MomResponds.com: Ask Questions, Get Answers

Luise Addresses Your Interests With Wisdom and Love

Vintage Travel Trailers and Vintage Campers

Category: Senior RV Camping & Camping Clubs

Question: Dear Luise: I have some interest in vintage travel trailers and vintage campers. I know that many ancient RVs all but disintegrate with time but I would kind of like to fix one up and create something special for myself. Have you ever done this or is it pure folly? Regards, Gretel

Answer: Dear Gretel: You are a lady after my own heart. Yes, I have done it and yes, it can be folly. You have to be very, very careful what you start out with, and just as clear about your goals. Old does not necessarily mean vintage. To me, vintage means redeemable, cherished, and maybe unique. Others may not agree but that’s my take.

I have had both successes and failures. The word folly applies to my efforts to resurrect a 1972, Chinook Camper that looked wonderful to me. However, I didn’t go far enough. Up in the overhead, there was dry-rot under the bed and I didn’t remove the mattress and check that out before I bought it. Big mistake. I sold it for a third of what I paid for it because I told prospective buyers about the problem…a hard lesson.

On to happier days. My beloved 1971, Argosy Travel Trailer, made by Airstream, is definitely a win. It was built to last, constructed like an airplane. The original inside finish is still lovely…both the metal walls and the real wood paneling. I have put a ridiculous amount of money into it and I don’t care! It’s still completely road-worthy even though I don’t pull it. I use it as my own personal retreat at the Port Susan Camping Club not far from my home.

Picture glider rockers with footstools, an electric fireplace, braided rugs and curtains trimmed with crewel embroidery. Can you visualize that? A “grandmother’s cottage”! I have a hand made tapestry on the wall, an old fashioned tea kettle on top of the fireplace, coffee mugs hanging from a wrought iron rack and a cuckoo clock that does it’s cheery, (even if totally ridiculous), thing every hour on the hour. I just love it!

So, I would suggest that in pursuing your interest in vintage travel trailers and vintage campers that you look very closely at your budget and your goals. Then find someone you can trust to look at the structure…(like I should have.) Blessings, Luise

Related Posts:

49 Comments »

613

Comment by Lou Bishop

May 29, 2006 @ 11:46 am

I recently purchased a “FAN” Luxury Liner and am looking for some additional information about this brand. Can you help?

614

Comment by Luise

May 29, 2006 @ 4:55 pm

Hi Lou, I found the following information at the website listed below. I hope you get in touch with them. It sounds like you have found something pretty special, if it’s in the RV and Motorhome Hall of Fame!
Blessings, Luise
1967 FAN LUXURY LINER
Gift of Lester Sautbine, Portland IN. Early example of MOR/ryde suspension. Restoration by Coachmen Industries and the family of Hall of Fame member Franklin A. Newcomer, founder of FAN Coach

http://www.rv-mh-hall-of-fame.org/museum3.html

618

Comment by Suzan Morrison

May 31, 2006 @ 4:39 pm

Hi,
We just bought a 12′ Fleetwing travel trailer and are looking for any information on the brand and manufacturer. We bought this from an elderly gentleman who was not sure of the year of manufacture and the title and VIN were missing. We believe it was around the mid 1980s.

620

Comment by Luise

June 6, 2006 @ 4:40 pm

Hi Suzan,
The only information I have on Fleetwing is that they were still being made in 1988. They are now considered “orphan” travel trailers because they are no longer in production. I found a 1988 Fleetling “Eagle” for sale for $3,200. in Ohio. Blessings, Luise

636

Comment by Larson

June 30, 2006 @ 7:01 pm

Hello, I own a very rare (possibly orphan)1955 travel trailer,it says by the front door Viking MFG co Anahiem Ca, yet this is the only trace of evidence of this company, inside the toilet it says 1955, yet their is no stamp on the tow or back of the unit , only by the front door, this company is apparently out of business, when I check for it on the web, it is some magic show company! There is also another Viking which is not the same Viking, they make pop up campers, Who were Viking? where are they now? it is a very well made trailer, i wonder why they did not last? So how do I find this place if they still exist and if not, more importantly how can I find out if this is the “only one” that was ever made, or some pictures of this unit when it was new, or maybe somone else who owned one nof these? Cars have VIN # numbers, for details about a car, yet how about a possble one of a kind trailer. Is there a site on the internet that has lots of pics of several variety of travel trailers older ones like mine 1955 Viking? Thank you for any info or any suggestions would be helpful.
Larson

653

Comment by Luise

July 19, 2006 @ 2:41 pm

Answer: Dear Larson. I know about the Viking Tent Trailers, but I don’t know about the company you mention. What you need to do is find a contact that is interested in vintage trailers. It’s possible that one contact can lead to another and you will be able to get some of the answers you seek. I would like to suggest three websites as possible door openers:

http://www.tincantourists.com
http://www.vintagevacations.com
http://www.webring.com/hub?ring=vintagetrailerwe

Here’s hoping…Blessings, Luise

677

Comment by Christa

July 31, 2006 @ 1:06 pm

We just bought a restored 1958 “Cardi” have you ever heard of one? We found it on ebay.

Thanks for your help!

678

Comment by Luise

July 31, 2006 @ 2:22 pm

Answer: Dear Christa: I have no information on the Cardi. I know about Cardinal Trailers and wonder if that is a short version of that name? It may be worth your while to join the Tin Can tourists at:
http://www.tincantourtists.com . Membership is very inexpensive and it may put you in touch with people who can help you with your RVs pedigree. Blessings, Luise

700

Comment by Michelle

August 16, 2006 @ 3:54 pm

I just sold a 1958 Holly Camper made in Holly, Michigan. I was wondering if you have ever heard of this manufacturer before? I can find no information on it what so ever. Thank you!

703

Comment by Luise

August 17, 2006 @ 11:14 am

Dear Michelle: The unit you refer to may be one of the many “orphans”, (RVs no longer being made), out there. I think your best bet is to write to the Holly Chanber of Commerce. They may be able to help you or they may be able to put you in touch with their local historical society, if one exists. Blessings, Luise

718

Comment by JEANETTE

August 28, 2006 @ 10:03 am

Hello,

Could you help? I was given an Atwood travel trailer - 60’s -70’s. It is nice. The folks gave it to me. Their mother lived in it for years and they are reputable folks who live on an airfield. I went to re-license it and vehicle licensing said need a VIN#, which is found near the ball of the trailer. The number I gave them appeared not to be a VIN. Where else might I find the VIN#? Their mother has memory loss and they cannot locate many things, including the title. There is a license plate but they will not take that alone. Is there maybe a VIN# under the trailer on the frame?

Any advise helpful. Thank you.

719

Comment by Luise

August 28, 2006 @ 11:35 am

Hi Jeanette, The research I have been able to do for you indicates that the VIN number on RVs can be in several different places. It may be a pain to have to go over your Atwood with a magnifying glass but you may have to. I would also ask if there’s a possibility you could go through the lady’s papers and search for the title there. Your folks might not mind. Below is a website you might want to contact. I think I would also go to a different licensing office to see if you might find a more helpful person. Good luck! Blessings, Luise

RVHELPNET - Professional RV Appraisal Services since 1976 - Have …Travel Trailers and 5th Wheel VIN numbers can be found on the exterior walls (usually on a decal that fades from sunlight), on the inside of a cabinet door or stamped on the steel tongue .
rvhelpnet.com/faq.html

744

Comment by celine bergeron

September 6, 2006 @ 11:34 am

Dear Luise,
My husband and I recently purchased a 1975 “Go Tag Along” travel trailer. We just came back from our maiden voyage to VT and had a ball! The owner’s manual is not available and this is our first ever trailer purchase so we have very little information and would love to learn more. Any suggestions or helpful advice?
Thank you so much!
Lovely web site.
Celine

747

Comment by roy wilson

September 7, 2006 @ 10:41 am

Dear Luise, I just purchased a used viking popup from a man I trusted, now I cant find a vin # on the camper. Also the sticker has been torn off. The viking website says it should be on the a frame. Any suggestions? Thanks.

754

Comment by Luise

September 10, 2006 @ 8:23 pm

Hi Roy,

Can you get it to a trailer repair shop? That’s the best way I know of to go over the frame carefully. Those guys are usually pretty resourceful. I think it would be worth it to do that. You must live in a state where trailers aren’t licensed or it would be on the title. I take it your “friend” is of no help. The only other idea I have is to go to a Viking dealer and see if they might see you as a future customer and give you a hand. It’s possible.

756

Comment by Luise

September 10, 2006 @ 8:45 pm

Dear Celine: I would join the Escapee’s Club and start to interact with other trailer owners. Read their magazines and newsletters, too. If you find them too slanted toward newer units, joining the http://www.rvclub.com would let you get into forums, ask questions and read what others are up to. And http://www.tincantouist.com is a group that is for owners of vintage RVs. If you have a black water holding tank, that’s the first thing I would conquer. There are a lot of tricks that can keep you out of trouble there.
And believe me, the waste water from your toilet is the last place you want problems! Blessings, Luise

3846

Comment by carol

July 29, 2007 @ 2:09 am

Hi I just received a 1969 tag along trailer and need to renovate but was wondering what company made these? thanks carol

3848

Comment by Luise

August 2, 2007 @ 4:58 am

That trailer was made by the Go-Tag-Along Company.
They stopped production in 1988.

3875

Comment by Heather Mills

August 31, 2007 @ 5:31 pm

Hello, I just bought a 1954 Cardinal Trailer, I have been all over the web to find any info on these, can only find 3 different photos and an old advertisment. Anyone know anything about these cute trailers. We want to restore it ourselves and need some info. Thank you, Heather in San Diego

3886

Comment by Mike

September 9, 2007 @ 1:09 pm

I have aquired a Holly made in Holly mi.
It has no plate and need info as to where to comtact to het records on this trailer.
Single axel 18″

3971

Comment by matthew

November 2, 2007 @ 7:12 pm

Hello, I have a 1989 Vagabohn travel trailor, wich I love dearly. I have remodled it from top to bottom and to be honest its nicer than my house. How old does a camper “home” need to be before I can list it as vintage? and how would I go about finding out what it is worth if I should decide to sell it so I can do another one,? looks like I have found a new hobby!!!

3972

Comment by Luise

November 3, 2007 @ 11:54 am

Answer: Dear Matthew: Please read the rest of my RV posts. There are some URLs there that may help you in your research. Blessings, Luise

3992

Comment by jerry keenan

November 10, 2007 @ 9:11 pm

Check out YAHOO groups for any and most all vintage travel trailer info. I belong to The Vintage Cardinal group…lots of pics and info. Jerry

4070

Comment by maggie

December 14, 2007 @ 3:57 pm

I am looking for info on the old fashioned English style rounded top campers. Help

4516

Comment by randy schmitt

April 5, 2008 @ 10:49 am

Question: Dear Luise: I just purchased a 1977 Layton RV made by the Skyline corp. I bought it without a title. I cannot find the VIN# I have found the serial number. Did in 1977 they use the serial number as the VIN# ? I scraped and sanded the whole a frame and found no VIN#. Can anybody help me with this? I need a VIN# to get a title. Thanks. R.

4517

Comment by Luise

April 5, 2008 @ 12:13 pm

Answer: Dear R.: I don’t know but the last I heard, they were still in business. Contact them for the info you need. If they didn’t issue VIN #s at that time, get proof of that to take to motor vehicles. Anybody got any other ideas? Blessings, Luise

4550

Comment by jeh

April 25, 2008 @ 9:23 pm

Hi I know that you have had questions about the Holly camper but I can’t seem to find or get any info on them. I Just recieved one it has no title and he says its 1989 but i don’t think its that young. Do you know if when the company stopped making them. The travel trailer is 16′ has 2 entance/exits and I can almost make out the pat.#. Any info will help. Thanks JEH

4551

Comment by Luise

April 25, 2008 @ 9:33 pm

Can anyone help with this? Blessings, Luise

4761

Comment by R.

July 13, 2008 @ 5:06 pm

I just purchased a ‘52 Owosso Coach, made in Owosso MI. I am restoring it and need a door handle and tail light. Does anyone know of a reailer salavage yard in Michigan?

4763

Comment by Luise

July 13, 2008 @ 5:34 pm

Dear R. I’m from Royal Oak in the winters and E. Tawas in the summers but it was too long ago to do you any good. Let’s see if anyone can give you a hand here. Blessings, Luise

4795

Comment by Laura

July 19, 2008 @ 5:00 am

Hello
We just pirchased a 1968 Pathfinder travel trailer and I would like to locate an Owners Manula for this trailer. We have title and VIN but I have been unable to locate a website for vintage owners manuals.
Any help would be appreciated. Also where were Pathfinders manufactured?
Thanks
Laura

4799

Comment by Luise

July 19, 2008 @ 7:50 am

Can anybody help fill in the blanks for Laura on her “new” Pathfinder? Blessings, Luise

4830

Comment by S.

July 21, 2008 @ 7:58 pm

I need help finding the VIN# on a Franklin Travel Trailer, year unknown. Have no idea where to look, the tongue doesn’t seem to have it which would be the most logical place. Can’t register this without some number. Thank, S.

4831

Comment by Luise

July 21, 2008 @ 9:08 pm

Anybody out there have a suggestion for S.? Blessings, Luise

4835

Comment by A.

July 22, 2008 @ 12:31 pm

I bought a 1963 Gates? The title says it’s maker is Gates. Can’t find anything about these trailers. It’s a 15 ft with a sloped roof that comes to a pointed wind off the back. Any help is much appreciated.

4836

Comment by Luise

July 22, 2008 @ 3:02 pm

Anybody? I know these “orphans” are hard to trace. Luise

4870

Comment by M.

August 2, 2008 @ 6:23 pm

Hi, We just purchased a Phoenix travel trailer and cant find out the year or vin. Can you please help? Thank you. M.

4874

Comment by Luise

August 3, 2008 @ 1:27 pm

Dear M.: The problem of “orphaned” travel trailers is a common one. The manufacturers come and go and some leave no trail behind them, apparently. I have no knowledge regarding Phoenix trailers. Here’s hoping someone sees your question on my site and responds. Blessings, Luise

4893

Comment by M.

August 6, 2008 @ 10:49 am

i just found out we have a Pheonix travel camper by HECKAMAN MFG INC am looking for a site that may help me 2 find out what year? M.

4894

Comment by Luise

August 6, 2008 @ 12:14 pm

Dear M.: I just heard that that company the makes Phoenix was severely damaged by a storm. (Unless more than one place makes trailers by that name.) Give them a bit to reorganize and then contact them directly. Blessings, Luise

4910

Comment by M.

August 8, 2008 @ 10:51 am

Can you please tell me the name of the site so I can thank you very much.

4911

Comment by Luise

August 8, 2008 @ 12:13 pm

MomResponds.com and you’re welcome!

4918

Comment by M.

August 15, 2008 @ 6:52 am

I enjoyed looking at your website, we recently purchased a 1974 Argosy 26 Ft. with rear bath. I’m hunting a black water tank for it, progress has stopped on restoring until we find tank. Can anyone help us with this problem. M.

4919

Comment by marie

August 16, 2008 @ 8:09 am

hi i have been doing some research and found out we have a 1967 pheonix travel camper any more info would be great thank you very much

4920

Comment by J.

August 17, 2008 @ 4:57 pm

In reply to Laura and Luise, we also purchased a Pathfinder vintage travel trailer last summer, 11 feet long, and are re-furbishing. On the “Pathfinder” nameplate fixed to the side of the trailer, it states the trailer was manufactured in Spencer, Wisconsin. We do not know the year of our trailer though. We would be very interested in hearing from any other owners of “Pathfinders”! Best wishes from the Wisconsin Northwoods, J.

4921

Comment by Luise

August 17, 2008 @ 5:23 pm

Dear J. Can you tell us where the VIN number is on your trailer? We have Pathfinder owners looking for that information. Blessings, Luise

4922

Comment by Luise

August 18, 2008 @ 6:06 am

Dear M. I got a stock door handle for my vintage Argosy at the Airstream dealer, Great American RV in Milton, WA
(888)926-2626 You could also try online at: http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com and http://www.airstreamrestoration.com
Blessings, Luise

5135

Comment by Dusty

October 3, 2008 @ 7:58 pm

I’m looking for information on a camper manufactured in Owosso, Michigan. The company was in business from 1958 to 1962. The campers were made for hunting and ice fishing and the name is Travel Air. My parents purchased this camper in 1960, but was manufactured in 1959. This camper is the ice fishing one. It is made from aluminum and boxey. Once towed to your site, you pull a couple of pins, drop the side supports and slide sideways open, then attach a canvas floor to that side, which has a ice fishing hole in canvas. The interior is plywood. Any help would be a great help. Thank-You

5150

Comment by Luise

October 7, 2008 @ 10:28 am

That’s a new one for me. Anybody have an information on this rig?

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI

Leave a comment