Ever since our Airstream restoration reveal, Siya and I have received hundreds of comments and emails about our Airstream restoration costs and questions about restoring vintage campers. This makes us so excited because it shows us that many of you are interested in this lifestyle. We'd love for you to renovate your own Airstream or Tiny home and join us on the road because this lifestyle is AMAZING! So, due to popular request, and also because we wanted to know what the grand total was ourselves, we present you with our own Airstream Renovation Cost Breakdown so you can help get a better understanding about how to build your own Airstream.
In this video, we take you on a tour of each section and breakdown how much EVERY part of our Airstream restoration cost. We share how much we paid for the Airstream, all renovations, labour, and decor. Below, you'll be able to see each individual items we mention in the video broken down into categories. If you click on each link, you'll be taken to the website where we ourselves made the purchase. About 85% of the material we purchased was online through Amazon.
Disclosure: We have used some of our affiliate links for the items below. This means that for every purchase made through these links, we get a small kick back which helps us continue creating awesome content for you.
Now, let's get into it! How much did our Airstream renovation cost?
Hit the Play Button To Watch Our Airstream Reno Cost Video
Airstream Renovation Cost: Body & Labour
Purchase of Airstream = $10,230
Body Work Supplies (Frame, Subfloor, Tires) = $1,870
Body Work Labour = $7,271
Interior Renovation Labour Cost = $14,400
Tire Repair = $472
Total = $34,243 USD (approx. $43,515 CAD)
We purchased our 1976 Airstream off of a guy we found on Craigslist. It was the second Airstream that we had gone to see. The first one we looked at was really run down on the inside and the underneath was caving in. Now, we didn't have much knowledge for what to look for when purchasing an old Airstream, but we did know that if the bottom of the Airstream is caved in, that's a good sign of water damage. Our Airstream (Luna) looked like she was in pretty good condition, but the truth lied beneath the surface. Having said that, the outside shell was in excellent condition, so we were happy with the price we paid; although we could have bargained harder had we known what was to come.
Once we started renovating and restoring our Airstream, we came face to face with more and more issues. In the end, we ended up bringing her into an RV shop to have the shell detached, frame re-welded, new subfloors put in, fresh propane lines run and tires replaced. The labour is what cost us the most. We decided to hire experts instead of tackling this ourselves. That way the job would be done more efficiently and we wouldn't have to stop Hopscotch the Globe to renovate. In the end, it saved us a lot of time, stress and money as we were able to work on travel video projects during the renovations.
The renovations continued when we brought our Airstream to two other ladies who helped us finish our future home.
Kate and Ellen took our design vision and turned it into reality. Together, we purchased all of the items you'll see listed below. Then they worked their magic and really brought everything to life in a 12-week build.
Airstream Renovation Cost: Chill Lounge/Dining Room
Entertainment System = $297.95
Black Out Roller Blinds x 5 (two in bedroom) = $94.95
Curtains x 2 (one in bedroom) = $59.98
Curtain Rod x 2 (one in bedroom) = $9.98
Total = $1813.10 USD (approx. $2304.10 CAD)
Airstream Renovation Cost: Bathroom
Copper Bathroom Faucet = $78.00
Coco Brick for Toilet (Package of 10) = $16.95
Cedarwood Chips for Toilet = $9.31
Nature's Head Toilet = $960.00
Bathroom Shower Valve = $29.99
Total = $1826.39 USD (approx. $2321.02 CAD)
Airstream Renovation Cost: Kitchen
Total = $2823.61 USD (approx. $3588.23 CAD)
Airstream Renovation Cost: Bedroom
King Size Tuft and Needle Mattress = $800.00
Total = $1261.99 USD (approx. $1603.83 CAD)
Airstream Renovation Cost: Solar
Complete Go Power Solar Kit = $3,128.67
Total = $4638.65 USD (approx. $5942.22 CAD)
Airstream Renovation Cost: Other Materials
Plumbing and Propane = $1265.76
Fan-Tastic RV Roof Vents = $539.97
Other (rivets, lumber, misc.) = $1,850.15
Flooring (Rustic Mink) Vinyl (71.81 per box) = $1,077.00
Drawer Push Locks and Cabinet Hinges = $150.00
Amp Converter & Distribution Panel = $210.14
Hardware, Trim & Caulking = $296.14
Total = $7,500.95 USD (approx. $9616.61 CAD)
Total Airstream Renovation Cost = $54,307.69 USD (approx. $69,638.67CAD)
We have a few incredible sponsors who were part of this Airstream renovation including Furrion, Tuft and Needle and GoPower! Therefore, we saved $5983.54 USD reducing our total to $48,324.15 USD (approx. $61,959.96 CAD).
The price we paid to build our own airstream and current dream home is a small percentage of what a two-bedroom house would cost you in Canada/US. In fact, your building your own airstream or renovating a slightly worn down one can cost even less if you do all of the labour yourself, just know you will end up paying for it with your time.
There's also the option of purchasing a brand-new Airstream, but then you're looking at a $200,000 price tag. Since this is our home and we only renovated such a small space, we purchased quality products that will last us a lifetime.
In the end, we are ecstatic with how Luna the Airstream turned out! We absolutely love our new home and lifestyle. For two wandering souls that constantly crave the open road, a home on wheels couldn't be more perfect for us. We hope our article and video helped inspired you to try and build your own Airstream. For more tales from the open road stay tuned to our latest travel blog updates and if you have any questions on your own Airstream restoration project, feel free to reach out and connect.
100 Comments
Breakdown of Airstream restoration costs is so helpful! It\’s great to see the actual expenses broken down, and the finished product looks amazing.
Hi! What tile did you use in your bathroom?! I love it!
Very informative!!
Happy to hear! Are you thinking of renovating an Airstream?
Such a great idea about the airstream restoration thanks sharing this article and help us infromation
You’re very welcome. Are you planning to renovate an Airstream?
I love the design of an airstream. They took aerodynamics to a whole new level. Plus taking something old and giving it a new life is therapeutic. Long time lurker but first time commenter. thanks for sharing this amazing article.
Thanks Alex! We love our little home on wheel.
its really great informative article about airstream restoration. its really informative and useful article. thanks for sharing this amazing article.
This is really too good and enjoys its blog about the airstream restoration thanks sharing this article
Great article for beginnerss to get the estimated idea restoration cost. Thank you for sharing this valuable information article.
You’re very welcome! Are you renovating an Airstream?
Wow this is really too good about the airstream restoration cost thanks sharing this article
Thanks sharing this article
You had a fantastic experience with airstream restoration.
It is quite simple to manage at a low cost.
Thank you for providing such an informative post.
I appreciate this post so much! My boyfriend and I have been looking into the idea of buying our own and fixing it up for a while. Seeing the numbers helps us act on it a little more! Thank you so so much, be well! 🙂
Very informative post. Thanks for sharing this knowledgeable stuff.
Very informative post. The renovated airstream is ravishing and beautiful.
Looks so awesome. This is really great idea to restore the airstream to make it beautiful livable place. I really like idea. Thank you for sharing this article.
Airstream Renovation Cost Breakdown. Ever since … We share how much we paid for the Airstream, all renovations, labour, and decor a Below …
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very informative and easy to understand thank you for sharing
very useful and informative for travelling lovers. Thank you for sharing.
This is very good idea about the airstream restoration cost I am reading this information and really very use full and help us thanks sharing this article
Great reading and information to get estimated idea and cost of airstream restoration. very helpful article for me. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article.
quite an informational and easy-to-understand article good work! keep it up
Thanks for the great breakdown, Wondering if you have any info on all dimensions of the interior?
Hi Kristen & Siya,
I was just searching for airstream restoration cost and then I found your post & I got all my questions to answer very clearly as you have explained about airstream cost in detail. thank you!
Very informative!!
I found your article very informative. You have beautifully described the airstream renovation cost. It made me so excited bcoz I am very interested to renovate my tiny home. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Guys!
This is one of the most interesting and amazing article, I hope it is one of the most interesting and amazing article its full of interesting and amazing. Thanks for sharing this article with all of us
Hey love you’re Airstream renovation, do you have links to the things you used? Speakers, shower pan, lights?
This is very interesting and useful article I really like the content of reading and I thought it is one of the best article for all travellers and especially for all beginners who have to travel and they get inspired by the lovely reading of your article
Thanks for sharing this article to us
This is such good information which is very helpful to understand
T’s exceptional to see a breakdown of expenses. We aren’t probably to stay in an air stream each time soon as we are pretty settled in a domestic that we adore. We additionally have four kids, so it’s no longer so easy. But, my husband and I have dreams of travelling lots as soon as the kids are all grown up. Maybe an RV of a few kind is in our future.
We’ve met many families on the road with multiple kids. They all seem to be loving the lifestyle. Some have been doing it for years, while others have taken a year off and their kids out of school for the year to explore.
Such an awesome article, I too want to experience this 😉 I really loved the Chill Lounge/Dining Room renovation. Good luck for your tiny home. 😉 Stay Safe & Happy.
You had really a great experience of airstream restoration. ITs so easy to manage in less cost. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article.
No, I never lived in a tiny home like this but now I really want to do that.
I found this so helpful. Wondering if you could share the info of the people that did the renovation in Indiana? I’m in St Louis, so not far from there, and am thinking about taking the plunge but don’t want to do the work myself.
This is an amazing article. Thanks
Thank you for sharing a great article. Many thanks!
Thank you for sharing a useful article.
Which amp converter and distribution panel did you bought to substituto the old one. Thanks
Hey, nice article. Thanks for sharing this useful information.
Wonderful blog and very useful information..
vary good
I love the design of an airstream. They took aerodynamics to a whole new level. Plus taking something old and giving it a new life is therapeutic. Long time lurker but first time commentor.
Hello, beautiful trailer! Quick question about your curtains. Do you have any issues with light pollution at night or general privacy? Trying to decide whether to do a black-out option. Thanks!
__ Stephon Hendricks
I wish i can travel whole world with this kind of van. i will put some other stuff like fridge, solar etc. in my van. i started to design my van :p
Hi! Really enjoyed your well thought out video. LOTS of really good information. Love the finished product. JUST DELICIOUS! I look off and on for used RV’s in particular…love the AirStream. I see the year of your AirStream but not the model. Could you clarify?
Thanks so much and continued more happy travels to you both!
Sheila B
P.S. I see now below in the comments it is a 76 Soverign 31′. Just beautiful!
I was searching for this type of comprehensive knowledge about airstreams.
The article is really impressive and now am satisfied.
Thank you so much for providing this type of valuable information.
Thank you so much for such an informative piece of information 🙂
If anyone interested similar one’s have a look here
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Thanks
What a change! It look sos beautiful after the renivation, they have done a great job!
Thank – amazing images
Great information.Thanks for sharing
I have known a great calculation for a bathroom. Thank you so much.
Useful information! Thanks for sharing an awesome idea.
Thanks for sharing an awesome great article. I larnt many things in this article.
Useful information! Thanks for your great sharing
This is a video and article we’ve been waiitng for a long time. One last thing: can you reveal which company did the renovation of your Airstream?
This is an amazing article. The restoration is great!
The Amazon link for the solar system…go power, are for solid panels not the flexible one shown in your photo…did you have to custom order them.? We are renovating an Airstream and like you want to go off grid. Love your blog it is so inspiring. Thanks so much. Lourdes
Useful information. Thanks for your sharing.
This is an amazing article. The restoration is great!
Thank you for sharing all the spendings!
thank you for the article
The pics are awesome! You did great!
Hello,
Are you looking for a loan? if yes contact: rgarret2244@gmail.com for more info if interested yes respond back asap..
Thank you.
From Robib Garret
Your blog is so interested. The given article is considerable in such a way you are providing the information is so useful.
Your article is so awesome. The post you shared would be beneficial for construction reasons.
Remodel of a house isn’t simple. It includes a great deal of diligent work, innovativeness and association abilities. When done, it isn’t something that can be turned around, so it is basic to screen the work and furthermore, guarantee you have enough power over the procedure to abstain from committing any significant errors all the while. You will require the administrations of experienced painters, roofers, circuit repairmen, and plumbers.
Hello Kristen, Enjoyed your Airstream renovation video.
Love your spirit, and inspiring embrace of adventure!
Wonderful!
My wife and are currently in the the throws of an Airstream
rehab, and will be nearing completion by mid May. Can’t wait to get started on the road.
Question for you folks. Why did you choose to install an induction stovetop? I don’t think solar will power it ..
just shore power or generator. Would you use propane if you could do it over ?
Hello Kristen Sarah !
We are a French/canadian family and We would like to know which company did the renovation of your Airstream ?
We plan to buy an Airstream with my husband to travel America with our two babies and we mostly love the lounge/dining area of Luna !
Thank you And keep going and living your dreams guys !
Maeva @foreverfamily
Wow. The renovation was a success. Everything seems perfect and way nicer than before. Although its expensive for some but i think its still cheaper than a house that you can take for an adventure. Pictures turned out real good. Congratulations. This is also a decent guide on those who are looking to do the same.
That’s so good to know. So many things I’ve learned from your post as I’m facing these kinds of problem. Very lucky to find your post. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Thank you so so much for posting your cost overview! It really helps me budget for the airstream I’m purchasing and renovating. And I’m absolutely IN LOVE with your bathroom design, and I’m probably going to steal it for my airstream. I’m also getting some amazing ideas for storage based on your design. It’s so helpful!!
I didn’t see any details for the kitchen and bathroom countertops. Did you make them yourselves? Or where did you purchase them from? I love the deep contrast in color, almost burnt look. Thanks a bunch!
Great video, thank you for the cost breakdown! I’m surprised by how much the total was as I have renovated entire 1,500 sq ft houses for less, however, I can see the quality of the materials and things you buy had a big impact on the total cost. I have a question about that big chunk of change for the frame work. How did you know it needed all that frame work and why did it cost so much?
My wife and I are actually thinking about doing the exact same thing with an Airstream. Our only worry is that if we decide to sell it at some point, we won\\\’t get our money back. Do you think you would sell your Airstream now for $54k and recoup your cost? Have you had any offers? Have you seen any other Airstreams as nice as and like yours sell for what you put into yours?
I think we can sell it for more. The great thing about Airstreams is their value increases if you keep them in good shape. Ours is basically brand new and has a one of a kind look, so we can sell it for more. We’ve had people ask to buy it but we aren’t looking to sell. We are going to rent it out eventually though. I’ve only seen a couple of others as nice as ours and they were all rebuilt by the owners. It’s definitely an investment but we are happy we did it.