We recently embarked on a renovation project for a 1989 Jayco pop-up camper that we found on Facebook Marketplace for a steal at $700. Little did we know that the process of buying and registering the vehicle would be more complex than we anticipated. To our surprise, our renovation journey gained significant traction on TikTok.
It all began when we were inspired by our neighbor’s homemade camper, called Lil’ Dreamer, and decided to find our own. After minimal research, we settled on a 20-foot camper that would be easy to maintain. That’s when we stumbled upon the 1989 Jayco listed for $700. Despite our lack of experience with pop-up campers, we couldn’t pass up such an opportunity.
Here are the 10 things that caught us off guard throughout the entire process.
Firstly, we were astonished that we managed to secure the camper. Finding a camper at a reasonable price can be quite competitive. Usually, when a road-ready camper is listed at an affordable price online, it receives an overwhelming number of inquiries. However, luck was on our side when we saw the 1989 Jayco pop-up camper on Facebook Marketplace. We quickly reached out and discovered that we were second in line amongst over 10 requests. Fortunately, the first person couldn’t pick it up, so we swiftly arranged a meeting for the next morning, just minutes away from our house. It felt like winning the lottery, especially since the seller trusted us to make the scheduled time instead of following a first-come-first-serve basis.
Once we laid eyes on the camper, we were pleasantly surprised to find it in decent condition. Often, campers listed at this price range are completely gutted or suffer from major water damage. However, with a bit of research, we knew what to expect. Thankfully, the camper was mostly intact, retaining its charming 1989 personality. While there were signs of wear, like a faded metal roof, dulled paint, and cracked vinyl graphics, a quick 10-minute inspection assured us that it was a worthwhile purchase.
However, the paperwork and buying process proved to be more complicated than anticipated. Typically, when purchasing a vehicle with a title, I would bring generic bill-of-sale forms, pens, and registration paperwork. In this case, the seller surprised us with a binder containing various documents, including original receipts from over a decade ago and a title under the previous owner’s name. The seller herself was not the registered owner but acted as a middlewoman. Despite this deviation from the norm, we felt comfortable proceeding, knowing that we could work out any potential issues. In the end, we had to go to the owner’s house to have him sign the necessary documents for the transfer of ownership. Ensuring proper documentation and registration is vital for future ownership transfers and legal compliance.
When it came to renovating the camper, we were determined to restore it without gutting the entire space. Our home vacuum and washing machine played a significant role in achieving this. We began by thoroughly cleaning the interior, removing dirt, debris, retired wasp nests, and remnants of a previous resident, a mouse. A regular industrial vacuum handled the job with ease. We also took the opportunity to wash the original plaid upholstery covers, giving them new life and eliminating any musty odors. In the end, my partner Amanda even created new cushion covers to add a vibrant touch.
While renovations can be costly, we managed to find replacement parts online and at Goodwill, significantly reducing our expenses. A mini-fridge, priced at just $20 from Goodwill, found its place in the camper after we discovered that the original wood-vinyl box was actually an old icebox. Slight modifications to the cabinet allowed for a seamless fit, and we were able to connect the mini-fridge to a basic 110-volt plug.
Rather than replacing the canvas, which had a few rips and signs of wear, we decided to patch it up. Using an awl, we sewed the rips and created reinforced patches for added durability. Additionally, we applied a water-repellent spray to keep the canvas in good condition. This decision saved us money and preserved the camper’s original character.
To our astonishment, our renovation process gained significant attention online. Initially, Amanda shared a TikTok video documenting our progress with her small group of followers. However, the video quickly gained traction, amassing over 100,000 views in just 24 hours. Viewers were enamored by our restoration project, asking questions, providing feedback, and appreciating our commitment to reviving an old camper. Our TikTok account now boasts over 3 million views.
Unfortunately, our homeowners’ association has not been as enthusiastic about our camper renovation. Despite the positive online response, we have received notices demanding that we remove it from public view, in line with the association’s rules. We are navigating this issue, but overall, our renovation journey has been a success so far.
In conclusion, our experience renovating a 1989 Jayco pop-up camper has been a rollercoaster ride of surprises, challenges, and unexpected online attention. We managed to secure the camper, were pleasantly surprised by its condition, overcame the complexities of paperwork, restored it without gutting the space, found affordable replacement parts, and garnered significant online interest. While facing some pushback from our homeowners’ association, we remain optimistic and proud of our achievements.
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