Paul and Kim Fuelling of Mabel, North Carolina own and run a successful custom woodworking and design studio named Mabel Studios. When they are not creating unique custom furniture and doors or rustic paintings, they foray into the land of vintage campers.
Not only do the artists give these downtrodden RVs a new life, but they add their own distinctive style to each project while salvaging the best components of each camper.
Paul and Kim Fuelling of Mabel Studios add their unique woodworking touches to vintage campers.
Photos by Mabel Studios unless noted
Their latest project is a 1957 Trotwood camper for a traveling rock climber.
The artists decided to keep the original exterior patina of the trailer, and turned the trailer’s back door into a storage hatch with outdoor access.
In addition, the couple patched up holes with an old Chesterfield Cigarettes metal sign and used part of the original door’s aluminum as the kitchen backsplash. The new door is made of walnut, and other aluminum panels from the original door.
One of their other projects was to convert a vintage Shasta trailer into a mobile bar for the company Camp Cocktail.
Mabel Studios stripped the trailer, cut out larger windows, and removed the old wheels.
In addition, the Shasta received a new paint job and the woodworkers went to work adding beautiful details to the service windows, doors, and interior countertops.
The Shasta’s interior displays the Fuelling’s woodworking talent.
The mobile cocktail bar is now towed to weddings, festivals, and parties.
Especially relevant, their longest project so far is their own 1973 Airstream Land Yacht guest house.
The couple gutted the entire Airstream and added insulation.
The Airstream guest house features custom fabrics, hardwood floors and maple paneling.
The couple added a full wooden interior as well as custom doors, a raised bed, new countertops, and classic decorative items.
The renovation took three years and is used as a guest suite and getaway space.
A custom door leads to their bathroom. The Fuellings noted that the bathroom was the most difficult part of the remodel. The shower base is made of wood, while the entire room is covered in a waterproof fiberglass and coated with car paint.
Mabel Studios tries to retain as much history as possible in each camper project.
Mabel Studios work can be seen at Town Home Studio in Boone, North Carolina. Paul and Kim work individually with clients to bring ideas to life in an artistic and captivating way. For more information, take a look at their website here.
Looking to renovate your own vintage trailer? Check out these simple tips
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