Airstream Renovation Tips: Bring New Life to Vintage Trailers
Airstream trailers were all the rage when they emerged nearly 100 years ago. Their innovative design was considered aerodynamic, modern, and trendy at the time. Today, Airstream trailers are seeing a resurgence among people who enjoy a luxury camping experience. Tackling an Airstream renovation is no small feat, but it's well worth the time and effort when the project is complete. Here are some tips for making your renovation a success from our experts at Woodland Airstream.
How Do You Want to Use Your Airstream?
Before you jump in and start renovating your trailer, it's wise to know your intent. Do you envision living in your Airstream full-time, or do you want to use it as a weekend camping trailer? This will help you to determine how much you need to invest in its overhaul. You also need to consider whether you want to completely rebuild your Airstream from scratch to customize it to your tastes and preferences, or would you make minor repairs to maintain its classic look instead?
Start Planning Your Renovation Project
Many experienced Airstream owners claim that the planning process takes at least half the time you'll spend on renovations. It may sound unbelievable that something much smaller than the average house can be challenging to restore, but the Airstream's curved design complicates the process. The structure is uniquely composed of an outer shell, ribs, and an inner aluminum skin that needs to be considered at each step of the renovation process.
Airstreams are also very old, making locating and purchasing the correct parts difficult. That's why planning and prepping are necessary before you begin the demo stage of your vintage airstream renovation.
Gather Your Supplies
Because parts are hard to come by, gathering everything you need beforehand is best. That way, your renovation project can run smoothly, and you won't find yourself stuck and waiting for parts to arrive. Locate the appliances you need, the cabinetry you like best, and the specific interior paint you prefer, and purchase them immediately. Many people also have luck buying materials at a discounted rate from people who have extra supplies after a construction project is complete.
If you spend a reasonable amount of time planning your renovation, purchasing the supplies ahead of time will be a breeze. That way, you will be able to handle shipping times and availability issues that will likely pop up.
Stick to a Timeline
Although an Airstream renovation is usually a hobby project, it's best to keep things moving. Otherwise, your restoration project can last for years, and you'll never reap the reward from all that hard work. To keep yourself on track, create deadlines (and stick to them) so your project continues to progress. Instead of waiting until you have a large chunk of time to dedicate to your Airstream renovation, commit to working on it a little bit each week. That way, momentum will continue to move forward, and completion will be done in no time.
Aside from saving money on your Airstream renovation, taking the DIY route saves you money on repairs down the road. That's because when something goes wrong, you'll know how to fix it.
Shop Our Inventory at Woodland Airstream Today
If you're ready to begin your Airstream renovation, we're here to support you every step of the way. Stop by to see our inventory in person at our shops in Michigan or Indiana. Our experts at Woodland Airstream will be happy to help you find the trailer you need and answer your questions, so you'll be well on your way to making Airstream memories that will last a lifetime.
Image Source: Joseph Sohm /INTREEGUE Photography