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    Home » Home Decor » Camper

    Introducing Our DIY Camper : The Before & The Design Ideas

    Published: May 19, 2017 · Modified: May 12, 2020 by Christina Dennis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 21 Comments

    With Canada's 150th birthday approaching, we thought: "What better summer than this one to go camping and explore more of our national parks!?" The only problem was that we couldn't justify spending a ton of cash on a travel trailer, and I really don't care for tenting. The solution? We stalked buy-and-sell sites for months until we stumbled across a 5th wheel camper for $1000. Meet Our DIY Camper.

    Our DIY Camper is a 1992 Vanguard fifth wheel travel trailer.

    Like anything second hand that you find for a low price, this guy will need a ton of work. We are up for the task! Between my design and painting skills and my hubby's mechanical skills, we think we'll be able to fix this camper up just in time to enjoy a summer of exploring.

    Hubby drove 4 hours up to Peace River and 4 hours back down to buy this guy. The camper actually looks pretty decent inside, but there is a lot of water damage on the exterior. We are currently ripping off the back of the camper as I write this post so that we can rebuild some of the walls and floor.

    The inside is in relatively good shape, but I'd like to give it a thorough clean and a fun update. We don't want to spend a lot on the update, but I'm pretty sure I can make the interior look a lot different with some painting and reupholstering.

    If we can't get a new futon to fit here, I'd like to try to reupholster this sofa bed in a modern fabric inspired by some futons at The Brick

    I've already started ripping up the carpet (ew!) so that we can replace it with some inexpensive vinyl plank

    The bathroom is going to need a good cleaning and some updating!

    Yikes.

    I can't wait to get a new, clean mattress in this lavish master bedroom!

    I think the oak cupboards will look instantly updated with a fresh coat of paint, and the dinette will be reupholstered.

    We are excited to be working with The Brick again on this little project so that we can put a couple of comfort items into the trailer like a little smart TV and a new mattress. I think these will really update the space and make it feel like a mini home away from home!

    I need your help, though. I really can't decide on the look I want for the camper update. I have two ideas in mind, so why don't I show you and you can help me pick?

    Here are my two design ideas for Our DIY Camper:

    Boho and Blue Camper Design Mood Board

    1. Cali Fabric Storage Futon from The Brick
    2. Macrame Plant Holder
    3. Indigo Fabric
    4. Geometric Copper Lights
    5. Sheepskin Rug
    6. Vinyl Plank in Windsor
    7. Macrame Placemat
    8. Rustic Melamine Salad Plates
    9. Tribal Twill Canal Fabric
    10. Grey Marble Film Adhesive
    11. Bronze Industrial Light
    12. Metro Blanco Smart Tiles
    13. Velvet Indigo Fabric

    Mint Black and White Camper Design Mood Board

    1. June Linen Look Fabric Futon from The Brick
    2. Macrame Plant Holder
    3. Premier Prints Bird Fabric
    4. Happy Camper Pillow
    5. Sheepskin Rug
    6. Vinyl Plank in Windsor
    7. Mint Floral Tea Towels
    8. Deer Wall Hook
    9. Garland Tree Fabric
    10. Grey Marble Film Adhesive
    11. Flush Mount Light Fixture
    12. Metro Blanco Smart Tiles
    13. Charcoal Outdoor Fabric

    Which look do YOU like better for Our DIY Camper? 

    Wish us luck!

    Want a video "BEFORE" tour of our camper? You can watch it here:

    Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by The Brick. As always, all of the opinions here are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

    More Inspiration

    • RV Renovation: How To Remodel A Camper (before & after!)
    • Before & After: RV bedroom and bathroom get a modern update!
    • 10 Best RV Remodel Ideas to transform your camper!
    • RV Renovation on a Budget - From Start to Finish

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Larissa

      May 19, 2017 at 9:36 am

      Can't wait to see the final reveal Christina! I'm sure it will be beautiful as everything you come up with is!

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        May 20, 2017 at 8:33 am

        Thank you, Larissa 😀

        Reply
    2. Kateryna

      May 19, 2017 at 12:08 pm

      Hi Christina,

      Love the Boho & Blue camper design! I think it will be a fun look for the camper!

      Kateryna

      Reply
    3. Sara

      May 19, 2017 at 12:18 pm

      I love Boho and Blue! Can't wait to see it finished, no matter which way you decide. =D

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        May 20, 2017 at 8:31 am

        Thanks, Sara!

        Reply
    4. Gail

      May 21, 2017 at 10:09 pm

      I love the vintage. Grew up in campers. Great memories.

      Reply
    5. Charlotte

      May 21, 2017 at 10:52 pm

      Love the Minty Vintage design. 😊

      Reply
    6. Paul

      May 22, 2017 at 8:13 am

      Minty vintage love the color combo.

      Reply
    7. Karla

      May 22, 2017 at 7:05 pm

      It's going to be amazing! My vote is for boho and blue as well!

      Reply
    8. Tina

      May 22, 2017 at 8:36 pm

      They are both nice but the vintage one has my vote. I can't wait to see the finished pictures!

      Reply
    9. Furntastic

      May 24, 2017 at 1:31 am

      I really liked this camper and I am waiting to see the finished pictures.

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        May 24, 2017 at 7:50 am

        Thank you, Christina is excited to show everyone 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    10. Heather

      May 24, 2017 at 11:38 am

      I prefer the Minty Vintage. What a great find!

      Reply
    11. Amie

      May 26, 2017 at 9:02 am

      My vote is for Minty Vintage!!

      Reply
    12. Ronda

      June 07, 2017 at 12:00 pm

      Love them both but I vote the vintage!

      Reply
    13. Cathlynn Mena

      June 07, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      Hi Cristina! I think the " Vintage minty camper design is perfect". It's not only cute and fun but family friendly as well ! Great job so far, you've ALMOST inspired me to take on a trailer project! (Lol, I know how much work it is!) I'm so anxious to see your vid on how you did your cabinets.
      🏕🏔🗺 HAPPY TRAILS~ Cathlynn.

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        June 08, 2017 at 10:21 am

        Thank you so much, Cathlynn! Be sure to check it out, you won't won't to miss how Christina did them.

        Thanks for stopping by 🙂

        Reply
    14. Karen

      June 11, 2017 at 11:25 pm

      I'm sure it will be perfect either way, but I love the Boho blue combo. Minty vintage would be perfect for a "girls only" but I think that helpful hubs of yours deserves a break!

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        June 12, 2017 at 8:35 am

        Thank you, Karen. Make sure you come back and take a look of the progress of the camper. You will be happy with what Christina choose 🙂

        Reply
    15. Tara

      October 02, 2020 at 11:11 pm

      Hi. Can you tell me how many yards of fabric you used for the dinette cushions, please?

      Reply
      • Sarah - The DIY Mommy

        October 05, 2020 at 9:25 am

        Christina used around 5 yards 🙂

        Reply

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