If you are a fan of unique campers, you are really going to love this next makeover—a 1978 Apache Yuma. Apache campers, for those that aren’t familiar with them, are a sort of hard-sided pop up camper. They have hard sides that fold in, and they pack down to the size of a traditional pop up camper. They are really neat little PUPs, and Karrie did a great job personalizing hers.
After tent camping for years, Karrie decided she wanted something a little more sturdy to sleep in and quicker to set up. She wanted to be able to just hook up a camper to her truck and go. She saw an ad for an Apache pop up camper on Craigslist, and was intrigued. Karrie had never seen a hard sided pop-up before, so she was excited to go look at it. She ended up purchasing the camper on her birthday.
Her new 1978 Apache Yuma was pretty much in original condition, but Karrie knew that she wanted to make it lighter and brighter, while keeping the original feel. At the time Karrie purchased it, she did not know that there were entire support groups dedicated to these trailers. She found support on an Apache owners Facebook group, as well as the Apache Owners and Apache Pop Ups forums. Forums and Facebook groups are a great way to meet other enthusiasts, and Karrie tells me they were a huge help along the way.
Karrie started her remodel by painting the walls a creamy butter yellow color. Then she took on the task of sewing the curtains. She used binder clips to attach them, and thought it would be a pretty quick project, but it ended up taking approximately eight weeks. They look fabulous, though. I love the way they feel like part of the original camper. They have a great vintage vibe to them.
The camper came with the original cushions, which Karrie wanted to recover without damaging. She decided to cover them with chevron-patterned crib sheets. The crib sheets were the perfect size, and she attached sheet clips to the ends to help keep them in place. Karrie was hoping to save money on reupholstering by taking this route, but the added bonus is that they are easily washable. Great idea, Karrie! 😀
Karrie used tension rods to hang sheers at the bunkends, but she still wanted to add some color. She selected lots of brightly colored fabrics to tie all the elements of her makeover together, and took inspiration from the many reader remodels here. She made a few pennant banners to hang in place of valances. She hung a few outside the camper as well.
Karrie replaced the laminate on the table, but reattached the original metal trim to keep the vintage feel. She hung an antique Schenley chandelier over the newly laminated table. The light fixture is controlled by a three-way switch, so it can be turned on and off from the door or by the bed. To add a colorful touch to the switch plates, Karrie covered them with fabric that matches the pennant banners.
The Yuma itself has a very unique feature, a slide-out outdoor kitchen. Karrie tells me that it is definitely an attention-getter at the campground, as a lot of people have never seen one before. I have to say I’m pretty jealous. I have only seen this feature in some of the newer (& very expensive) high wall pop ups. I’d love to have a slide-out kitchen outside my camper! 🙂
Karrie loves the way pop up campers fold down compactly, but also loves the feel of a hard sided camper when camping. Her Apache Yuma gives her both. She tells me he’s just a little guy, only nine feet long when folded down.
And look at all that space inside. Beautiful, right? She retained the original feel, but nothing looks old and dated. Karrie did a great job of balancing vintage and modern. In fact, she did such a great job with all the color in the camper, she didn’t really need to even paint the cabinetry. All her decor choices go together well with the wood cabinets. Nice job, Karrie! I love it. I bet it is a popular little camper at the campground. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. What an awesome birthday present. 😉
Happy Camping!
Glenda says
I love this! Nice vintage vibe.
Jeanne says
Simply cozy! I love this kind of pop up. Great colours. Definitely bonus with the outsider kitchen. My parents had one when I was growing up, no out side kitchen, but green machine colours, I loved it and have many great memories camping. Still hope to get one some day maybe but will love our 1978 bonair 1200.
Jennie says
Wow! This is right up my alley. I’d love to do a remodel on one if these! Nicely done.
Jo brett says
Wow, so many gorgeous touches: the pendant light, the beautiful fabrics on the matching cushion and mattress, is there a photo of the light switch? I love it 🙂
Megan Blumenthal says
Looks fantastic!
Did your awning come with it?
Kacey says
I am in the process of remodeling an apache pop up and would love it if you could put us in touch.
Thank you.
Larissa says
Have you looked at the Apache Camper Owner’s Groups online? There are also a couple of Apache groups on Facebook, Kacey.
Gene says
We have one that needs paint and some love inside. How do I decide what to sell her for?
Larissa says
There are several Apache owners groups online. Maybe someone there could help. 🙂
Michael says
I purchased a 1979 Apache Camper (hard side). Does anyone know how I can find a parts and repair manuals? would love to join the Apache Camper Facebook
Larissa says
There are all kinds of Apache specific groups on Facebook, Michael. I definitely recommend checking them out. And while you are in the neighborhood, don’t forget to check out Robyn’s Apache makeover. It’s awesome, too. 😉