Introducing Our DIY Camper : The Before & The Design Ideas

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:

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

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.