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
Happy 10th Anniversary to UP!
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
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.
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!
Hi Kate! We will definitely be selling this one when it is done. Keep checking back for updates!