Read more
Choose and restore a classic RV or camper with expert guidance every step of the way—then hit the road in style!Join popular creator Janelle Payne (a.k.a. Nailgun Nelly) for a journey through everything camper and RV. Whether you’re considering a truly vintage home on wheels or a more contemporary (but not new) ride, this book’s
buying guide helps with the pros and cons of different options and goes over all the red flags to look for. You’ll
learn about the major systems and how to handle everything from simple repairs to
electrical issues,
plumbing,
propane, and even
water damage or
roof resealing. However, the real fun starts as you find your style and explore the
techniques and projects to make that camper or RV yours: - Flooring (and ceilings): Learn how to use LVP to create a luxurious but durable wood-look floor and install faux beams
- Paint: Tackle interior painting with step-by-step guides for painting walls and cabinets; learn all about primers and the best sheens for specific applications; and master exterior painting, including deoxidizing and waxing fiberglass and how to prep aluminum
- Wall design: Learn creative paint designs and wallpaper, board and batten, shiplap; create texture with microcement; create arches; and use wood accents on the exterior
- Tile: Do it all with guides for peel-and-stick tile, real tile, wallpaper, vinyl sheeting, tiling small countertops, and practical considerations for larger spaces like showers
- Countertops and surfaces: Install butcher block or laminate counters, create large cutting boards to cover sinks and create extra counter space, and find how-to's for honed epoxy, installing cabinet hardware, and open shelving and dish display
- Faucets, fixtures, and hardware: Install beautiful bathroom and kitchen faucets, learn how to paint shower pans and bathtubs, install sinks, and other considerations for cabinets (magnetic closing, latches, etc.)
- Seating and sleeping: Explore your options with couches and pullout beds, cushions, lightweight headboard options, and convertible/flexible spaces
Plus, find a special section on
considerations unique to RVs and campers, including framing and wall types, how to keep decor in place while traveling, and built-in lighting. With Janelle coaching you every step of the way, and with
hundreds of inspirational and step photos throughout, this book is your insider’s guide for taking that old camper and
remaking it completely to your taste.
List of contents
Introduction
1 FINDING THE PERFECT TRAVEL TRAILER
Figuring Out Your Needs
Where Do You Look, and How Do You
Approach the Purchase?
2 GOING THROUGH SYSTEMS
Electrical, Plumbing, Propane, Water Damage
3 FINDING YOUR STYLE
Mid-Century Modern, Bohemian, Farmhouse, Industrial
Mediterranean, Traditional, Coastal, Southwestern, Creating a Mood Board
4 FLOORING AND CEILINGS
Flooring, Ceilings
5 PAINT
Painting RV Walls, Painting Camper Cabinets, Exterior Painting
6 WALL DESIGN
Painting, Board and Batten, Shiplap, Microcement, Arches
7 BACKSPLASHES AND SHOWERS
Backsplashes, Showers
8 COUNTERTOPS AND KITCHEN ACCESSORIES
Countertops, Kitchen Accessories
9 FAUCETS, FIXTURES, AND HARDWARE
Faucets, Sinks, Cabinet Hardware, Light Fixtures
10 SEATING AND SLEEPING
Couches and Pull Out Beds, Cushions, Lightweight Headboard Options, Designs That Serve Multiple Purposes
11 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING YOUR RV
GVWR, Construction Material Size, Climate Plans, Keeping Decor in Place
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Index
About the author
Janelle Payne is the founder of Nailgun Nelly, a blog (and related social media accounts) dedicated to RV/camper and home improvement. Mostly self-taught by fellow DIY creators’ sites, Janelle is a firm believer that anyone—including women of all ages—can tackle DIY projects with power tools. She has a passion for designing on a budget and quick, high-impact tutorials, and is well known for her transparent videos, where she shows the good and the bad that happens behind the scenes when renovating. This daily, realistic experience has led to explosive growth for Nailgun Nelly on social media. Janelle has developed partnerships with dozens of brands, including Wagner, Wish, RecPro, and Tile Club, and she has been featured by
Insider,
RV Enthusiast,
Tiny House Talk, and more.
Summary
Whether you’re shopping for or already fixing up that RV or camper, DIY Camper and RV Reno hands you the expert knowledge and how-to projects that will take your experience from good to great.
