Why a Vintage Travel Trailer?

I suppose the response could be, “Why wouldn’t you want a vintage travel trailer? They’re cool!”

Yes, they are cool, with an intangible factor which can be hard to put your finger on. Lovers of all things vintage would know what we’re talking about; timelessly appealing design and things that were seemingly made to last forever. Well, maybe if something was immaculately cared for, or not left in a swamp to rot.

Buying anything “used” has its own set of challenges. RVs are no exception. They are often considered occasional shelters, rather than full time homes. They also need to be light enough to tow. Those factors have implications in long term durability. Unless you have the budget for a custom, high-end unit, you can figure that a new RV might last you 15-20 years. If you take really good care of it.

Just like motor vehicles, when you start looking at used RVs, you will find they run the gamut from barely used to “oh my word, what’s holding this together?” (And pretty sure you don’t want to know.) As such, they should be priced accordingly. After doing your research, if you decide nothing but vintage will suit you, you’ll find a whole different category of “used”. And wondering when you arrived in “Alice of Wonderland,” with the whole landscape turned upside down.

If you watch the RV shows on television, or have been on the internet for any significant number of years, you may have noticed that vintage RVs are gaining attention in mainstream society. (They also pop up in magazines like Country Living.) Guess what, vintage RV dreamer? You will find, in your search for the perfect trailer, that you are not immune from society’s notice of these desirable prizes. Suddenly, you’re not looking for a used RV anymore. You’re seeking a potential collector’s item. These days it’s very likely you’ll find yourself conducting your search on the internet. And possibly shouting at your electronic device, “They want how much for that derelict wreck?! Wait a minute! It just sold! What idiot was willing to buy it for that much?” Then you realize you didn’t even get a chance to look at it.

Oh, well. Don’t give up yet. Keep looking. Your perfect trailer is out there somewhere. As we have read in numerous RV books, if you are willing to be patient, there is always another unit if this one doesn’t feel right. By the way, you really should heed this warning while you’re searching. “Beware of the magic internet camera!” Sooner or later, you will find yourself staring at posted pictures and muttering, “This one looks like it’s in really good condition for the price…” Next thing you know, you’re calling the phone number on the listing. During the course of your inquiry you find out, “Someone is coming to look at it this afternoon.”  However, this concerned individual doesn’t want you to miss your opportunity. “Would you like to see it now?” With a heavy sigh, your answer is “No, I’m afraid we can’t come before they do. We live four hours away.” Hang up the phone and cross your fingers. You have a gut feeling this is the one!

At this point, concerned loved ones might be questioning your sanity. “Why do you want that old trailer anyway?” they ask. Why? Because you’re a vintage RV dreamer. Sure, it started because you’ve always had a soft spot for __________________ trailers. (Airstream, Spartan, Streamline, Shasta, Aristocrat, Avion, Aloha, Kenskill, Airfloat… fill in the blank with your favorite.) You see yourself moseying down quiet two-lane highways, shiny trailer in tow. You imagine majestic mountain campgrounds and feeding chipmunks while sitting by a fire. Sunsets at the beach fill your mind’s eye. And let’s not forget the stars at night. Everywhere you go, the sky is filled with them.

Then there’s that cool decorating theme you’ve always wanted to do, with your vintage trailer as the canvas, a potential design laboratory for trying new things. (Or perhaps something you would consider too expensive for your larger house.) It might be gingham & chintz, 1950s kiddie western, Grandpa’s woodsy cabin, or sleek, mid-century modern. All in a color scheme most people would question in a larger space. Whatever it is, all your splendid ideas are written down. Maybe you even have some samples. You can vividly picture the end result. You can picture it, and it’s going to be cool.