You’ve heard of renovations. Well, retrovation is a “renovation-with-a-retro-look,” and that’s exactly how our camper was brought forward to her past.
The Search Wasn’t Easy
It took us over two years to find a vintage camper. They’re pretty rare in our part of Virginia, and most leads ended in disappointment—usually with a “Sorry, it’s sold.” So when the owner of a Yellowstone trailer called to say her buyers had backed out, we jumped in the car and drove four hours to see it. That day was a blur, involving a sick dog and even some arrowhead hunting (yep, that’s a story for the blog).
We had already planned to gut any trailer we found, so when we saw the semi-dismantled interior of the 13′ 1966 Yellowstone Cavalier, we actually saw potential. With my husband JohnnyV’s background in cabinet making and motorcycle building—and my experience as a full-time artist—we figured we had the skills for a full retrovation.
Meet “The Aquatomic Lounge”
While JohnnyV drew up plans for the interior rebuild, I dreamed up color palettes and idea boards, all inspired by the trailer’s original era. We’re fans of mid-century style (honestly, we’re kind of mid-century ourselves). My art studio is a vintage tiki lounge, so we imagined the camper in a similar vibe. That’s how she got her name: The Aquatomic Lounge.
We started the teardown in July 2013. To avoid getting overwhelmed, we set clear goals: strip exterior latex paint, polish the trim, repaint, replace studs, rewire, insulate, install birch paneling, do the plumbing, build cabinetry—you name it. We even calculated a halfway point to keep motivated. Each tiny “to-do” got us closer to done.
We were lucky to work on the camper in a repurposed school gym, thanks to our friends Colette and Donny. It gave us the space, security, and flexibility to keep tools set up and come and go as needed.
Life Threw Us a Curveball
In October 2013, JohnnyV started having serious health problems. After multiple hospital stays and surgeries in 2014, he couldn’t walk or work for a long time. The camper had to wait. We’re so thankful he’s here and on his feet again.
We slowly picked the project back up. With help from a couple of friends, JohnnyV guided us through tasks he couldn’t physically do. Finally, on August 11, 2015, we brought The Aquatomic Lounge home. I quickly outfitted and decorated her, and we spent our first night camping—in the driveway! Listening to the cicadas and tree frogs felt magical.
Our camper has a Porta Potti cleverly tucked into a custom closet. We managed it by narrowing the rear bed and expanding the wheel well pantry. JohnnyV had saved the Potti from his 1970s vanning days. It’s kitschy, it’s practical, and we love it.
Vintage Vibes and Clever Touches
We cook outside, so we skipped a stove, but added a microwave and fridge—both with 60s styling. There are mid-century details throughout: a front door pinstriped “Tiki Johnny,” a digital frame looping retro images, a floating astronaut doll, chrome atomic symbols, and even a Star Trek “swoosh” sound when the door opens. Our Potti closet is pure fun with vintage postcards, Spy vs. Spy art, and cheeky signage.
Almost everything inside is new: wiring, birch walls, insulation, LED lighting, cabinetry, 110/12V system, and plumbing. But we kept and restored original elements like the sink, rock guard, doors, and window frames.
She’s a sassy little trailer with a big retro personality. But finishing The Aquatomic Lounge meant more than just completing a camper. It represents perseverance, creativity, and the joy of a new beginning. If you see us at a rally or campground, come say hi—we might even let you try out the ray gun!
Originally published in issue 22 of the Vintage Camper Trailers magazine.
