Renovating a camper can be a thrilling yet challenging experience, especially when it’s done in a foreign country. I’ll take you through my journey of buying a camper in Germany and flipping it into my dream space within just one month. From the initial challenges to the final touches, I hope my story inspires you to take on your own renovation project!
My Tips For Buying A Camper in Germany (It’s Totally Worth it!)
- 🚐 The Decision to Buy a Camper
- 🛠️ The Renovation Begins
- 🎨 The Challenges of Painting
- 🏠 Flooring and Furniture Installation
- 🛋️ DIY Projects and Budgeting
- 🛁 Revamping the Bathroom
- 🚐 The First Trip
- ✨ Final Thoughts and Reflections
🚐 The Decision to Buy a Camper
Buying a camper was a dream I had nurtured for several years. With the onset of the pandemic, I found myself with ample time on my hands and decided to invest in this long-desired project. The idea was simple: turn an old camper into a cozy space that I could use for weekend getaways and adventures across Germany and beyond.
My journey began in March 2020 when I finally found a 90’s camper that fit my budget. This vintage vehicle was not just an investment; it was a chance to create something unique. I knew that my renovation would require patience and hard work, but the prospect of flipping the camper into a stylish retreat excited me!
🛠️ The Renovation Begins
Once the camper was parked in my driveway, the real work began. I started by removing everything from the interior—benches, tables, and old fixtures. The goal was to strip it down to the bare bones. This process took a few days, but it was satisfying to see the empty shell of my future camper.
- Step 1: Remove all old furniture and fixtures.
- Step 2: Sand down surfaces from ceiling to floor.
- Step 3: Paint the interior with fresh colors.
After the initial cleanup, I began painting. I opted for a fresh, bright white using paint from Action, a popular store in Germany known for its affordable home improvement supplies. Painting took longer than I anticipated, and I soon realized that I needed to add some wallpaper to break up the monotony. I chose a beautiful tropical green wallpaper that added a vibrant touch to the camper.
🎨 The Challenges of Painting
Painting turned out to be more exhausting than I had expected. It took several days to cover all the surfaces, and I often found myself questioning my choices. However, the satisfaction of seeing the transformation kept me motivated. I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of preparation and patience during this phase.
To make the painting process easier, I used quality tools and paint from Action, which helped me achieve a smooth finish. The wallpaper application was less tedious and surprisingly enjoyable. I made sure to use the right glue to ensure the wallpaper would withstand seasonal changes.
🏠 Flooring and Furniture Installation
With the painting complete, I moved on to the flooring. I had leftover hardwood from a previous renovation, which I decided to repurpose. Installing the flooring was a fun challenge, and I enjoyed the hands-on aspect of cutting and fitting the pieces into place.
Next came the reinstallation of furniture. I painted the cabinets and added modern matte black handles to give the camper a contemporary touch. The contrast between the white cabinets and black handles created a sleek look that I was very pleased with.
🛋️ DIY Projects and Budgeting
As I continued my renovation, I quickly realized that many camping accessories were overpriced. This led me to become more creative with my DIY skills. I visited Obelink, a fantastic camping supply store, which offered affordable options for curtains and other essentials.
Instead of purchasing expensive curtains, I decided to make my own. I bought fabric from IKEA and sewed simple yet beautiful curtains that fit perfectly in the camper. This not only saved money but also added a personal touch to the space.
🛁 Revamping the Bathroom
The bathroom was one of the most daunting parts of the renovation. The original ivory plastic fittings were outdated, and I wanted to give them a fresh look. I decided to use epoxy to paint over the existing surfaces, which required careful planning and execution.
Mixing the epoxy was a race against time. I had only thirty minutes to apply it before it began to set. I worked quickly, ensuring that every surface was covered. The result was a clean, modern bathroom that complemented the rest of the camper’s design.
🚐 The First Trip
After weeks of hard work, it was finally time for our first camping trip. I was both excited and nervous about driving the camper for the first time. We packed our bags and set off, eager to explore the beautiful landscapes of Germany.
The camping experience was different from what I was used to in Canada, where camping often takes place in secluded forest areas. In Germany, I found that many campsites were more communal, with campers set up close together. However, the camaraderie and shared experiences made for a wonderful adventure.
✨ Final Thoughts and Reflections
Flipping a camper in Germany was an incredible journey filled with challenges and rewards. I learned so much about DIY renovations, budgeting, and the joys of camping culture. My investment of around 500€ into the camper’s finishing touches proved to be worthwhile, as we have since enjoyed multiple trips across Germany and the Netherlands.
For anyone considering a similar project, I encourage you to just go for it! The experience of transforming a space and creating lasting memories is unmatched. Remember, patience and creativity are your best friends in any renovation project.
Feel free to reach out with any questions about my renovation process or if you need advice on specific materials. Happy camping!
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