Campers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s are considered vintage. They are classics and evoke feelings of a time gone by. Many people choose to purchase a vintage model for the look and quality. Vintage campers typically have wood or aluminum frames and, depending on their condition and the brand of the camper, can be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars (although these will typically need extensive restoration work). On the other hand, a completely restored vintage camper will easily cost several thousand dollars.
Vintage campers can be found online. Do an Internet search for “vintage campers” and you’ll get lots of hits (a recent search for “vintage campers” on Google returned 912,000 results). There are multiple sites that specialize in selling and restoring these campers. There are also clubs dedicated to the restoration and use of these campers; along with numerous forums dedicated to discussions about vintage campers. People who use these types of trailers do so for a variety of reasons. Some people like the classic look, while some want an economical way to camp in comfort. Others have no desire to use them for practical purposes and simply enjoy the restoration process.
Vintage
The most popular vintage trailer is the Airstream (and often the most expensive). They started producing these in 1932 out of wood and then changed to the aluminum models that are widely recognizable today. Airstream trailers have always been high quality campers. Airstream campers have been manufactured for 75 years and over half of the Airstreams manufactured are still in use today.
Some other popular vintage camper brands are: Spartan, Alma, Silver Streak, Avion, and Prairie Schooner. Vintage campers can often be towed by smaller vehicles. This is not because they are lighter weight, but because the aerodynamic design and even weight distribution allows it to be pulled with greater ease.
Buying a vintage camper can be a lot fun but you should do plenty of research before deciding on one. Unless you are an experienced buyer, it is best to buy a camper in as good a condition as possible. Run down campers can take a lot of work to restore and can often times be more frustrating than you want. Working with a reputable vintage camper dealer can save you a lot of headaches. They are experts in their field and can give you vital information about the camper you are considering purchasing, such as if original components have been stripped from the camper and how much restoration work you can realistically expect to have to do on the camper.
Before buying a vintage camper, think about why you want it and what it will be used for. This will determine the model and size of the camper you may need. Inspect the interior and exterior to determine the condition. Some wear and tear is expected and dents may be found on the exterior. But, it should still be in relatively good shape. Ask the seller to demonstrate the plumbing and refrigeration to ensure there are no leaks. Check the floors to determine if they are solid or if there may be rotting. Tires should be in adequate condition to at least tow it to where it will be stored during minor repairs. It’s especially important to check the hitch and underbody areas of the camper to ensure they are in good condition.
After purchasing a vintage trailer, be sure to get it fully insured. Owning a classic piece of Americana can be a highly rewarding experience. It can also be a practical way to enjoy retro camping. If you like classic vehicles, this is a great option for spending time on restoration as well as having a great conversation piece to use for vacationing. Just imagine all the attention your restored vintage camper will get at the campground and how much fun you’ll have showing it off.
A Look At The World Of Vintage Campers
Gray Rollins writes for CampingEarth.com. Want to learn more about the world of vintage airstream campers [http://campingearth.com/blog/2007/02/23/vintage-airstreams-for-celebrities] and the types of RVs, then be sure to stop by Camping Earth.