I’m excited to introduce Robert and Kayla Winter of Winterstead and their 1988 Fleetwood Tioga Class C motorhome.
Kayla and Robert live full-time in their renovated RV while roaming the US as traveling journalists.
Related: Two Twenty-Somethings Transform Their 1994 Coachmen Leprechaun For a 48 State Honeymoon
Kayla and Robert used to live like many other consumer-driven Americans. Newly married, they spent money on the best smart phones, fanciest clubs, and a host of other things.
They soon realized though that these things didn’t make them happy.
So they changed their lifestyle, downsized their belongings, and set off on a simpler path.
No wonder they named their Tioga motorhome “The Defiant!” These two intend to live life on their terms, not on the terms of a big company’s marketing department.
Turning an Aging Motorhome Into a Bright and Cheerful Living Space
When they bought “The Defiant,” the twenty-five year old motorhome needed a lot of work.
Here’s a few pictures of the Tioga before Kayla and Robert made it their own.
Kayla’s goal was to create a space that in her words, “felt like a tiny studio apartment instead of an 80’s model motor-home.”
And she had a lot of help from her talented design team: her husband, mom, and grandma.
Robert spent a lot of time painting while her mom crafted the custom slip covers for the dinette and arm chairs. Grandma helped out by sewing curtains for the bedroom windows.
Instead of leaving the stock twin beds, Kayla brought in their full-sized mattress along with a box spring and IKEA mattress topper.
We love having our bed in the motor home and feel very cozy in our room. I used an IKEA rug mat (that prevents rugs from moving) between the mattress and box spring which keeps them in place while driving.
Take a look at the results of their hard work.
The unique map wallpaper is right at home in their Class C.
Kayla picked a bright pastel color scheme for the interior.
These multi-colored storage containers look great and fit perfectly above the full-sized bed.
More neat storage ideas in the bathroom.
View towards the front.
Plenty of storage space near the entrance.
Kayla’s mom made the sofa covers.
Robert enjoying his handiwork.
And to finish it off – a special watercolor painting by Kayla’s friend, Anna. 
If you feel inspired by this adventurous couple, you can keep in touch with them through their website or Facebook page.
Thank you Robert and Kayla for sharing your beautiful renovation with us!
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Source: Winterstead
Do you know the model type of your coach? We just purchased an identical one with the same floor plan and are trying to find out the model type Y-??? to order replacement parts.
We have a 1988 Jamboree. Can you come help design a great space for me? You did such a great Job, love the colors.
Korey
It is pretty neat upgrade. But that painting at the end…….Both “things” and “Thoreau” are spelled wrong. 🙁