FIRST TIME CAMPER

SPARK

Dear Rob,

Love Tania

I this camper(so you should too). insert link from craigslist here

Me Rob Shannon

CreativeOrganizedDesignerDreamer

Upholstering & painter queen.

StrongDedicatedExperience with boat

trailers and power tools.

EngineerSmart

Used to work in construc-

tion. Grew up in Alaska.

AssessI went because it’s my money.Shannon understood exterior and interior essentials.

Make sure there’s a valid title.

Pick upGo get camper.

I went to pay the guy.Rob is driver and final “no” on idea if necessary.

ImportantMake sure you have the right vehicle for towing.

We did not.

Dear Rob,

Love Tania

I this camper(and you too).

BBQGet the camper in the driveway.

Man PowerLiterally.

Dear Rob,

Love Tania

I this camper(please don’t break it anymore).

To-do ListIs camper already insulated? mostly, make sure to patch areasIs there electric? no. Do we want it? noIs there gas? yes. Does the stove work? yesDoes the sink work? yes, it’s pump. Is there a toilet? yes Where does the matter go? through a hole to the road. Should we use it? nah that’s grossHow many beds are there? 2 and a bunk bed. Is the bunk bed suitable for adults? nope Should we fix it? Maybe in phase 2.What’s the floor like? Gross linoleum Should we keep? Nope. So buy flooringWalls? Paint themCabinets? Paint themTrim? paint themCurtains? Not necessary yet.

BudgetI don’t want to spend more than $500.

DesignThe interior of the camper was newly insulated. It was just really ugly.

DesignPicking colors, flooring and fixtures within budget.

Store RunWe did almost all of our shopping between Home Depot and McGuckins.

Paint: 1 gallon of white $28.96, 1 quart of blue $13Roller foam: $8.34 for 3painter’s tape: 6.58Paint brush: $.98Floor: $3.29/sqft, $65.80 for 20sqftHardware: $14.98 for knobsBacksplash: 2 at $19.95e

Running Total: $178.54

WorkRob and I spent 8 hours painting the entire interior.

Shannon and Rob put in the flooring while I painted the cabinet doors and attached all hardware.

Note: we already had all tools necessary, but they can be rented from resource yard for cheap.

Don’t forget puppy. Paint on ear to prove being helpful.

UpholsterFabric for Kitchen Cushions: 6 yds of duck canvas $5.49/yd $32.94

Already had staples and staple gun.

Running Total: $211.48

ExtrasBattery LED lights: $16.47 for a three packSheets for kitchen bed: $15 on sale targetSheets for big bed: $23 on sale target4 extra pillows: $5 each at target, $20Plates, cups, bowls: $5.49 4 plates, $6 bowls, $7.50 4 plastic drink cupsCoffee Maker: $10.87 from targetKitchen supplies: $15 from Aeres consignment (pots, pans, cutting board, mugs)Carbon monoxide and fire detector: $29.88Fire Extinguisher: $19.97Running Total: $380.66

Before & After

Dear Rob,

Love Tania

I this camper(now what).

Trailer HitchRob found online the correct hitch for our truck, and installed the hitch after work one day.Hitch: $161.42

Note: youtube is amazing.

Running Total: $542.08

Go!Rob decided we should fish the Dream Stream near Fairplay.

Camping for RVs available at Eleven Mile Park.

Make sure before leaving:tires have airavoid windy areaseveryone knows to drive slow and carefully(not much of a choice with 4 cylinder truck)

Setting up for the weekend:

Parking is tricky- right vs. left turns for steering.

Make sure camper is on even ground.

Put out matt for dirty shoes and dog paws.

Dear Rob,

Love Tania

I this camper(and I want a ski house).

ToddRob found Todd. Silverthorne, CO.

48 yr old “dude”10 min drive from Keystone & A Basin3 acres$150/monthElectric hookup if we wantEDD- emergency desperate dumps allowed in house.Loves dogs.(also has a hot tub....)

Set upLeaving a camper all winter in one spot is tricky. We needed the entire team to go up to Todd’s and make sure we would be all set for months.

9 free wood palettes to lift camper off the ground (thanks Peter Ko)Used sheet set to cover tires (prevent sun damage)Grab essential food & liquor suppliesBrought up warm clothes, extra boots, and hat/glovesStocked cabinet with many game options

HeatIt’s going to be really cold. Solution, propane heater: $44.97Extra propane tank: $50

Running Total: $637.05

Final TallyAfter all the hard work we went over our budget by $137.05.

Total: $2,137.05 for camper

But what I really learned is that I could not have done it without help. It’s a good thing everyone loves the camper.

Dear Rob,

Love Tania

I this camper(and so do you).