This is the story of Runaround Sue, the name given to a 1961 Airstream Safari that was lovingly renovated by Prairie Construction. The vintage trailer's original beauty was carefully restored while making it leaner (more efficient) and greener. This time of year already makes me long to head out for the open roads, and now I'm filled with daydreams of spending the summer traversing the country in Runaround Sue.
Sue's renovation began with removal of the trailer body from the chassis and replacing all plumbing, wiring, and appliances. The renovation included use of "as many environmentally-friendly features as possible" while still maintaining the cozy charm that makes airstream trailers so desirable.
Bathroom Entry Before & After:
The bathroom, pictured above, now includes a composting toilet, countertops and shower benches made from reclaimed wood, and a graywater tank.
Sofa Fold-out Bed Before & After:
A primary goal in the interior renovation was to use products without toxic VOCs, which are commonly found in paints, upholstery, and flooring. Rather than using harsh solvents, all casing and trim are finished with tung oil, VOC-free solvents, and VOC-free aniline dyes for staining. Cushions are made from 100% natural latex and upholstery is post-industrial and consumer recycled polyester, which is Cradle to Cradle Certified and ScS Indoor Advantage Certified.
Dining Area Before & After:
Fiberglass and plastic interiors were replaced with aluminum cladding. The tabletop is crafted from reclaimed wood.
Cabinet and Flooring Before & After:
I was unable to locate an exact "Before" image of the kitchen, but I think this gives a good sense of what the renovators were working with. Old flooring was replaced with Marmoleum flooring, which is linseed oil-based flooring with jute backing. Kitchen cabinets, as well as storage throughout the trailer, are constructed from "plyboo", which is plywood made from bamboo. Interior lighting, as well as the water heater, refrigerator, furnace, and fans, are powered via solar panels with deep cell batteries.
Interior Upgrades (left to right)::
• Closeup of refrigerator with reclaimed redwood countertops
• Window nook and storage area
• Closeup of modern electrical box, thermostat, and solar inverter display
For more pictures and information on Runaround Sue's renovation (scroll to the bottom of page for link to lots of "After" shots), head over to New Prairie Construction.
MORE AIRSTREAMS ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Before & After: Airstream Trailer Renovation by Hofmann Architecture
• Living Large in an Airstream Trailer
• Julie's Unbelievable Airstream Trailer
• Vintage Airstream Rentals from Silver Trailer
(Images: New Prairie Construction)
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Excellent refurbishment. Congrats!
Terrific job!
Happy travels.
(Always wanted one of these.)
Beautiful.
Beautiful renovations. However, how much did this cost? Would it have been cheaper to simply go out and buy a new trailer?
Nice.
I could call this home! Love it.
It's beautiful, but is a redwood countertop practcal since it's so soft?
So jealous! I want one of these! I also love the name you picked; too cute.
@particleman - presumably, the construction company that handled these renovations was doing it not for a client, but to showcase green materials and their work.
freakin nice. must be tough doing that type of work, curved walls, smaller components...
awesome! I would love to try to do something like this one day...
LOVE it! Nice work.
@particleman I just dont think you get it lol
Wow! Such a cool rehab. Speaking of which, have you ever visited Camp1899.com? Amazing rehab of a vintage white argosy airstream - you will love it! Thanks for sharing, they did a wonderful job!!!
mouthwatering.
Great job! Bravo!
Very nice! I'm glad to see you stayed true to it's roots.
Can't believe Particleman just said that.
LOVE this.
Plyboo is so cool.
And guess the polyester was the most sustainable choice...but it's not very prett, at least in the pics :( I would have gone with a more fun color palette. Airstreamers are FUN!
She's beautiful! Nice job.
wow- found it for sale online- $127,900. Pretty, but not that pretty
http://www.vintage-airstream.com/listing/402/1961-airstream-safari
drooling.
Great improvement, but if I were to buy it now I would consider the after a before. Too much wood detail, and so much of that honey colour. It looks like it was refurbished ten years ago.
This is absolutely beautiful - amazing showcase of reclaimed wood, recycling and green techs - wowzers!! THIS is camping! ;)
absolutely beautiful........we could travel to Chicago and back with that. It really is beautiful. What a makeover.....thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful makeover & such a name too! Great post.
Super jealous! I have all kinds of day dreams about doing this one day! LOVE!
want!
but I too am curious about the cost of the rehab.
Go Green!!
My dream come true!
Absolutely FAB! To the person who commented that it would be cheaper to buy a new one...That is one of the reasons why we live in a throw-away society. I applaud the upcycle!
LOVE LOVE LOVE
LOVE! I've wanted a retro 50's or 60's trailer for ages. Although, I much prefer the old school ones with all their original bits intact. But, beautiful job fixing this one up from what looked liked a real mess! Wonderful!