V TRAILERS e g a int
CAMPER
Vol. 8, No. 6, Issue: 46 November/December 2019
BOOT CAMP 2020 A Restoration Learning
EXPERIENCE see page 43
The magazine for all vintage camper trailer collectors, restorers, admirers and dreamers.
RESCUE
R E S TO R E
R A L LY
What our customers have to say about us
We picked up a 62 Shasta trailer and the side looked like a kid took a stick to the side of it. It was bad. We brought the skin to Hemet Valley RV and they Made a new piece. The Bottom skin is new and the top skin was old, but they look identical. It had 6 inch lines and it turned out perfect. Thanks Guys. Great job. -Barry
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Five Star Plus!!! Steve and his company demonstrate what customer service should look like. Thanks so much! -Glenn
and Most Other Patterns of
I recently purchased all of the siding,trim and entry door for an 1970 11’ foot trailer that I rebuilt using only the metal frame of the original trailer. I contacted Steve at Hemet Valley RV and sent him a side view of the trailer with the dimensions on it. Steve figured out what material I needed and the amount and sent it. Everything that I needed I received in a timely fashion and it was packaged in very strong boxes...Thanks so much for the great job Steve, I have no doubt that your business will have continued success, Great Job. -Wayne M.
Aluminum Siding
Located in Hemet, California, we offer a wide variety of RV siding and camper siding for a variety of vintage camper trailers. Our panels and products are ideal when it comes to completing seamless repairs to siding, roofing and edging on your vehicle.
In polished , painted and raw finishes.
Hemet Valley RV guarantees to deliver the results that you expect right to your door.
Extensive knowledge and quality materials. Very fair pricing and quick turn around time. Steve and Tammy are always helpful. -Larry
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Capri Campers use polished quilted aluminum siding to give them a more "vintage" look.
Gifts Under $30
Go to the "Camp Store" at www.vintagecampertrailers.com Vintage Nights wall calendar contains thirteen wonderful images (16 months) of vintage travel trailers captured at night with available light, under the moon & stars, most with festive lights adding special charm. High quality images are suitable for framing, for enjoyment beyond 2020. The calendars are 100% “Made in USA." All images captured by Rick Rajewski photographer. FREE "I Love Vintage Camper Trailers" sticker with every order! $19.99
2020 Calendars A book that celebrates mid-century trailers and the people that love them. See the trailer rallies where hundreds of vintage trailers aficionados come together to show off their trailers and share their love of the hobby. Tips on how to plan and organize your own rallies and events, based on the authors’ own firsthand experience. $24.99
A complete, illustrated A-to-Z resource for vintage trailer enthusiasts. From Airstream to Zipper, including brief histories of the manufacturers, and illustrations of the trailer models by year showing how to identify them. The Illustrated Field Guide to Vintage Trailers also features a general history of vintage trailers showing silhouette shapes with “spotting notes” about how to identify some of the many different trailer makes and models. $24.99
The vintage camper trailer hobby attracts people from all walks of life. This book features hundreds of photos of restored trailers and the trailerites that rescue, restore and rally across the USA. 200 pages and in hard cover. From the publishers of the VCT Magazine, Paul and Caroline Lacitinola. $24.99
A book that is a visual wonderland filled with fascinating and diverse imagery that will surprise the average reader. The travel trailer figured prominently in twentiethcentury American pop culture. It’s put on grand display in this kitschy celebration culled from the coffers of Trailer Travel’s Phil Noyes. $29.95
ALL CAMP CASUAL ORDERS SEE PAGE 34
©Diane Dempsey / RetroChristmasCardCompany.com
20% OFF
Vintage Camper Christmas Cards & Ornaments! Order Here:
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Inside This Issue Index 1965 Serro-Scotty Cotton Candy 1953 Silver Streak Clipper
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Trailerfest 2019 -WhiteWedding 1980's 13 1955 Aljoa - Free to Fantastic
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Audrey's Jingle in July
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1964 Nomad/1966 Bee Line
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1961 VW Bus Roadtrip (In 1966)
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Vintage Trailer Supply Community
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The Gulley Collection
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Buying Trends for 2020
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Retro Road Map for the Holidays
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1972 Chinook Camper
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1956 Airfloat Copper Cabana
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1973 Shasta in Iowa
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USA Rally Calendar
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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN PRINT AND/OR ONLINE WITH VCT MAGAZINE
This ad for a Palace trailer was in the 1948 edition of the Trailer Coach Manufacturers Association – Official Trailer Coach Yearbook. The publication contains the specifications for a variety of different trailers from the fall of 1948. According to this Year Book, this style of Palace came in three models The Palace Royale 24’ @3975# The Majestic Liner 27’@4650# The Palatial Manor 30’ @5150# The Royale was a single axle model while the other two aluminum bodied coaches had tandem axles. All the models boasted an impressive 6’9” of headroom inside as well as a full 8 feet of width in the body. 4
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Your subscription to the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine includes: • 20% Discount on classified ads on the Vintage Camper Trailers classifieds website. • FREE shipping on our books and back issues in our Camp Store. • Discounts on the rallies that we host. Coupon Code: PALACE
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Truck Campers, Fiberglass Trailers and Teardrops Show us what you've got.
American Tr a i l e r i t e By Paul Lacitinola Publisher VCT Magazine Volume: 8 - Number: 6 - Issue: 46 www.vintagecampertrailers.com vintagecampertrailers@gmail.com Published by: Paul and Caroline Lacitinola American Trailerites I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear -Eddie Money Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine is a non-denominational supporter of the vintage camper trailer hobby. We welcome all collectors, restorers, admirers and dreamers.
Subscribe in the USA by mailing a check for $32 or by visiting our website. Available on line and in print. Any changes to your subscription must be made in writing. Your mailing indicia contains info about your subscription. PO Box 354, Elverta CA 95626 (916) 572-8554
Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine reserves the exclusive right to reject or accept advertising or editorial material submitted for publication. The editorial content contained in this magazine does not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine (USPS Publication Number 15940) is published bimonthly (in January, March, May, July, September, November) by Vintage Camper Trailers, 8416 Elwyn Avenue, Elverta, CA 95626-9552. Periodical postage paid at Elverta, CA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Vintage Camper Trailers, PO Box 354, Elverta, CA 95626-0354.
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Vintage Trailers, Golf Carts, Bicycles, Cars, Motorcycles, Vans and Pick-Ups. (916) 572-8554
November through most of February our travel schedule becomes far less demanding. We had a whirl-wind year restoring the Golden Caravan Airstream and spending 6 weeks with it on the road across the USA. We made a bunch of new friends on our journey including David, Mary and Jennifer Gulley. They purchased the Golden Caravan for their collection, along with another one-ofa-kind Airstream. (See their story on page 26). In order to get these trailers to the Gulleys, I made two more trips to Arkansas! I am looking forward to being home and getting caught up on projects that we have started, but not finished. This winter we plan to restore a 1961 Streamline that we started a couple of years ago. The project got pushed aside when we decided to build the 1955 Spartan Manor Museum. When the 1961 Golden Caravan Airstream landed in our lap the Streamline got put on the back burner again and even put up for sale. We had invested a fair amount of money that we weren’t willing to lose, so it didn't sell. We are grateful now as it is the perfect platform for our next build. I typically like to stay as close to the original style as possible when restoring a trailer while not being afraid to add modern conveniences and touches when and where they won’t take away from the original aesthetics. I've had a couple of years to marinate on ideas for this trailer. I have been influenced by the “off grid” RV’s I saw at the RVIA show in Fontana, CA this October. With their matte finishes, roof racks, off-road lighting and other features to make an extended stay on the road (or off of it) more comfortable. Another influence on doing a fully self-contained build was our trip across the USA this summer. Using our Capri Camper we were able to pull off the road anywhere and camp incognito. Staying for free makes extended trips more flexible not to mention more affordable. I am still pulling together ideas for lithium batteries, solar and the addition of holding tanks in a trailer that did not come with them originally. A hidden A/C and a workspace with enhanced Internet and cellular capabilities are also on the list. I plan to keep the comfortable twin bed layout and maintain an original feel to the interior but may take some liberties with the exterior. Maybe we will build a “Stealthline” instead of a Streamline? Your thoughts, input and how-to ideas are welcome. www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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Cotton Candy
Photography by Macu Binete Photgraphy (207) 710-6834 macubinetephotgraphy@gmail.com 6 www.vintagecampertrailers.com
I remember my first time. I was six years old the summer of 1968.
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t was a bright, warm July morning and the dew was glistening off the prairie grass like millions of sparkling diamonds as we drove up over the grassy knoll just outside the University of Wyoming. As we crested the hill, it happened. Spread out before us were hundreds of Airstreams lined up in perfect corn rows shining in the sun. It was beautiful. The Wally Byam Caravan Club was having their rally in Laramie, Wyoming. That moment I understood why Laramie was called The Gem City of the Plains, at least in my eyes. I fell in love.
My father was in the JayCees (Junior Chamber of Commerce). And, one of their community projects was to provide concessions and restrooms for this event. I was fortunate to be chosen as Dad’s helper. As I was handing out fresh glazed donuts to our guests, I was impressed how nice everyone was. It wasn’t just those magnificent shiny trailers, it was the people too. I knew then and there that this would be the beginning of a fantastic journey in my life. I told my wife, Melanie about my first time and that I would build her a palace like the ones I had seen in my childhood. She, unenthusiastically, gave me her blessing as her experiences with camping were less than delightful.
Story by Mark Hain, Owner www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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and all painted a cool mint green with paint speckles everywhere. I decided that our trailer was going to outlast the great-great grand kids. So, Instead of replacing the plywood for the shell, we built a ¾” box steel skeleton frame. Since I wasn’t going for an exact restoration, I subtly raised the height of the ceiling an extra 3”. I also eliminated the step down into the little floor box by lowering the door entrance to the same height as the step down box. Now, even our tallest guests don’t feel like they have to duck when they are inside. We also created softer curves around the bottom of the trailer to make the lines flow more artistically.
Our first project was a 1968 Airstream Overlander. It was a complete frame off modern custom. We built it exactly as she wanted. She has been in love with camping ever since.
Our Serro-Scotty was born in 1965. Her sidewalls were 3/4'” plywood. Her ceiling was ¼”plywood and pressboard. As a matter of fact, the cabinets, seats, doors, virtually everything was plywood
With my roots being firmly entrenched with my passion for aluminum, everything in the Serro-Scotty had painted walls for her interior instead of a natural wood finish. I chose to use .030 white aluminum for the new walls. It is maintenance free and won’t rot. I like how bright and airy it makes the trailer feel too. I riveted the aluminum panels to the box steel tubing with white 1/8” rivets.
Over the last decade, my wife, Melanie, and my nine year old daughter, Grace have been restoring and renovating vintage trailers as more of a hobby than a business. Most of them have been my beloved Airstreams. We restored a 1966 Streamline Empress back to her exact original self. Grace has fallen in love with anything mid-century and/ or vintage. We even built a lemonade stand for her to sell lemonade at the rallies in her vintage Girl Scout uniform. Grace asked “Why don’t we build a pink trailer for me?” What dad in their right mind would deny such a request? It just so happened that I had been driving by this lonely Serro-Scotty Hilander sitting quietly in a field for the past 13 years, knowing that one day she would follow me home. After our conversation with Grace and her request, I tracked down the trailer’s owner and he let me adopt her. Grace had her trailer. She wasn’t pink. And, she wasn’t pretty, yet. When you adopt a trailer, if she or he does not have a name, the first order of business is to name your new family member. Grace came up with Cotton Candy or Pinky Pie. We settled on Cotton Candy because she is so sweet. 8
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I knew before we even started on her that she was going to be a complete frame off. I know a lot of people are afraid to go that deep into your new beloved projects. I have found it to be easier and sometimes faster just to start over than it is to work around things. Also, you can do some pretty cool subtle modifications and still have it appear original. I remember how afraid I was when I made my first cut into that perfect piece of aluminum.
All of the lighting is 12 volt LED with the exception of the Sputnik chandelier over the dining table, which is 110. I special ordered 3\4� foam core insulation for the walls and ceiling. I did a lap around the whole trailer and installed rubberized adhesive flashing at every upright and cross member where the insulation met the tubing to make the trailer virtually water tight before I put her outer skin on. While I was rebuilding Cotton Candy, Melanie and Grace were busy picking out tile, upholstery fabric, laminates, door handles and the ever important accessories. Since I was modifying some of the basics, I upgraded most of the fixed windows to jalousie windows. I think they are much cooler looking and I did happen to have a few in the shop that worked perfect. I kept the Continued on page 40
Grace came up with Cotton Candy or Pinky Pie. We settled on Cotton Candy because she is so sweet. www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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1953 Silver Streak R
andy Gomez designs and creates his own "signature styled" vintage trailers. The interiors are expertly appointed with polished aluminum and white birch paneling and cabinetry, and a chef’s kitchen with a restored porcelain vintage stove and oven, using era correct counter-tops and lighting. All this exceptional interior is typically housed in a flawless yet unassuming vintage skin.
CLIPPER
It all began when designer and automobile enthusiast Randy Gomez's desired a vintage trailer. After restoring a few iconic classic cars, Vintage Airstreams became his next obsession. His first project, a '65 Safari, exceeded expectations. It was restored and designed as a TV production trailer now used for live webcasts Next, Randy restored a '55 Flying cloud. It was designed as a guest house for a mid-century Hollywood residence. These projects led to the current signature line of vintage trailers featuring an optimized footprint in order to maximize usable space. This 1953 Silver Streak Clipper is typical of Randy's axle up restorations. All the systems have been updated to modern standards utilizing the best materials and equipment available. The interior is impeccably finished to exceed the most discerning taste. 10
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Modern conveniences include everything from air conditioning to a built in microwave and storage spaces that maximize narrow cabinet space. Fitting a bathroom in this floor-plan is a very creative use of space that makes this trailer very appealing.
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Photos by Glen Nichols
250 Vintage Trailers • Classic Cars • Family Fun • Food • Live Music What do you get when you gather 250 vintage trailers at a fantastic RV park and fill the weekend with food, fun and live music? Trailerfest of course! Paul and Caroline Lacitinola, (Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine) host the Trailerfest events in California. This event was in Plymouth, CA the last week of September. With many great rallies to go to, the thing that makes Trailerfest Rallies different is the theme. You will never go to the same “Trailerfest” twice.
This rallies theme was “White Wedding, an 80’s Love Story.” Each of the weekend’s events were met with enthusiastic trailerites dressing up in 80’s costume and joining in the fun. From an 80’s themed Karaoke night hosted by Martha Kaufeld, pancake breakfast and a mass 80’s themed wedding followed by wedding cake and band reception, many of our 500 attendees played along making it a fantastic rally.
A 1980's White Wedding love story
Living through the 80's once wasn't enough for this crew.
In 2020 the Trailerfest Rally themes will be a "Cajun Campin" with legendary fiddle Cake by Conrad Theiss player, Doug Kershaw and his band, a "Western Shindig" with the Only Cash Tribute Band and "The Golden Age of Hollywood" where The Decades band will be back by popular demand. Each rally will be unique and include many opportunities for fun. Plan on getting a site early as these events always sell out! www.trailerfestrally.com www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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What's more 80's than an El Camino?
Toni Miltenberger's wedding dress on display.
Mullets, neon and leg warmers-remember when?
Mimosas for breakfast on your wedding day.
White Wedding themed display.
The Karaoke talent was incredible!
Workin Hard to Get My Fill
Kelie Cronin WAS Madonna. Like a Virgin.
Saturday night live music by the band Fast Times.
The Captain & Tennille
We whipped it alright!
Like totally dude!
Trailerfest village people.
This group knows their way around a Rubiks cube.
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Elvis and the Wards - Pretty in pink.
Vintage trailers, tuxedos, classic cars and Tim Brown.
Paul and Caroline Lacitinola cut the cake made by Linda Brown.
Rick and Martha renew their vows.
"Not so" NEWlyweds pose for a photo op.
Married for 61 years, Peggy and Jim Riley beat out many other couples that had been married for decades for the title of "Longest Married".
Elvis renewed vows for dozens of couples in a mass ceremony. Following the ceremony there was a reception with cake and a band.
It is impossible to share how much fun we have at a Trailerfest Rally in a few pages. More photos at www.trailerfestrally.com
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Nordby
1955 Aljoa From Free To Fantastic Left in an Avocado grove for many years, this 1955 Aljoa Sportsman Model 18 was really feeling its age. Not only did it have water damage and all of its appliances removed, a branch of a tree had fallen on the roof of the trailer causing some extensive damage. So, when Wes and Cindy Nordby saw it for FREE on Craigslist, they just had to have it! The Nordbys had already restored an Aljoa and knew the potential hiding behind the rot. After sharing the pictures of their first restoration with the owner, they became the proud owners of the Aloja. 16
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Gary Warner of VIntage Trailer Rescue in Temecula, CA went and gathered the little trailer up and towed it to his home until the Nordbys were able to take the trailer to Reno, NV where the restoration was completed. With a missing kitchen and appliances, the Nordbys had to research kitchen layouts as well as search for period correct appliances. They found a Marvel refrigerator and a Preway counter top stove. Wes and his friend, Roger Haas, did a complete restoration on the Refrigerator and the stove was sent out to get new porcelain.
The Nordbys did a complete restoration with new wiring, a 12-volt system, new water heater, Marmoleum flooring and added steel to reinforce the roof to support the low-profile air conditioner. The free trailer found in an avocado orchard is now completely restored and being enjoyed by the Nordbys as they rally around the West Coast.
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Audrey's
Jingle In July Benefiting KOA Care Camps and the Evergreen Elves of Sevier County 18
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My name is Chris Wilson and my wife is Teresa. Four years ago, we decided to do a vintage gathering named Jingle in July in Pigeon Forge, TN.; a tourist town at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We have hosted the rally as a fundraiser for KOA Care Camps. They provide camps for kids with serious illness to get away for a week. At our first event we met Audrey. She was attending the upcoming camp in TN. She melted our hearts and we asked her permission to use her name for our events from that point on so the following years it has been called Audrey's Jingle in July. She was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma cancer before her first birthday. Today she is 13 -10 years cancer free! We held the event at the KOA for the next couple of years but we soon outgrew the venue. This year we held the event at River Plantation RV Resort in Sevierville, TN about 5 miles from where we started. This campground is very nice, large and has great accommodations for our event including a huge parking area for spectators to use during open house. We now support a group called Evergreen Elves of Sevier County. A group of ladies, including Audrey's mom Krista, and the founder Brooke Ownby. This group of individuals place pre-lit decorated Christmas trees in sick, needy children’s homes at Christmas including the local Children's home and the homebound seniors of the county. This year we raised over $2200.00 for Evergreen Elves and Heritage Girls scout troop who served a pancake breakfast. Audrey is one of this year’s national spokespersons for the Children's Miracle Network. She is also an Ambassador for East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville, TN. She is host for our events and has a trailer of her own to use that she named Jingle. She has become a talented young lady doing local commercials and has even sang a few lines with Dolly Parton, hung out with the Property Brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott as well as had a shout out from Marie Osmond. At the event we have several things going on including a pot luck, Saturday breakfast, raffles, door prize drawings and the hit of the event the Dirty Santa gift exchange based on the White Elephant idea. And of course, we all decorate up in our Christmas Bling! We had 48 vintage trailers at the event and are expecting 60 for 2020. The dates are set for July 9th through July 12th, 2020. Contact River Plantation RV Resort in Sevierville, TN for reservations. (865) 429-5267 www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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Camp Tam
“The campers just make me happy. When I look at them, it brings me joy.”
W
elcome to “Camp Tam,” where the 1964 Nomad known as “Know Me” and the 1966 BeeLine known as “Just Bee” reside in Tammera Lindsay’s inviting backyard in Mocksville, North Carolina.
By Tammera Lindsay
Tammera’s love for vintage campers started eight years ago when she purchased the 1964 Nomad. She soon discovered there were a lot of people who shared her interest. She worked hard getting the Nomad restored, and she’s done the inside of it herself. Turning “Know Me” into the stocked poolside bar and playhouse has been one of her most-fulfilling projects to date. She has designed her backyard as her camper paradise called “Camp Tam.” As you gaze at her daughter’s photos, you’ll understand why. Both her campers are powered and can be used as sleeping quarters for guests. Her grandsons Conner and Alex love to play at Camp Tam. Wouldn’t you?
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As well as being a vintage-camper enthusiast, Tammera is an accomplished artist who has displayed her camper in her annual Christmas-card paintings. Tammera also has a deep and abiding love for animals. Through her book, The Doe Family Finds a Deer, the multitalented author shared her experiences as a North Carolina– permitted fawn rehabber. She’s rehabbed many fawns and was able to return other fawns to the wild, sleeping overnight in the woods to witness the doe return for her fawn. In her book, Tammera presented a family facing difficult decisions after they took a fawn into their home. At the end of the thought-provoking story, the author turned the book on its head and presented the story a second time with the opposite outcome. Her book displays many of Tammera’s incredible nature photographs showing her fawn named Marteen and other fawns and animals she rehabbed. Yet another of her many talents. Shortly before her book debuted, Tammera had a monthlong exhibit of her paintings at a local art gallery, which she filled completely with her works. The exhibit was breathtaking. Tammera’s daughter Jessica Marie is the photographer who took the photos that accompany this story. Sometimes she uses her mom’s vintage campers for photo shoots for Jessica Marie Photography. You can see more of her work at jessicamarielifestyle.com. She has a keen eye. Like mother, like daughter.
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Before It Was Vintage
Chuck designed and custom-made a boat topper to fit the top rail of the VW bus.
1966 ROAD TRIP IN A 1961 VW BUS
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t was the Summer of 1966. We and another couple, our best friends, took our first major road trip not realizing at the time it was the first of many. As a matter of fact, we did not realize the influence it would have on subsequent journeys throughout our lives, until recently, when we were discussing one of four Volkswagens we would own for brief times over a span of 55 years. When we attend vintage trailer rallies and shows, we always seem to gravitate toward VW vehicles, vans, and campers. The conversation and history we learn from the VW enthusiasts always tickle our memories — and we only recently realized why that happens . . . In an article from a local paper in November 1966 titled, “Sylmar Families Tour — Make Friends — Plan to go again”, getting to know you was our unofficial theme for the 2 1/2 month, 7,000 mile journey. The itinerary included the Pacific Coast, Canada and Mid-Western states. The purpose of the trip was to view scenery, make new acquaintances and friendships and to enjoy the opportunity to do anything we wanted to do . . . we didn’t step foot into a restaurant for over two months. We fished, crabbed and dug for clams for many of our meals along the way. After moving and storing all our possessions into the other couple’s garage for three months, we traveled northward in a 1961 Volkswagen 1200 cc Transporter, not a camper special; but we loaded it with camping equipment, two Honda 90s 22
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By Toni and Chuck Miltenberger
secured on the back of the bus, and a fiber-glass fishing boat Chuck designed and custom-made especially for the trip to fit the top rail of the bus; borrowed a 5 horsepower boat motor from our friend’s father and tucked a live worm farm for fishing bait under the back seat. Our nightly shelter consisted of an umbrella tent or just roughing it in sleeping bags under the stars. Bears often provided us some anxious moments; but the real problem, if any, was encountering hungry mosquitoes. Highlights of the trip included a salmon charter in Trinidad, California; a private observation of dirigible logging in Oregon; the rain forest in Olympic National Park in Washington; discovery of a forgotten graveyard in British Columbia; lovely Banff and Jasper in Alberta, Canada; ghost towns in Montana; Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks; and endless trips through museums, exhibits, guided tours and antique shops. We recorded the trip on 8mm film, black and white polaroids and most likely on an old Kodak camera. We decided to drive down to Mexico but got diverted. Even with all we’d accomplished, one of our most vivid memories was the breaking down of the bus in 115 degree weather in the desert near Las Vegas. We took down the Hondas to ride to get help. It was the hottest ride ever! I asked Chuck and our friends to put me in the nearest wash under a rock and if I still was alive to pick me up on the way back. They did not do that, of course, and a tall iced-lemonade at a little roadside store reinvigorated me to stay the course. We rode our Hondas into Glendale, Nevada. In those days, folks would lend you tools for a whole day trusting you to return them based solely on your word; how thankful and appreciative we were to find that generous person.
Friends Mike and Shannon with Toni and Chuck Miltenberger (right)
We loaded the bus with camping gear and two Honda 90s secured on the back.
A couple quotes we made after the trip were: “We will never forget the friendships we made, nor the scenery nature provided . . . It is a worthwhile experience to explore the endless roads and paths our own western United States provides.” The four of us believed “proper traveling was an art”, so we continued to expand our traveling and camping skills over the years while acknowledging, “There’s no place like home.” Fifty-three years later, we’re still taking road trips, camping and rallying in which are now considered vintage trailers — and making new friends along the way.
A live worm farm for fishing bait under the back seat.
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Creating a Community
VINTAGE TRAILER SUPPLY Santa Fe, NM By Paul Lacitinola
Terry Bone presents a Tin Can Tourists Hall of Fame recognition to Steve Hingtgen, owner of Vintage Trailer Supply.
I was honored to be a part of the Vintage Trailer Supply Grand Opening Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico this year. Because of a tight Fall calendar, I flew into Albuquerque and rented a 1946 Spartan Manor AirBnB less than 5 miles from the VTS showroom where the event was being held. Steve Hingtgen, the owner of Vintage Trailer Supply orchestrated a weekend of guest lecturers, entertainment and the opportunity to connect with industry leaders from across the USA. I was asked to speak to “Selling a Vintage Trailer� for which I was grateful for the opportunity.
Tim Heintz, John Agnew, Terry Bone, and Phil Noyes are just some of the "who's who" of the trailer hobby that converged on Santa Fe, NM in September of 2019.
For the special event Steve had a large tent erected in the parking lot to accommodate the group of upwards of 200 people that came through the festival over the course of the weekend. Each hour of the day a guest lecturer spoke to their area of expertise and answered questions from the audience.
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What would a trailer event be without vintage trailers!
Steve and the Vintage Trailer Supply crew gather in the courtyard at the new Vintage Trailer Supply location in Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you are in the area, stop by.
Large tables that are used to display featured products give the showroom a well-stocked but uncluttered feel.
19 years ago, Steve started VTS in a spare bedroom of his home in Vermont. A trailer restorer himself, Steve saw a need for a parts supplier in the emerging hobby. Originally his focus, and the market demand, was primarily for Airstream trailer parts. Over the years VTS has stayed on trend stocking and even manufacturing parts for most brands of early trailers including canned hams, fiberglass and tear drop trailers. The new showroom in Santa Fe is a destination that compliments the company’s website for any vintage trailer enthusiasts interested in seeing what is available to complete their restoration. The showroom is open to the public and contains a variety of displays featuring the breadth of products VTS offers. There are displays with actual examples of the different window used in mid-century trailers to allow you to easily see the parts you will need to restore yours. Large tables that are used to display featured products give the showroom a well-stocked but uncluttered feel. You can browse everything from trailer wheels, lights and sealants to books and gift items. Comfortable chairs in the center of the room create a conversation pit that can accommodate as much trailer talk as you can bring. For the special event Steve had a large tent erected in the parking lot to accommodate the group of upwards of 200 people that came through the festival over the course of the weekend. Each hour of the day a guest lecturer spoke to their area of expertise and answered questions from the audience. In addition to presentations there were interview style panels that offered good variety to the well-attended talks. Book signings, artists and food trucks added to the festival atmosphere. Saturday evening, we were all treated to a live music event at an incredible local venue.
Mid-century modern stuffed chairs in the center of the room create a conversation pit that can accommodate as much trailer talk as you can bring.
Bringing together so many friends that included customers that are professional builders and consumers is an undertaking in and of itself. Steve has created this space where the community can meet and support each other and realize each of us has something to offer the hobby. I was able to see people I haven’t see in years or seldom see because of geography. I met people I have only corresponded with by email or phone and made connections that expanded my circle. It is fun to be a part of a community that is welcoming and interested in the preservation of the past. I am glad to call Steve a friend and a primary reason why the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine is here and going strong for over 7 ½ years. Without his mentoring, advertising support and encouragement we may not have survived. We are excited to have him teaching at Boot Camp this year and now that he has moved operations to the southwest, maybe we can get Chloe and him to a Trailerfest Rally! www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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Gulley
the
collection
The collection of Airstreams and vintage campers is a very personal goal. the Gulley’s family history is deeply intertwined with that of the ICONIC Silver Bullets Story by Jennifer Gulley
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www.vintagecampertrailers.com
David and Mary Gulley are more than just Airstream enthusiasts and vintage trailer collectors. They are also passionate about restoring and preserving the history of the Airstream, as well as others like it. By preserving a trailer’s story, they also memorialize the collective stories of the people who spent their lives happily camping in those very same trailers. The collection of Airstreams and vintage campers is also a very personal goal, since the Gulley’s family history is deeply intertwined with that of the Silver Bullets in particular. David and Mary’s passion for their hobby stems from their childhoods when their parents would take them camping. Once they became parents themselves, they raised their two children traveling in Airstreams. I would know, since I am proud to be one of those two children who get to call them Mom and Dad (and got to take my first steps in an Airstream). Our family history with vintage campers began with my paternal grandparents. David’s parents fell in love with Airstreams in the sixties as soon as they purchased their first one, a 30-foot 1964 Airstream, when my dad was a child. In the early 1970’s, his parents traded that trailer in for a 26-foot 1968 Airstream. They loved Airstreams so much, that in 1975 they custom ordered a 31-foot 1976 model, and it is with this trailer that our family history with Airstreams truly takes off. During this time, my grandparents joined the Arkansas Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI). In 1976, David and his parents attended the 19th International Rally in Louisville, Kentucky, the largest Airstream rally ever held with over 4,500 trailers in attendance. They were very dedicated members, and attended rallies whenever they could until my grandfather passed away one night in that very same Airstream in 1986. My grandmother sold their Airstream quickly after, and our family lost track of it for the next nine years. That is, until one coincidental day in 1995.
As my family was traveling through Hot Springs, Arkansas, they spotted an Airstream on an RV lot. My dad pulled over to inspect it when he saw the faded outline of their WBCCI membership number above the window, hoping it was his parents’ 1976 Airstream that he had been looking for close to a decade. Although it looked completely different on the inside, the pattern my grandmother had special ordered for the awning and folding chairs had been maintained and Dad knew it was theirs. Needless to say, he bought it back immediately. Today, my grandparents’ trailer sits at the forefront of my dad’s collection, completely restored to its original intended condition and cherished beyond belief. The rediscovery of my grandparents’ trailer inspired my family to join the WBCCI Arkansas Unit in 1995. That following year, they attended the 39th International Rally in Rapid City, South Dakota, with my grandmother. The trip also doubled as a celebration of the 1976 Airstream’s 20th Anniversary. After the rally, David and Mary became interested in the restoration process, and by the late nineties they had collected and restored 17 Airstreams. They had enjoyed collecting cars for years, so it seemed natural that they extend their collection to include their love for Airstreams. When I was born, multiple friends from our club were there to meet me in the hospital. These people became my brother and I’s adoptive grandparents, and the club gave our family so many precious memories with so many amazing people. We are so lucky to have joined when we did, because we got the opportunity to befriend many of the club’s original members, founders and leaders. These friends fueled my family’s passion, inspiring my parents and brother to serve in leadership positions in the club. We became dedicated to attending numerous International and Regional rallies, including WBCCI’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2005 at Bull Shoals, Arkansas, where the first ever rally was held.
Facing Page: The Golden Caravan and the Gulley family's trailer with a Christmas tree decorated with Airstream ornaments. Above: Airstreams, other vintage trailers, (More than 80 at last count) classic cars, a boat and all of the knick knacks and decor to decorate them. www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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Climate controlled storage protects the history stored within these walls. Currently the collection is private but the Gulleys plan to make it more available to the public in the future.
The Gulleys recently added a 1936 Airstream that was meticulously restored by Chuck and Toni Miltenberger to their collection. It is thought to be the oldest production built Airstream remaining. The Gulleys were thrilled when it arrived and they had a spot waiting for it.
Restored and original, "as found" trailers are on display. Other trailers in the collection are offsite being restored or polished. 28
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By 2010, members of my family had served as President of our local club a total of 8 times. Meanwhile, I was everyone’s “Bambi,” a nickname that has given me great sentimental attachment to that particular Airstream model (and might account for the fact that we now own five of them). Having sold all the trailers from their original collection apart from my grandparents’ 1976, my parents resumed collecting and restoring Airstreams in 2015 as well as gathering our family’s personal history together and collecting memorabilia. Mary oversees the interior of all the restoration projects, crafting drapes and cushions appropriate to each trailer’s era. Her creative eye allows for the entire look to come together. In 2016, my dad’s interest in other types of vintage trailers rose, and they have now accumulated several pre-war trailers from the 1930’s and 1940’s, as well as from every decade since. Lately, the Gulley Collection has expanded with the purchase of a 1961 Holiday House Geographic serial #3, what is considered to be a very rare find. We are patiently waiting to begin the renovation process in order to bring the Geographic back to its original glory. The Gulley Collection now consists of over 75 trailers, all of which are either in their original condition, restored, or undergoing restoration at this time. By broadening our horizons to include even more models of vintage campers, even more precious friends have entered our lives, many of which our goal would not be achievable without. When David and Mary found out about the discovery and restoration of the 1961 Golden Airstream by Paul and Caroline Lacitinola this year thanks to a few of those very same friends, he was eager to give it a new home that would appreciate its rarity and history, while also maintaining the legacy of Wally Byam. After all, this all started with a passion for a 1976 Airstream, and the Golden Airstream can now join my grandparents’ trailer as the jewels of the Gulley Collection. Our family’s love of Airstreams continues to grow as we plan future road trips together. The family hobby has even spread into a fourth generation thanks to my brother and his family. At the end of the day, it is about my family coming together to celebrate our history, and the collective history of those who loved camping before us. Preserving the past of vintage trailers, and Airstreams in particular, is a cause close to my family’s heart and we are proud to continue to maintain that legacy for years to come.
This COLLECTION of over 80 trailers is TOO MUCH TO PICTURE HERE. SEE MORE PHOTOS at WWW.VINTAGECAMPERTRAILERS.com Search "Gulley Collection"
CAMP RITE LITE
RUGGED, DURABLE, PORTABLE. LIKE YOU. Cordless & Portable Cool to the touch Hands-free design 2 brightness settings No glass/bulb to break Uses only 5 Watts Magnet mount
www.lynxlites.com
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ALL IforWANT
XMAS
BY BOB THOMPSON & CARL JAMESON
Authors of the Illustrated Field Guide to Vintage Trailers It’s that time of the year when you’re sitting by the fireplace and visions of vintage trailers dance in your head. At least they do for us. So, in the spirit of giving, we’re sharing the vintage trailers that will be on every trailer buyer’s most wanted list this Christmas and in 2020.
Bob and Carl show off their newly renovated 1958 Cardinal to Santa Claus in 2012.
Buying Trends SMALL IS BIG
- JIM POLK Since the beginning of trailering, what a lot of people have wanted is a smaller trailer that could be pulled by their existing car. If your tow vehicle is a Corvette, you get bonus style points.
1959 Serro Scotty and 1963 Corvette ARNE CHADDOCK
FIBERGLASS LOVE
- STEVE HINGTGEN Along with smaller aluminum-sided trailers, it follows that more lightweight molded fiberglass models seem to be getting more love – it seems to be more than an infatuation.
1975 Boler DALE HORTON
We came up with this list by listening to expert presentations at the Vintage Trailer Supply’s Grand Opening in Santa Fe, New Mexico this past September. Jim Polk, of Polk Associates LLC, noted that the value of all vintage trailers, no matter the brand or body style, will continue to rise rapidly. That’s excellent news for every trailerist. A panel of experts was on hand to predict buying trends in 2020. It included Denny Stone of Southern California Vintage Trailer Design, Tim Heintz of Heintz Designs, and Steve Hingtgen of Vintage Trailer Supply. They identified hot models, body styles, and new uses for vintage trailers. What follows is an illustrated version of the insights we gained while attending Vintage Trailer Supply’s Grand Opening. 30
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LONG, LONG TRAILERS
- TIM HEINTZ On the opposite end of the scale – larger, longer trailers are being bought and placed in backyards for B&Bs, guest bedrooms, and offices.
1951 Royal Spartanette JEFF TELLESFSEN
in 2020 SQUARE IS HIP - STEVE HINGTGEN Boxy is back and ready to roll. The late 1970s through early 1980s models are showing up as renovation projects and at rallies.
V I N TA G E T R A I L E R
Field I D E N T I F I C AT I O N
HOLIDAY EDITION We’ve stretched our punny bones this edition to give you our seasonally-inspired collection of vintage trailer identification tips.
Terry Christmas
12-foot Terry Rambler’s compact aluminum body is technically a “canned ham” style, but this time of year it starts looking more like a silver ball ornament.
1954 Terry Rambler
Holly Jolly 1975 Terry CHARLES AND ALLISON RAMSELL
UPCYCLED TRAILERS
- DENNY STONE Vintage trailers are parked in shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants. They are being re-purposed as food carts, art galleries, offices and retail shops.
Named for the town they were manufactured in, the forward leaning skew of a Holly makes them easily recognizeable. “Oh by golly, that’s a Holly!”
1955 Holly
On Comet!
The rounded aluminum shape of 1950’s-era Comets are a quintessential example of the ‘canned ham’ trailer style. And what goes better with the holidays than a nice ham?
1956 Comet
Happy Holiday
Harry & David of Medford, Oregon are famous for their mail-order fruit baskets and gifts. But during the off-seasons of 1960-62 the idle workers made their greatest gift: the 1960 Holiday House Holiday House travel trailer. 1968 Aladdin JENNIFER FAUST, ALADDIN ALTERATIONS AND DESIGN
TRUCK CAMPERS ARE TOPS
- TIM HEINTZ Vintage truck campers, first cousins to vintage trailers, can be found in dark barns, garages, and even the RV/MH Hall of Fame.
Jingle Bell
Bells were manufactured in the 1960’s and 70’s out of Kalispell, Montana. With their boxy shape and ribbon stripe they’d look as much at home under the Christmas tree as on the road.
1973 Bell
HOLIDAY MUGS & CARDS The above vintage trailers are featured on holiday mugs and cards on our website. Hundreds of other vintage trailers are available on mugs too.
Late 1960s Caveman Truck Camper ANONYMOUS
vintagetrailerfieldguide.com
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The Holiday Edition Retro Roadmapping is a yearround adventure, but when there are only one or two pages left on the calendar, the vintage places we go usually center around the upcoming holiday season. Aunt Charlottes Candies Merchantville New Jersey
From decades-long family traditions, to favorite treats only available at this time of year, these retrorecommended destinations will not only delight the kiddies but have the older set reminiscing about the holidays of yester-year as well.
Christmas Story House Leg Lamp Christmas Story House Lifebuoy Soap
A Christmas Story House Cleveland, OH
Aunt Charlotte’s Candies Merchantville, NJ
Who knew that the house where the 1980s movie A Christmas Story was filmed is not only a real-life location, but one you can visit, and even stay in? The small Victorian house that was used for exterior shots of the Parker family house is located in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland Ohio, and has been reconstructed to look just like it did in the film. A fun place to take a tour and explore the rooms during the day, the house is also available for overnight stays in Ralphie and Randy’s beds (bunny outfit optional.) Care for a Major Award of your own? You can get leg lamps of every size at the adjacent gift shop - but watch out - it’s fragi-lay! https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com
If all of this traveling has you hankering for a seasonal sweet treat, nothing evokes that old fashioned holiday spirit than candy canes - and even better, handmade ones from Aunt Charlotte’s Candies. Family owned and operated for almost 100 years, this adorable shop is filled with all sorts of chocolates, nougats, fudge and gifts. However it is their candy canes that are a local and international favorite! Pulled and twisted by hand in the candy kitchen on the second floor of the historic downtown Merchantville shop, the candy canes come in a variety of sizes, all with that old-fashioned look and minty taste. And don’t worry if you’re not local they ship! http://auntcharlottescandy.com
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The oldest theme park in the USA? Opened in 1949
photos courtesy of North Pole, NY
Santa’s Workshop North Pole, NY
The Holiday Light Show and Wanamaker Organ at Macy’s - Philadelphia, PA
Located in the High Peaks Region of New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Santa’s Workshop is thought to be the country’s oldest theme park. Opened in 1949, this quaint village is open July through December and is most delightful in the days leading up to Christmas. A visit to Santa’s Workshop is an annual holiday tradition for many families who have the opportunity to meet Santa himself, feed the reindeer, ride the kiddie rides, see live shows and pose next to the famous frozen North Pole. The entire family can even trim the trees and sing carols, creating memories that will last a lifetime. https://www.northpoleny.com
For the more urban Retro Roadmapper, one does not have to go far in Philadelphia to catch the holiday spirit in music and light. In fact right in the middle of town, in the area locally know as Center City, a tradition has been going on for decades in the building that once housed the famous Wanamaker Department Store. Located in the middle of what now is Macy’s, the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ is the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world, and is an integral part of the holiday light show that began here in 1956. Folks of all ages will delight in over 100,000 synchronized and animated lights and the powerful music from the organ that floods the store during the shows. https://www.wanamakerorgan.com/xmas.php www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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YOUR SOURCE FOR
ALUMINUM ww w.a 800 irparts -800 .c -322 om 9
SIDING - RIVETS - CLECOS - TOOLS
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om
Heintz Designs Vintage Trailers Restorations Tim Heintz www.HeintzDesigns.com HeintzDesigns@aol.com (850) 481-8339
3014 Lisenby Ave Suite-12 Panama City, FL 32405
Full Service Vintage Trailer Restorations Glenn & Terri Specking (406) 599-6963
Only the best is good enough!
www.gtservicesvintagetrailers.com Restore∙Repair∙Modernize∙Maintenance∙Service www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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1972 Chinook Camper and 1967 F250
Photos by From Alejandro Nass Info courtesy of www.tincantourists.com First produced in 1938 by Sy and Rose Mair in Orange County, California, Chinook was among the oldest U.S. brand names in the RV industry. Over the next thirty years, the family-run business of Mair & Son, Inc. would relocate to Union Gap, Washington where they would build small travel trailers, pickup campers and chassis mounts that went on a one-ton cab chassis. It was during the early 1950s and 60s that the first mass-produced motor-homes started appearing on the road, with some of the early models looking like a cross between a slide-in camper and a motor-home. These Class C motor-homes were actually constructed on a truck chassis. Fabricators ordered trucks without the traditional bed and added their own creation, a practice that is essentially still done today. Despite a devastating fire that all but destroyed their Union Gap facility on June 19, 1967, the company managed to rise from the ashes via the introduction of the Chinook 1400 chassis mount, cab over Class C motor-home followed by the Chinook 2200 and 2500 Vista/Brougham, the company’s first and only fully self-contained Class A motor-homes. 36
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COPPER CABANA Owned by Arlen Rogers
Arlen Rogers from Lewiston, ID purchased his 1956 Airfloat in South Prairie, WA. While the Airfloat was being transported to his home, the whole front end fell apart. Arlen began the restoration process in April of 2018. As a professional contractor and high-end finish carpenter, Arlan was able to do all the restoration on the trailer. He shared that it took him one and a half years of working 5 days a week to complete this restoration.
Restore / Design & Build / Repair
619.795.0248
s o c a l v i n t a g e t ra i l e r. c o m photo by kenyon.co
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One of the most difficult aspects of this build, was recreating the corner frame work and radius for the tire wells.  It took 9 layers of 1/4 inch plywood for each corner to make the curves. Each layer had to be glued, pined and clamped. taking approximately 8 hours per corner. The wheel well curves were so tight the wood had to be wet and steamed in order for it to bend and not break. Seven gallons of paint stripper and lots of elbow grease were required to salvage the cabinets. Arlan’s son owns a cabinet shop and helped his dad by spraying the finish on the cabinets and interior panels. He did opt to pay someone to polish the Airfloat and install a new axel. Continued on page 42
Vintage Trailer Rentals tinker tin.com | @tinker tinco
Harps RV Service (916) 434-9151 Vintage RV Restorations Electrical/Propane Repair Appliance Repair Insurance Work Used Parts Store
183 Flocchini Circle, Lincoln, CA www.harpsrv.com
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Continued from page 9 floor plan exactly the same. I built all the cabinets to the same basic measurements as the original ones, but upgraded to solid wood with an amber shellac finish instead of paint. All of the lighting is 12 volt LED with the exception of the Sputnik chandelier, which is 110. I built all the valence lighting using marine grade fixtures with internal on/off switches. The curved wall for the bath is ribbed stainless steel that I had originally purchased for a car I was building and decided it would look better in the trailer. The original appliances were the standard brown stove, fridge, and sink. I sent the stove and sink out for new porcelain in a soft pink. I found a really cool 50’s apartment fridge from a not so reputable vintage dealer. It works great; however, he hid all the rust on the door with a cheap paint job. I wasn’t planning on rebuilding the door. After necessary repairs, I painted it to match the sink and stove. One of the prettiest elements of our trailer is the tulip glass we used for the bathroom door and the upper kitchen cabinets. We are always poking around in antique stores for interesting period items to implement into our builds. We have learned that if you don’t see it, ask. One of our favorite haunts had this tulip glass tucked away in the back. Had I not asked, it would still be hidden in a back room. The original aluminum siding was in poor shape so I opted for new polished aluminum siding. I painted the lower portion of the trailer in the same soft pink as the appliances, mimicking the iconic curve around the wheel wells. Ten months after Grace convinced us to build her a pink trailer, Cotton Candy made her debut participating in the Hot August Nights Vintage Trailer Revival in Reno, Nevada (Below). We won Best Combo with Cotton Candy and our 1959 Rambler Cross Country Wagon as her companion tow vehicle. She resides in our back yard for home camp outs and afternoon tea parties for now. We will be camping and creating many first time memories with Grace’s Cotton Candy for generations to come.
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VINTAGE TRAILERS - AUTOMOTIVE - AIRCRAFT
FOR ALL YOUR APPRAISAL NEEDS
www.PolkAssociates-LLC.com Jim and Lynda Polk 805.646.7293 or 310.502.5967 JamesPolk@PolkValuations.com
CERTIFIED - COMPREHENSIVE - ACCEPTED
RALLY TIL YOU DROP! A book about rallies, the history of clubs and outings and ideas to help you host a rally in your area.
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Lynn in Iowa
Continued from page 39
A Do-It-Yourself Glamper
The Copper Cabana is completely self-contained and uses modern appliances. After trying to install real copper in the ceiling of the Airfloat, Arlan found that it would not bend to the ceiling curve and opted for a more modern PVC tile that resembled copper.
I
always wanted to get a camper to take glamping. I like everything about it. I found this 1973 Shasta camper 20 miles from me that I got for $400. We got her home and started to gut her, she had damage on her back end and loads of water damage down the walls and around the sun-room due to a leaking seal around the sun roof. We've been working on it for nearly 3 years and finally - last weekend finished her so that she (Shirley) was roadworthy. My inspiration tarted from the door that I have hanging in the camper. I got that door at a flea market for $30. At the time I didn't have a camper and I had no need for a door but I just thought it was cute. I love vintage things and I love primitive things. I tried to marry both concepts in the decor.
I hand stained every wooden board on the walls, and whitewashed. I distressed every corner in the kitchen and transformed an old tired looking camper kitchen into a beautiful buffet style kitchen cabinet. The couch slides out to sleep a cozy 2 people or for me some weekends - 1 w/ 2 basset hounds. I have only taken her out one weekend so far, I went with a couple of friends who also have vintage
After a long restoration, Arlan was able to take his Airfloat to a few trailer rallies this past fall. He was greeted with many accolades and enthusiastic spectators.
campers. I am SO anxious for this journey! I am continuing to be working on Shirley, I am going to add a small table to go between the small benches and I have since hung a ladder above the seating draped with Edison lights.
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Name _______________________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________________________State ______________ Zip ____________________ Email________________________________________________________________________________________ Start the subscription with ___ current issue ___next issue Phone (____________)_________________________ ___ Gift ___ New Subscriber ___ Re-newing $32.00 annually ($62 for two years) in the USA. Subscriptions outside of the USA must be done on-line. Mail this form with a check to: PO Box 354 Elverta, CA 95626. 42
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USA Rally Calendar We do our best to confirm all events before press but plans may change. Sometimes rallies have an open house on Saturday for the public to view the trailers. Call to confirm the rally is open to the public if it is not stated. Listing your rally on this calendar is FREE, just let us know in advance. Let other rally hosts know your dates so their dates don't conflict with yours. We offer cheap display ad rates for rallies if you want your event to stand out. Visit the "Rallies" page at www.VintageCamperTrailers.com
November 1-3, 2019 Jackson, CA Rancheria Rally. 11407 Dalton Road, 4th annual Located at the beautiful Jackson Rancheria RV Park. Join us for a fun weekend with friends who love the vintage lifestyle. A great 'end of year' rally. No Open House. Greg and Wendy Burns rancheriarally@yahoo.com 209-605-1305. November 23, 2019 La Verne. CA LA VERNE HOLIDAY CAR & TRAILER SHOW. 3rd & D Streets, La Verne, CA 91750. The La Verne Holiday Car Show is one of the oldest car shows in Southern California. The event benefits the California Highway Patrol's CHiPs for Kids toy drive. This year we are featuring Vintage Trailers in the middle of the show. No charge for trailers to enter. Fill out an entry form at www. CruisinLaVerne.com Craig Hoelzel Craig@ FlyingDeuces.com (714) 671-5833 January 30 – February 2, 2020 Lake Havasu City, AZ Lake Havasu State Park, 699 London Bridge Road, (Windsor beach-over flow lot). Beautiful Setting On The Beach! Come Join The Fun!! First Timers Are Always Welcomed! No Dues, No Meetings. All Vintage Trailers
are welcomed. Cherri and Mike, (928) 5052730, or e-mail anytime jra@cnw.com February 14-15, 2020 San Dimas, CA Sweetheart Vintage Trailer Rally at Bonelli Bluffs. See ad on page 44. February 21 - 23, 2020 Palm Springs, CA Modernism Week Vintage Trailer Show. Open to the public, (Admission Fee) Saturday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Sunday from 10:00am - 3:00pm Convention Center - East Parking Lot. 277 N Avenida Caballeros Palm Springs CA 92262. www. modernismweek.com March 5-8, 2020 Hollister, CA 5th Annual VCT Boot Camp. VCT Boot Camp is for the restorer of vintage camper trailers. Beginners are welcome! It is a combination of intensive classroom learning and demonstrations. VCT Boot Camp is an opportunity to meet with industry pro’s, many that make their living in the hobby and are willing to share their expertise with you. Get in on all the action, camaraderie and enjoyable learning experience centered around the vintage camper trailer hobby.
You will have an opportunity to work closely with the experts as they answer all your questions and provide step-by-step instruction on trailer restorations. You will be a part of a network of fellow restorers! Not experienced? No need to be, this event is for both novice and experienced restorers. We provide a comfortable environment to pick up the skills you will need to begin, complete, or restore your enthusiasm for your project. This years Presenters: • Justin Scribner, Flyte Camp • Steve Hingtgen, Vintage Trailer Supply • Denny Stone, So-Cal Vintage Trailer • Adam Blair, Avalon RV • Jim Polk, Polk and Associates • Scott Campbell, Retroluxe Trailers • Josh Hicks, Tin Can Handy Man • Gary Warner, Vintage Trailer Rescue • Tim Brown, TB Trailer Restorations • Jimmy Evans, Jimmy Did It • John Palmer, Retired • Skot Randall, Man of Mystery • Ryan Guetersloh, Jack of all Trades • Dawn Farrier, The Creation Station This event sells out every year. Reserve your space today. www.vctbootcamp.com.
0 2 0 2 , 8 5 h c
Mar
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friendly and open to all camper rigs regardless of make, model, or year. SWTCT has reserved a private campground for the weekend with 70 sites available. All spots are back in with water and electric and all but a few have sewer. The campground is minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, fabulous 4WD trails, a ghost town, and short jaunts to Palm Springs and other attractions. A Thursday Meet and Greet with a Take Your Vintage Love with You and Meet Others who movie, a catered Share the Same Vintage Trailer Love dinner Friday, a (This is a No Host Event) potluck Saturday, and Sunday SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH: (MORNING): (EVENING): S'MORES & CAMPFIRE morning coffee COFFEE & DONUTSÂ OUTDOOR MOVIE & and donuts will be POPCORN offered inside the BONELLI BLUFFS RV RESORT & CAMPGROUND large dining hall. A 1440 CAMPER VIEW ROAD | SAN DIMAS, CA (909) 599.8355 Saturday morning WWW.BONELLIBLUFFSRV.COM a private swap meet, craft sale, March 26-29, 2020 and trailer tours will be from 8-1. Saturday Joshua Tree, CA night awards will be presented for best Blast from the Past. This year our theme is large/tiny decorated trailer and best male/ a retro Tiki Party, so dig out that Hawaiian female tropical attire for outfits worn to the shirt, grab a few leis, and pick up some Tiki luau themed potluck dinner. The event fee glasses or mugs. You do not need to be a is $10 and T shirts cost $15 each. The rally TCT member and all SWTCT events are pet
SWEETHEART VINTAGE TRAILER GATHERING
FEBRUARY 14TH-15TH 2020
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fee is $120 for 3 nights camping and one catered meal ticket. Extra meal tickets are $15 each and extra nights camping are $35, the cheapest in the Molina Basin. A detailed event newsletter and registration forms are available by contacting Gail Leggett at ggleggett@hotmail.com March 27-28, 2020 San Diego, CA Pismo South-Campland on the Bay7th annual trailer rally. $134.00 for the 2 nights, tax included. Very laid back rally in lazy San Diego, right in the Bay. Email me at cathygeary@verizon.net (Cathy) for registration form. April 10-12, 2020 Browns Valley, CA Easter on the River 5390 State Hwy 20, Browns Valley 95918. The lovely green and shaded campground has only 75 campsites. $30/night & $8 reg fee. Amenities include water, power, fire pits, BBQ’s, flush toilets, hot showers, free dump station and no pet fees. Arrive Friday (or earlier) and enjoy meeting fellow campers around a campfire. No open house, just a potluck Saturday night and a great photo op at the pet parade Easter Sunday morning. Email me early so we can fill the whole park and for all the info and registration details. barajas.shirley@gmail.com 408-605-3970. No Open House. Shirley Barajas. April 16-19, 2020 San Dimas, CA Cajun Campin. Trailerfest is coming to Southern California! Over 200 sites available at Bonelli Bluffs, 1440 Camper View Rd. Fabulous views and a lake with fishing. Live
ARE YOU HOSTING A RALLY ? SHARE YOUR DATE WITH EVERYONE - IT'S FREE IN THE VCT MAGAZINE
Cajun music by fiddle playing legend Doug Kershaw! Craw fish boil potluck, open house 10 am to 2 pm. Trailerfest events sell out. Get registered today at www.trailerfestrally.com. Open House Saturday is free and open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm. Classic cars may drive in to the open house Saturday morning between 9 am and 9:45, park with the trailers and stay until 2pm (Free coffee and donuts). Hosted by Paul and Caroline Lacitinola. 916-572-8554 April 17-19, 2020 Tulare, CA California Antique Farm Equipment Show® 4500 s Laspina St., Please join us as we welcome vintage trailers in 2020. A 3-day weekend show featuring all things old including antique tractors and equipment, a swap meet, antique boutiques, vintage tractor pulls, kids activities, food trucks and more. Only 16 spaces are available for vintage trailers this first year with space to grow in the future. Dry camp only with showers and restrooms available. To be part of the show, or for more information, please call (559) 688-1030 or email antique@ farmshow.Org. April 24-26, 2020 Bull Shoals, AR 4th Annual - Best Dam Vintage Trailer Rally at Bull Shoals Dam Site Campground. Bring your kayak: paddle the White River below Bull Shoals Dam or above the dam,
paddle out for quiet time on Bull Shoals Lake. There’s also hiking, the Gaston Visitor Center, Bull Shoals-White River State Park, mtn. bike trails and local flea markets. Saturday Open House 12-2 and light snacks at the Saturday campfire, otherwise it’s all up to you. 33 campsites w water/elec. 2 with sewer, 30 or 50 amp electric, back-in and drive-through campsites. Plenty of shade (The dogwoods should be in bloom!). Wi Fi and firewood available. No rally fee, campground $25 - $30 per night. Call the campground directly to reserve a spot. Mention TCT for 10% discount. 870-405-9619. A TCT event. GPS Target: 1616 Bull Shoals Dam Site Blvd. Bull Shoals, AR 72619.
May 29-31, 2020 Hot Springs, AR Hot Springs Vintage Camper Rally. Hot Springs National Park KOA, 838 McClendon Road, Hot Springs, Ar 71901. Come out to the 2nd annual Hot Springs Vintage Trailer Rally in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This laid back event will include an open house, swap meet, and a late nite outdoor movie. Come early or stay longer and tour the beautiful city of Hot Springs, Arkansas. There is no rally fee for this event. Contact Hot Springs National Park KOA for reservations. Open house from 1:00pm to 4:pm on Saturday. Danny Bakerdanbak123@gmail.com 501207-1020
May 8-10, 2020 Folsom, CA Oasis West 2020. Off Auburn-Folsom Road, south of Douglas Blvd. Join us for the 5th annual Oasis West Vintage Trailer MicroRally. This intimate rally features 17 sites with full hook-ups, Friday night cocktails, Saturday morning hike, Private Trailer viewings, a Saturday night potluck / Vintage game night and a Sunday Pancake fest. Reservations start in November 2019. Email ChristianSalmon@comcast.net for details. NO Open House. Christian salmon christiansalmon@comcast.Net 916-7151258
June 4-7, 2020 LaPine, OR June Bloom. 16525 Burgess Road LaPine Or. 97739. Semi dry camping, We will show our rigs on the 6th. There will be pot lucks Thurs, Fri., BBQ on Sat. Park is right on the Little Deshcutes River. Check out the FB page, Vintage trailer rallies and events, or email Sue at hishotrodgal@ gmail.com for more info. Cost $40.00 for the entire weekend. Open House: Saturday June 6th. Randy & Sue Rhoades, hishotrodgal@ gmail.com (541) 771-0010.
May 14-17, 2020 Pismo Beach, CA
Trailerfest
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June 11-14, 2020 Hollister, CA Cow girls and cow pokes dust off your 10 gallon hat and head for the Casa De Fruta campground. We have even more sites than last year and can boon-dock new trailers or you may tent camp if you do not have a vintage trailer! Everyone is welcome! Over 200 vintage trailers, RV's, vans and buses! Bring your pre-1980 camping rig and join us for the weekend. The Only Cash Tribute Band performs live Saturday Night! Pancake and sausage breakfast included. Black kettle potluck and more. Open House Saturday is free and open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm. Classic cars may drive in to the open house Saturday morning between 9 am and 9:45, park with the trailers and stay until 2pm (Free coffee and donuts). Get signed up, you know this will be a sellout shindig! (See the ad on previous page) www. trailerfestrally.com. Hosted by Paul and Caroline Lacitinola. 916-572-8554 June 11-14 2020 Olema, CA Olema by the sea.10155 CA-1, Olema, Ca 94950. Come and enjoy your weekend filled with food, laughter, prizes, and friendship. Come and enjoy this quiet little town that has alot ot offer like vintage shopping, seafood, beaches, hiking, bicycling, site seeing etc. Spots are filling up fast. Give us a call. NO open to the public open house. Robin Gutierres. Email Kristinagutierres@ sbcglobal.net (510) 604-3117 or (510) 5371537
Trailerfest
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June 25-28, 2020 Geneseo, Il Western Illinois Vintage Trailer Rally. 22978 Illinois Highway 82. Come join us along the Hennepin Canal in Geneseo, Illinois for a relaxed vintage trailer rally. For more information please ask to join the Western Illinois Vintage Trailer Rally Facebook group. Open House, June 27th, Noon to 3 pm. Kevin Isaacson austinoaks22@gmail.com 309 235-4448.
July 2-5, 2020 Brooks, OR All-American Vintage Trailer Rally. 3995 Brooklake Rd NE. Located right off I-5 at Powerland Heritage Park with on-site museums for cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, trains and trolleys. Ride the trains and ride an antique trolley right through our camp area. Electric, water, restrooms, showers and food vendors. No reservations required, just roll in and join the fun. All the info is at www.all-american-rally.com Open House: July 2-4 from 9am to 3pm. Bob & Jacyn Gallagher usn@comcast.net 503-999-6626
July 15-19, 2020 Brownsville, OR Officially the rally starts on the 16th. People can come on Wednesday the 15th cost is $35.00 per night 2 night minimum. We will start registration after January 2020. Follow us on Facebook Rally On The River. Registration is a first come first serve. We will limit our total trailers to 120 from 138 last year. This is a kids and grandkids type of rally so bring them. Yes you can setup a tent behind your trailer. Dogs are welcome too! Power, bathrooms and showers all included. See you there! Any questions please send me a text message at 541-206-3572 or email me at orenterprises@hotmail.com July 16-19, 2020 Elkhart, IN Silver Avion Fellowship (SAF). 25608 Co Rd 4, Elkhart, IN 46514. All Avions and Cayos manufactured from the mid-1950's through 1990's are welcome to participate in the Silver Avion Fellowship (SAF) Summer Gathering. All stages and types of restoration are welcome. Children and pets are welcome. The rally fee is $25 pp. The rally fee does include evening snacks, meals
and continental breakfast. Your camping fee will be paid directly to Elkhart Campground (upon arrival) at a reduced rate of $38 per night for two persons (Full hookups). The rally is very informal with few activities planned so you have time to explore Elkhart and surrounding area including the RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum. Early arrivals and late departures are welcome. No public open house. Terry Prentkowski. Keyholeren@aol. com (317) 258-8671. July 31-August 2, 2020 Livingston, MT Join us (and 500 pickers) for the eighth annual Fiddlers Picnic Vintage Trailer Rally. A Tin Can Tourist rally open to all. It’s on the grounds of the Old Mercier Ranch on Stong Lane on the south side of Livingston, Montana. $25 contribution, with all proceeds going to the Picnic. Event decal, pancake breakfast and the meat portion of a potluck. Dry camping though! Contact: dalsmilie@ aol.com August 14-15, 2020 Lakeport, CA Lakeside Car, Boat, Bike & RV Show to benefit Operation Tango Mike. There will be a nice display of vintage RVs in Willow Point Campground along with hundreds of collector cars, military vehicles and show bikes. Plus high-performance boats will do high-speed passes on Clear Lake. Friday night concert plus pot luck and music, vendors and food trucks and locallybrewed beer all day Saturday. Camping reservations must be made with Willow Point campground at (707) 262-5896. Many trophies in all categories and those wishing to be eligible for multiple RV-specific trophies can register for judging on the show website. For more information visit www. curbside.tv/lakeboatshow All proceeds from this show to benefit Operation Tango Mike which sends care packages to in-service
military personnel.For more information you can also call me - Al Fox at 707-321-0811 September 10-12, 2020 Branson MO Branson KOA Annual Vintage Rally. 397 Animal Safari Rd. All rigs 1976 and older receive special pricing for this event. Vintage camper enthusiast come together for a meet n greet, swap meet, trailer tour and potluck with a sock hop. Open House Saturday, 09/12/20 noon - 3 pm. Angie Dickerson angie@bransonkoa.com 417-334-4414. September 8-14, 2020 Lynden, WA Mt. Baker Vintage Trailer Rally. 775 Front Street Lynden, WA. 98264. 20th Annual Mt. Baker Vintage Trailer Rally. Washington State's Largest Annual Vintage Trailer Rally at the NW Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden, WA. This is field camping with no assigned spots. You pay and register upon arrival. Showers, restrooms, rv dump station are on site. Power and water is available for most everyone with extension cords and water splitters. $30 per night plus a one time rally fee of $15. (Add 3% for credit card payments). All are welcome to attend. Details can be found here: https://www. downrivertrailers. com/mt-baker-vintage-trailer-rally. html. Open House: Saturday, 12-4pm. Rene Ralston DownRiver11@yahoo.com (360) 431-7311.
at the Nugget RV Resort is the newest vintage Rally in Montana. It drew over 45 vintage trailers from all over the Northwest in 2019. Mid-September is a perfect time for a rally in Western Montana. (406) 649-2122 September 24-27, 2020 Plymouth, CA Trailerfest! The Golden Age of Hollywood! The band Decades is back by popular demand! Walk the red carpet and try to dodge the paparazzi at our gala event. Join in Walt Disney inspired Magic Kingdom pajama parade Saturday morning. Over 250 vintage trailers, RV's, vans and buses! Bring your pre-1980 camping rig and join us for the weekend. Pancake breakfast included. Open House Saturday is free and open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm. Classic cars may drive in to the open house Saturday morning between 9 am and 9:45, park with the trailers and stay until 2 pm (Free coffee & donuts). www.trailerfestrally.com. Hosted by Paul & Caroline Lacitinola. (916) 572-8554 Send us your rally info. Visit the "RALLIES" page at www.vintageCamperTrailers.com This list can not be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from VCT Magazine.
September 18-20, 2020 St. Regis, MT The Camp Runamuck Vintage Trailer Rally
THE 68th ANNUAL
Auto Club Speedway Fontana, CA. OCTOBER 2-11, 2020
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