Will We REGRET Buying Our Camper? | RV Renovation on a Budget (week 1)

Murphy's Law (noun): anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Renovations begin on our 2005 Wildwood Camper! This week was all about finding and fixing existing structural damage. Spoiler: it was a lot more than expected! From fixing the slide out, to finding leaks and mold, to cutting a huge hole through the roof of our camper ... eek! We have 6 weeks to make this camper livable, because in 6 weeks my family of 5 will be moving in to live in this rig full time. Our budget it tight, but I am optimistic we can do it!
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[@barbarahughes6009]

I am constantly amazed at the thinking,planning,creativity of your lives.Having seen what you’ve achieved so far l don’t doubt your ability to succeed in this project.Well done!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you so much 😊

[@summerjoy247]

Me too! Fascinating lol

[@Michelle_Emm]

I hope you don't find anymore unwelcome surprises. You're ingenuity, resilience and ability to work together will see you through. 🙂

[@SouthernFrugalMomma]

I’m here for this Camper Renovation.

[@Jewelsquiss]

👍😊❣️

[@dougben7477]

If you guys would like some free consultation about renovating unfortunately I have too much experience LOL I lived in two camping trailers when I was living in Florida. That's why I have so much experience 15 plus years of the camping RV life. I left Florida back in 2017 and moved to Tennessee I'm so glad I did. I wish there was a way I could private message you because I do not want to leave my phone number on your comment section. I myself just made a trip to Home Depot in Oak Ridge:-) y'all have a great blessed day keep up the great work if you have any questions I guess tried getting to me through this comment section. Yes those weather strips go bad all the time because of the sun if you could coat them with some type of UV paint it will protect the new seal and do not use any type of grease on it unless it's silicone grease because rubber is made from petroleum it will actually get dissolved by regular grease but silicone grease will not dissolve it. But you may want to check all of the tracks and Glides that use regular grease on them that is fine so that slide will go in and out freely. Thanks for sharing the vids wish you and your family well.

[@mdilworth7564]

I love this! This is so much fun! My husband and I are in our 60’s and love taking old stuff and giving it new life! Your baby so adorable. Happy renovating!

[@lh7501]

Damp can stay hidden for a long time and can be expensive to repair ...but can be rectified A damp meter is pretty necessary before buying

[@genemartinez2833]

I have such admiration for the two of you! It is truly amazing to see your problem solving skills and the amount of knowledge you possess about carpentry and interior design of the camper. You keep your cool and calmly explain what you are discovering. Of course, it is fine if you sometimes curse, because it’s a difficult task you have. I look forward to your videos!

[@user-hw9vf4pl9s]

She should have paid you to take that RV off her hands. EEEk!!! I have total faith y'all will do it right and make it a gem! Looking forward to the videos to come and see the process!

[@hollyroecker9019]

Sorry to see all the extra work! However, it is very inspiring watching you two work as a team to solve any problems you encounter.

[@luisvarona9680]

I love how you think. I'm new to your channel, but I've been watching your old videos, and I'm finding your talks very informative, well presented, and quite entertaining. Thank you for sharing yourselves with us.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thanks and you're welcome!!

[@elainedee9314]

Hi you may have heard of Dawn, The Minimal Mom, but did you know that she and her husband have renovated 2 or 3 campers in the last couple of years ? You could search her youtube channel for 'camper' if you're interested to see how they got on.

[@janvas7690]

Have so much admiration for you two your not afraid of hard work and nothing seems to faze you!

[@pamcornelius9122]

It looks bright and spacious for a camper! I can’t wait to see the finished result.

[@brilliant5126]

You guys are really skilled at renovation work! You're doing great!

[@julies3490]

You guys are so capable. Sorry for the stresses - it will be great when you're finished!

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

You definitely have skills to renovate. I am sure it will be beautiful and you are saving thousands doing the work yourself🌻👣

[@loveandjoy810]

Omigosh! I love watching your adventures and feel like I get to live a little freer through you. I can’t wait to see what your camper looks like when it’s done. You both are so handy and crafty. So cool! I’m so excited.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Yay! Thank you!

[@lindahelmbrecht1248]

I think you all got took on that. Lots of damage ……for the price you paid!

[@ChrisLee66]

This is good content. Even though I've been critical in the past I admire and respect your integrity and hope this proves successful all in all. Great hair too!

[@raisingwildflowers]

I appreciate it! ✌️

[@roberts.3712]

Looks like the previous owner just did a cosmetic flip and covered up all the rot and mold.

[@cynthiaweathers6979]

Big mistake taking down walls. They help support the outer walls holding them together. Support system.

[@leem200]

Wanted to say the tarp is probably used to cover the camper when parked or when it rained. You both got this.

[@terry4265]

Well for a positive note. You will have all this documented so if you ever sell it people will be able to see how you did it right and that it would be a good buy. Also, I worked for Lowes for almost 9 years. A great store. Good Luck guys and Great Video. :)

[@shabbyshopper]

Man, buying old/used trailers are so hit or miss. They become big leaky mold traps. We bought one BRAND new and within 2 years of excellent care/coverage - we found a leak and had to make major repairs. They are just not made great :( Hope you were truly able to get all that mold out of wood, insulation, vinyl, etc. It is HARD to get it all. Good luck!

[@sallyapplegate4591]

I am so impressed by you guys!!!! It will be beautiful when you’re done!!!

[@dougben7477]

Also just wanted to let you know to not use that fiberglass insulation that they have installed in there I don't know why the manufacturer did not install a plastic moisture barrier between the siding and the wood framing. My suggestion would be replacing the fiberglass with the pink 4 by 8 sheets you can cut down of pink insulation foam board. You are probably only be able to get the 1 in thick but that's better than not having anything or chancing regular fiberglass of getting wet and holding moisture and mold. And just fix one section at a time that's the worst. Good luck you guys that is a big job I know.

[@joculp-yq3qh]

You two are such inspirations!! I admire your intelligence and courage for taking on these renovations. I would be scared to death to take on this job, but you both are taking care of business! And Falcon, as always, is so adorable and smart. I can’t wait to see all of your videos to come! Blessings😊

[@simplyfromscratchrecipes]

Cannot wait to see they progress of the camper! Always amazed by your constant energy and willingness to tackle whatever comes your way. So many would just give up or really fuss about it, but you both are just figuring it out and getting it done.

[@ambertenney3980]

I have an rv that i need to rebovate. Its an 86 i think 😅 (older than me!) we've had campers before (one just like this one), but not an RV. It has previous leak damage that we have to fix, and we recoated the roof just to be safe! I love the inspiration.

[@claudiasmith039]

I'm so shocked at how you and hubby are taking this old camper and fixing it up. Very creative 👌 👏 👍

[@cjengland2365]

Love the way you research everything to make sure it's done right.

[@brenyule]

Wow. I’ve renovated vintage travel trailers. The #1 thing we looked for is leaks and water damage. You really took on a huge project! But I know with your determination and perseverance, that it will be amazing, functional, and worth it when you’re complete. So glad you figured out the slide. Looks like they just put a bandaid on everything and disguised all the real issues. It’s a good thing you discovered all that rotting mold! Lots of kills paint! When I was looking at the girls area, I was wondering if you’re thinking of putting desks where the bottom bunks are and they would sleep in the top bunks. Then they would have some personal space. I’m sure you’ve thought it all out. Best of luck on the next phase. ✌🏼❤👻🐦‍⬛🎃🍁🌻🐈‍⬛🫶🏼

[@Peter-pe6pp]

Have never bought a camper but when buying houses I lookout for tell tale signs of mold and leaks. The 2 together are a bad combination so if it has been going on for a while may be more extensive that you expect. Not a project I would get into but we are all different. If this floats your boat and the cost savings are worthwhile to you then go for it. It should be an interesting experience.

[@Shobyw]

Omg!! You ripped off everything! First I thought you got a bargain deal but not now!

[@GrannyLinn]

My mom and dad (who lived in an RV for half the year) bought a small travel trailer that had been under snow all winter and was COVERED in mold. I was horrified. But they wanted it, so she worked with her bucket of Clorox day after day, until it was pristine and ready for day trips. My dad even added a tiny toilet room with a shower head above the toilet. They loved it. Their RV looked just like yours but without the bunk room. I’d love to get out of Texas half the year, just not willing to do the work. I don’t think you’ll regret this at all!

[@AdriennesChannel]

My husband and Son just did an overhaul on the $5000-dollerest camper my son could buy :) They bought a new roof membrane and re-did all of the plywood. It's waterproof now, and doesn't leak. Only about $700 in materials and 2 weekends. It can be done.

[@raisingwildflowers]

That is awesome! It is a lot of work, but if you do it yourself can be very affordable!

[@ZXX984]

Campers today are made so poorly. I think the previous owner tried to “mask” a lot of hidden issues. I’m curious of the end results of money spent and time put in. Best of luck on this project.👍

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thanks!!

[@thehomespunwife]

You guys are so talented! I'm enjoying your videos so much. Thanks for sharing. ~Sherry

[@caroleaustin8858]

Your little guy is so cute!!

[@esteeb42]

I saw you doing your renovation on your home in Tennessee and your home in Florida. Asher is a big help but you are Wonder Woman Katie💛 P.S..Falcon is the cutest💙

[@leem200]

When you are done you will have a better build then even a new one. Also, you will have learned to fix it yourself. You are still wise in buying a older one. It will so be yours when finished. I have no doubt it will be well worth it in the end. Even with fixing it is still a whole lot cheaper than a new one. We are renovating a old 13 ft Burro. I love it. It is all we need; we loved our square tear drop but are too old to crawl in and out of it. Haha! It will nickel and dime you but you both got this. Camped on time a someone slide out failed and they paid a fortune to have it fixed. So, you will be able to fix anything ahead of you. Peace!

[@amydecker6207]

Even if you guys spend as much on renovations as you spent on the purchase of the whole thing, you would still have spent around $11,000 on a home you will be able to live in for several years. What a small price to pay for seeing the nation!

[@srobs375]

The black “tarp” under the bed is very likely skirting for the camper, which goes around the bottom the keep it more air tight/warm when parked for a period of time.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

The black tarp was most likely over the top of it, before they came to look at it. Nice of them to include it, I guess they knew they’d be needing it.

[@brandymoore5967]

Ive been following your channel. I like your insight into the economic/housing crisis. I'm trying to renovate a house and it has been pure hell. Millions of people are just like you fighting to survive. We need a coalition of people to demand change. We are embarking upon a pivotal election cycle and it is time "the" people hold their elected officials accountable for this mess!

[@antoinettepeeps1]

Love your creativity ❤

[@shereeshatsky5627]

Wow. Good luck.

[@workinprogresssince1974]

Oh man, nothing worse than inheriting someone elses bodge job. I imagine this being amazing when you're done though. Good luck!!!!!

[@debbielauck3131]

Y’all are so skillful, but I’m still amazed at what you’re willing to take on! Great job!

[@budgetwithfatima6530]

Awesome Job🤩🤩🤩🤩 renovating your camper , we’re planning on buying a camper but at this point we need to be very careful.

[@Michelle_Emm]

Please make sure you take a ladder and check out the roof.

[@kerryjames6312]

Thank you for your transperancey lucky your msn can help with renovations you guys can do this

[@marlenearocho3680]

Oh no. So sorry. That's turned out to be a big project !

[@washeabarnett7093]

You guys are amazing. And your son is so adorable.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

I was afraid of what you had bought, but didn’t say anything. It reminded me of one I had in my yard, purchased with interiors of fixing up, thst ended up being towed away. Nightmare! You are brave for actually doing this and undertaking the job. I know firsthand what you’re experiencing. The only good thing about the one here was the new slide out motor and all appliances, air etc worked. The rest of it needed to be burned down. It was a nightmare!

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Yu can buy a skin for the top. I remember looking into it and I think it’s called, reskinning the top.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

When you were looking for a camper, what was/is the inventory like where you are? Im starting to see a few more for sale, but nothing of a major rise of any kind with inventory. Maybe this winter.

[@raisingwildflowers]

There are a lot for sale, but they go so fast. Even the shitty ones. We tried looking at so many but they all sold basically the day they were posted. At least the ones priced under $8K

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Maybe that’s why I’ve not seen a lot for sale here, they go so fast. I think a lot of folks are doing what youre doing… I’ve been thinking of selling my house here in smokies of NC and living in a teailer till market goes down n just take time . However im not sure what’s going to happen, so dang unpredictable the times we are in. Im all alone and mid 50s so it’s scary, every decision is a little more difficult. Anyway, thanks for the information!

[@missybiblio4673]

Well the tarp was probably there for the leak in the roof 😂

[@nesadcruz7840]

You will only know to some extent after your Reno journey, and then a greater extent after living in it whether this was worth it. I am sure there will be more surprises of both the good and bad kind as you renovate. It will be interesting to see if your budget and timeline stay on track. Good Luck.

[@pt-ek9ge]

Thanks!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you so much!!

[@terrypelletti8535]

wow i give you so much credit That is a lot of work you work as a team

[@christinephillips3435]

You are both doing well love your vlogs .

[@krataiandbrett]

Awesome start! Cant wait to follow along for the rest of it!

[@mariemm6032]

Great work!! Love watching your updates. Your little boy is adorable 😊

[@richardahlstrom9694]

This would be a nightmare for me. You two are brave😁

[@blesseddc5093]

Was wondering how many hours a day you are spending working on this? If you enjoy it then it makes sense. Quite a challenge getting rid of all that mold. I hope you do because it could lead to health issues.

[@raisingwildflowers]

We’ve been working on it about 6 days a week for 6-12 hrs a day. So a lot 😂 Once we get it water tight again we will be able to go at a slower pace. There is just a lot to get finished really fast to avoid rain right now.

[@debbiemoore5895]

Your video was so incredibly informative…I even put it on pause so I could get my husband to watch it. We are in our seventies now and wish we could go back in time and travel more with our kids. You’re baby boy is precious!

[@blesseddc5093]

@@raisingwildflowers good going. Better to get it done as fast as possible

[@ashjoma]

Wow. I hope this goes well. You are both very brave and happy to take risks. Hat off to you both. I’m not in the USA but I think the person that sold that you must have been thrilled to offload it. I really hope this goes well and it’s not a disaster. I know I couldn’t do what you are both doing especially with 2 teens and a now mobile baby. I’d have gone straight back to your home with proper shelter, room and facilities. I need that flushing toilet and hot shower. I wish I could win lotto and buy you a nice house so you didn’t have this situation.

[@kerryjames6312]

No its a learning experience❤❤

[@raisingwildflowers]

Yes, so true!!!

[@kerryjames6312]

@@raisingwildflowers me and my husband did a similar thing when our three girls were babies it was an experience but now am 55 girls are 26 and 26 married hubby passed life is a journey you can all look back on this and tell your grandchildren one day xx

[@birgittacarlson7537]

Hi, you need a Baby Playard, 👶then you can feel confident that nothing happens. I think you should get some money💰 back for all the hidden faults. Good luck with the renovation. Take care.🍁🌻🍂

[@terryshaw3493]

Oh my gosh, you guys! So much work to be done. I love how you are so knowledgeable. You could be a construction contractor lol. You guys are real troopers. If anyone can do this right, it is you two. 🙂

[@rebacarmack8335]

Love seeing the baby

[@Suebearish]

Smooth as can be now

[@rebacarmack8335]

Girl, with all that mold- y’all probably need to be careful- maybe wearing mask?

[@Mahomesfan615]

Amazing!!!!! Loving all this new content.

[@carmenmarialinne2650]

Mold-- well- that one is a real health hazard and getting rid of it COMPLETELY .. might be wishful thinking - and a serious risk.

[@lindc1070]

Agreed. If not wiped out it will come back to haunt you in the form of health problems. Not easy to totally get rid of.

[@raisingwildflowers]

There is mold everywhere. There is mold in just about every single home. There are mold spores in the air. We will be able treat and prevent the mold issues - definitely not worth throwing the whole project away for a few repairable spots.

[@tanyaparker6296]

​@@raisingwildflowers💯

[@lorieckert]

Where did you come up with over 5k and the money to fix this wreck? Plus if you plan on safely towing said camper you will need a bigger truck.

[@raisingwildflowers]

With the jobs we don’t have 😂 We still work and have an income, everyone. It’s also pretty cool how you can save money when you are debt free and live frugally.

[@Ozarklivingbellavistashrimp]

You got scammed.

[@weaverwagon6084]

Great job!!!

[@arlotally]

I'm curious if y'all know the source(s) of the damage you are finding - is it just wear and tear or was it ever damaged in a road accident or a storm? I wonder if RVs have manufacturer repair manuals like cars do? That'd be cool. What a neat project, can't wait to see what all y'all do

[@tanyaparker6296]

It was a pretty camper..lol.. good luck

[@coffinbirthcutie9126]

❤

[@lindc1070]

I am sure you knew what you were in for when you bought an older RV. So it will come together😂 Just curious, where is it parked while you are working on it and is it costing you anything?

[@raisingwildflowers]

We have it parked on a family member’s property, so no charge to park it ❤️

[@lindc1070]

@@raisingwildflowers Great! Then even if you need more time it will be ok

[@raisingwildflowers]

@@lindc1070 The property doesn’t have hookups except for electric run with an extension cord 😂 So we will still need to have it completed enough to move in and move it by the beginning of November.

[@lindc1070]

@@raisingwildflowers that is a pretty tight timeline considering it is almost " gutted" now. I can see why you are putting in so many hours.

[@Frannieville]

I bought a 2000 fifth wheel. I haven’t found anything major wrong with it yet.

[@lifeinkarachi123]

Where did u park it ?? What is the rent of that place ?? Please tell

[@raisingwildflowers]

We are able to park it on a family member's property while renovating :)

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

I hope you told this person you had a KZbin channel… maybe she will see this. I know she’d never comment, but maybe she will see this.

[@raisingwildflowers]

I honestly don’t think she knew. She did know about the slide and was very open about her failure there. She is a cosmetologist - her skill set is making things look pretty on the outside 😂

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Ohhhhhh I was under the impression they did the work done to it. So they bought it like that then sold to you. Okay I missed that part

[@rachelcrossen8136]

Is there a reno budget?

[@raisingwildflowers]

Our goal is $3K

[@gene416]

@@raisingwildflowerswater damage alone costs thousands and you have mold?? Bad buy. Why didn’t you guys have a checklist when you purchased for inspecting beforehand? The roof would’ve been a simple climb up to see the water damage

[@joethecomputerguy1]

Looks like a money pit. If you took the time you could have found one in much better condition for not that much more. RVs are not like houses and repairs need to be done differently. But you insist on making mistakes so go for it. You don't know what you don't know.

[@scottysteadman5063]

1First!!