Putting a Modern Twist on a Vintage Airstream

rv.com, RvLyfe

What made you both to make a lifestyle change and buy/renovate an Airstream?

Nate: We didn’t know where we wanted to live. But we knew we wanted to travel.

I’m a travel writer and I started doing the math on how expensive apartments were. Ultimately I realized that we could get an Airstream and flip it for cheaper than what we’re paying now.

Taylor: Nate always wanted to live in a Tiny House, so it wasn’t a foreign idea. I had some doubts initially, but ultimately it was too good of an opportunity.

Nate: To be clear, the Airstream was Taylor’s idea. This was really a collaboration of both of our ideas.

What DIY tips do you wish you knew starting out?

Nate: Tool collection is super important. Back then I didn’t have the right tools, and now I’ve amassed quite the collection.

Taylor: We didn’t know how much problem-solving there would be with this kind of a unique renovation.

Nate: You’re gonna fix a lot of water heaters. I mean, you just have to be ready to fix problems in general. You think you’re gonna reach a point where you’re done…but you will constantly be adapting and updating.

Were you handy to begin with, or did you have to learn a lot of this along the way?

Nate: My dad is a contractor, so some of this came naturally. That being said, renovating an RV is a pretty specific skill set, so I still had to learn quite a bit.

Taylor: But yeah, Nate is creative and handy. And he’s great at adapting with whatever problem comes up.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the renovation process?

Taylor: Going back to how custom and unique of a project this was, it’s hard to find tables and items that fit or match such a limited space. Beyond that, our Airstream had pests, water damage and mold – so we had to deal with just about everything.

What was your approach to designing the interior layout of your airstream? Did you have any specific priorities or “must-have” features?

Nate: It was an eclectic process. Pinterest was super helpful. We were very focused on making it feel like a home and not just a renovated RV. I kept asking the question “What can I draw from a stick-built home to make this RV feel like a home?”

What’s the one RV renovation you did that you couldn’t live without?

Taylor: Our wood stove. We didn’t do that initially because we were in Florida, but once we moved to Michigan we really found its value.

Authors note: They made a one-by-one cast iron stove and had to cut a hole in the top of the Airstream. There’s literally a chimney now.

Can you share a bit about the sustainability of your renovation? Were there any eco-friendly choices or practices you incorporated?

Taylor: We did a composting toilet right away so we wouldn’t worry about the black tank. We also utilized solar a lot. Oh, and our wood stove!

Could you share some of the more rewarding moments during the renovation journey?

Nate: Early on we had just finished painting and floors, and then I set up a table and chairs and made dinner on my cook stove for the first time. That was a milestone for me as it symbolized the beginning of our new life.

Taylor: For me, the most magical moment was waking up at a boondocking spot in the Grand Tetons and having that view. We risked the hard road and got a stunning memory.

Nate: The first time you boondock in a place you built and love it creates something magical.

How did you manage the division of labor and decision-making during the renovation? Any tips for couples embarking on a similar project together?

Taylor: Early on I felt like I had a good eye, but then I realized Nate is actually really good at design. I helped here and there, but I was working full-time and going through a Master’s program. So, really I was funding the project and Nate was doing the project.

Nate: At the end of the day, whoever is the best at something gets to make the calls. Best idea wins.

Is there anything you would do differently if you were to renovate another RV?

Taylor: If we were buying vintage again, we’d buy new appliances immediately. Just because that’s unnecessary stress on the road.

Nate: Our new motto is “It will break.”

Where do you find your DIY/style inspiration? What are some essential tips or resources you would recommend to others looking to start their own RV renovation project?

Nate: We follow other accounts and see cool ideas on our feeds, and when we’re on the road we’ll see inspiration in other people’s rigs.

What are some of the ways that living and working remotely out of an Airstream have made you more creative/resourceful?

Nate: Figuring out how to get stuff shipped.

Taylor: Yeah, finding UPS stores, post offices, etc. In terms of working, we’re in the same space, and I do a lot of video calls, so noise-canceling headphones are a must for Nate.

Nate: Also, coffee shops and libraries are great.

Taylor: Oh, and water’s always a thing when you boondock. Plus we have to legally find places to charge. In the end, you have to step outside of your comfort zone, ask around, and be thoughtful.

Nate: We also use a ton of apps.

Looks like y’all have fostered great community on the road. Any tips for other nomads looking to work remotely and connect with other nomads?

Taylor: I think you need to be outside of your rig if you want to make connections. Eating, working, hanging out, etc. Be willing to strike up conversations. Don’t be afraid to go up to people and just start talking.

Nate: Yeah, most of the people we’ve met have been organic and not on social media.