Information on Vintage Travel Trailers

History

The travel trailer has been around as long as the automobile. When the automobile gave families mobility, camping began the new American pastime. By 1914, automobiles hauling camping outfits were not an uncommon sight. In 1916, the Shattuck tent trailers were the first mass produced trailer developed by William Shattuck. Other early versions included the 1930 Travelers Dream, which was manufactured by the Iowa Wrecking Co. from spare car parts and sold for $495, according to Popup Camper.

Postwar Era

A building boom in the travel trailer occurred in the years immediately following World War II when housing for returning U.S. servicemen was at a premium. The Los Angeles-based Shasta expanded its operation of building temporary quarters for families to travel trailers. The company specialized in 12- to 16-foot trailers. These trailers at the front featured a small dining table and twin seats in which the table could be dropped to seat level to serve as a double bed. A canvas bed was stretched above to serve in a bunk bed configuration. A larger bed was at the rear of the trailer. A small sink and storage were located in the mid-section. Few of these small trailers featured toilets. Production of the Shasta ended in 2004.

Airstreams

Airstreams are probably the most popular and recognizable vintage travel trailer still on the road in 2010. Created by Wally Byam, the Airstream debuted in 1934 and was named the Airstream because it took to the open road like a “a stream of air.” Two years later the Airstream Clipper was unveiled. It featured the now-legendary monocoque aluminum body that was riveted similar to an aircraft fuselage. The travel trailer could sleep four with the steel-frame dinette area converting to a bed. It also featured an enclosed galley, electrical lighting and a water tank. A dry ice system was employed for air conditioning.

Refurbishment

Restoring a vintage travel trailer is performed in much the same way as a vintage automobile. But refurnishing an old trailer may even start with less of the original components as long as the frame and enough photographic documentation and specifications are available to flesh out the project. Many professional restorers have access to NOS (New Old Stock) and reproduction parts, hardware, lighting, the proper woods, upholstery fabric, aluminum trim and linoleum flooring to restore a vintage travel trailer to its original look and specifications.

Amenities

Most buyers of restored vintage travel trailers prefer the trailer be equipped with contemporary amenities. Professional vintage trailer restorers can add 21st-century technology without compromising the vintage look of the unit. For example, a television, DVD player and even a computer hutch can be well hidden behind vintage cabinets.

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