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