinets in the living area. A nice faux finish late paint in an aqua blue sky color was added to the bedroom and bath. Violeta says the bedroom is nice and cozy, making it her favorite feature of their new home.
A Look Of The Trailer During The Remodel.One Of The Dogs Taking A Work Break!Some Water Damage And Mold Under The Flooring.
Next came flooring. Dylan installed bamboo and recycled vinyl flooring in the bedroom and bath. They decided to keep the original black and white checkered floor in the living/kitchen area. It compliments the retro feel they were going for.
Chalkboard Paint On The Fridge! (Violeta Says Mobile Home Living Was Her Inspiration For This Idea)White Walls Really Open Up The Trailer.The Entire Space Flows Together Great.
Next on the list was deciding what to do with the bathroom. Violeta and Dylan both firmly believe in living eco-friendly so they needed to do a little research regarding this. Finally, they decided on a composting toilet which took away the need for dumping the waste. They used a vintage find from British Columbia as their “throne”. Then they decided to use Silk Sari as their shower curtain to continue with their retro feel of their Gypsy Caravan.
“The Throne”.
Solar panels were added to the trailer as another way to live eco-friendly. This was definitely the costliest addition to the remodel but definitely worth the price. The couple spent around $7600 on this part of the project. This included the solar panels, batteries, and inverter as well as a day’s labor to have them installed.
The couple estimates the total cost of the project to be a little less than $10,000 not including the cost of the three months of time it took them to complete the remodel. However, in the end, being able to live on the road, visit family and friends and stay in new places makes the project priceless!
The garage portion of the trailer is now home to Dylan’s workshop so that he can continue his custom razor and knife business while on the road. You can visit the sites to learn more: Classic Shaving and Sage Blades. That’s definitely one of the perks of trailers like this, tons of room for life on the road!
The Gypsy Caravan Ready For Her Next Adventure.
We think the couple did a great job on their remodel. We are more than a little jealous of their ability to pick up and go where the mood strikes. They are truly living the dream in their “Gypsy Caravan”! What do you think? Comment below, we want to hear from you.
As you know, Airstreams are our weakness. We love it when we see a success story of someone transforming a vintage Airstream into something cool. That’s why when we saw this renovation story we knew we had to share.
We first saw this renovation on Pinterest, which led us to an article on Dwell, about Natasha and Brett who found an Airstream shell and saw a vision beyond the leaky mess it was at that moment. They purchased the vintage Airstream for only $5000 and set out to bring their vision to life.
Start From Scratch
According to the interview, the couple decided to completely gut the entire 1971 Airstream Sovereign, so that they could get exactly the look they were going for. They did all the remodeling themselves, except for some work on the brake lines, part of the replacement of subfloor, and waterproofing the Airstream. Just like with any remodeling project, there are times a professional is needed, especially since this was a big project, and they wanted to be sure everything was just right.
A Look At The Airstream Before. (Source: Dwell)They Stripped The Airstream All The Way To The Shell. (Source: Dwell)
A Vision Come to Life
Transforming a vintage airstream isn’t an easy task. Airstreams have particular challenges that other types of trailers don’t, such as the curved walls that give the Airstream their distinct look. The goal of this tiny home was to create a beautiful minimalistic feel that feels much bigger than 200 square feet. After much planning and research, including drawing out the layout several times, they finally decided on what they could and couldn’t live without.
A Design Drawing Helps To Bring A Project To Life. (Source: Dwell)
First, they decided that since they were parking the Airstream at a campground, a shower wasn’t a necessity since they could use the facilities there. Also, they also decided to forgo a table and instead added a daybed with storage below since storage was essential. The Airstream also includes a king size bed on the opposite end for the couple. By researching and planning the couple was able to add all the amenities that were essential to them without the space being overwhelmed.
Natural Look Flooring And Walls Are Throughout The Airstream. (Source: Dwell)The Couple Did A Great Job Tackling The Airstream’S Curves. (Source: Dwell)
As you can see, the color palette for this retreat included neutral colors with pops of black and white to pull the look together. The daybed area leads into the kitchen and bathroom space which features a gorgeous hexagon pattern kitchen backsplash.This helped make the entire space seem light and roomy. This is very important when you are contemplating life in a tiny home; you want to make sure you have room to move around!
We Love Original Backsplash Ideas. (Source: Dwell)Chalkboard Paint Dresses Up The Door. (Source: Dwell)
A Breathe of Fresh Air
From the images, we also see that the couple gave the exterior of the Airstream a little TLC as well. A nice wax job, some patio light and a deck with an abundance of plants created a beautiful retreat perfect for entertaining.
A Gorgeous Entertaining Space. (Source: Dwell)
The entire project cost around $22000 including the cost of the Airstream and all the work that was done to the flooring, brakes, and waterproofing. If you want to see more be sure to check out the entire article on Dwell.
We hope you enjoyed this look at transforming a vintage Airstream into something beautiful. We really think Airstreams have so much potential. They just take time, determination, a vision and of course money.
Inspiring remodeling stories are what we live for here at Mobile Home Living. Whether it be a manufactured home that’s transformed or an RV/camper that has been given new life we just can’t seem to get enough. That’s why when we saw this affordable RV renovation from Ashley in California we knew we wanted to see more.
We first saw this affordable RV renovation on Apartment Therapy. Which is a wonderful site that features small homes. It turns out the family also has a great little blog Arrows and Bow in which Ashley chronicles their adventures of living in an RV.
So what would motivate a couple with three small children to want to leave their five-bedroom home and move into an older RV? It turns out they had been on the hunt for a new home for awhile now and weren’t able to find the home of their dreams. So, they decided to build their own. They purchased a little over 2 acres of land and instead of living in an apartment while building their new home, they invested in an older 31-foot Cougar Keystone RV and did a quick three week affordable RV renovation for less than $3000. Most recently, painting the exterior.
The Exterior Before The New Paint Job.Crisp And Clean Describe The Exterior Now.
180 Square Feet of California Boho Farmhouse
To begin the renovation process, everything that needed to go was stripped out. This included furniture, wallpaper (which is always a chore to remove) and of course the carpet that many older RV’s have. Next up was to locate contractors to do the work that the couple couldn’t complete on their own. We have talked in the past about how important it is to do your homework when finding a contractor, and Ashley and her husband were able to find guys who were able to come in and do the work in record time. We especially love the new flooring!
During The Renovation Process.This Rv Doesn’T Feel Crowded At All.
According to Ashley, the RV features a combination of all the styles that she loves. The main thought for the RV was to make it light and have the same theme throughout. And of course to give them ample space for their family of 5. With that in mind, white with black accent became the recurring look. Ashley says that one of her favorite features of the renovation is the designer tile she used for both the kitchen backsplash and the bathroom. The black and white tile accents the space well. The RV features a bedroom for the couple and three bunk beds for the kids. There is also plenty of space, so the family has room to move.
Boring And Brown Describe These Cabinets.A Fresh Coat Of Paint And New Hardware Change The Feel Of The Whole Room.The Wallpaper Had To Go.Look How That Backsplash Accents The White Walls.
One of the most notable things we took from Ashley’s post? The process of deciding what they needed in their temporary home and what they could live without. Every item that is in the RV was brought in piece by piece, and if there wasn’t a space for it, out it went. We could all probably take lessons on learning a more minimalistic approach to our homes!
Every Piece In The Rv Has A Purpose.
An Affordable RV Renovation Leads to Other Opportunities
Not only has this affordable RV renovation made a great temporary home for Ashley and her family, but according to the site it has also created a new business opportunity. The couple is now taking on the task of renovating trailers and airstreams for others. We would agree that they have a knack for restoring and decorating!
We hope you have enjoyed this beautiful and affordable RV renovation.
I am just a tad bit obsessed with vintage Airstream remodels. There’s just something about that shiny aluminum, I guess! I especially love seeing how people remodel a vintage camper – will they keep it original or will they add modern touches? This vintage Airstream remodel has lots of modern additions but still lets the vintage shine through.
Bill Sheppard, the mastermind behind this vintage Airstream remodel, had spent his entire life building homes in the Southeast. That all changed when he decided to turn his passion and creativity into remodeling Airstreams. This 1967 Overlander Airstream was his first creation. According to the website, it was an instant hit and sold within 20 minutes of posting it online! You can see more of his company’s work here.
This Airstream Shines Up Nice!
Great Combination of Light And Dark
The highly polished exterior of this Airstream gives a good hint that something special is inside. It takes hours and hours to get an Airstream to a mirror shine (and you can’t even achieve that after 1969 because the company changed the aluminum).
As soon as you open the door of this vintage Airstream remodel you’re met with dark flooring, a fireplace under the window, and light furnishings throughout balance the interior.
Light Furnishings Help To Balance Out The Space.
There are also huge skylights that let the natural light pour into the otherwise darker interior. This is so awesome. Airstreams have large rectangular vents that can be raised for fresh air on the roof but they are opaque white.
This is a beautifully remodeled Airstream with an emphasis on modern amenities and easy comfort for a perfect weekend getaway.
Drawers For Those Kitchen Items.Not Much Counter Space.
Vintage Airstream Remodel Are All The Rage
Vintage Airstream remodels like the one featured here are very popular right now. That’s because Airstreams are such high-quality trailers that hold up for the long haul. If you can get your hands on one for the right price, they make a great investment and they are such a joy to use.
What did you think? Love it? Not digging the dark colors? Let us know what you think!
