ME Gone RVing Adventures – Demo Day One: The Ugly Before the Beautiful

 There is something wildly satisfying about the first swing of a hammer.

Demo Day #1 has officially begun for ME Gone RVing Adventures, and I can honestly say it went faster  and better than we planned. When you start tearing into an RV, you never really know what you’re going to uncover. Hidden screws. Strange wiring choices. Mystery adhesives from 2006. But this time? Things moved.

Our goal was ambitious. We ripped out the couch, the dinette section, the entire three-bed bunkroom, and all of the old aged molding. On top of that, we removed outdated hardware, knobs, fan blades, basically anything that screamed “mid-2000s RV.”

And let me tell you… that couch was a BEAST.

It fought us every step of the way. Bolted. Wedged. Determined to stay. But once it finally came out, we stood there looking at each other like we had just conquered something big. Not only did the space instantly feel more open, but we also dropped some serious weight. When you’re planning long-term travel and solar upgrades, weight matters. Every pound we remove now gives us more flexibility later.

After demo, though, comes the reality check.

The RV looks… ugly.

There’s no sugarcoating it. It looks torn apart and tired. But strangely, I love that stage. Because the ugly stage means progress. It means I’m not just dreaming about transformation, I’m doing the work. Every exposed wall and missing trim piece is proof that we are building something intentional.

I’ll be taking a couple of days off before the next phase begins. Then it’s time for prep mode: plastic, taping, sealing, cleaning, getting ready to paint the entire RV.

White is the color for now.

I want a clean, bright, fresh canvas. White opens up a space and reflects light beautifully, especially in an RV where every inch counts. The cabinet color? I’m still deciding. I’m allowing myself time to dream before committing. This isn’t a rush job. This is our long-term home on wheels. Every decision needs to feel right.

One upgrade I’m especially excited about is adding butcher block to all of the counters. There’s something warm and grounding about real wood. Paired with white walls, I think it’s going to create that cozy-modern feel I’m envisioning, practical for full-time living but still inviting.

Now, let’s talk about the wish list.

Our NEW Shower Head

I wish we could replace the stove this year. I wish we could replace the refrigerator too. Both are big-ticket expenses, and while they’re absolutely part of the long-term plan, they’re not happening just yet. They’ll get done either at a later date or when extra cash flow shows up, whichever comes first. (We’re open to blessings and side hustles over here.)

This remodel isn’t about maxing out credit cards to get it done fast. It’s about doing it smart. We’re picking and choosing intentionally. We’re building slowly and wisely because this RV is not a flip. It’s not temporary. It’s our long-term travel home.

And speaking of long-term changes… our new mattress arrived.

We’ve always slept in a full-size bed. Always. We’re that kind of couple, we love being squished together. The queen mattress is going to feel huge. I joked that we might have to meet in the middle on purpose. But in all seriousness, better sleep on the road matters. If we’re going to travel and live this lifestyle fully, rest has to be part of the equation.

One of the most meaningful parts of this process for me is that my husband is letting me do the remodel myself. He trusts my vision. He trusts my work ethic. But I had to promise something important: if it gets too hard, I will ask for help or hire help.

And I will.

There’s strength in doing it yourself. But there’s also wisdom in knowing your limits. This project is too important to let pride get in the way of quality or safety.

Right now, the RV looks rough. Torn apart. Unfinished. But I’m grateful for that. Because every messy stage makes me appreciate the final product even more. Every hour of sanding, removing trim, scraping adhesive, and prepping walls builds a deeper connection to this space.

We aren’t just remodeling an RV.

We’re building the foundation for future miles.
For solar-powered living.
For adventures with our three cats.
For mornings with coffee at new trailheads.
For community on the road.
For a life lived intentionally.

The ugly stage is temporary.
The vision is permanent.

And this is only Demo Day One.

We Did It: The Next Chapter of Me Gone RVing Adventures Begins

 

We did it.

After planning, budgeting, dreaming, and more than a few “are we really doing this?” conversations, we officially purchased a 5th wheel RV — and not just any RV. She’s an Open Range 2006, 35 feet, an oldie by RV standards, but in very GREAT shape, and absolutely full of possibility.

There’s something special about older rigs that have been cared for. They come with stories, character, and a soul you just don’t get fresh off the lot. This one felt right from the start.

Buying Smart, Not Just Buying New

We went into this purchase with intention. We had a clear budget, and more importantly, we left ourselves a BIG chunk specifically set aside for remodeling. That was non-negotiable. We didn’t want to drain every dollar just to say we owned it — we wanted to make it ours.

This RV wasn’t about shiny and new.
It was about solid bones, smart money, and vision.

And that vision? Oh, it’s big.

The Game Plan: Demo First, Dreams Next

Tomorrow is demo day, and honestly, that’s where the fun really begins.

The first plan of action is bold and unapologetic:

• Removing the couch

• Removing the dinette

• Removing the three bunks in the second bedroom

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We’re clearing space to reimagine how this RV works for us, not how it worked for a family fifteen years ago. Once the demo is done, we’ll roll straight into about three solid days of taping and prepping — the unglamorous but crucial step before a full interior transformation.

Then comes the good stuff:

• Full paint job

• Wallpaper accents

• New lighting throughout

• Top-of-the-line solar

• Upgraded speakers

• New stove

• Possibly a new refrigerator

This won’t be a quick cosmetic flip. This is a thoughtful, layered remodel designed for real life, full-time living, and the next chapter of our adventures.

DIY Meets “Let’s Hire This Out”

To stay smart financially, some of this remodel we’ll be doing ourselves — and yes, that mostly means Evielynne leading the charge. Painting, wallpapering, prep work, design details — that’s where we can save real money and still get exactly what we want.

But we’re also realistic.

Some projects are worth hiring out:

• Because they’ll get done faster

• Because they require specialized skills

• Because time is money too

This balance lets us protect our budget and our sanity.

The Move That Made It All Happen

We officially got the 5th wheel moved on February 6th, and we can’t say enough good things about Victory Mobile Service and Repair.

📞 435-291-0061

For $150 (plus a very well-earned $50 tip) to move the RV 10 miles one way, it was absolutely worth every penny. Smooth, professional, stress-free — the kind of service that makes a big day feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

In the RV world, reliable help is gold. This was gold.

Passing the Torch: Todd’s Story Becomes Ours

One of the most meaningful parts of this entire experience wasn’t the paperwork or the price — it was Todd, the previous owner.

Todd worked with us through the process, and when the day came for the RV to leave, you could see it on his face. He was sad. Not regretful — just emotional. That RV held memories for him. It had been a part of his life.

And oddly enough, that brought us peace.

Knowing that this rig was loved, cared for, and connected to someone before us made it feel less like a transaction and more like a passing of the torch. That connection now becomes part of our story.

We’re incredibly grateful for that.

Gratitude Changes Everything

This whole experience has been humbling.

We’re grateful:

• For the opportunity

• For the timing

• For the people who helped

• For the fact that this dream didn’t stay a dream

Not everyone gets to say, “We bought the RV and still had room to build it the way we want.” That’s not lost on us. We’re walking into this chapter thankful, excited, and grounded.

Content Is Coming — A Lot of It

Make no mistake — there will be videos.
There will be pictures.
There will be messy demo shots, paint splatters, progress updates, and probably a few “what were we thinking?” moments.

And we can’t wait to share it all.

This isn’t just a remodel. It’s a story unfolding in real time.

Enjoy the Journey (Yes, Really)

We’ve always loved the quote from our famous RV friend Enjoy the Journey — and now it feels more fitting than ever.

Because this isn’t about rushing to the finished product.
It’s about the process.
The work.
The learning.
The mistakes.
The wins.

And yes — we will absolutely enjoy the journey.

Still Us. Still Rolling. Still Me Gone.

Through all of this, one thing stays the same.

We are still Me Gone RVing Adventures.

Because the ME has always stood for Mark and Evielynne.

Different rig.
New chapter.
Same hearts.
Same love for the road.

This Open Range may be a 2006, but for us, it’s brand new — and it’s about to become home.

Stay tuned.
Demo starts tomorrow.
The adventure continues.

CHECK OUT THE WALLPAPER WE BOUGHT FOR OUR BATHROOM