Work On Beatrice’s Interior Begins! My Vintage Camper Renovation

The vintage camper renovation continues…

Work on my vintage camper AKA Beatrice is moving right along. We have been blessed with some fairly mild temperatures lately, so we have taken full advantage and continued work on Beatrice. So much so, that I predict if this pace continues, the interior will be finished by Spring and all that will be left is the exterior paint job and some last-minute touches.

I can’t tell you how excited I am. Especially after the last week. I was lucky enough to have a full day off where I was able to help Rick and we finished the wood paneling in the interior and started the wood trim to cover all the seams.

Now YOU can share my Beatrice renovation story with the children in your life! Or even for yourself.

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This colorfully illustrated 32-page picture book is the beginning of my passion project to bring my very own Beatrice the Little Camper to life! find out more!

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But first where I left off from my last update…

Updated September 2020:

I wanted to share a little update about the spray foam insulation. We are currently on our second camper renovation and have since learned that spray foam insulation is not the way to go. In our current project, we decided to use foam board insulation instead. Here’s why. Once the spray foam dries, it is hard. In the event that there is an issue down the road with the wiring or anything inside, the foam board will be easier to work with than the spray foam. If we had to do it all over again, we would not have spent the money on the spray foam.

We decided to use spray foam for the insulation.  Originally we thought one kit would do the job, but after Rick sprayed it on, he quickly realized another kit had to be purchased.  At $350 a kit it was a steep expense, but since I would be using her year-round, she needed to be well insulated to withstand the cold Wisconsin temps. Even with the application of the second kit, there were still places that were sparse. It would have to do.

Once the insulation was finished, then came picking out and installing the wood paneling. I choose raw wood for the ceiling which will be primed and painted white. For the sidewalls, I choose a paintable tongue and groove-like paneling. The walls will be painted a light gray. Before the paneling was to be installed I had to pick out the lights for the interior. We choose 2 recessed small low profile LEDs above the front table and above the back lounge/bed area, I choose hanging vintage look cage lights using the old-fashioned Westinghouse bulbs. I loved the vintage feel and warm light they would give off. You’ll have to wait till the end to get a peek at them!

Next came the electrical. I never realized how much thought goes into wiring such a small place, but the outlets and switches along with the lights had to be in just the right place. The main box would be located inside the cabinet. I also want the comfort of an air conditioner, so we needed to have wiring to the floor-to-ceiling cabinet located on the door side.  The plan was to put a mini air conditioner unit inside the cabinet.

So this is where we are at with Beatrice! Now is where my work comes in. Painting, deciding what size mini fridge I want, and looking for fabrics for the cushions and window treatments. I plan on sewing my own window curtains. At the rate we are going we will be ahead of a springtime finish. I’m tempted to get out the air mattress and sleeping bag and test her out for a night!

I can’t wait to share her with you!

Thank you for following along on my Beatrice journey! If you like this post, please spread the love and share it on social media.  I’d love to hear from you. Start a conversation below and be sure to follow me on my social media channels!

Read part one of my vintage camper renovation

Read part two of my vintage camper renovation

Follow me on Instagram at @beatricethelittlecamper

Lori

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