MomResponds.com: Ask Questions, Get Answers

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Comment by Luise

August 2, 2007 @ 4:58 am

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

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

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″

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!!!

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

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

Comment by maggie

December 14, 2007 @ 3:57 pm

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

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.

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

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

Comment by Luise

April 25, 2008 @ 9:33 pm

Can anyone help with this? Blessings, Luise

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?

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

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

Comment by Luise

July 19, 2008 @ 7:50 am

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

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.

Comment by Luise

July 21, 2008 @ 9:08 pm

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

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.

Comment by Luise

July 22, 2008 @ 3:02 pm

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Comment by Luise

August 8, 2008 @ 12:13 pm

MomResponds.com and you’re welcome!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Comment by Luise

October 7, 2008 @ 10:28 am

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

Comment by C.

October 25, 2008 @ 12:46 pm

Hi
My husband and I are interested in buying a 1974 Me Too fifth wheel. Its a cute little thing about 16 ft long, but it has some leak damage. It has leaked above the door not to bad but discolored. Also in the front curve there seems to be quite a bit of leakage. The wood next to the front window where the bed is has the top part of the wood where you can peel it off with your hand. If you push on it it seems intact, not spongy. Not sure what works. This person wants $1200. for this. My first question is, how hard are these to restore? And second is this “Vintage”? I personally think this is too high a price but some people think because it is “vintage” you can mark it up. Thanks for any reply. C.

Comment by Luise

October 25, 2008 @ 1:51 pm

Dear C. I would pass on it. Not only is the price high but the water damage is probably serious. When you see the kind of water marks that you describe there is often extensive, unseen dry rot. Many water-damaged trailers are trashed every year because repairs would be too extensive and expensive. I have never found much documentation regarding how high the value should go on Vintage units. The exception is the Airstream because it is still being manufactured and they have such a following. My steadfast rule in buying Vintage is that it has to be 100% free of water damage. Certain handyman types buy them, tear them apart and build them back up, almost from scratch, but that takes a lot of expertise, time and money. The best way to go is buy a solid unit, replacing appliances as needed and redecorating as you see fit. Blessings, Luise

Comment by S.

November 21, 2008 @ 8:20 am

I am interested in finding out about a Owosso coach aprox. 21 feet long. We have found one in need of rescuing and have never heard of that brand trailer. Were they made good ? Any thing you could tell me would be of help. thank you. S.

Comment by Luise

November 21, 2008 @ 10:23 am

Dear S. If memory serves that RV was made in Owosso, Michigan. I would contact their Chamber of Commerce for any information on the company and if they can give you the years it was produced, I’d check the achieves of the
Owosso newspaper for any ads placed by them. The last thing I would do would be to put an ad in their want ads asking for information from anyone who was around then and involved. Blessings, Luise

Comment by K.

December 18, 2008 @ 8:48 am

Hi, this is Kimberly from the vintage owosso travel trailer club…it is sooo nice to see others with Owossos!!! I got mine last year, she is in awesome shape. I also throw a vintage trailer rally every year in WI. This year we will have one in IL as well…join the club and upload some pics! I would love to see other Owosoos! Right now, its just me and another in the group, but then again when I started the Vintage Shasta Trailer club it was like that as well. Tere are a lot more Shastas out there than Owossos. n2vintage@hotmail.com Aluminumly yours, K.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintageowossoclub/
Oh, btw, mine is a 1951 owosoo 28 ft!

Comment by Denise

January 5, 2009 @ 9:32 pm

Hello all! We purchased a 1964 travel trailer but are having lots of trouble trying to find out what exactly it is! The metal tag on the trailer states “Scout 1350″ and under that “Cascade Mobile Products” The title states 1964 Casca (I assume for Cascade and TV (I am assuming that means travel) but nothing else about it. We can not under any variation of any of those names find out what it is! Any suggestions, names, help, anything!!??

Frustrated in Arizona!

Comment by Scott Smith

February 2, 2009 @ 8:41 am

Hello all. I just purchased a 50’s Shasta trailer. I’m not sure of the exact year. Where would I find the vin/serial number for this? Its going to need a lot of repair work. Where would I go to find replacement parts? Thanks, Scott from Arkansas

Comment by c from tampa bay florida

February 4, 2009 @ 3:12 pm

Hello everyone… we just purchased a 1974 18′ Coachmen Travel Trailer… there is no visible plate and it has been restored/painted so we don’t know the model name/number or the vehicle weight. All we know is that it is a 1974 and the title says 18′…. Does anyone know where I can find an owners manual or specs on it?

Comment by David and Janice

March 10, 2009 @ 5:08 am

Purchased a 19 foot Tag-along which is a 1973 model. We found that there was considerable water damage to the front end and ceiling. In looking to fix the problem we had to take all the fiber board and insulation off of the end and found that the wood frame structer was all rotted away and that we would have to replace all of this. We are going to rebuild it with stronger material. Looking forward to completing it and taking it camping.

Comment by richard garrison

March 10, 2009 @ 5:44 pm

Just found a l971 tag a long 18RB (that is a 18 foot rear bath. It has sagging ceiling and some wet rot in ceiling structure. I intend to totally renovate this unit to look like new. The inside will be last, after the roof is removed, side panels taken off, all trim mouldings etc. This is so simple because these were made with screw on panels rather than with rolled seamed aluminum. Needs frame scraped, primed, and painted, a lot of work and I cant wait to get started, it is a winter job.

Comment by D.

May 11, 2009 @ 7:54 pm

hi everybody I’m in the process in buying a 1969 go tag along model 14 bb. I’m wondering is there a front piece that protects the front glass ? Any info would be a great help or a web site. Thanks, Dan

Comment by Dave

May 14, 2009 @ 3:28 pm

Hello my name is Dave and I am in process of buying a 1968 Pathfinder camper ID#23008. Where can I find pictures and information of other campers like mine? Dave

Comment by J.

June 4, 2009 @ 10:36 am

Refering back to comment 4919 by Marie on the Phoenix travel trailer. I have a 1967 Phoenix single axle travel trailer I fixed up 3 years ago and was wondering what information you found on it. It’s metal color with a white stripe down the middle, white door and white front and back outside walls. The model is “Callao.” J.

Comment by Luise

June 6, 2009 @ 7:55 am

Marie…are you out there?

Comment by patty ethington

June 15, 2009 @ 6:57 pm

I have a 1959 22ft. airstream and would like to know how to get a manual for it as we are restoring it. thank you

Comment by Luise

June 19, 2009 @ 9:14 am

I contacted my local Airstream dealer when I need help with mime. Some of the dealers are really great at networking. Blessings, Luise

Comment by L.

June 29, 2009 @ 9:32 am

Hi, We bought a 1954 Alma travel trailer. It has a Murphy bed in it. We don’t know if it was original to the camper or if the camper was ever restored. We do know it was rewired . We are looking for any information pictures of this camper. We have the original document for the Alma and all the registration paper work for it and the title. It only had 2 owners before us and they were father and son. It was sold to us for $50.00! That’s right…$50.00 and it is as sound as ever. All we had to do is repaint the inside after a really good clean up and fix a few minor things. It still has the original tires as well. The only thing it is missing is the icebox. Someone pulled it out and put in a small fridge when they restored it. Any information you have for us we would be grateful for. We are proud to be the owners of this sweet piece of American history. It was also made in Alma. MI. Thanks, L. and S.

Comment by L. and S.

June 29, 2009 @ 9:35 am

Please email me if you have information on the Alma Travel Trailer. littlemousemover@yahoo.com Thanks again, L. and S.

Comment by Luise

July 2, 2009 @ 9:09 am

Dear L. and S.: How great to hear such respect for your little home-away-from-home. I would contact the Alma Chamber of Commerce to see if they have any history available to you on that company or any contact.

If the tires are indeed 55 years old…get rid of them!

I hope someone reading this knows more than I do about the Alma. I have heard the name because I hail from Royal Oak, MI, but I have no experience with it. Blessings, Luise