Our 1968 Phoenix Callao was a true labor of love, as most vintage campers usually are. She was a $900 Craigslist purchase and we knew going in it would be a complete gut job. It certainly did not disappoint! We took it down to the studs and rebuilt it from the inside out. I realize many restorers remove the skins and completely rebuild the frame, but that was not an option for us considering we were at the mercy of Mother Nature and only had a tarp to protect her from the elements.
We peeled back the roof skin and replaced all of the rotted areas with new wood, pulled and resealed all of the windows, added all new electrical wiring, new corner cap moulding on the exterior, and replaced the back half of the subfloor. We installed new insulation, wood wall paneling, ceiling material, and a floating laminate floor.
We opted to remove the tiny wet bath and floor to ceiling storage to make it feel more open and spacious. The bulky dinette bench seats were replaced with chairs and a fold-away table to allow for more versatility when camping. With two adults and a dog, we all fit comfortably! The dresser storage holds our clothes, toiletries, cooking utensils, tablecloths, towels, and miscellaneous items that need to be stashed away. The under-the-bed storage holds everything else and is accessible through the back exterior hatch.
The electric is wired for 120VAC when we are connected to the campground electric post, as well as a few lights and fan that are wired for 12VDC for when we are boondocking. We have one deep cycle battery stored under the bed.
In lieu of a large under-mounted grey water tank, we have two six-gallon containers under the kitchen sink. One for fresh water and one for grey water. Using a custom-built copper faucet, a plastic tubing system, and a floor-mounted foot pump, we can wash dishes and hands with no problem.
I would hardly consider this camping style “glamping”, with no bathroom and no AC. But for fun long weekend getaways, it works great for us former tent campers!
The main question we get asked is “How did you know what you were doing?” We are overall handy people and love to tackle home remodeling projects. We had many of the necessary tools already, but the knowledge of what to do came with trial and error, old-fashioned gut instinct, a willingness to try anything, and a wealth of information gained from Instagram and all of the other daredevil DIY restorers out there. I’m truly grateful for the help, resources, and encouragement shared through that online community. Now that my remodel is complete, I hope to share what I’ve learned with those just beginning their journey.
