I Bought An Old 1995 RV, And Here’s How I Transformed It Into A Beautiful Home For Me And Two Kittens That I Recently Adopted (21 Pics)
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It must have been love at first sight… I’d like to describe it that way, but the reality is I hadn’t seen her yet. Not really. I’d only found a listing at the bottom of a list of used RVs at a dealership 200 miles away, close to the TX border. A 1995 Chevy Seven Seas Cobra, 36,000ish miles. I’d been looking for months, and something in my heart told me this was the one. This was my transformation project.
More info: Instagram
After trading some emails with a salesman and putting down a $1000 non-refundable deposit, I roped a friend into driving me down to pick up the old girl
I’d already named her Janeway after the leading lady Star Trek captain.
Janeway was definitely showing her age
The décor looked like something out of the ’80s
Layers of dust coated the carpet. There were spots with water damage and mold. Thankfully, the appliances worked, and though I was later to find out the A/C in the cab was out, the housing unit A/C was fine and the engine ran well.
The overcab needed the most work
With leaks on both sides, much of the wood and flooring needed to be ripped away and replaced.
And so work began with a little help
I was fostering two kittens at the time
They would sit in the window watching me walk back and forth from the house to the RV all day and sometimes all night as I worked.
I started by taking everything off and out
Down came the curtains, up came the carpet, and off came the cabinet doors!
Although I bought new hardware and fabrics, I saved as much as I could, painting the cabinetry
… and even the counters!
The walls also got a coat of oil-based paint over the peeling, stubborn wallpaper.
It was a lot of work… taping, ripping, painting…
…even staying up all night one night to finish the floors! But it was a labor of love
And it was worth it
The kittens even got their own play area in the overcab
And their own RV cat tree
Even better, these two babies now have a home!
They are no longer foster kittens. They are my furever kittens!
Forever at home with me in my sorta new RV
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I love the imagination lying in this cosy bed aligned by those two purring kitten, watching the rain, reading a book and being calm. All my best wishes for you!
Yay Kendra! Great job. Great kitty foster.
Barb Roach follower
Congratulations on a great renovation job, and on the adoption of the kitties! Your home is complete.
I love that she painted the existing cabinets instead of gutting them and buying new. Saves on so much waste. Great job!!
And such a nice, soothing, peaceful color
Wow what a great job. I am in a house built in 1958 and my cabinets need painting so bad. I have been in here 5 years and still have swatches of sample paint on the walls. I am 72 years old and I guess a little afraid. You did such a wonderful job you have motivated me. Thank you. The little black kitten has such big ears I bet it can hear a Miskito trying to squeeze through the screen. You are both talented and kind to give them a home.
Like me..the hardest part is always starting! Throw some news papers on the counters and do one a day. You can wrap brushes or rollers in a plastic bag so you don't need to wash them. They'll keep for years Nice and moist like that! Hope this helps! Best of luck..also..lighter is best.
Thank you for your advice. Maybe that will get me started. I love the idea of putting the brush and roller in plastic. I will be much more apt to start if I don't have to clean up every day.
This comment has been deleted.
Awww!! This is what I want to do. I want to get my husband and I a decent travel trailer to live in. The rent that way is much cheaper then anywhere else in California. Plus makes more since then buying an actual home.
You would love it. I've lived in a fifth wheel fulltime since 2016. It does save money and it's a unique lifestyle. It makes life simpler.
I own a 12×65' mobile home from 1963. Hasn't had much done since then but I paid 1200 for it, and rent is water sewer included..380 mo
So much fun and a great life, i hope to live int a tiny house or campervan too
Alice Moon-Star Good response!
Alice Moon-Star ?
Alice Moon-Star ?
Move out of that God forsaken state. Come to eutopia...maine. We'd love to have you and you can buy a mansion for under 100k
I don't know about Maine... I've read a lot of Stephen King...
I didn't believe you - but anyone who doubts, check this out - unbelievable: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/26-5th-St-Bangor-ME-04401/85004165_zpid/
This has just exploded as a movement! My daughter and her boyfriend are renovating a pull-behind camper so they can live in it and travel. So smart and makes us realize we CAN live with LESS!!! Who knew?!
It's amazing how little you need. I've traveled for a month at a time with just a backpack. You end up not missing the clutter of a big house or storage unit. Life is so much simpler.
Yep. I love my fifth wheel. I don't travel, though. I'm set up in a small rv community where most of us are retirees. I got rid of so much stuff to begin living small.
kendrathomas ?
kendrathomas easy
Can't like this enough!!
creative. The kittens are very cute.
I usually totally love van transformations but ... This time i got distracted and just focused on the kittens. I guess i should come back later to see the pictures i missed because the van looks great too
Here’s the kittens’ story... https://www.boredpanda.com/i-adopted-two-kittens-during-the-pandemic-the-story-of-rv-cats-sundae-and-sherbet/
nope ... came back to check but focused on the kittens only sorry
This is so damn inspirational! It makes me with I could do the same....how great it would be, to live in a traveling home, with two gorgeous furbabies!! But alas, I'm legally blind since birth and have never been able to drive. But you go on your carefree adventurous life and LOVE IT!! Good for you, and the home looks AHHHMAZING now!! Man, I'm envious beyond all I could express. You did an A+++++ job!
What you need Molly, is a travel buddy with the same philosophy!! <3 :D
Great name for the old girl.
Wow! As an fellow (female) owner of a 20+ year-old RV, I know exactly how much work we're talking about here! Bravo! Way to go for tackling it all yourself! I am so inspired!!!! Thanks for sharing this, Kendra!
Years ago when our kids were small, we bought an older Airstream and renovated it. What a job.
Looks great, and it kept you busy during COVID quarantine
It did! I wasn’t planning on doing this project for another year but all my summer plans got canceled so... :-)
Bless you for the furbabies! Good luck in your future adventures! Keep us posted!🥰
Aww. Great job.
This is great Kendra - I appreciate you including the story of the kittens. Really helps to illustrate the scope of the fun that awaits you in your travels. Great work on the rig. Enjoy!
Ross Harris Good response!
Ross Harris -
Okay, i just want to be either of the kittens and keep on going from coast to coast like Forest Gump, except endlessly.
Great job everything looks so nice, congrats on your new kittens, they're perfect additions to your home.
Congrats!! You started at the right age for such adventuring and You did a great job - the RV looks wonderful! I love that you adopted the cats! All the best to you and your future travels! (I only wish you'd mentioned what that RV sold for as it gives a good idea of what others might want to look for if affordable for them.)
PapillonOne love
Ditto.
I’ve answered a few people in the comments about cost. She was $7000 all in with tax and title and such. I then spent $2500 on repairs and reno. :)
I love that you bought something old and brought new life to it. I love that you've fostered these two beauties and now they own you outright! Well done you. Long and happy life to you and your furbabies xx
Thank you! I am enjoying myself and these two babies definitely have my heart.
Love it! And love the cats. They know it is home.
You have done an AMAZING job. The van looks fantastic. You and your new little fur babies deserve every bit of luck love and happiness in the world. Great job :)
So smart! Great reno and kitties are great company.
Jen Szabo lol
Your RV is precious!! And I see you have a tuxedo baby. They are the best!
Sundae. She’s my sweet, laid back one. Always wants to be in mama’s lap. ❤️
Elizabeth Swindall no
Elizabeth Swindall easy
You sure are a hard worker! I could never have done all that by myself! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the kittens! Thanks for giving them this "paw"-some home! 😻
Colleen Stadnick love
Colleen Stadnick +
The only time it's acceptable to fail is when fostering.! Nice to see another failed foster family become a forever family!
Claire Scott Good response!
Claire Scott -
Perfect for a single mom with two kittens
Lovely new home for cat parent and her furever kittens...
Lovely cats! Lovely vehicle! Lovely cats, and the cats are really nice and cute and furry and they have such a nice fur, and the cats are lovely, ... you get the point, eh...?
I love the double foster fail! Lucky kitties!
You were in the right place, at the right time, and the world excepted you. I am so happy for you and the critters
You did a great job with good helpers!
Awesome job the kitties luv it
Colleen Belmont lol
Colleen Belmont good
Love! Awesome resto :)
Good luck and enjoy the ride.
I'm so very happy ,and excited, for you & your furever kittens!!! You'll all be so very comfy & cozy in your fur-ever home!!! Congratulations on all your hard work! Cheers.
How wonderful! Great job.
23AClark ?
What a great job!
Patti Panuccio easy
Patti Panuccio +
I'm wondering how difficult it is to paint the exterior. My version would be Scooby Doo van.
LOVE IT. It’s actually not too hard... I may get it done at a shop in Dallas next year. I want to do a very light gray with Janeway painted on the side. Kind of like a boat... or a starship... 😂
A truly wonderful and inspiring story!
Do you have problems with the floor tile working loose?
Not at all. All of the tiles have stayed on really well, even in the Texas heat. I used STICKGOO, Floor Pops, and... I think the laminate wood tiles are off Amazon? It’s on my Instagram somewhere ... @katauthor
You do good work. And have gorgeous kittens. Kudos!
I want to have my own RV!
I am impressed - good for you....
Hans Schneider haha
Hans Schneider what
She did a fabulous job and should be very proud of herself!
Susan Charles yes
Susan Charles +
THANK YOU!
This is SO going to be my life in the future.
DO IT! I have no regrets.
Amazing!
Now it just needs a Toyota drivetrain and it will go forever.
Wonderful job. I can appreciate all the work you put in to it!!
Anne Immelnut easy
Anne Immelnut Good response!
Well done, Kendra. Great cattitude. Only we can define ourselves, nothing and no one else can or should.
i wish i had the courage, determination, strength and time to do this!!!
I was in grade school when my dad built a camper to go on the back of our pick up back in the 60s. An elderly friend of his mother's had moved to Colorado years ago and he wanted to see her one last time as his own mother had been gone many years. We all helped with the build, and I laid on the bunk over the cab watching the miles go by. We had walkie talkies when we needed to communicate. Your remodel is lovely and so are the 4 legged ones
Yes queen! So proud of u and all the work you did! It's beautiful! ♥️
★Twizted~Wulfie★ what
★Twizted~Wulfie★ lol
I'm still reeling over the idea of 1995 being "old".
OMG! I think I hate you a little bit lol - I am so jealous! It looks absolutely amazing! That is something I'd love to do - get an RV and go on a driving holiday around the US!
I think this is such a wonderful idea! Such a beautiful home for you and your pets <3
I love this; great work, it ended up worthwhile, it looks awesome!
What a beautiful home you have!
Jay Dresser haha
...AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER. THE BEGINNING. • <3• <3• <3• <3• <3• <3• Excellent renovation! You did a Yeoman's job— really like your color palette and finishes. Hope you're über-proud of your vision, efforts, and remarkable results, there, 'Kitten Momma'. Stellar!
GREAT JOB! Looks GREAT & so cozy!
I want to live in one and travel everywhere
Alex Cheung like
Alex Cheung Good response!
It looks so much nicer now! Great job :)
road life can be a lot of fun... this is how rich people are spending vacations this year since the CV has shut down the big tourist destinations... go ahead and treat yourself to a nice long steamy hot, soaky bubble bath every now & then at the Motel 6... showers in miniature shower stalls can get old... HAVE FUN!
Looks amazing!
What a brilliant job you've done! And well done for taking on the 2 cats x
I'm planning to buy a used one as well. I know it will take time to find the one. Mind telling me how much it cost you to redo it. What an amazing job and glad that the kitten finally have a forever home. Good job!
I’m in about $9500 total for the RV, reno, and maintenance. RV was $7000. I spent another grand on a new tire, work on the engine, and oil changes for the engine and generator. About $1500 on just reno work on the inside.
Felinda Adlawan good
Felinda Adlawan lol
Beautiful! Now how about the engine, transmission, and other mechanics? Did you have to redo the plumbing and electrical?
No, they took care of a toilet issue before I bought it and the engine just needed a tune up and oil. Electric is in good shape. I spent about $1000 to get her running well. That included oil changes, a new tire, fluids, and just some basic tune up work. The inside reno cost more, about $1500.
I love this! What a great life it would be to travel with two cats. With so many working from home, this could be very doable. Congratulations on adding to your family and a successful renovation
Great job, Kendra! It looks so cozy now!
#LifeGoals. <3 (on a side note: anyone else bothered by that one curtain hook that's not on the curtain rod?) haha :o
That’s so funny! I actually caught that on the first trip and was like what in the world??! Don’t know how I managed to miss one ring! Lol.
Wow!! Great job on the renovation! Head on over to Idaho and see some of the great beauty of the Sawtooths and the Bitterroots.
Great job! Capt. Janeway would be proud :-) This remodel reminds me of Tiny Home Nation! Also, as a parent of two rescue cats, thank you for fostering and adopting those sweet fur balls.
Awesome awesome awesome Kendra! The rv is the perfect size, great job on the renovations. Your kittens are adorable! Good luck on your travels :)
So wonderful! Great work! ♥
Awesome!!!- if I were single...I'd live there! Maybe once my daughter is grown. Trade this crappy trailer for a crappy r.v!
Amazing
Very cozy. Where does one park?
Thankfully it fits in my driveway.... barely. Lol. She’s 25ft.
Gosh, the blue is so cool
Rey cool!
What a wonderful job you did on your RV. So homey and inviting. Love your kitties. I am a rescue, mostly cats and kittens, and I had a feeling those kitties would end up being yours. They are both beautiful and adorable. You will never feel alone with those two around. Here's to your new adventure and having the courage to actually do it. And not just talk about it. I just love that you gave the kitties their own space too. Such a good kitty mama. :) Kudos to you.
I’m thinking of buying an RV going cross country. I’ve been widowed 11 years. I was going to purchase a new RV, you’ve changed my mind. If I can find one with low mileage, I’m buying. Thanks for the inspiration. I live in California, my children and family are in New Mexico, Texas,, Alabama, Kentucky, and Florida. 🙌🏼👑🙌🏼 Prayers going up for my perfect RV
You took that one tiny step, hit the road for adventure, best travel companions, they sleep a lot, then cuddle with you, happy trails, be safe, and enjoy !!!
sharron lynn parsons -
dragonwarrior259 no
sharron lynn parsons ?
36,000ish miles? Yeah right, more like 136,000 or even 236,000.
I actually crossed over the 37,000 mile mark recently. It’s not uncommon to find RVs like this with low mileage. People don’t drive them like regular cars. :)
Nah, u should have brought your high school science teacher and made it a meth lab
*brakes hard* *tube with cat in it rolls out of overcab*
HAhaha... They actually have a very secure playpen they stay in when I’m driving!
Yeah, I assumed you would have something like that haha. Don't want any kittens bouncing around xD
How awesome!!! (and I love the foster fail!)
The kittens’ story: https://www.boredpanda.com/i-adopted-two-kittens-during-the-pandemic-the-story-of-rv-cats-sundae-and-sherbet/
This comment has been deleted.
Excellent remodel! --- NOTE: I would have tried to restore and keep the 80s groove as much as possible, while modernizing the underlying tech. But as an "80s kid" I have a weakness for the 1980s and its styles.
Maybe my next project! I think it's interesting that most RVs have that 80s, early 90s vibe. Lol.
I think she was going to, but the Ms Pac-Man console didn't fit into this model.
Lol!
This post would havE been Way better sans cats
Dave Emilio +
This post would be a way better without Dave Emilio's and filmyonline's comments.
I love the imagination lying in this cosy bed aligned by those two purring kitten, watching the rain, reading a book and being calm. All my best wishes for you!
Yay Kendra! Great job. Great kitty foster.
Barb Roach follower
Congratulations on a great renovation job, and on the adoption of the kitties! Your home is complete.
I love that she painted the existing cabinets instead of gutting them and buying new. Saves on so much waste. Great job!!
And such a nice, soothing, peaceful color
Wow what a great job. I am in a house built in 1958 and my cabinets need painting so bad. I have been in here 5 years and still have swatches of sample paint on the walls. I am 72 years old and I guess a little afraid. You did such a wonderful job you have motivated me. Thank you. The little black kitten has such big ears I bet it can hear a Miskito trying to squeeze through the screen. You are both talented and kind to give them a home.
Like me..the hardest part is always starting! Throw some news papers on the counters and do one a day. You can wrap brushes or rollers in a plastic bag so you don't need to wash them. They'll keep for years Nice and moist like that! Hope this helps! Best of luck..also..lighter is best.
Thank you for your advice. Maybe that will get me started. I love the idea of putting the brush and roller in plastic. I will be much more apt to start if I don't have to clean up every day.
This comment has been deleted.
Awww!! This is what I want to do. I want to get my husband and I a decent travel trailer to live in. The rent that way is much cheaper then anywhere else in California. Plus makes more since then buying an actual home.
You would love it. I've lived in a fifth wheel fulltime since 2016. It does save money and it's a unique lifestyle. It makes life simpler.
I own a 12×65' mobile home from 1963. Hasn't had much done since then but I paid 1200 for it, and rent is water sewer included..380 mo
So much fun and a great life, i hope to live int a tiny house or campervan too
Alice Moon-Star Good response!
Alice Moon-Star ?
Alice Moon-Star ?
Move out of that God forsaken state. Come to eutopia...maine. We'd love to have you and you can buy a mansion for under 100k
I don't know about Maine... I've read a lot of Stephen King...
I didn't believe you - but anyone who doubts, check this out - unbelievable: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/26-5th-St-Bangor-ME-04401/85004165_zpid/
This has just exploded as a movement! My daughter and her boyfriend are renovating a pull-behind camper so they can live in it and travel. So smart and makes us realize we CAN live with LESS!!! Who knew?!
It's amazing how little you need. I've traveled for a month at a time with just a backpack. You end up not missing the clutter of a big house or storage unit. Life is so much simpler.
Yep. I love my fifth wheel. I don't travel, though. I'm set up in a small rv community where most of us are retirees. I got rid of so much stuff to begin living small.
kendrathomas ?
kendrathomas easy
Can't like this enough!!
creative. The kittens are very cute.
I usually totally love van transformations but ... This time i got distracted and just focused on the kittens. I guess i should come back later to see the pictures i missed because the van looks great too
Here’s the kittens’ story... https://www.boredpanda.com/i-adopted-two-kittens-during-the-pandemic-the-story-of-rv-cats-sundae-and-sherbet/
nope ... came back to check but focused on the kittens only sorry
This is so damn inspirational! It makes me with I could do the same....how great it would be, to live in a traveling home, with two gorgeous furbabies!! But alas, I'm legally blind since birth and have never been able to drive. But you go on your carefree adventurous life and LOVE IT!! Good for you, and the home looks AHHHMAZING now!! Man, I'm envious beyond all I could express. You did an A+++++ job!
What you need Molly, is a travel buddy with the same philosophy!! <3 :D
Great name for the old girl.
Wow! As an fellow (female) owner of a 20+ year-old RV, I know exactly how much work we're talking about here! Bravo! Way to go for tackling it all yourself! I am so inspired!!!! Thanks for sharing this, Kendra!
Years ago when our kids were small, we bought an older Airstream and renovated it. What a job.
Looks great, and it kept you busy during COVID quarantine
It did! I wasn’t planning on doing this project for another year but all my summer plans got canceled so... :-)
Bless you for the furbabies! Good luck in your future adventures! Keep us posted!🥰
Aww. Great job.
This is great Kendra - I appreciate you including the story of the kittens. Really helps to illustrate the scope of the fun that awaits you in your travels. Great work on the rig. Enjoy!
Ross Harris Good response!
Ross Harris -
Okay, i just want to be either of the kittens and keep on going from coast to coast like Forest Gump, except endlessly.
Great job everything looks so nice, congrats on your new kittens, they're perfect additions to your home.
Congrats!! You started at the right age for such adventuring and You did a great job - the RV looks wonderful! I love that you adopted the cats! All the best to you and your future travels! (I only wish you'd mentioned what that RV sold for as it gives a good idea of what others might want to look for if affordable for them.)
PapillonOne love
Ditto.
I’ve answered a few people in the comments about cost. She was $7000 all in with tax and title and such. I then spent $2500 on repairs and reno. :)
I love that you bought something old and brought new life to it. I love that you've fostered these two beauties and now they own you outright! Well done you. Long and happy life to you and your furbabies xx
Thank you! I am enjoying myself and these two babies definitely have my heart.
Love it! And love the cats. They know it is home.
You have done an AMAZING job. The van looks fantastic. You and your new little fur babies deserve every bit of luck love and happiness in the world. Great job :)
So smart! Great reno and kitties are great company.
Jen Szabo lol
Your RV is precious!! And I see you have a tuxedo baby. They are the best!
Sundae. She’s my sweet, laid back one. Always wants to be in mama’s lap. ❤️
Elizabeth Swindall no
Elizabeth Swindall easy
You sure are a hard worker! I could never have done all that by myself! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the kittens! Thanks for giving them this "paw"-some home! 😻
Colleen Stadnick love
Colleen Stadnick +
The only time it's acceptable to fail is when fostering.! Nice to see another failed foster family become a forever family!
Claire Scott Good response!
Claire Scott -
Perfect for a single mom with two kittens
Lovely new home for cat parent and her furever kittens...
Lovely cats! Lovely vehicle! Lovely cats, and the cats are really nice and cute and furry and they have such a nice fur, and the cats are lovely, ... you get the point, eh...?
I love the double foster fail! Lucky kitties!
You were in the right place, at the right time, and the world excepted you. I am so happy for you and the critters
You did a great job with good helpers!
Awesome job the kitties luv it
Colleen Belmont lol
Colleen Belmont good
Love! Awesome resto :)
Good luck and enjoy the ride.
I'm so very happy ,and excited, for you & your furever kittens!!! You'll all be so very comfy & cozy in your fur-ever home!!! Congratulations on all your hard work! Cheers.
How wonderful! Great job.
23AClark ?
What a great job!
Patti Panuccio easy
Patti Panuccio +
I'm wondering how difficult it is to paint the exterior. My version would be Scooby Doo van.
LOVE IT. It’s actually not too hard... I may get it done at a shop in Dallas next year. I want to do a very light gray with Janeway painted on the side. Kind of like a boat... or a starship... 😂
A truly wonderful and inspiring story!
Do you have problems with the floor tile working loose?
Not at all. All of the tiles have stayed on really well, even in the Texas heat. I used STICKGOO, Floor Pops, and... I think the laminate wood tiles are off Amazon? It’s on my Instagram somewhere ... @katauthor
You do good work. And have gorgeous kittens. Kudos!
I want to have my own RV!
I am impressed - good for you....
Hans Schneider haha
Hans Schneider what
She did a fabulous job and should be very proud of herself!
Susan Charles yes
Susan Charles +
THANK YOU!
This is SO going to be my life in the future.
DO IT! I have no regrets.
Amazing!
Now it just needs a Toyota drivetrain and it will go forever.
Wonderful job. I can appreciate all the work you put in to it!!
Anne Immelnut easy
Anne Immelnut Good response!
Well done, Kendra. Great cattitude. Only we can define ourselves, nothing and no one else can or should.
i wish i had the courage, determination, strength and time to do this!!!
I was in grade school when my dad built a camper to go on the back of our pick up back in the 60s. An elderly friend of his mother's had moved to Colorado years ago and he wanted to see her one last time as his own mother had been gone many years. We all helped with the build, and I laid on the bunk over the cab watching the miles go by. We had walkie talkies when we needed to communicate. Your remodel is lovely and so are the 4 legged ones
Yes queen! So proud of u and all the work you did! It's beautiful! ♥️