DIY Camper & RV Reno Book Review

Have you considered buying a used camper for family vacations? One of the hardest things in this economy has been finding ways to have vacations. While we love the idea of going traveling, sometimes it isn’t feasible with the costs for the girls. To us, going out hiking in nature just seems wrong without our dogs, and with more and more hotels not allowing dogs their size for under $150 a night for the two, we are left with fewer options. This is one of the reasons we considered possibly getting a used camper, allowing us somewhere to stay while camping or possibly even a temporary home if we had to do contact work again for a few months.

While it seems like a great idea in theory, it doesn’t mean we had any clue about campers themselves. Yes, some places sell them locally, but many of the newer ones are extremely expensive and, like cars, don’t seem to rise in value. This is one of the reasons that a used one seemed like it may be a good idea. Like most things when we are researching, I love having the opportunity to read books on the topics. Luckily, I had a chance to read a new complimentary copy of a new book that seemed perfect on the subject – DIY Camper and RV Reno: Restoring and Designing Vintage, Retro, and Classic Trailers and RVs by Janelle and Chadwick Payne.

DIY Camper & RV Reno: What Is It

Are you looking for a book to teach you everything you need about purchasing and renovating a used camper? If so, we think you will love DIY Camper and RV Reno: Restoring and Designing Vintage, Retro, and Classic Trailers and RVs. Here is what the publisher has to say about this new book:

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.

Our Thoughts

As someone who didn’t know where even to begin looking for a camper, I have to say I was very impressed with DIY Camper & RV Reno. This book felt like an in-depth dive into everything you need to know to get started looking for your first camper.  The book goes into depth about what you need to look for when buying your first camper, the things to watch out for, and the details you need to know for renovating it yourself. What I love the most are the detailed instructions and pictures, making the whole experience easy to understand and obtainable with the right budget and elbow grease. If you are serious about owning a camper and want an in-depth book to walk you through the entire process, DIY Camper & Reno is an absolute must for your collection.

DIY Camper & RV Reno: Where to Purchase

Would you like to purchase this book to start your camper journey for yourself or someone in your family? You can find DIY Camper & RV Reno on Amazon.com for under $25 in paperback or for your Kindle device. Who knew getting your own camper or classic trailer could be so easy?

About Susan Bewley

Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.