1980s RV Renovation: Turning a 35-Year-Old Toyota into a Cozy Full-Time Home

From Hawaii to the Road

• ✈️ Michelle and Jeff decided to pursue their dream of RV living after Jeff's severe motorcycle accident, which led them to re-prioritize life over material possessions.
• 🗺️ What was initially planned as a long-term goal to find a place to settle down became an immediate journey after returning to the mainland from Hawaii.

RV Transformation and Rebuild

• 🛠️ They discovered a 1980s Toyota Class C RV on Facebook Marketplace and initially used it for shakedown trips.
• 💧 Significant water damage in a wheel well led to a complete teardown and rebuild, including reframing the interior, redoing the subfloor, and replacing exterior framing.
• 💡 Jeff, a finished carpenter, utilized his skills and tools to restore and improve the RV, aiming for it to be better than its original condition.

Interior Living Space

• 🏠 Despite its 20-foot length, the RV accommodates two adults and an 85lb dog, with clever use of space.
• 🛏️ The over-cab bed area was completely rebuilt due to dry rot, featuring a new platform and an adjustable leg for easier access.
• 🍳 The original four-burner cooktop and oven were retained, while a new 12V fridge was installed for boondocking.
• 🛋️ The dinette area converts into a queen-sized bed or serves as a multi-functional space for dining, working, or relaxing.
• 🎨 Custom-made curtains from painter's drop cloths and bamboo plywood countertops were added during the renovation.

RV Systems and Exterior

• 🚿 An outside shower was added for rinsing the dog or feet, alongside standard hookups for city water, propane, and shore power.
• 🔋 The RV is equipped with a 190W roof solar panel and a portable 200W panel for power.
• 📦 Clothing is stored in totes within a converted closet space, emphasizing the need to declutter and keep only essentials.

Advice for Aspiring RVers

• ✨ Jeff and Michelle encourage others to pursue their dreams without waiting for perfect timing, emphasizing that life is unpredictable.
• 🌍 They highlight the trade-off of having a tiny home but an enormous, ever-changing backyard, offering unparalleled freedom.