Today I’m sharing a sneak peek at our latest trailer renovation
project we found on Facebook Marketplace!
Outside Before Pictures
Here is our latest trailer renovation project! We will be updating this 1977 Coachmen Cadet. The fest pictures I’m sharing make it look way better than it really is. The cute orange stripe and retro decals are fun! I almost might consider keeping them.
We purchased this trailer on Facebook Marketplace for $500! I’ve shared tips before on finding a great fixer-upper project like this at a great price. The #1 tips is to be the first in line! We were actually 2nd in line for this trailer, but luckily, the 1st person backed out. We swept in and secured this purchase at 10PM and pulled it into the backyard at midnight! I never saw the inside, my husband did all the inspecting on his own.
The Inside
The outside is pretty cute, right? Ready to see the inside?!
Hold tight, there’s a little bit of work that needs to be done.
Here’s the general order of things I like to tackle:
- Seal up the outside so no more water gets in
- Paint the exterior so it looks cuter siting in the yard
- Pull away water damaged areas on the inside, determine how far reaching the damage is
- Reinforce and rebuild areas that are damaged
- Test all lights, appliances and plumbing
- Strip out all the gross curtains and cushions, random junk, things on the walls, etc.
- Paint EVERYTHING
- Clean and sanitize sinks and shower
- Clean out fridge and repaint if needed
- Lay new flooring or paint floor
- Clean cushions and recover or replace
- Inspect tires and consider replacing
- Inspect tongue and repair if needed
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Find the rest of my trailer renovation posts here: Camper Renovations
Adel H Gardner
HI Sarah! I am so excited! I recently bought a 1974 Coachmen Cadet and I am off and running with it. I’ve never done anything related to a camper before. (It was definitely impulsive.) I am so thankful that you are here sharing to inspire me, and others. I now I see that you have just bought another of these cuties. I just yesterday covered the top with some temporary plastic and started disassembling one part of the interior to see just how bad the water damage is…..
I look forward to seeing your path and mine in process! THANK YOU! (I would have backed out after I bought it when I really contemplated what I was getting myself into but your posts inspired me.)
Lori
Love your work! :) we are looking to jump into the rving scene but want the cute renoed trailer…not the ones off the lot. We are definitely capable of doing the cosmetic changes and fun stuff…not sure about tackling something like this lol! We would also be so happy to buy one already done :) Any projects ready to sell?? Any sites you would suggest to look for ready to sell renos??
Sarah Lemp
Hi Lori! I don’t have any projects that are ready yet. I have a small vintage trailer that will be ready this Spring, so stay tuned! I would search Facebook Marketplace for “renovated RV” or “remodeled RV” there are more and more people out there doing this same thing and selling their renovated RV’s on Marketplace!
Kerri Roush
Hi, Sarah! I love your blog and work! What color and brand of white paint did you use? I am going to try to do what you did and update our new really ugly RV. Thank goodness I found you. I do have a problem, tho. It has really ugly couch print cushions that are not removable. They are hooked to the frame of a fold-down bed. Have you had to deal with that problem? If so, how did you redo the couch cushions? Thanks in advance for your advice! Kerri
Sarah Lemp
Hi Kerri! I have used Behr Marquee paint which covers really nice without an added primer, I also used cheaper paint over a really good primer like Stix or Gripper. I haven’t really noticed much of a difference between the different types of paint! Prepping the surface is what’s most important and using latex paint, not oil. Did you see this post? https://www.allthingswithpurpose.com/painting-the-exterior-of-an-rv-or-trailer/ I HAVE had a couch that was built weird like that – but I think I chose to remove the whole thing!! LOL you could always try a slip cover… or just replace the entire thing with a new jackknife sofa :) We have found several on Facebook Marketplace as well as at RV surplus stores.
Kate
Do you sell them after completing the renovation? Looking to purchase an already renovated RV and I love the exterior and the bones of this one!
Sarah Lemp
Hi Kate! We will definitely be selling this one when it is done. Keep checking back for updates!