Getting ready to use '68 Deville this season

Outside color design

Inside of camper

well, it is that time again, getting the old camper ready for another season of camping. After working on this vintage camper last year, it is time to finish up and enjoy this camper. There are three areas that I will begin working on soon. The first area will be finishing the main sleeping area which needs a new mattress and finding a better place for the TV. The Second area of work will be the bathroom. When I bought this camper the floor in the bathroom was completely rotten  and needed to be replaced. I have replaced the complete bathroom floor and put new tile down. I wonder if I should try to install a regular flushing toilet or use a toilet that has to be taken out and dumped? The third area will be installing a window air conditioner for keeping cool in the hot summer. While I live the  mountains of North Carolina, in the summer months it can get very warm. I will be trying to find a good location for the installation that will be stable and can be removed at a later time.I know I will have to build a frame to set the air conditioner in order for it to rest solid in the window. As you can see in the pictures, I have my old TV and VHS system ready to go. But the question remains, where is the best location? I will be trying several locations to see what will work best. And so the work begins, I will be writing and sharing more pictures as I finish up work on this great old vintage camper. Thanks for following this blog..

Repair that old camper: Could save more than you think!

Working on my 1969 De ville has opened my eyes t0 the benefits of fixing up older campers and using them again.  Whenever I think how nice it would be to have a new camper, I can't help thinking about the total cost. There is the cost of the camper which is very high, interest charges, state and local taxes, and of course the money paid to store and maintain the camper each year. These costs can add up fast and can rob you of future wealth. It is important to understand why we enjoy camping and why it is such an appealing activity. In my case I have found that it can cost less than staying in a hotel and if you know how to  set up your campsite can be very relaxing. I have also found that in my job as a minister stress can cause major health issues as we age. Therefore I am always looking for ways to relieve or reduce stress in my work. Camping can be an excellent way of unloading stress and getting back to the things that really matter. 

There are a number of important areas you must address in order to enjoy camping in an older camper.  First,  make sure the camper is road worthy and in good structural condition. You don't want your camper falling apart while you are driving down the road. Second, make sure all the systems are working. When I say systems, I mean your gas, water, electric, and sewer. These are vital if you are going to make your camping experience enjoyable. If you don't understand how these systems work or don't have time to work with them find a local RV repairman or shop and have it done. Believe me it will pay for itself many times over.Third, may sure you have all the supplies you need before you set off on your trip. Many of these supplies can be picked up at flea markets and yard sales at great prices and are perfect for keeping in your camper. Also make sure that you check for water leaks every six months. I also watch for insects and spray according to what I see. I suggest you go on mini-camping trips at a camp site near your home and try camping out before you take a long trip. This way you will get a feel for camping and be able to test your camper out to make sure all your systems work. Also you will know what to plan for on your next big camping trip.

 Take a second look at that old camper, it just might save you thousands of dollars and undo stress from having to make payments. I believe you will find a rich blessing in giving an older camper a second chance to serve and be used again. I will try to post some recent pictures of my '69 deville camper and what it looks like since I finished repairs. Keep on camping and enjoy life again.  thanks