Pimping your caravan affordably: what's the cost and how long does it

TL;DR:

Complete make-over costs €250–€1,200, depending on wishes and caravan condition.
Step-by-step plan per phase: disassembly (1–2 days), repair (2–3 days), painting (3–4 days), styling (1–2 days).
Supplies include: primer, caravan paint, click laminate, PIR boards, sealant, wall decoration, tools.
Popular colours: Whitehaven White, Daintree Green, Agafay Brown, Pacific Blue.
Average consumption: 5–6 sqm paint per litre (2 coats), use paint calculator.
“Boho” interior package includes curtains, wall panels, decoration, etc.
Insulation: PIR boards and foil; ventilation via roof hatch and vents.
Technical checks: windows, sealant seams, gas lines, clean water tank.
Sustainable tips: thrift store, reuse fabric, eco-paint, slipcovers.
Annual maintenance: rubbers, tires, ventilation, roof cleaning.

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Pimp your caravan affordably with these simple steps?

First, create a smart renovation plan with clear phases

Start by drawing up a step-by-step plan. Divide it into logical phases: disassembly, repair, painting, and styling. For each phase, note what you need, how long it will take, and who will help you. This way, you avoid stress and unexpected costs. For inspiration and examples of how others approach it, take a look at our caravan renovation blog. You can also view specific caravans that have already had a make-over or consider delving into our services to see what we do.

Disassembly: 1 to 2 days for removing furniture and flooring.
Repair: 2 to 3 days, depending on wood rot, leaks, or cracks.
Painting: 2 to 3 days, including degreasing, primer, and two coats of paint.
Styling: 1 to 2 days for curtains, wall decoration, and accessories.

Use this material list per project component

You'll need different items for each part of the renovation. Below, I've listed the basics by category: for painting, good preparation is essential, so always choose the right caravan paint and primer. For example, consider our popular Whitehaven White for a fresh, neutral look. Want to give your interior extra flair? Then consider one of our interior packages.

Painting: sandpaper, eco-line primer, Vintage Caravans wall paint, rollers, and masking tape.
Flooring: click laminate or vinyl, underlay, tape measure, and utility knife.
Insulation: PIR boards or reflective foil, PUR foam for gaps.
Sealing: silicone sealant, a sturdy caulking gun, cleaner for old residue.
Decoration: wall panels, blackout curtains, rattan items, storage baskets.

Determine your budget between €250 and €1,200

A simple make-over will cost you around €250. Think paint, curtains, and wall panels. For €1,200, you can also tackle the floor, insulation, and kitchen unit. Let your budget depend on the condition of the caravan and your own wishes. Keep a 10% margin for extra costs. We recommend calculating how much paint you need in advance to stay within budget. Also, check out our paint collection for affordable and durable options, or discover potential cost savings when purchasing renovated Kip Deluxe.

Use these basic tools, rent where necessary

With the right tools, you work quickly and safely. Do you only need something once? Rent it locally or through a tool rental platform. That saves a lot of money. Make sure to choose tools that match the caravan's material. Some models, such as the Chateau 320, require specially adapted assembly tools. Also, don't forget to check if your project fits within our services. For a boho make-over, you can do a lot of styling with the Boho Limited Edition interior package.

Sander (for old lacquer or ingrained dirt)
Caulking gun (manual or electric)
Safety goggles and work gloves
Masking tape and dust masks
Drill and (cordless) screwdriver set

Always follow these safety measures

Never use paint and primer without ventilation. Open windows and wear a dust mask. Always lift furniture with two people to prevent back injury. Only use a saw table on a flat surface. Use a voltage tester when working with electricity. For safe application of our caravan paint, you'll find additional tips in our blog articles. Also consider hiring professionals for complex jobs – see what we can do for you on the services page.

How to save sustainably and creatively

Reuse old clothes for curtains or cushion covers. Wallpaper remnants are ideal for wall details. Use eco-paint with our paint calculator so you don't waste anything. Buy from a thrift store or exchange materials locally. Get inspired by our interior packages or view models like the Burstner that have been beautifully refurbished through upcycling. More advice on sustainable restyling can be found in the blogs.

How to choose the right paint and style for your caravan?

Start by choosing the right paint for indoor and outdoor use. For wooden or laminate walls inside, I always use a Caravan paint. This ensures good adhesion and an even result. For exterior walls made of aluminum or polyester, I choose a Vintage Caravans Caravan paint. This prevents peeling and extends the life of the finish. Want to know more about our caravan paint? We also explain on our Services page which steps are essential for a neat result.

Then choose a color from the Vintage Caravans collection. Our colors such as Whitehaven White, Daintree Green or Pacific Blue each have different coverage. Most colors have enough coverage after two coats. Expect an average of 10–12 m² coverage per liter per coat. With two coats, that's 5–6 m² per liter.

How much paint you need depends on your caravan model. I'll give you an example:

Kip Deluxe: 6 m² interior, 8 m² exterior
Bürstner: average 7 m² interior, 10 m² exterior
Chateau 320: often limited to 5 m² interior, 6 m² exterior

You need to calculate with 2 coats of paint and 1 coat of primer. For a Kip Deluxe, for example, I use:

Primer: 1 liter for inside, 1 liter for outside (total 12 m²)
Paint: 1.5 liters for inside (2 coats × 6 m²), 2 liters for outside (2 coats × 8 m²)

That's 2 liters of primer and 3.5 liters of paint. Always add a small margin of 10%. Especially if you have surfaces with texture or cracks. Use our online paint calculator to do this accurately. It calculates directly with your caravan size. Or read our blog about caravan renovation for even more tips.

All Vintage Caravans paints have a durable finish. They are UV-resistant and scratch-resistant. This means they stay beautiful in sun, rain, or intensive use. More information about this can be found on our About Us page. And also check out all color options in our complete paint collection.

Do you have leftover paint? Use it for small furniture, shelves, or even the refrigerator door. This saves money and prevents waste. I sometimes mix leftovers into a new color that I use for accents. Prefer a complete package? Then take a look at our interior packages or try the Boho Limited Edition package if you like a warm, natural look.

Want to start quickly? First, choose your color and then calculate your paint needs. Don't forget the primer. Always start indoors: that gives confidence and clear results. It's best to paint the exterior in dry weather above 10°C. Use our tips in the blog section for extra inspiration. Also discover our available caravans if you are still looking for a suitable project.

With good preparation, the right amount of paint, and a little courage, you can quickly give your caravan a fresh new look. You really don't have to be a professional painter to do this yourself. View our complete caravan paint collection or get inspired by our interior solutions to get started right away.

Step-by-step plan for low-budget restyling

Follow this simple plan for big impact with a small budget:

Step 1: Remove old wall coverings and stick down vinyl flooring
Step 2: Paint cabinets and walls in calm shades (think: Whitehaven White)
Step 3: Hang new curtains or make them yourself from old bed linen
Step 4: Attach wall panels and rattan mirrors
Step 5: Add textiles, storage baskets, and wall prints

You can also choose from our complete range of caravan paints, specially adapted for different surfaces. Discover how others apply these steps via the blog overview.

Styling tips tailored to caravan model

A Chateau 320 has limited space. Choose light tones and light fabrics there. Wall shelves provide storage space without a closed effect. Use folding chairs or a custom-made seating area with drawers underneath.

A Kip Deluxe has more floor space. Here you can work with rich colors such as Pacific Blue or Agafay Brown. Use a bamboo room divider to separate the sitting and sleeping areas. Add pendant lights and large plants for height and atmosphere.

Sustainable and affordable materials

Cotton and linen are breathable, washable, and durable
Cork panels are light and insulating
Bamboo accessories are strong and responsible

Use upholstery or thrift store materials where possible. Paint scrap wood or plywood with our caravan-proof paint. Recycle old tables into wall shelves. This keeps costs low and avoids waste. Discover how we work sustainably via our about us page or view which interior packages contribute to an ecologically responsible interior.

Get inspired by previous makeovers

Check out the before-and-after gallery on our site. There you can see how customers gave their caravan a new lease on life with this kit. This will give you ideas and show you the power of color, fabric, and atmosphere in a compact format. Do you also want to start your own project? Then take a look at our renovated caravans or get further inspiration via the blog overview.

Annual check-up: a small effort, great convenience

Check roof seams and window rubbers for cracks
Lubricate locks, hinges, and stays with penetrating oil
Check tire pressure and spare wheel (often forgotten)
Clean solar panels or roof window of dirt or algae
Store caravan dry or under a breathable cover

With these steps, you extend the lifespan of your caravan and keep it safe. Many tools and supplies can also be found second-hand or at a DIY store outlet. Sustainable really doesn't have to be expensive. See how our Agafay Brown paint color combines cleaning and durability. For a complete picture, view the caravans in our collection that you can upgrade. Need inspiration? Dive into our blog articles and be surprised.

A good renovation plan saves money, time, and mistakes. You now know how to set it up, what supplies you need, what paint costs, and how much time you'll spend. You discovered how to work safely and how to make sustainable choices. With our styling package and tips, you can easily give your caravan a boho vibe. Keep your maintenance simple and plan it just as smartly. Start small, work step by step, and stay true to your style. Your holiday home on wheels? You build that yourself.