"Bedroom" Remodel

My latest project to do in the motorhome was to upgrade the upper bunk over the cab.  I managed to get the majority of it done before the weather changed so I thought I'd share with you what I have completed so far.  I plan to finish it up in the spring.

All RVs leak and at one time so did Laverne.  Fortunately the damage was relatively minor.  The previous two owners had repaired the roof and fixed those leaks, replaced the ceiling and most of the damage those leaks had created.  What remains is more hidden and superficial.

Narrow storage areas located on each side

The upper bunk had water damage in the front two corners, which is very common, and that is what I needed to repair.  None of the damage was structural, but it needed to be addressed.  The cushions that formed the bed were 30 years old.  The upholstery was starting to degrade as was the foam inside.  I removed the cushions and the storage dividers at the head and foot of the bed and then I got to work.

Passenger side

Driver's side - where the most damage was

Anytime you start a project like this you worry that you will find more damage than you initially expect, but not so this time.  It was actually less and while it looked bad once the demolition was completed it really wasn't.  I spend about an hour and a half and got that part done and all cleaned up.  All I needed was a screwdriver, my 5 in 1 tool (love that thing), a small trash can and the vacuum cleaner.

This wood came from the FREE WOOD bin near my work

Here's a tip.  Don't sit in this.

It ain't pretty but it got the job done

The next morning I replaced the missing wood in the corners and prepared it for some filler to not just fill in the gaps, but add additional strength.  I used Bondo for that part of the project.  Once it was dry I then cut out and covered the entire surface with a sheet of 3/8" plywood.   I sanded the curved edge with my sander to round it over and attached it with construction adhesive and some 1 1/4" screws.

There was a small hole in the wall where one of the curtain rods had been attached as well as another spot that looked like someone had accidentally put their foot into it.  I patched the holes and caulked all of the seams and screw holes.  Then I taped everything off, primed the walls and gave it two coats of the same paint (Beach Sand) I used in the bathroom.

Taped up and ready for paint
Notice my little patch on the right - cardboard, cardstock & Modge Podge

Amazing how paint transforms!

Looking good!

Rather than replace the cushions I decided to simply add some low pile carpet.  I found exactly what I wanted in the chocolate brown (my accent color) at Lowes and they were very happy to cut me a 5 foot piece off of a huge roll.

In the midst of this project we had a few days of rain and cold weather but once that cleared and the sun was out I was back to work.  I used a plastic trowel to spread out a small container of carpet glue and got that carpet down.  The glue needs at least 60° in order to properly set so I was anxious to get it down.  I used staples to reinforce the curved edge so it won't peel up.

Nice, new and clean.  Very happy with how it turned out.

Come spring I plan to add the sliding piece that will cover the curved area and support the bed.  I'll add some nice trim pieces along the edges of the carpet and I may even put a little chair rail across the front under the window.  New insulated window coverings are also on the list.  I want to get a nice memory foam mattress to put up there and I'll add some storage as well.

So still plenty left to do, but once it is all done it will be a very nice and cozy place to sleep.