Pop Up Camper Remodel Ideas - We Buy Houses

Have you noticed more and more shiny, customized pop up campers on the roads and campsites lately? With the growing popularity of camping road trips and outdoor adventures, people are discovering the joy of remodeling their humble pop ups into stylish, livable spaces on wheels. Who says you need a gigantic RV to camp in comfort? With some strategic upgrades and DIY projects, you can refresh and modernize a dated pop up without breaking the bank.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll get tons of budget-friendly pop up camper remodel ideas to transform your camper into a cozy home away from home. We’ll explore easy ways to improve storage, refresh surfaces, maximize space, and add style. You’ll also get handy tips for planning your makeover, calculating costs, and completing renovations yourself. Let’s dive in!

Reasons to Remodel Your Pop Up Camper

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s discuss why you may want to renovate your pop up in the first place. Here are some of the top motivations:

Make it Feel More Spacious and Livable

Pop up campers can feel cramped and cluttered, especially older models. Strategic changes like clearing out clutter, adding storage solutions, using space-enhancing colors, and reconfiguring the floor plan can help maximize every inch. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed and expansive even a small camper can feel after some simple upgrades.

Modernize Outdated Fixtures and Surfaces

Is your pop up still rocking peeling wallpaper, dingy carpet, and avocado appliances? Updating these worn and outdated elements with new finishes like sleek hardware, bright paint, and stylish textiles can make the interior feel fresh and current. Don’t settle for a time warp!

Customize to Your Style

Tired of the generic, cookie-cutter camper aesthetic? The great thing about renovating a used pop up is you can customize it to match your personal taste. Choose paint colors, fabrics, and decor that reflect your style. Express your personality to create a camper that feels uniquely you.

Freshen Up Dull, Damaged Interiors

Over years of camping trips, pop up interiors can suffer water damage, fading, stains, and other wear. Cosmetic fixes like painting cabinets, recovering cushions, installing new flooring, and adding decor updates can inexpensively transform the look and help conceal imperfections.

Increase Comfort for Better Camping Experiences

Let’s be real, camping furniture is not always comfortable, especially for sleeping. Upgrading mattresses, adding plush pillows and bedding, installing new flooring, and maximizing storage can help create a cozier, more functional interior to improve your camping comfort. You’ll look forward to trips in your refreshed camper!

Planning Your Remodel

Now that you’re fired up to give your pop up a fresh new look, let’s talk strategy. Careful planning is key to keeping your remodel process smooth, efficient, and budget-friendly.

Assess the Current Condition and Identify Problem Areas

Give your camper a thorough inspection inside and out. Make notes on any issues you uncover like water damage, leaks, broken fixtures, or appliances in need of repair or replacement. Addressing functionality first will provide a solid foundation before you decorate.

Determine Your Budget

Set a remodel budget upfront so you can prioritize which upgrades to tackle. Be realistic about how much you can afford to invest. Renovating an older camper on a budget is very doable with creativity and DIY elbow grease. Focus on quick cosmetic changes for the biggest impact.

Make a List of Priority Upgrades

With your budget in mind, make a wishlist of the renovations you’d like to complete, ranked by priority. Focus first on fixes that will make the biggest difference in livability and appearance. Leave new decor purchases for last to maximize what you can get done.

Develop a Timeline

Don’t let your exciting remodel plans drag on for ages. Setting a timeline keeps the momentum going. Decide if this will be a quick few weekends project or a longer-term endeavor. Tackle easier DIY projects first to build a sense of accomplishment.

Decide Which Projects You Can DIY vs. Outsource

To save cash, determine which tasks you feel comfortable completing yourself vs. hiring out. Painting, installing peel-and-stick flooring, and adding shelves are very DIY-friendly. Bigger jobs like installing new cabinets may require professional help. Ask friends or check YouTube tutorials if you get stuck!

Painting the Interior

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to instantly revive your camper. Light, bright colors make small spaces feel airy and expansive. Here are some tips for painting your pop up:

Prep walls, wood, laminate, and ceilings so the new paint adheres well. Fill holes, sand glossy surfaces, and wash grease and dirt away.
Choose cheerful paint colors like white, light gray, beige and soft blue-greens. Neutrals disguise dirt!
Use high-quality primer formulated for the surfaces you’re painting. Oil-based sticks best on slick surfaces like cabinets.
For laminate wood paneling, use oil-based paints that adhere better than latex.
Limit dark colors to accents like cabinetry or feature walls to avoid making the space feel closed in.
Apply two coats of paint for the most durable, seamless look. Use a small foam roller and angled brush to reach corners.
Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air and dry paint faster.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dry time between coats. Coverage can vary based on color choice. One gallon should cover 300-400 square feet.

Flooring Upgrades

Replacing worn-out, outdated flooring instantly freshens up a camper. Fortunately, you have lots of budget-friendly options from DIY-friendly vinyl and laminates to stylish choices like tile, cork, and peel-and-stick planks.

For a quick affordable solution, dress up stained carpeting with a colorful rug or paint worn areas with porch and floor paint.
Peel-and-stick vinyl planks provide a waterproof wood look with easy click-together installation.
Snap-together laminate is another great option. Seek out marine-grade for durability. Check thickness for comfort underfoot.
Adhesive vinyl tiles come in fun geometric and nature-inspired looks. Pick material made for heavy traffic.
Paint, stencil, or use removable wallpaper to customize the existing floor until you’re ready for a permanent change.

Pro tip: Install the flooring last to avoid damage during other renovations. Remove bathroom and kitchen fixtures first. Calculate the square footage to buy adequate materials.

Refreshing the Bathroom

Camper bathrooms tend to show their age fast with dingy fixtures and dubious grout. Even if your budget is limited, small upgrades here make a big impact.

Use self-adhesive vinyl tile on the walls as an affordable, waterproof backsplash or tub surround. Pick molded styles to conceal uneven walls.
Freshen up the existing tub and sink with new caulk and grout. Re-caulk seams every couple of years to prevent leaks and mildew growth.
Add a tension shower rod and bright new curtain if none exists. Choose moisture-wicking fabric designed for bathrooms. Install a waterproof liner too.
Update lighting fixtures above the vanity to provide better task lighting. Add a vent fan if missing to control humidity.
Freshen up the existing toilet with a new seat and fresh caulk around the base. Consider replacing an RV toilet with a compact low-flow model.
Repurpose over-the-door storage, hanging shelves, and corner metal stands for extra towels and toiletries. Check for waterproof options.

Even small bathroom upgrades like new shower liners, bins, and accent tiles make a big difference. Focus on moisture-resistant materials to prevent mold in humid bathrooms.

Updating the Kitchen

The kitchen sees heavy use, so upgrading this space can make cooking and cleaning much more enjoyable. Luckily there are inexpensive ways to give cabinets and counters a fresh new look:

Self-adhesive contact paper resurfaces tired laminate countertops affordably. Choose heat- and moisture-resistant materials made for kitchens.
Butcher block is a great eco-friendly countertop solution. Use food-safe sealants to protect the wood. Attach with construction adhesive.
Tile makes a big impact for small kitchens. Use peel-and-stick backsplash tiles or colored grout to refresh existing tile.
Freshen up cabinets with a coat of paint or new knobs and handles. Remove doors and hardware to paint separately for best results.
Maximize vertical storage with hanging wire racks for utensils and pots. Install hooks inside cabinet doors to hold spices, towels, and more.
For a quick upgrade, line cabinets with decorative paper or fabric. Use removable wallpaper or adhesive shelf liner for easy application.
Replace outdated appliances like microwaves, mini-fridges, and cooktops with energy-efficient compact models.

With some thrifty updates, you can transform the look of your camper’s kitchen without spending a fortune. Focus on changes that make cooking and cleaning more efficient and enjoyable.

Recovering Cushions and Mattresses

Nothing beats slipping into comfy cushions and beds after a long day of hiking and exploring. Here are tips for freshening up the padded surfaces in your camper:

Shop for durable, stain-resistant slipcover fabrics like denim, canvas, performance polyester, or indoor-outdoor material.
DIY custom slipcovers using a staple gun. Watch online tutorials to learn techniques. For a loose cover, leave an opening for the cushion to slide in and out.
Use iron-on adhesive to affix fabric to cushions for a quick no-sew makeover. Seek heavy-duty material made for upholstery projects.
Sew your own fixed cushion covers if you’re handy with a machine. Use plywood templates to cut fabric pieces before stitching together.
Replace sagging foam mattresses with custom-cut sizes from RV suppliers. Or cut cost by adding a plush mattress topper instead for cushioning.
Layer bedding like soft sheets, cozy mattress pads, lightweight down alternative comforters, and plump pillows.

You don’t need special sewing skills to give faded, worn cushions and mattresses new life. With some clever shortcuts, you can create comfortable custom upholstery.

Adding Storage and Organization

One of the biggest challenges in small campers is finding places to stash all your stuff clutter-free. These tips maximize every nook and cranny:

Install shelving brackets and boards inside cupboards to double storage space. Attach with screws through the cabinet backs.
Use hanging shoe organizers inside cabinet doors to corral small items like spices and toiletries. Seek waterproof bags for the bathroom.
Attach mesh bags, bins, hooks, and hammocks using strong suction cups and adhesive in awkward gaps and above doors.
Repurpose a cabinet or cubby as a coffee bar. Install racks on the inside of doors to hold mugs, utensils, and coffee supplies.
Maximize the space under booth dinette benches by adding roll-out drawers on smooth tracks. Store bedding inside.
For the bedroom, use storage beds with large capacity drawers underneath or build customized drawers from birch plywood.

With some clever solutions, you can uncover all kinds of hidden storage spots waiting to be optimized inside your camper.

Refreshing Walls and Ceilings

Replacing dated wallpaper or damaged paneling opens up a world of options to refresh your camper’s walls and ceilings affordably.

For a wood look in the living area, use peel-and-stick plank panels or white-painted shiplap for a coastal cottage vibe.
In the bedroom, wrap walls in textured grasscloth wallpaper or fabric-covered panels for a relaxing retreat.
Paint wood walls and paneling with semi-gloss enamel for easy wipe-down. Cabinet paint resists grease splatters in the kitchen too.
Adhere plastic wall tiles with decorative shapes and patterns using sticky contact paper. Try geometric prints or faux subway tiles.
Install wood slats, antiqued tin panels, or tongue-and-groove boards on the ceiling for texture and visual interest. Use mold-inhibiting paint.
Hang removable wallpaper or fabric to conceal damaged areas until ready to repair. Seek out wipeable, water-resistant materials.

With creative use of color, texture, patterns and trim, you can completely transform the personality of your camper’s interior walls.

DIY Cabinet Makeovers

Dated cabinets with chipped laminate and missing hardware can really drag down your camper’s style. Give them new life affordably with these DIY makeover ideas:

Sand, fill holes, prime, and paint using cabinet enamel for a smooth, sleek finish. White makes small spaces feel airy but go bold with color too!
Upgrade knobs and pulls to modern brushed brass, black iron, or glass. Check measurements to get a uniform new look.
Attach trim pieces, shaker panels, or decorative molding using construction adhesive and a brad nailer if skilled. Choose materials made for bath humidity.
Freshen up laminate cabinets by removing doors and applying self-adhesive decorative contact paper or shelf liner fabric to the interior and exterior.
Give open shelving a quick makeover by cutting vinyl floor tiles into one-inch strips and adhering inside the shelves. Choose wipeable marble or stone looks.

With some simple carpentry skills and thrifty materials, you can make dated cabinets look brand new for a fraction of the cost of full cabinet replacement.

New Lighting and Fixtures

Swapping outdated lighting makes a big visual impact and sets the mood in your freshly updated camper.

Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs to light up living spaces brightly while using minimal energy. Seek natural light tones rather than harsh blue-white.
Install slim, low-profile light bars or flush mounts in place of bulky dome fixtures. Position lights over each work and living area for adequate illumination.
Add swing arm sconces near bunks or over the dining table for targeted lighting. Use dimmable fixtures with adjustable heads.
Swap the bathroom light for an overhead fixture with a built-in nightlight setting. Choose moisture-resistant materials.
Install battery-operated puck lights under cabinets and inside closets on strips of double-sided mounting tape. Use motion sensors or remote controls for easy on/off.
Attach a removable track lighting system with adjustable spotlights to highlight display shelves, art, or accent walls. Seek plug-in kits for easy install.

The right lighting transforms the vibe and makes your camper feel like home. Choose fixtures with dimmers, remotes, and different color temperatures to set the perfect mood.

Space Planning and Layout

Reconfiguring your camper’s layout helps you maximize every inch. Follow these tips to create defined spaces:

Arrange seating to take advantage of views from windows and doors while leaving room to move around.
Use room dividers like curtains, screens, or movable shelving units to separate sleeping and living zones.
Convert benches and beds into different functions. For example, fold-down tables and Murphy beds can disappear when not needed.
Evaluate traffic flow and check measurements so doors and aisles are navigable. Allow space for slide-outs, awnings, and outdoor gear storage.
Consult floor planning apps to try out different layouts. Cut cardboard templates to scale and experiment on the actual floor.
Make use of all vertical real estate. Install loft beds, tall shelving, double curtain rods, and bike racks on walls, the ceiling, and empty corners.

With smart spatial planning, you can have distinct living, cooking, sleeping, and storage zones even in a modest pop up camper.

Can I Use the Funds from Selling My House to Renovate a Pop Up Camper?

Yes, you can use the funds from selling your house to renovate a pop up camper. There are many reasons to sell fast and if using the sale proceeds to update your camper is a priority for you, then it can be a great way to make use of the funds.

Styling and Decorating Ideas

The fun part! Now that you’ve got your camper looking fresh, it’s time to decorate and style your new space:

Choose a cohesive color palette and style for your camper. Eclectic vintage? Minimalist modern? Classic nautical? Your decor will follow your theme.
Layer styles with patterned rugs underfoot and complementing prints in textiles. Repeat colors from wall paint in your fabrics.
Hang removable wallpaper or fabric behind beds to create attractive accent walls. Seek out nature prints and scenic designs to enhance the outdoor vibe.
Display your travel memories with framed maps, postcards, and photos of adventures. Attach with Velcro strips or magnets for easy hanging.
Make DIY art from painted wood rounds, framed foliage, and decoupaged road signs. Attach little gold dots or colorful pompoms to curtains and pillows.
Incorporate organic textures like woven placemats, rattan blinds, ceramic vases, and linen napkins. Integrate houseplants and fresh flowers.

The finishing touches really make your camper design come alive. Let your personality and passions shine through in the decor details!

Budget Breakdown for Remodel Projects

How much does it cost to remodel a pop up camper? Here are typical price ranges for common upgrade projects:

Painting interior walls and cabinets: $200-$500
New peel-and-stick flooring: $200-$600
DIY upholstery cover materials: $300-$600
Cabinet makeover supplies: $300-$800
New mattress: $300-$1000
Countertop updates: $50-$500
Wallpaper or wall paneling: $150-$600
Lighting fixtures: $100-$300
Decor such as rugs, linens, artwork: $500-$1500

With strategic fixing of problem areas plus