Learning how to turn your old and worn-out trailer into something brand new can be a pretty challenging task. Restoring an Airstream is a tricky business, and it can be a lot better with some help from experienced professionals. Renovating your Airstream can seem a little daunting at first. The people who have succeeded are the ones who just jumped in headfirst, and that's really what it takes. The following step-by-step Airstream renovation guide will walk you through your project:
Cleaning Your Airstream
The first step to renovating your Airstream is cleaning it. If you want to get that brand-new look, you need to start with a clean slate.
Repairing and Restoring the Exterior
The exterior of an Airstream trailer is made from aluminum and should be cleaned with specialty products for aluminum. Most of these products are available at any hardware store or online. Some products will require you to polish the surface afterward to restore a factory shine. In addition, damaged panels might need to be replaced to complete the exterior restoration.
Repairing and Restoring the Interior
After cleaning, inspect the interior for any areas that need repair or replacement. Common repairs include broken cabinet doors and drawers, damaged door hinges, flooring that has seen better days, or cracks in the walls. Cracks can occur anywhere but are most common around windows and other openings where water can seep inside as well as near seams in the frame where water is also more likely to accumulate.
Fixing the Leaky Roof
When starting your Airstream renovation project, you want to fix the leaky roof. This will prevent further damage from water intrusion into the plumbing, electrical, and interior components. Remember that if your trailer has been sitting for a while, the roof may have deteriorated badly. If this is the case, it may need extensive repair or replacement.
Replacing Worn Out Flooring
Many owners of older Airstreams have to contend with various types of damage to the trailer's vinyl flooring. The most common problems include rips, tears, holes, and stains. Often, you'll find that the seam where the trailer's front and rear sections meet has become so damaged that it cannot be repaired.
First, decide what type of flooring you're going to use. There are several options available, including sheet vinyl, peel-and-stick tiles, and laminate planks. Vinyl sheet flooring is the cheapest option, but it's also the least attractive (unless you go for the more expensive designer sheets). Peel-and-stick tiles are easy to install, but they tend to get dirty quickly, and their adhesive backing usually breaks down over time. Laminate planks are very popular because they are easy to install, inexpensive, durable, and look great when installed correctly.
Changing Outdated Appliances
Old appliances are also much less energy-efficient than new ones. It's often difficult to find parts for them when repairs become necessary. And if there's a fire in the trailer, you'll have no way to know if there's a problem with the electrical system until it's too late.
There are many modern appliances available that are similar in size to their older counterparts but have a variety of new features that will enhance your life on the road. Since most of these modern appliances use gas, electric, or propane rather than electricity alone, you won't have to worry about running out of power while you're traveling.
Contact an Airstream renovation service if you want professional help with your restoration.
