A SHORT GUIDE TO
VINTAGE TRAILERS
A
stay in a vintage trailer would best be described as glamping rather than actual “camping.” Most people are drawn to the iconic shape of mid-century aluminum and the warm wood interiors of a trailer manufactured before the bicentennial. Memories of camping as a child or just an appreciation for the past can stir emotions and desires. Admirers and dreamers can satisfy their yearnings to play in the past by purchasing a vintage trailer or by renting one. Owning a piece of travel history does not fit into everyone’s lifestyle. RV Resorts and AirBnBs have realized the demand for travelers that want a glimpse of yesteryear. Many are offering the vintage trailering experience as an option for curious temporary tenants. For old souls that do not have a vintage trailer, they can have a similar experience renting one in an upscale park, on a private farm, or remote
desert hilltop. Travelers may opt for a vintage trailer stay for a special occasion or a unique stop on a road trip adventure. For people curious about the nostalgia of an old trailer, many are likely to fall in love with the mid-century styling and want one for their own. If restoring, maintaining, and storing one does not scare them away, staying in a trailer for a few nights will give them an idea if they would like to own their own vintage trailer. We encourage them to visit a rally during the open house to see many different models of RVs and get a feel for what they like. They may even find one for sale. Before the 1970s, trailers were crafted from natural wood and had a warmer retro feel. From the 70s on, cheaper plastics and veneers lined the interior, and streamlined body styles gave way for a boxier, easier to mass-produce exterior styling. The charm of handcrafted pre-war coaches would be a thing of the past. After WW2, the abundance
of aluminum used for riveting together planes for the war effort found a new use as siding for camping trailers. Hundreds of small companies popped up. Many were building the “canned ham” trailers that were iconic shapes on the horizon in the 1950s. This style of trailer remains popular today. Unfortunately, their wood frames and lack of a bathroom probably do not make them the best candidate for a glamping lodging rental.
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