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Today, I’ll be talking to Chad and Janelle Payne. They were both working as critical care nurses when they stumbled into the world of do-it-yourself RV renovation and never looked back.
What started as a pandemic project with a moss-covered, forgotten camper has since evolved into a passion for transforming RVs into beautiful, customized living spaces.
Janelle, known online as “Nailgun Nelly,” has inspired thousands with her unique designs, hands-on approach, and step-by-step guidance for people who want to renovate their own rigs.
In this episode, we’ll explore how they learned the skills to remodel RVs, what challenges they’ve overcome, and how their journey led to the publication of Janelle’s book, “DIY Camper & RV Reno.”
Whether you’re looking to refresh your current RV, renovate one for full-time living, or simply want to see what’s possible with a little creativity and courage, this conversation will open your eyes to the potential of do-it-yourself RV renovation.
Chad and Janelle Payne’s didn’t start with years of construction experience — just a willingness to learn, experiment and figure things out along the way.
Thanks to resources like Janelle’s book and the wealth of online tutorials available today, it’s never been easier for everyday people to transform an outdated camper into a functional and stylish home on wheels.
The best part? You don’t have to be an expert to get started.
Janelle’s book lays out the process step-by-step, covering everything from choosing the right RV to sourcing materials and tackling projects like flooring, cabinetry and even electrical work.
Whether you want to do a light refresh or a full gut-and-rebuild, the guidance is there to help you through each stage.
Remember, when you renovate your own RV, you’re not just saving money compared to buying a new one. You’re also creating a space that reflects your personality and meets your specific needs, something that off-the-shelf models just can’t offer.
If you’d like to learn more, look for Janelle’s book, “DIY Camper & RV Reno,” on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or visit her website at nailgunnelly.com. You can also follow her on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more do-it-yourself inspiration and practical renovation tips.
Who knows? That old camper sitting in someone’s field could be your next adventure waiting to happen. All it takes is a little creativity, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to pick up that first tool.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, we are joining hundreds of other podcasters around the country for Podcasthon 2025 to highlight the work of charitable organizations. I’ll be speaking with two Workamper employers who operate non-profit organizations. I encourage you to tune in. You might just discover a mission you can get behind.
I’ll have more details on the next edition of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening!
