I Bought a Vintage Camping Trailer from the 60’s…. (ep. 1)

I'm so excited to share this new series with you!! Buying and renovating a vintage camping trailer from the 60's is (hopefully) going to be so much fun! Take the full tour of our retro travel trailer and let me know what you think in the comments below...

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[amanda.outside]

Are you as excited as I am for this project?! 🤗 What do you think of the trailer?

[JonTanOsb]

I'm 72, so I've seen a couple of trailers similar to this.
I imagine, because of the age, that is not a fridge, but an icebox. Still very functional, with a drain that goes out to the ground. The sink will be the same, so you might have to put a pail under the trailer or a container under the sink in the cupboard.
The oven is rare, usually it's just a two hob stove. The tap for the sink is for when you're hooked up to water. The other side is a hand pump for camping without hookups. You'll want to sanitize the fresh water tank if you're going to drink the water.
Usually, there's a cupboard for a porta-potty that you can slide in, no raised bit on the floor.
The louvered glass windows was made so you can have air flow even when it's raining. The screen was probably added later, but maybe not, if your trailer was high end, which it appears to be.
I hope you keep the propane light. Most people switch them out, which is a shame.
Jon in rural BC, Canada

[lilbugr]

This going to be such an epic journey. But much like eating an elephant, take it on one bite at a time. Make sure your frame and suspension is solid. Then work on the shell. I would suspect that most of the water damage is a result of water leakage around the perimeter of the windows. remove the windows, repair any structure and reinstall using butyl tape. Resist the urge to use silicone, it will not last and can turn into a real mess. Vintage Trailer Supply will be a great source of bits & pieces to bring your little trailer back to its glory. Reach out if you have any questions, I have been slowly rebuilding one of the first Boler trailers made in Canada, a 1968 model.

[stever]

Don't need to tell you that there are A LOT of videos on YouTube about RV renovations. During the pandemic (since new RV prices went crazy), I renovated my 30-year-old pop-up trailer. New flooring, new bench, new electrical system, new power roof vent, etc...but I decided I didn't want/need to take on trying to refinish the countertops. It's plenty of work but rewarding. Tent camping is great, but as you get older, the idea of not sleeping on the ground gets increasingly more appealing. 🙂

The trailer you purchased reminds me a lot of the first trailer that I can remember my parents owning. Theirs was a bit larger, but the same style with the same front dinette and same louvered windows on the side. One thing I will caution you about (and that I specifically remember because of 'incidents' on more than one trip) is that the window glass in those vintage trailers is much closer to residential windowpanes than to the automotive-style glass that are now used on trailers. Consequently, it was not unusual for rocks to be kicked up by the tow vehicle's rear tires (or other passing vehicles/trucks) during travel and shatter those front plate glass windows. I couldn't get a good look at the front windows in your video, but if it hasn't already been done (and by the looks of the rest of the rig, I would assume that it hasn't), you might want to plan to replace the windows (at least in the front, and maybe the back too), with more modern windows with stronger glass. Good luck on your project. I'm interested to see it as you progress!

[ScottyAZUSA]

We're excited! And Amanda, you youngin, that radio is from the 70's, I have a vintage camper from around 1968 that has the jalousie windows like yours. It needs wall repair, so I'll be watching and learning from you two. Good luck to both of you. This will be quite a project, but it will turn out great! P.S.: We loved the part at 3:05 to 3:10, we could feel the doubts and the excitement! 😀

[johnbehneman]

I REALLY LOVE TEARDROP TRAVEL TRAILERS!!!!

[Droptineful]

Campers are a lot like boats, they bring you a lot of fond memories, but they are money pits. Congrats!

[TheCraftyCamper]

So stoked for your guys! This is going to be quite the adventure! My husband and I purchased a 1970 truck camper 3 years ago thinking it needed minor repairs and a face lift. We ended up rebuilding the vast majority of it. Campers are great at hiding the bigger issues. Zero regrets though! We love our tiny home.

[CookingwithCatLover]

We bought a small camper that was used in 2019. It is awesome and we love it. We are a lot like you and Nick. We cook out on the fire. I have used the propane stove top once or twice. The microwave gets used for a rainy day quick heat up meal, but usually it's the coffee and sugar keeper. :) You will love your camper and I will love watching you redo it all. Remember this- Command Hooks are your friends.

[TrailriderLC]

Great buy! You 2 will have so many adventures in your little towable home on wheels. My husband and I have built 2 homes in our over 40 yrs together and we've learned two things: everything costs more and takes longer than expected. Don't get discouraged, just keep your focus on the finish line. When it's done you'll have so much fun using it to explore Outside! 😊

[tgilbs]

It will be a big project but when you're done... I think you'll be so in love with what your passion and grit and hard work produced!!! What a fun project to tackle and you can definitely work to make that space cozy and lovely for all your outdoor adventures!!!

[DebMoon]

So exciting! Can’t wait to see the progress Amanda. 🥰

[sandramorgan]

Amanda I'm so excited!!! I've watched you forever and I'm sure I've contributed to your views over the years! I watch your cooking videos every year for inspiration before all my camping trips. My partner and I are a lot like you and Nick. We camped with a tent for about 3 years then bought a tear drop trailer. I am so excited for you. Don't get overwhelmed just keep your eye on the price my friend!

[AdventureswithJeffandMeeka]

You can do this. Just take your time and take lots of pictures when you take stuff apart. Dicor and Alpha roofing systems both make good roofs that you can easily put on your camper.
Have a great day.

[SharonRepici]

Oh, if you decide to keep the oven get some ceramic tiles and place them above the burner to help distribute heat more evenly.

[susanchapman]

VERY EXCITED for this project! After tenting for may years, I think you will enjoy this trailer. Myself, a 69 yr. Old retired female, I have converted a 6x10 cargo trailer. ( many people have helped) I am loving it!

[leah]

Very cool, Amanda! My parents bought a 60s camper very similar to this one and restored it and love camping in it in the summer. If I recall, they ended up replacing the fridge (easy to fit a replacement) and I think had to find a "new" old stove to replace the one that came with it. What a fun project for you! Can't wait to see what you do with it

[JodiAdams-lk]

Congratulations to you and Nick on the purchase of your vintage camper! Can’t wait to see you you make it your own.

[annjones]

Hi Amanda. I'm so excited to follow your trailer renovations. My husband and I started car (or van really) camping a couple years ago. We set up a really nice bed in the van, have a screened dining tent, and a regular tent that attaches to the back of our van. So, a living room, dining room, and bedroom when we camp :). We are going to try to camp 3x per year, Monday to Friday each time, and aim to get to as many Ontario, Canada Provincial Parks as we can for our adventures. Maybe one day we'll follow your lead and get a cute little trailer instead. Good luck...Ann

[juliehelms]

So excited for you. I recommend embracing the color of the fridge and stove! Some florals will look amazing!