Sometimes, the best adventures start with an impulsive decision. That’s exactly what happened when Emily stumbled upon a 1986 Jayco pop-up camper on Facebook Marketplace. It was only $700, and before they knew it, they were the proud (and slightly nervous) owners of a vintage camper.
Emily did a quick once-over before purchasing, but the real test was getting it home and popping it up. To their surprise the camper was in better shape than they expected! No rips, no tears, and even better? The sink, stove, and fridge were all in working condition. They fully expected to replace some lines or run into major issues, but it was already off to a promising start.
This little budget-friendly camper packs a lot into a small space:
- Two double beds
- A dinette that converts into an additional bed
- A functional sink, stove, and fridge
- An awning (that we didn’t even know was included until we found it tucked away under the dinette!)
Before diving into any major renovations, their first priority was cleaning everything. They started by removing the old curtains and giving them a bleach bath to freshen them up. Then came the carpet—we’ll never know why someone stapled it down over perfectly good linoleum. But one thing was for sure: it had to go! Once that was out, they gave the whole floor a good sweep.
While Jake tested the mechanical systems, Emily scrubbed down the countertops, which were in surprisingly good condition. Even the stove just needed a deep clean to remove some rust. The drawers got a good scrub, and she added easy liner inside to help prevent items from shifting around while traveling.
Small Wins That Made a Big Difference
- Removing the old carpet – Instantly made the space feel cleaner and more updated.
- Deep-cleaning the floors – A little scrubbing went a long way!
- Finding the hidden awning – Saved money on a replacement.
- Getting rid of rust on the stove – Made it look nearly new again.
This was just the beginning! With the camper now clean and functional, they’re ready to move on to the fun part—actual renovations. They’re planning to: ✅ Update the interior with fresh paint and decor ✅ Upgrade the cushions and bedding for a cozy feel ✅ Add small storage solutions to maximize space ✅ Test it out with a weekend camping trip to see what else needs improving!
We’re so excited to see how this little vintage camper transforms. Follow Emily on TikTok for more updates as they turn this Marketplace find into the ultimate budget-friendly (which we love) camping retreat!
If you haven’t seen our budget popup remodel, you can find it here!