V TRAILERS e g a t in
CAMPER Vol. 7, No. 4, Issue: 38 July-August 2018
BIG or small,
Vintage Trailers have UNIVERSAL appeal The magazine for all vintage camper trailer collectors, restorers, admirers and dreamers.
RESCUE
R E S TO R E
R A L LY
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Inside This Issue Index 1948 Universal (on the cover)
Palmer's 1948 Spartan- Page 10
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Palmers 1948 Spartan
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The MysteryTrailer - Less of a Mystery?
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Flying Miz Daisy - 1952 Aljo
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Towing Small
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Alumapalooza 9
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Campin in the Cumberland
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Eggs on the Hiawassee River
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A Stop on the Lincoln Highway
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Trailerfest - Stuck in the 60's
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Another Adventure - 1967 Red Dale
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5 Space Saving Ideas
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Lucille the 1963 Mobile Scout
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Campers Bread Recipe
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USA Rally Calendar
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1952 Aljo, Miz Daisy- Page 14
Learn how to restore vintage trailers from the pros. Rallies n CA, KY, GA & OH 4
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www.VCT BootCamp.com
American Tr a i l e r i t e By Paul Lacitinola Publisher VCT Magazine
Volume: 7 - Number: 4 - Issue: 38 PO Box 354, Elverta CA 95626 (916) 572-8554
www.vintagecampertrailers.com vintagecampertrailers@gmail.com Published by: Paul and Caroline Lacitinola American Trailerites The VCT Magazine is published bi-monthly January, March, May, July, September & November. A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States In office April 12, 1945 – January 20, 1953 Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine is a non-denominational supporter of the vintage camper trailer hobby. We welcome all collectors, restorers, admirers and dreamers.
Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine reserves the exclusive right to reject or accept advertising or editorial material submitted for publication. The editorial content contained in this magazine does not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine (USPS Publication Number 15940) is published bimonthly (in January, March, May, July, September, November) by Vintage Camper Trailers, 8416 Elwyn Avenue, Elverta, CA 95626-9552. Periodical postage paid at Elverta, CA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Vintage Camper Trailers, PO Box 354, Elverta, CA 95626-0354.
WE BUY Vintage Camper Trailers, Bicycles, Cars, Motorcycles and Pick-Ups. (916) 992-1427
Since the Pismo Beach rally in mid May, we have been at home catching up on projects. Not a common occurrence for someone in the trailer/camping/travel business. We are fortunate to be traveling many weeks of the year and more often than not we are usually away from home at least a couple of weekends a month at rallies and other events. We love it, but with so much time away, I don’t get as much “shop time” as I would like to work on trailers. We started in the hobby a dozen years ago doing restorations. After we flipped our first Lo Liner we thought we were going to be rich! We ended up restoring and flipping a handful of Lo Liners that first year. With each one we learned that it always takes longer and costs more to revive a trailer than you think it's going to. With each subsequent project, we also raised the price as we became more conscious of how many hours we had invested. At that time, we were selling trailers for about half of what a trailer of that caliber would bring today! Over the years our business has changed dramatically. I restore my own trailers and occasionally I find one I can bring back to life and eventually sell. The magazine, books and rallies we host are now the core of our business. When the right opportunity comes along, I still like to get dirty and rescue and restore trailers. Right now I am doing a beautiful 1948 Columbia trailer that we found in a barn in Arizona. Being stored in a barn in a dry climate for most of it’s more than seven decades, it was protected from getting any water damage. Over the years it had been used as a guest house by the family. Its interior finishes show some light wear and it needs some cosmetic attention to bring it back to life. My personal taste in trailers has also changed over the previous decade. The Lo Liners we did when we started, had a tasteful “50’s Diner” feel. Some of the interiors were painted to make the interior paneling all match when we could not duplicate the original materials. They were super clean and very bright and airy when we were finished with them. Now, I prefer older, well preserved trailers. Late 40’s to early 50’s models that don’t need a total rebuild. Patina tells a story and I would rather have a well preserved trailer with some history, than a brand new one. Like most of our projects, the Columbia seemed like it would be a quick and easy restoration. With about 16 hours invested so far in just restoring the original flooring material, this one too will take longer than I expected. Hopefully, the next owner will appreciate the time we took to “restore” the trailer while preserving its past. If you need help with your restoration project, check out www.VCTBootCamp.com www.vintagecampertrailers.com
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Also lending to the bright living space are the backlit, glass front, overhead kitchen cabinets.
William Ward restores 1 to 2 trailers per year to rally with and then sell. This one will be available in the fall of 2019. Knowing the appeal that a bathroom has to potential buyers, Ward always make sure his restorations have a toilet and shower. Although the Universal had one from the factory, Ward has been known to "add" this feature if necessary to make the trailer more appealing to the next owner. Ward will be sharing his expertise on retrofitting, creating and installing a wet bath in a vintage trailer at VCT Boot Camp 2019. Boot Camp is March 7-10 in Hollister, CA. For more information on the the Boot Camp event visit www.VCTBootCamp.com.
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Flying Miz
Daisy
Submitted by Char Goetz, Laguna Niguel, CA Growing up in rural Pennsylvania with generations of people who lived off the land must have left an imprint. It instilled in me an appreciation and love for the unusual, the imperfect, and the story behind the object. I found my 1952 Aljoa vintage trailer at a garage sale. The owner at the time didn’t want to sell her, but I stayed in touch and waited patiently until one day he called to tell me that the new neighborhood he was moving into wouldn’t let him store his vintage camper. So while my hubby was on a business trip, I bought “Daisy” and the rest is her-story!
Before
After restoring “Daisy” to her original beauty, I began using her as my mobile vintage shop. As an antique dealer and later a founder of a successful outdoor vintage market, “Driving Miz Daisy" I’ve had the privilege of meeting many amazing people over the years. It’s so much fun to share stories
A Model A to a Cadillac and a boat trailer are just a few of the vehicles and trailers among all of the memorabilia. 14
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1952 Aljoa of our never-ending love & quest for vintage, timeless and uncommon goods. “Daisy" has always been my partner and brand in my journey. As I met and worked with many vendors and customers across California, I found they also expressed the same desire I had for an upscale, indoor vintage market in the OC. So recently I’ve flown into the The Hangar at the Orange County Fair Event Center in Costa Mesa and I’m producing the “Flying Miz Daisy Vintage Market”! "Daisy" has a big sister now, “Rosey” a 1964 Shasta Twenty and they’re both inside the Hangar where people of all ages can enjoy and experience a bit of nostalgia. www.flyingmizdaisy.com
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www.trailerfestrally.com
Orlando and Chantay Garcia Modesto, CA Avid campers, these two showed up in their custom, home-built, "used to be a tent trailer" creation. Once they wore out the canvas on the Colemen tent trailer, their idea was to create an enclosed trailer just to haul their camping gear. One thing led to another and this incredible transformation is the result! It is amazing what they have been able to incorporate in to this 9' space! The comfortable full size bed and flat screeen TV are jusst a couple of creature comforts in this cabin "feel" camper. A great addition to Trailerfest!
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Nicki Des Roches Salinas, CA 1968 Fireball Meteor Plumm Krazy 9 months, 6 days a week, is what it took Nicki to breath life back into this beauty. She was responsible for the design concept and did much of the work herself. With a little help on the diamond plate and paint, "Plumm Krazy" was ready for Trailerfest and likely many more glampouts!
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July 13-15, 2018 Deadwood, SD FAC @ the Black Hills 2018! We had so much fun last year, we are trekking back up to the Black Hills in 2018. Please call the campground directly to reserve. Be sure to mention FAC - Friendly Average Campers of Colorado. A vintage trailer is NOT required. They also have cabins and RV’s for rent. Fish N Fry Campground 21390 US Highway 385 Deadwood, South Dakota 57732 http://fishnfrycampground.com 605-578-2150 July 19-22, 2018 Elkhart, IN Silver Avion Fellowship (SAF) 25608 Co Rd 4, Elkhart, IN 46514. All Avions and Cayos manufactured from the mid-1950s through 1990 are welcome.The rally fee is $25 pp. The rally fee includes evening snacks, meals and morning coffee. Your camping fee will be paid directly to Elkhart Campground at a reduced rate of $34 per night for two persons. All sites full hookup. The rally is very informal with few activities planned. Terry at Keyholeren@aol.com Terry Prentkowski/Bernie Stuckey &Deb, Andrew and Maddie O’Connell. No Open House. 317-258-8671 July 19-22, 2018 Brownsville, OR Rally On The River, tucked away in the beautiful town of Brownsville. This is an old fashion vintage trailer rally. Electricity available for all trailers. Bathrooms and showers also. Camp on the river in the shade. orenterprises@hotmail.com or 541206-3572 ask for Wade Long.
person to visit. Judging ends at 6pm. Angela Harris rdorman@tecumsehteamquest.com (517) 4235659 July 21-28, 2018 Waves, NC 2018 NAFCAree. 24798 NC HWY 12, Waves, North Carolina. Camp Hatteras Campground in Waves, N. Carolina (the Outer Banks) Mike DiMauro mikedimauro31784@aol.com, (305) 6199585 August 2- 5, 2018 Grand Lake, CO 3rd Annual - Friendly Average Campers in Grand Lake, CO. Elk Creek Campground. Stunning Grand Lake is once again calling our name! Please
call the campground directly to reserve. Be sure to mention FAC. A vintage trailer is NOT required. We have sold out the entire campground, but they have started a wait list in case someone cancels. Elk Creek Campground. 143 County Rd 48 (Golf Course Road) Grand Lake, Colorado 80447 http:// www.elkcreekcamp.com 970-627-8502 August 3-5, 2018 Livingston, MT 6th Annual Fiddlers Picnic Rally. Join us August 3-5, 2018 at the Old Mercier Ranch for the 6th annual Fiddlers Picnic Vintage Trailer Rally. This is dry camping on the bank of the Yellowstone River on the South edge of Livingston Montana, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. This is in the midst of a 500 picker jam that is over 40 years
Hot bed
July 20-22, 2018 Taylorsville, CA Trailersville Trailer Rally/Camping Taylorsville Campground. Next to the Indian Creek/River. This is a County campground with fire pits and water in various locations in campground, no electric. Restrooms w/showers available. Friday night meet & greet at the only local bar with special drink made for event. Potluck Saturday night in the campground. $14.00 per night (paid in advance). Contact us for a reservation. Open House Saturday July 21st. Wes & Diana Crites loyds_pss@ sbcglobal.net 775-813-7960 July 20-22 2018 Minster, OH 3rd Annual MId-Summer Get Together. 4401 Ft. Loramie Swanders Road Minster, Ohio 45865. Causal gathering at Lake Loramie State Park Trying to fill-in Sites in one corner of park, sites 112-119 premium lakeside sites, sites 121-130 reg sites. Feel free to choose any site. All attending will be responsible for making your own resv! http:// parks.ohiodnr.gov/lakeloramie Park Office: (937) 295-2011, Camp Office: (937) 295-3900. Reservations (866) 644-6727, Randy Allen, magseven13@gmail.com, 423-542-8095 July 20-22, 2018 Tecumseh, Michigan Vintage Camper Competition. 9415 Tangent Road. Our Vintage Camper Competition is free to join (camping required) with People's Choice judging to allow for a unique interactive competition. Good Old American Classics will round out the weekend with tie-die t-shirts, Oldies Karaoke and more! Open House? 9am-8pm Saturday, $5/
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AT THE LARGEST NOSTALGIC CAR SHOW IN THE WORLD
Virginia City Reno/Sparks AugUST
3rd - 4th
AugUST
7th - 12th
Hot August Nights Vintage Trailer Revival will be the talk of the park, trailer park that is! Vintage trailers 1976 and older will be able to dry camp for the week long event.
r e g i s t e r
hotaugustnights.net
f o r
2 0 1 8
t o d a y
7 7 5.356.1956
CELEBRATING AMERICA'S LOVE AFFAIR WITH CARS AND ROCK N' ROLL
old. Bring your banjo! Social hour, potluck and pancake breakfast. $25 contribution to the Picnic covers it all. Dal Smilie dalsmilie@aol.com
August 7-12, 2018 Reno, NV Hot August Nights Vintage Trailer Revival returns to the park, trailer park that is! Vintage trailers 1976 and older will be able to dry camp for the week long event. Free spectator views/Open House from Wednesday, August 8th through Saturday, August 12th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Registrants will be able to participate in a Show-n-Shine competition and receive 2 credentials to access all Hot August Nights venues. Trailers must be 1976 or older. Register today to save your space. Cost: $250 for Classic Trailer and Non-HAN registered classic tow vehicle Cost: $300 for Classic Trailer and HAN Classic Car Combo. More details at www.hotaugustnights.net/ vintage-trailer-revival August 9-12, 2018 Big Bear, CA If you’re a classic car enthusiast this is the Vintage Trailer Rally for you. Please join us at the Lighthouse Resort on the north shore of Big Bear Lake for the trailer rally This Rally coincides with the “Fun Run” car show in Big Bear. Saturday enjoy a front row seat at the Lighthouse Resort as 500 classic cars drive by in style. Max or Lori www.bigbearlighthouseresort.com 909.866.9464. Spaces are $40/night full hook ups. August 18, 2018 Scotts Valley, CA Art, Wine, Beer, Car show and Vintage Trailer Festival!August 18th and 19th 2018-Saturday/Sunday only event will be a one day "Cops and Rodders" car show. Registration fee:$50.00 includes T-Shirt and awards for 3 best trailer categories. Pre1950's-1960's -1970's. Check in: Saturday the 18th at 8:00 am Trailers can remain until Sunday evening at 6:00 pm. Overnight stay is allowed, (dry camping on grass) but no fires, cooking or noisejust sleep-eez amarshall@scottsvalleychamber. com or jaytopping@comcast.net
August 17-19, 2018 Pocatello, ID Bannock County Blue Grass Festival TCT, open to all vintage trailer rally in at the County Fairgrounds. Non members welcomed. Fees are $15 per space(full hook up),per day.$35.festival charge. Cash only at check in. We will have an area reserved for us. Bring some leveling boards and shade.Open House is Sat.9-6. Go to www. bannockcountybluegrassfestival.com for more information. We had a great time last year kick'in back with great music. Orbie Mungall @ 1-435730-3840. August 24-26, 2018 Sunbury, PA Fantasy Island Campground Vintage Camper Rally. 401 Park Drive. Open House is open to the public (free) on Saturday, Aug. 25th from 1-4p.m. Parking along street is free. Timothy & Lacie Wert fantasyislandcampground@yahoo.com (570) 286-1307 August 24-26, 2018 Denver, CO Denver Modernism Show. FAC Vintage Trailer Exhibit. Once again Friendly Average Campers will be exhibiting trailers at The Denver Modernism Show! The show is Friday evening 8/24, all day Saturday 8/25, add day Sunday is the vintage car and trailer show. Purchase tickets at http://www. denvermodernism.com
August 24-25 2018 Tehachapi, CA T-Town Rumble Car and Vintage Trailer Show. 20915 SchoutRd. Come join us Friday in the “Trailerhood” dry camping under the Oak trees, and telling stories around the camp fire. Bring a dish to share. Saterday is show day open house and car show. Food, music, vendors, raffles, prizes and awards given for “King and Queen of the Trailer Park”! This is a small, casual event, but getting bigger every year! Registration is only $30. For more information visit www. TehachapiCarShow.com Open House. Craig Bauer craig@countryoaks.org (661) 823-0885
September 4-10, 2018 Lynden, WA Mt. Baker Vintage Trailer Rally. NW Washington Fair & Event Center 1775 Front St Lynden, Washington 98264. 18th Annual Mt. Baker Vintage Trailer Rally. Washington State's Largest Annual Vintage Trailer Rally This is field camping with no assigned spots. You pay and register upon arrival. Showers, restrooms and a RV dump station are on site. Power and water is abundant and available for most everyone with extension cords and water splitters. Cost is: $30 per night and one-time rally fee of $15. (Add 3% for credit card payments). All are welcome to attend. Those trailers that aren't Vintage or "in The Spirit of Vintage" will just be asked to park in a designated section along the perimeter. Open House Saturday, September 8, 2018 12-4:00pm. René Perret DownRiver11@yahoo.com, 360-431-7311 September 6-9, 2018 Dolores, CO 4 Corners Vintage Trailer Campout.The Views RV Park, 24990 Co. RD. 184, Dolores, CO. 81323. A no frills, no fee, just for fun campout in the beautiful 4 Corners. TNo competition, no awards, only fellowship around the campfire. Full hook-ups with sparkling clean bathrooms. Make reservations with The Views RV Park on their website or call them at (970)749-6489. Looking forward to seeing your rig and making your acquaintance. Cheers! Open House: Saturday afternoon. Classic Campers of NM. Mark Camrud mjcamrud@yahoo.com (505) 360-0661. September, 7-9, 2018 Grass Valley CA 19th Annual Cruisin' the Pines Car Show, Nevada County, CA. Presented by the Roamin' Angels and open to 1972 and older vehicles, including VINTAGE CAMPER TRAILERS and classic boats. for more info www.roaminangels.com or call Wally, 530-913-2933. September 7-9, 2018 Winthrop, WA Wheel into Winthrop. 316 Castle Avenue. Vintage Trailer Enthusiast Extravaganza! A laid back gathering for folks who own vintage trailers. A great
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