Our New Adventure: RV Makeover

I never thought I would say this … but Dave and I are now officially RVers. We haven’t actually taken the RV anywhere except the short drive from Mountlake Terrace to home, but there it is, sitting on the lawn in all its glory, waiting for me to make it pretty. And do I have my work cut out for me.

Can anyone tell me what RV and camper manufacturers are thinking when they put all that hideous fabric and dark cabinets in those tiny spaces? Really … did no one ever raise a tentative hand in a planning meeting and suggest maybe they skip the fabric swathed valences this year? Or maybe … and here’s a reckless thought … not putting carpeting in the bathroom? (I have two letters for that: Ew.) I’m not alone. The Internet is full of other people trying to create a little beauty where there is only outdated drabness and accumulated ickiness.

Lest you think I’m being too harsh, here are all the “before” pictures of our 1997 Gulfstream Yellowstone Capri: (But I honestly don’t care. I’m too excited!)

There’s Dave, doing what Dave is so good at doing: inspecting the engine

And there’s Hunter, overseeing the work and dreaming of the day we hit the road together.

They threw in the paper towel holder for FREE.

The refrigerator shelving has seen better days. As have the blinds.

I don’t even know what you call those fabric-swathed valences, but I’m calling them fabric-swathed valences. And their days are numbered.

I don’t know why they felt they needed TWO Renuzit air fresheners, but it can’t be good.

What you can’t see here is that the bottom left corner of the bed is cut so that you can walk around the bed to a closet. If it weren’t for the fact that we have no “one-angled corner mattress shops” in our area, this thing would be on the burn pile as we speak.

The obligatory two-facing benches and removable table. Which you’re supposed to feel comfortable sleeping on when it’s arranged just a teeny bit differently.

They even left us their old sheets! Thoughtful. 🙂

So there you have it. First up, we’re painting the cabinets. After reading about 30 blog posts outlining all the trial and error attempts at painting RV cabinets, I nixed the Reclaim Beyond Paint (too many mixed reviews, with some people claiming it began to chip after two months) and have ordered some Zinsser One Coat primer. Then I’ll add two + coats of Sherwin Williams white. Maybe alabaster.

After that, walls and floors. Stay tuned!

Have you ever tackled a camper or RV makeover? If so, please share! I’d love to hear all the details. 🙂

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