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Home › Blog › Modern Travel Trailer Remodel

Modern Travel Trailer Remodel

Sarah Lempon August 14, 2017(updated July 19, 2022)5K+
SOLD: Updated Salem Cruise Lite Travel Trailer All Things with Purpose Sarah Lemp

This quick and easy trailer remodel was done in just a few weeks! We took a 2012 Salem Cruise that was in great shape, and made just a few, minor cosmetic improvements that made a huge difference. It’s amazing what a can of paint will do!

[twenty20 img1=”42491″ img2=”19275″ offset=”0.5″]

Outdated to Modern Trailer Remodel

This camper project has literally been THE fastest remodel I’ve ever done! With just a few weeks left of Summer, I really wanted to have our new trailer up and running so we could enjoy it before the Winter hits. Many of you know, we sold Gidget, our vintage trailer. We immediately started looking for a new camper to fix up. I didn’t want another HUGE project like Gidget had been, but something with room for improvement.
Read more about our process to find a new camper and to see all the before pictures, HERE.

Before and Afters

Here are a few side-by-side shots of the improvements we made. Scroll down further to see the list of updates that we made.

What We Did

  • Removed wallpaper boarder
  • Removed window coverings and blinds, replaced with simple roll-down shades
  • Removed old couch and replaced with new jackknife sofa – We ordered ours through General RV because they were the cheapest and offered next day delivery. We figured with the price of upholstery fabric being so high, this was an area we were happy to “splurge” on.
  • Found brand new bench cushions at an RV surplus store. They’re not my first choice in fabric style, but they fit our budget and were an improvement on the originals without having to recover them myself!
  • Replaced old queen bed with a short RV queen mattress
  • Painted walls right over top of the old wallpaper. I used my favorite, go-to color: Glidden “Smooth Stone” in their Diamond paint and primer in one
  • Painted lower cabinets with gray chalk paint and sealed with a water-based poly. I had planned on painting the uppers with a white chalk paint, but after painting the lowers, I decided I liked the two-tone wood look.
  • Updated cabinet hardware
  • Installed peel and stick subway tile backsplash – LOVE this stuff!
  • Updated TV’s, installed mount on outside of camper for TV
  • Added hooks, shelves and other storage options… everywhere!
  • New tires
  • Purchased weight distribution hitch and sway bar
  • New sewage hoses and water hose

Supplies

  • Glidden Paint: Smooth Stone
  • Rustoleum Chalk Paint
  • Cabinet Hardware
  • Subway Tile
  • Wall decor from Hobby Lobby and IKEA
  • Under cabinet organizer
  • Pop-A-Bowl
  • Pop-A-Plate
  • Towel holder
  • Towel ring
  • Unbreakable wine glasses
  • Wine glass rack
  • Pop-A-Bag – trash bag holder
  • TV Mounts
  • Copper bottle opener
  • Throw pillow from Target
  • Adventure pillow from Target
  • Comforter from IKEA
  • Vintage trailer sheets from Camping World
  • Dish towels from IKEA
  • Copper paper towel holder
  • Countertop extender
  • Copper canisters
  • Wire wall racks
  • Leveling socket
  • Wall mounted electric fireplace
  • IKEA storage bins
  • Soap dispensers from Target

You Will also LOVE…

  • Our 90’s RV Makeover
  • 1980’s Trailer Renovation

Category: RV Renovating, ToursTag: camper reno
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About Sarah Lemp

Sarah Lemp is the owner and content creator at allthingswithpurpose.com and motorcitymouse.com. She has published 3 books, including an Amazon best-selling book on RV renovations. Sarah has worked personally with large brands like Meta, Disney and HGTV, sharing family travel tips and budget lifestyle content. Sarah is originally from Michigan, but now resides in Florida with her husband, Jay and their 5 kids. Sarah thrives on small budgets and can scale any size project to fit the means. She renovates ugly RVs and loves seeing old things become new. Sarah is a huge supporter of family travel because of the team-building impact it can have, and ability to cultivate an appreciation for other cultures and walks of life.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susie Gottschalk

    February 27, 2025 at 8:59 am

    Love it! What flooring did you use? The color is a perfect match.

    Reply
  2. Sydney

    May 22, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    It looks great! We are currently doing our 5th wheel! Where did you find you windows shades?

    Reply
    • Sarah Lemp

      May 25, 2020 at 9:20 am

      They were from Home Depot :)

      Reply
  3. Ashley

    December 15, 2019 at 1:55 am

    Have you ever taken out a fixture? We have a 1998 catalina and I’m over it! So I’m remodeling it this summer, but we have this ugly fixture between the bed, that supports the kitchen bench.

    Reply
    • Sarah Lemp

      December 15, 2019 at 2:29 pm

      Ashley, what type of fixture do you mean? It all depends if there is duct work or electrical running through something or under it that can’t be moved! There are no real support walls in most RV’s so if it’s a wall, it could feasibly be moved as long as there isn’t electrical in it or a furnace or something. Many couches are built on top of water heaters and furnaces or duct work. But, if there is nothing inside of it, then it should be able to be removed!

      Reply
  4. kym

    August 31, 2017 at 8:56 pm

    all this on little sleep and with a new born! I am impressed! Love the look and style, you’ve come along ways since your skater days in college, lol. We hope to buy this fall if the perfect deal came up or maybe next august when things are cheap again.
    Enjoy camping!!

    Reply
  5. Nicole

    August 17, 2017 at 12:32 am

    Did you paint fabric strips at top of dinette bench backrest? What did you use? How did you do it?

    Reply
  6. Becca

    August 15, 2017 at 8:50 pm

    Looks great!! Having a bed for little makes camping so much more relaxing!

    Reply

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MORE ABOUT SARAH

Sarah is a second generation homeschooling mom. Originally from Michigan, she now lives with her husband Jay and 5 kids in Florida. They love staying active as a family and going on trips in their renovated RV. Sarah loves to sing, make pretty things and eat pizza.

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