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Vintage Travel Trailers
Vintage trailers have a romance and appeal not found in today’s recreational vehicles. A number of collectors and camping enthusiasts alike have begun to rediscover the classic camper designs of the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s and have chosen them over the more conventional trailers. Whether a person is buying one, considering one, or in the restoration process, there are a number of things that they should know about vintage travel trailers before deciding if they are the best fit for their lifestyle.
Brands of Vintage Travel Trailers
There are a variety of companies that produced travel trailers that are now considered vintage, one of the most popular of which is Airstream. The first Airstream trailers were developed in the 1930s during the Great Depression by Wally Byam, but over the next 20 years their style was refined and they gained a reputation for traveling well on the road. Their torpedo shape and aluminum body offered a variety of benefits that caused them to increase in popularity over the years. A number of different designs and models have been created over the years, ranging from the tiny 15’ Crusette and 14’ Bambi to the giant 30’ Sovereign and 31’ Excella 500.
Several other varieties of vintage travel trailers also exist. Avion campers were first produced in 1955 and stayed in production until the mid 1990s. Others include Alma, Cayo, Fan, Prairie Schooner, Silver Streak, Spartan, and Yellowstone.
Reasons to Buy a Vintage Trailer
Vintage trailers, like the Airstream, have a variety of benefits that make them a good buy. First, due to the low center of gravity and independent torsion axle of the Airstream, the driver has greater control while traveling. The aerodynamics of an Airstream trailer also offers better fuel economy by up to 20% compared to pulling a conventional trailer. The longevity of these vintage travel trailers also beats that of other trailers, as Airstreams can easily last for up to 40 years, smashing the typical life span of 15 years seen with conventional trailers.
Where to Buy
There are a variety of places to find available vintage travel trailers to buy, the most of convenient of which can be found online. Drayton Taylor (www.tincantourists.com) offers a variety of listings, including a 1957 Shasta Restored, 1963 Airstream Globetrotter, and a 1957 Corvette Restored Vintage Trailer. Vintage Trailer Supply (http://www.azcraig.us/Trailers_For_Sale.html) specializes in trailers made in 1950 and earlier, and they sell models like the 1940's Spartan Mansion and the Alma Coach. Vintage Campers (www.vintagecampers.com) also sells a variety of makes and models, some of which include the 1950 Prairie Schooner, 1966 Avion T-27', and 1958 Shipp-Ette 29' CK. Prices range from as low as $1,750.00 to as high as $9,950.00.
What to Look For
When searching for a vintage travel trailer, there are a variety of factors to consider, especially because some of the older models may require repairs or restoration. A potential buyer should consider:
· What items can be repaired and what needs to be replaced entirely?
· What parts work and what don’t?
· What is the cost of the repairs or restoration?
When considering the potential repairs that could be needed, potential buyers should also determine whether they will be able to make the changes themselves or seek the help of a more experienced professional. Hiring someone will require an additional cost for labor, so that is important to remember when producing a budget and timeline.
Restoration
Restoration of a vintage travel trailer, which means returning it to its original or like-new condition, can be a costly experience. Airstream estimates that restoring a vintage trailer that is in relatively good shape can cost the owner in the neighborhood of $6,000. To contract the work out, the owner may be charged in excess of $25,000, so it is helpful for the owner to have automobile experience in order to avoid this cost.
Breaking the restoration up into smaller projects will make the task seem less daunting and more manageable. Additionally, the financial burden will be such a shock as it will be spread out over a longer period of time. By completing these projects during the off season, the trailers will still be functional and ready to use during the summer or warmer months.
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