1984 Golden Falcon Trailer Remodel

We recently got a trailer from my wife's grandfather who just got tired of the trailer park life. As we have a young son, we jumped all over the opportunity to spend weekends at a place like this. We got a 1984 Golden Falcon trailer that is about 31 feet long.

Her grandfather, a handy guy, made some various changes to the trailer over the years (replacing the stove, new full size toilet, etc). Knowing that we needed to make some changes to the trailer to make it a bit more modern and to our style, we wanted to get to work on making changes.

This is going to be a long instructable and instead of making a bunch of different steps, I am going to make each section a different part of the project that outlines what we did, materials, etc.

Our main goal was to update the interior without spending too much.

What we wanted to achieve:

- Paint everything to make a more modern look

- Remove old couch from tip out and turn into a bedroom for our son

- Bring in spare futon from home to act as a spare bed

- Paint the bathroom, bathroom tub

- Clean up the deck

- Modernize the kitchen

- Remove most of the cabinets for a doorless cabinet look

A lot of these steps from the different sections overlapped with each other (ie. built the bed while waiting for paint to dry). This project took a few weekends to complete, as we only did the work while we were up there on the weekends.

First things first, we wanted to remove everything that was left in the trailer that we no longer had a need for. There was old carpet on the floor, dishes, plates, etc that we removed from the trailer.

After removing everything that could be taken out, we began to clean every surface from top to bottom. We used Krud Kutter degreaser as the cleaner. We used this because her grandfather cooked a lot in the trailer, and grease on the surfaces. This stuff worked great!

Started at the back of the trailer and cleaned and worked our way out the front. Sweeping and mopping afterwards. We used regular floor cleaner (Pinesol) and window cleaner (windex) as well.

Part of the clean up also including removing all the cabinet doors/bathroom door to throw out and stain (the ones we are keeping)

Supplies:

Krud Kutter - We used ~ 3 bottles

Scrubbing pads

Bowl

Windex

Mop

Broom

Pinesol

Paper Towel

Garbage Bags

For the living room (and all of the trailer for that matter) we wanted to get rid of the wood panel look and decided that we would go with a more modern white look.

Supplies:

Killz Oil Primer

Paint Brushes

Paint Rollers

Painters Tape

Drop sheet

Stir sticks

Krud Kutter liquid sandpaper

Bowl

Scrub brush

Paint Tray

Step 1: Prep the surfaces

In order to prep the surface properly, to avoid needing to use sand paper on all the surfaces, we used Krud Kutter liquid sand paper. Simply pour some into a bowl, and using your scrub brush, simply dip it in and start scrubbing. After using some fans to get the surfaces dry, we began to use painters tape along the edges.

Step 2: Paint

Using the stir stick, stir up the primer and pour into paint tray. Using a mixture of a roller and brush, begin to paint the surfaces that need to be painted.

Step 3: Let it Dry

This is important. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before moving on coat #2. This was easy for us, as we painted coat #1 on a weekend, and then coat #2 the weekend after, allowing a full week to dry (not that it needed it)

Step 4: Coat #2

Repeat Step 2 and 3

Step 5: Clean Up

Carefully remove all the painters tape and clean up brushes, rollers, tray, etc

The bed that came with the trailer was a new double bed. At the moment, we are keeping this in the trailer until I am able to put together a platform bed (similar to the one I built for my son).

Supplies:

Killz Oil Primer
Paint Brushes

Paint Rollers

Painters Tape

Drop sheet

Stir sticks

Krud Kutter liquid sandpaper

Bowl

Scrub brush

Paint Tray

Step 1: Remove Bed

To make it as easy as possible, we simply removed the bed, box spring, and bed rails from the trailer. This would allow us to paint faster in a small area.

Step 2: Prep the surfaces

In order to prep the surface properly, to avoid needing to use sand paper on all the surfaces, we used Krud Kutter liquid sand paper. Simply pour some into a bowl, and using your scrub brush, simply dip it in and start scrubbing. After using some fans to get the surfaces dry, we began to use painters tape along the edges.

Step 3: Paint

Using the stir stick, stir up the primer and pour into paint tray. Using a mixture of a roller and brush, begin to paint the surfaces that need to be painted.

Step 4: Let it Dry

This is important. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before moving on coat #2. This was easy for us, as we painted coat #1 on a weekend, and then coat #2 the weekend after, allowing a full week to dry (not that it needed it)

Step 5: Coat #2

Repeat Step 2 and 3

Step 6: Clean Up Carefully remove all the painters tape and clean up brushes, rollers, tray, etc

As I stated in the intro, there was an old pull out couch in the tip out. My son, being a toddler still, does not need a lot of room. We decided that it would be best to simply remove the couch from there, and build a bed for him in the space. This will allow him to have his own space, his own bed at the trailer (that is not a pull out couch).

Supplies:

Killz Oil Primer

Paint Brushes

Paint Rollers

Painters Tape

Drop sheet

Stir sticks

Krud Kutter liquid sandpaper

Bowl

Scrub brush

Paint Tray

Step 1: Remove Couch

Removed the legs, cushions, and mattress and then just took couch out. Gave it to someone that needed it in their shed as a spare bed.

Step 2: Prep the surfaces In order to prep the surface properly, to avoid needing to use sand paper on all the surfaces, we used Krud Kutter liquid sand paper. Simply pour some into a bowl, and using your scrub brush, simply dip it in and start scrubbing. After using some fans to get the surfaces dry, we began to use painters tape along the edges.

Step 3: Paint

Using the stir stick, stir up the primer and pour into paint tray. Using a mixture of a roller and brush, begin to paint the surfaces that need to be painted.

Step 4: Let it Dry

This is important. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before moving on coat #2. This was easy for us, as we painted coat #1 on a weekend, and then coat #2 the weekend after, allowing a full week to dry (not that it needed it)

Step 5: Coat #2

Repeat Step 2 and 3

Step 6: Clean Up

Carefully remove all the painters tape and clean up brushes, rollers, tray, etc

We wanted to build something that would be sturdy for our son but also provided some storage for his toys, diapers, etc. My wife found a design online using an Ikea bookcase to make a bed. We used this as our inspriration. Our son is currently sleeping in a toddler bed at home, so we decided to use this bed as the measurements. The reason for this was that we are only keeping this trailer for a couple years before we upgrade, and we will be taking the double bed that came with the trailer and bringing it home for him to use as a bed there.

Supplies:

2 Ikea bookcases (we actually got ours for cheaper from Giant Tiger)

2 x 4 (I had a bunch of spare laying around and donated from my mother in law)

Mitre Saw (any saw that can cut straight will do the trick)

Drill Drill Bit(s)

Screws (I used deck screws as this is what I had laying around and more than enough for this purpose)

Level

Measuring tape

Step 1: Create the frame

To get the measurement that I need, I assembled the Ikea bookcases, following the instructions that came with them. I laid them end to end and measured this. I did not want the bed to go further than the bookcase.
After getting the measurement, I began cutting the pieces that I would need to create the frame. Using the square and drill, I assembled a box. I then cut 4 pieces of 2x4 at the height needed (measured the Ikea bookcases from bottom to top to get this) to act as legs. For added support and strength, I added a couple beams in the middle.

Step 2: Test Fit

To get the measurement that I need, I assembled the Ikea bookcases, following the instructions that came with them. I laid them end to end and measured this. I did not want the bed to go further than the bookcase.
After getting the measurement, I began cutting the pieces that I would need to create the frame. Using the square and drill, I assembled a box. I then cut 4 pieces of 2x4 at the height needed (measured the Ikea bookcases from bottom to top to get this) to act as legs. For added support and strength, I added a couple beams in the middle.

Step 3: Adding Slats

To get the measurement that I need, I assembled the Ikea bookcases, following the instructions that came with them. I laid them end to end and measured this. I did not want the bed to go further than the bookcase.
After getting the measurement, I began cutting the pieces that I would need to create the frame. Using the square and drill, I assembled a box. I then cut 4 pieces of 2x4 at the height needed (measured the Ikea bookcases from bottom to top to get this) to act as legs. For added support and strength, I added a couple beams in the middle.

Step 4: Attach Bookcase to Frame

Placed the frame back into the tipout and laid the bookcases down in front of it.
Once in place, used a screw per box (3 per shelving unit) to secure it in place

Step 5: Decorate and Setup

Last step was to take a mattress and put on the bedsheets, pillows, etc
Time to enjoy and sleep!

Aside from painting the walls and staining the cabinet, we wanted to also paint the bathtub. It had a old yellow tint to it and wanted to bring it back to a more modern white look.

Supplies:

Killz Oil Primer

Paint Brushes

Paint Rollers

Painters Tape

Drop sheet

Stir sticks

Krud Kutter liquid sandpaper

Bowl

Scrub brush

Paint Tray

Step 1: Remove Racks and Mirror

Using a drill, I removed all the screws holding the multiple towel racks and the bathroom mirror from the wall.

Step 2: Prep the surfaces

In order to prep the surface properly, to avoid needing to use sand paper on all the surfaces, we used Krud Kutter liquid sand paper. Simply pour some into a bowl, and using your scrub brush, simply dip it in and start scrubbing. After using some fans to get the surfaces dry, we began to use painters tape along the edges. I used painters tape to tape up the taps as I was not going to replace them.

Step 3: Paint

Using the stir stick, stir up the primer and pour into paint tray. Using a mixture of a roller and brush, begin to paint the surfaces that need to be painted. For painting the bathtub and sink, I used the spray paint (NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE LOTS OF VENTILATION AND A MASK AS THIS STUFF IS VERY TOXIC)

Step 4: Let it Dry

This is important. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before moving on coat #2. This was easy for us, as we painted coat #1 on a weekend, and then coat #2 the weekend after, allowing a full week to dry (not that it needed it)

Step 5: Coat #2

Repeat Step 2 and 3

For the bathroom tub, I had to repeat this multiple times until I got the shine that I wanted

Step 6: Clean Up

Carefully remove all the painters tape and clean up brushes, rollers, tray, etc

Step 7: Put It Back

Using the drill and screws, I put everything back up (mirror and towel racks)

As mentioned earlier, we wanted to have doorless cabinets for most of the trailer. At first we were going to paint/stain them all but once we removed them, we had a change of heart and happy with the look. We wanted to make the pantry and kitchen cabinets to contrast the walls, which lead to us picking a black satin stain.

We ended up only keeping the doors for the main cabinets in the kitchen (under the sink, dishes, and anything we wanted to have covered/out of sight).

Supplies:

Killz Oil Primer

Paint Brushes

Paint Rollers

Painters Tape

Drop sheet

Stir sticks

Krud Kutter liquid sandpaper

Bowl

Scrub brush

Paint Tray

Black Satin Stain

Drill

Step 1: Removing Doors/Drawers

For this step (it was done earlier), we just simply removed all the doors by using a drill to take the screws out. To remove the drawers, simply pull them out.

Step 2: Prep the surfaces

In order to prep the surface properly, to avoid needing to use sand paper on all the surfaces, we used Krud Kutter liquid sand paper. Simply pour some into a bowl, and using your scrub brush, simply dip it in and start scrubbing. After it was dry, I used painters tape on the edges (for the cabinets). I did not need to do this for the cabinet doors or drawers as I did them on a drop sheet outside and inside my shed.

Step 3: Painting the Doors

Using the stir stick, stir up the primer and pour into paint tray. Using a mixture of a roller and brush, begin to paint the surfaces that need to be painted.

Step 4: Stain

I did this in the shed to allow a spot that would allow it to dry properly. Using the black satin stain and a paint brush, I put the stain on the drawers and other cabinet doors. When I was done I allowed it to dry.

Step 4: Let it Dry

This is important. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before moving on coat #2. This was easy for us, as we painted coat #1 on a weekend, and then coat #2 the weekend after, allowing a full week to dry (not that it needed it)

Step 5:

Coat #2 Repeat Step 2 and 3

Step 6: Clean Up

Carefully remove all the painters tape and clean up brushes, rollers, tray, etc

Step 7: Put It Back

Using the drill and screws, I put everything back (cabinet doors) and placed the drawers back in place.

We wanted to have a counter top that looked more modern with a marble kind of look to it, without spending the kind of money a new countertop would cost. We ended up using contact paper for this. Similar to vinyl, it is a product that is easy to work with and provides a nice finish.

Supplies:

Contact Paper

Scissors

Utility Knife

Step 1: Prep Surface

Clean up all debris and give it a good wipe down.

Step 2: Measure

Measure the size of sheet that you will need and cut.

Step 3: Remove Back Sheet

Remove the sheet that is on the back of the contact paper. Be careful with this, as it is very sticky (if you have a 2nd person this will help).

Step 4: Lay Paper

Starting on one side lay the contact paper down on an angle. Using a flat service (credit card works), push out the air bubbles as you slowly lay down the paper (This will be a lot easier with 2 people - 1 to keep tension on the paper and 1 to use the card to push out the air bubbles.

Step 5: Trim

Once it is in place, using scissors, begin trimming any extra

We wanted to cover up the old wall paper that looked like it was falling off. So we decided to use peel and stick back splash panels that we got on clearance. These are incredibly easy work with.

Supplies:

Peel and Stick backsplash panels

Utility Knife

Step 1: Prep Surface

Clean up all debris and give it a good wipe down and remove any hanging/old wallpaper

Step 2: Place Panels

Start at one side and work your way around. Simply remove the backing paper and stick onto the wall in the desired place. Remember to have the part that says overlap on the proper side where you will be putting the next piece. Continue this until you can no longer put up full sheets (without trimming).

Step 3: Measure & Cut

Measure where you will need to cut the panel. I did this by place fitting the full panel (they bend really easily) and marked where I needed to cut it. Using the utility knife, I cut off what I didn't need and saved the excess (this will help later)

Step 4: Spare Pieces

As you continue to put up the backsplash, you will continue to get more and more scrap pieces. I found these really handy to use when needing to do small spaces (above the window AC as an example).

Step 5: Trim

Since I started on the edge, there was some that was left to hang. Using the utility knife I trimmed these

Took a few weeks to get it all done, but it is finally done and we can just simply enjoy!