
Vintage Trailer Project
I’ve thought for a long time that it would be fun to get a run-down vintage travel trailer and fix it up. I mean, have you seen some of the darling trailers on Pinterest?
Lyle didn’t exactly share my vision.
Don’t get me wrong. He loves having a trailer. He just wasn’t all that enthusiastic about the idea of a project trailer. A fixer-upper.
Ever since we sold our trailer in the fall of 2013, before we moved Colorado, he’s wished we could get another one. If he’d have his druthers we would be able to get a brand-new one. I admit, it would be nice, but since we can’t… and since tent-camping is no longer practical for us… what about a fixer-upper?
After much discussion, prayer, and exploring a wide range of various options, we are now the proud owners of this 35-year-old beauty:

I have a sneaking suspicion that the previous owner probably used her for a hunting trailer. My first clue was that they removed the shower to install a generator. So no shower. However, a lot of campgrounds have showers, so as long as the toilet and sink work I’m fine with that.
The interior is in pretty fair shape, but desperately needs to be cleaned. I found quite a bit of trash and clutter in the drawers and cupboards. And dirty socks under the table! Eww. The mattress is clean, though, and the interior of the appliances, so it’s not like it is totally trashed. The price was right. We were able to pay cash. I’m super excited about that. It shouldn’t take much for us to be able to take her out as-is.
We haven’t yet decided how extensively we will try to remodel her. I’m not exactly loving that 1980s rust and brown color scheme, but it could be a lot worse. Lyle says this is the era of campers that his parents had when he was growing up.
Our plan right now is to pull out everything that is removable, clean everything good, and put it back together. Lyle will check out the electrical and water systems to make sure it’s all in working order, and then we’ll go out for a weekend camping trip. That should give us a good idea of what works for us and what doesn’t, and whether or not it would be worth putting more money into fixing her up.
In the meantime, I’ve been pinning ideas like crazy. If we do remodel her, what color scheme should we go with? I’m leaning toward red and aqua… but I kinda like that butter yellow and mint green, too. Or maybe a wilderness cabin theme with sage green and black bears? What would you go with?
Also, I think she needs a name, don’t you?
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Updates:


12 Comments
Farrah Braileanu
Congrats!!! Yes, I’ve seen those darling trailers, and I’d love to have one just to do all that cute stuff! And I’m not even a camper! I vote red and aqua all the way. 🙂
Karla Ezell Cook
It will be fun to figure out what we want to do with it, I think.
Heather
Red and Aqua, for sure! How about Maybelle?
Karla Ezell Cook
Maybelle would be fun! It makes me think of a dear little lady we knew once who had Alzheimer’s. She would introduce herself every time she saw us… even if it was just a few minutes later. “My name is Mable. M-A-B-L-E. Not M-A-B-E-L because that would be Maybelle!” And she’d laugh.
Natasha Little
I can’t wait to see what you do with her! We have a 1994 trailer and I’ve been having a wonderful time updating the curtains and valances. Looks way better now! I’m going with an aqua and light yellow color scheme, with a tiny bit of red in the kitchen area. 🙂
Karla Ezell Cook
Oh, that sounds so pretty! You should post pictures!
Sheila @ Making the Most of Every Day
OH MY GOODNESS!! She’s so cute!!! I vote for ‘Ethel’ as a name. That Pinterest board! Now I want one! So many cute color schemes. Why don’t you see what kind of vintage linens you have that might inspire you? Personally I liked that all white with some touches of pastels or the pink and white one although I doubt any man would go for that. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Karla Ezell Cook
Yeah, I like white and pastels and vintage linens personally, but for the trailer I’ll probably go with something more man/kid friendly.
mommyhon333
What fun! Especially once the updating is finished and you can really begin to enjoy traveling with this little cutie. The interior really looks good. I think you can begin with baby steps and do a little at a time. Can’t wait to see the transformation.
Karla Ezell Cook
That’s what I’ve decided (baby steps). It’s just too overwhelming to try to figure out how to restore the whole thing all at once.
Michael Ann
What fun! Thanks for sharing this journey with us! How ’bout Clementine for a name?
Karla Ezell Cook
Aww… Clementine would be cute!