Welcome to my Little Vintage Camper

On May 27th, 2022, I started a road trip.  Joe was invited and decided to join me.  If you read his text experiences of our trip to our children, you would find it hard to believe that my  partner and best friend experienced the same trip as I did.  It's like we were on two different trips!

Pittsburgh, PA.  I was caught by surprise by unexpected career changes heading my way.  Instead of dwelling, I decided to make the most out of it.  There's nothing like four good wheels and fresh air to clear my head and help me focus on my new future.  The three weeks trip to the Northwest is mapped out.  Spartacus (my Jeep Gladiator) is packed and ready to roll.  I am leaving Pittsburgh, PA Saturday morning.  “Don't be shy; please wave when you see me driving by.  I will keep you posted.”  This is what I wrote to my Jeep group on social media. 

You can read about the entire trip, the bear, Redwoods, cougar, and rainbow in the following link "The Wind is Shifting / Northwest Trip.  May 27th - June 18th”

Four days into the trip, I announced I would return to the "Big Hole, Montana." But I would do it with a small  camper/trailer.  This is where my little Vintage Camper came to life.  The trip was great.  The job search went on.  After the second and third interviews, I realized that politics got in my way.  I decided that Corporate America was no longer for me.  I worked hard for others, In property management, construction and sales.  As a Regional Manager, I made over a million in net profit (quarterly).  I was recognized nationally as "Sales Center of the Year -East" AND still was looked at as a woman in a man's world.  

I decided to do what I love.  To help others!  My college education was in alternative medicine.  Upon our return, I resumed my education and renewed my wellness and nutrition consultant certification.  At the same time, I still looked for a job, and was determined to find my camper on a small budget. 

The job search could have gone better, the school went great, and the camper search was successful.  I found a 1974 14 foot Prowler.  Yeppe.  Well, I was the one excited about it, Joe, not so much, as it is old and needs work. BUT for $2800 and good bones, I had no reason to complain. 

I am always striving to be positive regardless of my situation.  However, my energy got higher when I made the list of gutting and repairs.  I am working every spare minute on "Sura," my camper.  Why Sura?  I am driving a Jeep Gladiator, and his name is Spartacus.  Sura was Spartacus's wife.

So far, I have renovated and repaired Sura by myself.  I will need, however, help to install the solar panels.  Below I will share my repairs, ideas, and how I executed each.  

When you are ready to work on your camper, REMEMBER TO LEVEL IT!  If it is not leveled, everything you do will be unlevel inside!

Before I share Sura's  remodeling, I would like to share with you a FREE downloadable "List of the United States National Parks by States.” After all, this is why I am fixing my little Sura, to enjoy the outdoors with a little more comfort.  When I searched for such a list, it either costs $$ or is tied to some website.  I created one for myself, and now, I am sharing it with you.  

Please subscribe if you wish to receive updates about my future traveling, gutting and rebuilding a small camper, and Sura's renovation.  You are not obligated to do so. 

Safe Travels.  Peace, Love, and Happiness to all.

Nava

Nature's Head Composting Toilet. 

Dining room - Table.

Mirror, faucet, Curtain track, and shower.

Refrigerator, shoes storage, pantry and stove.

Coming soon; Power - 30 AMP, solar, and generator.

I am not an electrician or a plumber; this is not professional advice, and you should consult a professional before installing or altering your installation.

I did a lot of reading regarding composite toilets and watched many videos of different manufacturers.  I made the right design choice, Nature's Head.  Sura's bathroom space couldn't be any smaller to function as such.  Every inch of the toilet installation was carefully calculated.  

Because of the height of the shower, I had to elevate the throne to turn the handle.  Then, the dilemma of where to install the exit vent hose.  Ideally, I would choose the floor, and there's no space on the floor.

The last issue I needed to take into consideration was the electricity line to the fan.  

Toilet vent materials: 

Gang Round Plastic Weatherproof Electrical Box Cover.

3" long 1" PVC pipe.

1-in Bi-Metal Arbored Hole Saw

2" diameter bugs screen

(4) 1/4 3" bolts

(8) washers

(4) 1/4 nuts

Nature's Head PVC hose connector

(2) electric wire connectors

Electric tape

10 Watt / 6V  Solar panel

-I removed the old camper toilet.  I sealed the toilet drain with a PVC sheet and secured it with wood planks.  I built a platform for the toilet.  Nature's Head is already tall; I couldn't create something too high.  I opted for the 1.5 Inches elevation.  I cut the frame, put the toilet on it, and measured again.  When I was satisfied with the height and position, I secured the frame first and the toilet to the frame.  For a 6-foot-tall person, it is perfect.  I solved the height of shrimps like me by purchasing a kid's step stool in IKEA.  

For the price of the toilet, you would think you will receive all the parts.  However, as far as a vent, every video I watched installed it slightly differently.  I am not an exception and came up with my installation idea.  

-I purchased a marine BELL  1-Gang Round Plastic Weatherproof Electrical Box Cover, which is almost the same size as the PVC  piece that came with the Nature's Head toilet.  

-I put the two together and marked the four holes on the Nature's Head PVC piece.  

-I drilled the four marks with a 1/4 drill bit 

-To bridge between the two PVCs, the electric cover was installed exteriorly, and the Nature's Head was installed interiorly.  I needed about 4" long 1" PVC pipe.  The most economical way is to purchase a drain pipe

-Before assembly (and putting to the test) my masterpiece, I removed the center of the electric cover and glued the bugs' screen on the side against Sura.

-I put the Nature's Head PVC hose connector where I wanted it.  Behind the toilet on the right side.

-I marked the four bolt holes and the center hole on the wall

-I drilled the four marks with the 1/4 drill bit and the center with a 1-in Bi-Metal Arbored Hole Saw.  I put the bolts through a washer, the electric cover, and the wall.

Good luck with aligning them.  It is easier if you receive help. 

-On the inside, I put the bolts through the Nature's Head piece, washers, and nuts. 

-I pushed the drain pipe through Sura to the electric cover,  marked about 1/4 on an inch from the Nature's Head PVC, and left enough edge if I needed to remove it.

-I Cut the measured pipe, put glue at the rim, and slid the PVC pipe through The nature's Head piece to the electric cover.

I then connected the vent hose to the PVC.

Toilet Fan

The Neuter's Head has a mini electric fan to help with keeping the composting dry.  I wanted to go solar.  Stating the obvious, no sun, the fan will not work.

Remember, If the wires (+ and-) will touch, it can cause a spark, leading to a fire. 

- I ran the Nature's Head fan wire through the water pipe that I left between the bathroom and the other side of the wall (fridge area for me)

-I punched a solar fan from Amazon. 

-Separated the wire from the fan

-I connected the fan wire to the Nature's Head fan.

It is working as expected.

I had to either purchase or built a table to replace the broken table.  Those who camp know that when you are sourcing for anything and add the words "RV, Vintage Camper," or any other word remotely related to RV life, the $$$ multiplies.  I learned it fast.

Building it is.

Joe and I like to play backgammon, and even though he loves to announce that I am the "underdog," he is still losing.  That sparks the "do you want to play" almost after every dinner.  Thinking about space limitations, I decided to build a table with checker/chess and backgammon board games design on it.

I found plywood with a small dab of paint in the hardware store for half the price.  I cut it to match the original table size of 29 "X38."

I purchased the hardware to install the tabletop in Sura  (see the link below.)

I sanded the plywood.

With a pencil, I draw the board games designs. 

I colored the design according to the rules. Checkers - 8×8 game board and 24 discs (12 of 2 colors). Backgammon - two rows of 12 points opposite each other. 30 disks (15 of 2 colors) 

To protect the table and the board games designed, I painted it with Five coats of polyurethane, which may be overkill, but I don't wish to give Joe any excuse not to play.  2 coats underneath.  

I Installed the hardware according to the manufacturer.

Pieces for the games I found in Five Below.  They had a combo chess/checkers board game.  Remember the dice.   I was lucky enough to have the 64 cubes at home.

Where to store the pieces?  On Amazon, I found a small draw (see the link below.) It is large enough to keep the parts and small enough not to be in the way.

Under Desk Drawer - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B42GXQV4?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Table  hardware - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G44J9W6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

When I initially saw Sura, I recognized the work that needed to be done. And I remember the thought, "she is vintage, and it will be easy." First, according to her "vintage" age, am I  in the same category?! I don't think so! Let's say seasoned instead. Second, I wish the homes we are living in today were built like Sura. Everything that needed to be removed in Sura (almost everything in her) was glued, nailed, AND screwed. 

I purchased; 

A 27.56"L x 23.6"W mirror

A "You Look Amazing" decal

5 Gallon Water Bottle Caps

A faucet

a 2.6 Gal. Water Storage BPA Free, 

Collapsible Bucket

Portable  Shower-head with a pump

Curtain Ceiling Track

(2)  small Organizers in Ikea.

Refrigerator water line in Lowe's

Links below

It would be best if you also had 

Strong button magnets

Foam or something for insulation (minimal)

Double sided tape

Waterproof glue, I used Flexglue

And shower curtain

Mirror

Magically, I removed the small medicine/mirror cabinet, and Sura proved her point that vintage does not mean weak. I also removed the faucet and all the pipes. Remember that the line leading to the bathroom sink was removed when I installed the Nature's Head toilet? I did not need them under the sink. I peeled off the yellow wallpaper. I filled the holes, cleaned the bathroom room,  and painted the bathroom the same coconut color as Sura's interior. 

I installed the mirror, a pretty simple task; well....,  Every wall in Sura's bathroom is an angle. My none diagnosis of OCD tested my limits. Of course, I worked with a level and a roller, and I learned my lesson and took it seriously when someone suggested measuring twice and cutting once. Anyway, I digress. I still needed to convince myself that the mirror was straight. I called Joe to come and look. He looked at the level and said, "It's perfect." Can you see my eyes rolling?

The two small organizers were glued on the mirror shelf with 3M double-sided tape.

Faucet

Removing the faucet left two holes; I inserted a soup dispenser in the left hole, perfect for hand soup and a space saver. In the right spot, I installed the five-gal—bottle cap.  

1. The faucet needs to be flush with the counter, 
2. I inserted two caps into each other to measure the correct height for the faucet.
3. Once I had the proper measurements, I cut the bottom bottle cap with a utility knife about half.
4. I assembled all three and put them on the counter to ensure the correct height and that the faucet was flush.
5. I put the water line in a bottle to test the pump. It was very noisy (hollow stand)
6. I screwed the bottom cap to the counter.
7. I rolled a leftover insulation foil sheet inside the bottom cap, leaving room for the water line to go through.
8. I topped it with the second cap and taped it with foil tape.
9. I connected the water line to the pump and installed it on top of my new pump stand; the pump can be removed if needed. However, it is secure. 

The cabinet is small. Instead of a 5 Gal. bottle, I put two 2.6 Gal bottle side by side. All I need to do is switch the caps when one is empty. I did make a change to the cap and pushed the water line through. See picture.

Shower curtain

Ceiling track

We all know. We need as much space as possible.

The curtain ceiling track is a great solution. To install it, follow the instructions that come with it.  

1. Draw with a pencil (light) where you think you want the curtain to be hung.
2. Tape the curtain, and stand in the shower. Too tight? Expand your mark. I know you wish it to be MUCH more extensive, but watch and ensure the curtain is still inside the shower lip.
3. Install the track. 

Curtain

It may still be slightly too long

1. Hang the curtain
2. Open the curtain while on the shower base.
3. Fold and use sewing pins to mark the proper length.
4. Remove the curtain
5. Sew a hem; there are "stitch" glues that you can use if you don't sew. Make sure to stitch small pockets every 9'-12" to insert the magnet buttons.
6. Hang back the curtain, and open it to a "shower position.
7. Glue magnet buttons on the shower base lip, in position to match the curtain buttons.

By doing the hem and magnets, the shower curtain will stay in place and give you the maximum space you had in mind when you measured the track.

Shower

Since I no longer have running pipes in Sura, I opted for the shower head with a pump. A 5 Gal. bucket will produce a 6-7 Min shower if conservative with the water.

Seal, clean, and touch up

Faucet - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09YMJTWW1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

5 Gallon Water Bottle Caps - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0070VYI50/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Mirror - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QBTQZMG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Decal - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RYR83D5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Collapsible Bucket - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098NBPBP4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Small Organizers - https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/nojig-organizer-plastic-white-20507418/#content

Water line - https://www.lowes.com/pd/EASTMAN-25-ft-L-1-4-in-OD-Inlet-x-1-4-in-Outlet-Polyethylene-Ice-Maker-Connector/3196985

Links are below the articles.

At first, I decided to leave the stove, remove the furnace and replace the refrigerator. Before doing all that, I thought about what I would need for Sura to function as a home away from home. I needed a pantry, dishes, a stove, a refrigerator, a working surface, utensils, pots, and a sprouting station. Also, I would love a small herb "garden."

Sura's pantry and shoe storage

When I replaced the old refrigerator with the new one, I gained an above and below space. After securing the new refrigerator in place, I decided to create a pantry above it. Initial thought; food attracts bugs, and I built a frame and insulated it with a foiled insulation roll. The roll needed to be wider to cover the width. I overlapped the two strips and taped them with foil tape. It is strong and bugs repellent.  

Pantry door - I found a 23" X 14" white frame at lowes. Perfect size, finally something that I don't need to cut and adjust. I cut a  23" X 14"  thin whiteboard and glued it to the frame. And a simple white handle (Ikea) completed the door (It is a set of 2). I used two hinges on the left to hang it. Because it is almost to the edge on the right, I had to find a way to secure it. I screwed a small white open hook into the wall facing the kitchen, and a small elastic cord (Ikea) with two hokes at the end did the trick. I installed a US map decal on the door to track all the states that Sura and I will visit.

Below the refrigerator, I have a small space. Since the gray water pipe ran close to the floor, I did not want to relocate it, but also with a mindset that dead space is space wasted. A shoe shelf sounded like a good idea. Perfect for muddy hiking shoes! 

It is an odd space. A drawing of the area includes the pipe and measurements in my hand, and off to  Ikea, I went. With some imagination and luck, I gathered what I needed. 

A plain tray,  four pieces of 2X4X2.5, and glue created the shoe tray above the pipe. Two shoe storage made it possible to store two pairs of shoes; perhaps Joe would join me hiking. 

Shoe storage door: The door is open from top to bottom. I cut the Ikea peg board to size 12.5"X22." The second plain white handle was installed, and two hinges were at the bottom. To close the space above, I used two 2X4; one is slightly shorter. On the right, I installed a slide lock facing down.

pegboard - https://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?q=peg%20board

White handle (2 pack) - https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/gubbarp-handle-white-00336432/

Shoe organizer - https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/murvel-shoe-organizer-gray-20434832/

Tray - https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/smula-tray-clear-40041131/

Stackable pantry organizer - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FDRRLTK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pasta box (3pack) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09STCXB6B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

kitchen soap dispencer - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09XH4S6FY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Travel map - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B99TNHXD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am not an electrician, this is not professional advice.

I read many articles regarding solar power's pros and cons. Since I plan to boondock for some of my cross-country trips, I decided to install solar power. And as a result, I read about the system and how to install it. Many reviews, diagrams, and videos about solar panels and battery banks exist. If you need more information,  consult with a professional electrician. Sura is only 14 feet. Also, I gutted her. Therefore I do not have a water heater, furnace, or the old refrigerator, all of which need a power supply. What is left to power up? New and efficient refrigerator, few lights, outlets, and the occasional toaster oven, TV, and DVD. I ran a test drive and took Sura for a weekend at Keystone State Park. I stayed in lot 055 with an option of 30AMP, in case I need it. I didn't use it. Sura ran solely on solar power for four days, and the battery was still full.

Equipment:

• Solar panels;  Usually sit on the roof and collect energy from the sun. 

Renogy Solar Kit;  (400W) 4 100W 12 Volt panels, Solar Charge Controller, wires, and accessories necessary for installation 

• Controller; Controls the flow of electricity from the solar panels to your battery bank.
• Battery; Stores power from the solar panels and makes it available to run electrical appliances.

Timeusb 12V 220Ah Lithium Battery, Built-in 150A BMS, Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery with Max 2816Wh Energy -

• Inverter; Converts the power stored in your battery bank from 12v DC  to AC, which can be used to run most appliances.

POOXTRA 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Converter with 4 AC Outlets,1 USB Port,16.4ft Remote Control, and Dual Cooling Fans-Peak 4000W 

Connection:

Solar panels to the controller.

Controller to the battery. 

Battery to the inverter. 

Inverter to the panel box.