The Transformation of La Palace

I researched several options for covering up the wood paneling.

1) Paint, the easiest and cheapest

2) Contact or Wall Paper which I thought could be totally cool if I were able to locate a retro or mod print. However, my lack of confidence in the DIY department discouraged me from this option pretty quickly. My other reason for not going with wall paper is the level difficulty for future change (with paint, all you need is more paint)

3) Veneer or Skins. These are very thin panels of wood that you adhere with glue and finishing nails. I've used some of these for the pantry in my (home) kitchen with success in the past. But again, a professional would be required for the installation, so at the end I went with good old fashion paint.

I was quoted $275 - $500 from two different professional painters, but I ended up doing it myself. I think it turned out great!

PS, the kitchen cabinets (bottom) look much lighter than the bathroom and closet doors (top) but they are actually the same color in person. The latter photo was taken with a point and shoot camera, and as you can see....the color representation just wasn't there. As a photographer, I just couldn't let it go. So I trekked back to the studio to get my DLSR and wide angle lens.

Old Walls and Cabinet Doors

Don't forget to prep your paint area with a good washing and Kilz primer. I used premixed TSP in a spray bottle (the no rinse formula) Although approximately 50% more expensive than the concentrated powder version, I saved time by not having to go back and rinse the entire area after initial application. I also used the anti mold Kilz Primer formula because of the propensity for moisture in a trailer. Am I paranoid, you bet!

I definitely wanted to get rid of the linoleum counter top and dining table but without any construction or carpentry skills, I had limited options. To cover my basis, I called a few kitchen remodel places to get a quote on replacing the counter. I couldn't get anyone interested because it was such a small job. Plus most only dealt with granite or marble, due to weight consideration, I wanted to stick with Formica or something similar.

While at Home Depot buying paint for the walls, I happened to come across a special paint by Rustoleum that was specifically made for linoleum counter tops that boasted no priming needed. I had my doubts but for $20, I was willing to give it a try as I had finished the cabinets and walls without much frustration. I went with a "Puddy" color. From afar, it almost looks like slate. I am very happy with the result.

Pictured above is an over the sink cutting board with strainer and stove top cover. Easy way to instantly double your counter space.

Old linoleum table top

PS. Notice the water stain on the wood? Read "Things to Look for at the Site Inspection" post for important info!

For the backsplash, I found aluminum stick on tiles for $10/24 pcs that went right over the existing tiles. So amazingly easy! Originally, I was going to cover the entire area. But decided that covering every other one was enough to distract from the ugliness, while still retaining a little bit of the 70's charm. What do you think? Should I have gotten rid of it all?

The biggest eye sore by far were the cushions. After a relatively easy time with painting and "retiling" the backsplash, I did not want to test my abilities or patience by taking on this enormous project. So I took it to a local upholstery shop. This was the most expensive part of the refurbishing process @ $450. Totally worth it because I would have been too distracted by the loud floral print to enjoy the rest of the improvements otherwise.

Although it costed a little more, I went with a Sunbrella material. I figured anything less robust would not stand up to the wear and tear needed in a camping environment.

Old Cushions

These are the cute curtains that I made and the extent of sewing I am able to muster. Take care to double side the material so your trailer will look adorable inside and out!

The rest of the tour....

Media Center.

Note: I replaced the plastic outlet and light covers with nickel plated ones for a modern look.

Dining table converted to lower sleeping area

Upper Bunk Bed opened. It's hard to tell from this angle, but there's a bunk bed that lowers. See the horizontal wood bar about 1/3 the ways down the top of image?

Here's the same area with the bunk bed hidden.

Clever right? I told you camping was neat!

Another sitting area

Same wall before painting

I saved the best for last. I had this decal made for her. So cute right? You can get your own custom decal at www.etsy.com (search custom vinyl signs) For $10, this really tied everything together.

I spent approximately $700 and roughly 15 hrs on this project. I am so glad that other deal fell through - see "How La Palace Came into My Life". Not only did I end up saving money and a trip to LA, I appreciate her so much more because of the time and labor I invested.

I hope you enjoyed her transformation. We have reservations for Mount Shasta and Pismo Beach in April. Check back to read about those adventures. And please email me if you have any tips for my maiden voyage!

La Palace - Before the Make Over

For a 37 year old trailer, La Palace is in excellent condition. Her former owners took great care of her. All that was needed was a little sprucing up on the inside.

As you can see, she still had the original 70's wood paneling.

And the original linoleum counter top

And some of the ugliest cushions I've ever seen!

But she was solid and I knew that with a fresh coat of paint and some creative camouflaging, she'd be adorable in no time.

Things to Look for During the Site Inspection

1. Always schedule your appointment during daylight hours. This is especially important if you are buying a used trailer. You need to see all of its flaws.
2. Before arriving, ask the seller to have everything charged, propane tank filled, etc. Make it clear you will want to test everything. Upon your arrival, if the seller has not prepped the trailer for showing (IE: have propane, battery charged, this can be a red flag)
3. If possible, take someone with you. A second pair of eyes is invaluable. Plus you will probably be carrying a hefty sum of cash if you are buying from a private party. At a minimum, let someone know where you are going and make sure they have the seller's name, address and phone number. If possible, only take a portion of the cash with you, leaving the rest some place close by. This will also prevent impulse buying.
4. When you first enter the trailer, what do you smell? The answer should be nothing...or at least....nothing offensive. Is it musty? This can be a sign of mildew = leak. Does it smell of tobacco smoke (when it was advertised as a non smoking unit?) Alternatively, is the unit overly perfumey? Are they trying to cover up a mildew smell? Do not ignore the smell test.
5. Ask the seller to demonstrate all the features. Consider taking pictures or video during a demo so you can remember the steps correctly.
6. If there is an awning, unroll it and check for tears and mildew.
7. Ask the same questions you asked over the phone and email AGAIN. Are there any leaks, are there any repairs on the horizon? The answers should match what was previously stated. LOOK in the person's eyes when asking them these questions. Make a mental note if the answers don't jive. Do not be afraid to press on a subject until you are 100% comfortable with the answer.
8. Make sure to climb onto the roof to look for rust and leaks.
9. Lift up all the cushions and inspect underneath. Had I paid closer attention to the wood underneath, I would have noticed the water stain (ding, ding, ding...yup, there was leak. See It's Raining, It's Leaking) See photo at bottom of post.
10. You might go as far as to borrow a hose so you can spray around the windows, vent and roof to see if there are any leaks; this is where it is extra helpful to have a friend along. One person can stand inside while the other is spraying. NOTE: I did not do either #6 or #7, but I wished I had. Because then I wouldn't have had the surprise expense of $430. It's not the money, it was the time wasted in repainting part of the interior that I hated most.
11. Be prepared to walk away if you're just not feeling it. A deal lost is not as bad as a BAD deal.
12. What is the overall condition of the unit? Even if something is old (like my dear La Palace) it can still be in good shape. Look at the stovetop, is there grease? Has the floors been vacuumed and mopped recently? Pride of ownership is a window into how people take care of their belongings. Ultimately, you should feel like the unit has been in good hands.
13. Be respectful! If you have a firm price in mind and it's clearly not even close to the asking price, let the seller know before you meet them. Do not waste their time and do not disrespect them by making a low ball offer after they've spent an hour showing you the trailer.

During the process of re-uphosltering the cushions. I noticed there were some water stains on the wood panels underneath the cushions. I didn't think anything of it at the time. Until a day later after a rain storm, I found a puddle of water on the dining room table and the bench. Look for these types of stains on wood during your inspection process.

Ask the right questions

While aesthetics are important, it's relatively easy to have cushions re-upholstered or throw a couple coats of paint on the walls.

What you should focus on is the foundation. Before you even make a trip to see the trailer in person, ask lots of questions and request additional photos.

Sample questions include:

Is this a smoking or non smoking unit?

Has this unit been lived in or used for camping only? Generally speaking, lived in trailers will be more worn than trails used for occasional trips.

Are there leaks or rust? While leaks and rust are common on older trailers, you need to know what you're getting into.

Are you the original owner? If not, when/who did you buy it from?

What repairs are on the horizon?

Has this ever been in an accident?

If you're unsure about the amenities (stove, heater, fridge, etc...ASK, don't assume)

What comes with the trailer (IE : jacks? leveling blocks?)

Does the trailer have working electric brakes and brake lights? It's illegal to tow something without working brake lights. And you definitely don't want to be going down a hill if what you're towing doesn't have independent brakes!

Lastly, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never agree to wire money or buy something site unseen.

Assuming your phone and email conversations have gone well and you're ready for a site visit. Here are some things you should look for.

Determining the right trailer for you

The first thing you need to determine is how many people it needs to sleep. Then think about where you'll be taking it and what you'll be using it primarily for. Make a list of the amenities you want. This will determine the type of trailer that best suits your needs. Lastly, how much weight can your vehicle tow? This last factor will likely play the biggest factor after budget.

Below is my list and how I came to the conclusion that a tow able trailer was right for me.

Budget: $5,000

Occupancy: 4
Purpose: Mostly Campgrounds, Day trip to the beach, Guest Cottage

List of Amenities: Min. 2 sleeping areas, ideally 3, Storage, Food prep/counter area (stove top optional = I can always use a portable camping stove or BBQ), dining area/card playing area, height clearance of at least 5' 10" (technically, my husband is 6' 1" but I was betting he would tolerate bending over a little over short periods of time)

But Robyn, how can a self professed City Girl not have bathroom on top of the list? While it is true that at home, I have my own bathroom (I refuse to share with the husband. BTW, he has the Master bathroom. It was a trade off for occupying 90% of the closet) But back to the trailer.....I decided against it because 1) Cost 2) Maintenance 3)Space 4) Do you really want to drive around with shit splashing around in close quarters?

1) Cost ; For a fully running toilet (not just a port O potty type) cost can rise quickly

2) Maintenance ; I wasn't thrilled about having to dispose of the grey water. I also wanted to avoid camping spots with Full Hook Ups (vs. just water and electricity) because they are more congested and noisy with humming generators and 30' + campers.

3) For storage and towing purposes, I wanted to keep the trailer under 19'. This meant cutting out all non essentials.

4) I start to gag just thinking about port o potties or toilets on airplanes. I could not imagine sleeping or eating within a few feet of one. Thus, no bathroom until I could afford a nice one that flushed!

5) Most established campgrounds have running toilets and showers. PS, if are concerned about toddlers, bring along a training potty for emergencies. Also, most campgrounds will honor your request for a spot close to the facilities if you have children.

Types of trailers and the pros and cons

Teardrop

These are cute little trailers that are tear-shaped (hence, the name!) designed to be aerodynamic. They consist of a sleeping compartment and a rear hutch that opens up to a galley. Many lines available, the two that impressed me most were Camp-Inn (Aluminium) and Little Guy (Fiberglass). **A reminder that I do not accept payment for mentioning brand names. All mentions come from my personal research and/or experience.

Pro: Light weight (can be towed with 4 cylinder car), Low cost, even for a new unit (starting at $3500)

Con: No indoor lounging area (the Camp Inn 560 Ultra model does have a small reading area; emphasis on SMALL), most are built for 2 average sized adults - with my family of 4, it just wouldn't work. PS, even if you are a party of 2, still think about how important INDOOR dining, lounging space is to you. Teardrops are strictly for sleeping only, you will not be able to stand up in one.

Pop Up Trailers

These are also compact and easy to tow. They literally Pop Up when you get to your destination and kind of unfold to a combo soft/hard sided deluxe tent. Usually includes a full kitchen.

Pros: Most have 2-3 separate sleeping areas. Light and easy to tow and store, cheaper than traditional trailers, sleeps more # of people than traditional trailers, even though when folded, they are smaller.

Cons: Not hard sided....I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving it unattended for long periods of time, not ideal for guest cottage, I worried about hot/cold due to soft sides (this may not be a real problem, I must admit, I've never actually been in one)

Motorhome

These do not require a separate vehicle to tow.

Pros: These are usually decked out with bells and whistles. You will definitely travel like a rock star.

Cons: Probably the most expensive of the various types. Because it is all one unit, it can be tough to maneuver for newbies. You can't unhitch and take your vehicle and explore surrounding area. if your engine blows, your trailer is essentially home bound.

Tow able trailer

Taking into consideration all the factors (cost, amenities, maintenance, storage) I felt I could get the best bang the buck with a hard sided, tow able hitch.. I like that you can un-hitch and drive your vehicle into town for dinner or exploring. I also like that since an engine is not involved, I only have maintain the trailer. This is the main reason I don't buy TV/VCR combos. I like to keep major moving parts separate!

Thinking About Investing in a Camping Trailer?

Are you handy, rich or both? If you are neither of the aforementioned, you will want to think long and hard before proceeding.

Otherwise, before long, you will become highly frustrated when faced with the never ending To-Do list. You know how there is always something to repair, clean, maintain or replace at home? Well, it's exactly like that and I came close to tears within the first week of bringing La Palace home. (See It's Raining, It's Leaking) PS, I am neither Rich nor Handy and I went ahead with it anyway, so it is not completely hopeless.

Storage. Do you have a place to park this bad boy? If you don't have room on your property, factor in the monthly storage fee to your budget.

Access. The spot you have in mind, is it fairly level? It is easy to access from the road? And remember that trailers and RVs do NOT HAVE TIGHT TURNING RADIUS. We have a long drive way on the side of our house. By all accounts, this is an ideal spot, but we still had a lot of trouble backing that sucker in (See "Bringing Baby Home") so, think this one through.

City Ordinance. Some cities do not allow RVs or trailers parked in driveways (I'm looking at you Menlo Park, CA) so make sure to check this. Even if there are no city ordinance, feel out your neighbors. Are they going to freak out? Trust, there are people who think they have the right to tell you what you can and can not have on YOUR property.

Research and Budget. What type of trailer is right for you? No matter what your budget is, be prepared to add 3-5% for some essential accessories and unexpected repairs.

Be realistic. You're not going to get a late model anything in excellent shape for pennies. If you want a bargain, be prepared to do a some work. If you want a turn key unit, be prepared to pay for it. With that said, there's no reason that with patient and persistency, you can't get a trailer that meets your needs and in your (reasonably set) budget.