After demoing this 1969 Airstream Trailer, I reconfigured the layout, making plans for a queen size bed at the back of the trailer and a dining area in the front that doubles as a second bed. The new floor plan features the bathroom in the mid-area of the trailer alongside the kitchen.

Once I finalized the layout, we ran the electrical rough-in to the correct places for the appliances and the new outlets and light switches. We’ve replaced the black and white tanks and added two gray tanks. You can read all about the holding tanks here. We also replaced the belly pan, fixed leaks, connected the taillights and the exterior porch lights, and polished the exterior. Once we took care of all these parts, we moved to insulation and interior skin installation.

A couple of months ago, on a sweltering Summer day, I found my mind wondering if I was up to finish what I had started. During the aluminum skin installation weeks, I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Daily progress was hard to spot, and my body ached from lifting and cutting an infinite amount of aluminum sheets. At that moment, I had to ask myself, what do I want to get from this experience? I can’t control all the problems and challenges of this renovation, but I can certainly control what I want to get out of it.

After that day, I shifted my mindset. You can’t rush the process and stress over the final day. The very beginning of the renovation should be as rewarding as the end, even on those tough days. This project is not about the final result. This renovation is all about the learning process. And I hope to inspire you along the way so you too can tackle your hardest challenge yet.

To see more scenes from #flippingthecancadoairstream, visit here.