Lance Anderson
A true home-away-from-home on wheels.
Words by Steve Fennell
Having a passion for a hobby is only human nature. From vintage cars to boats, enthusiasts buy a specific make and model, plan an extensive re-build project with exact specs, and start rebuilding from the bottom up – either to its original design or to personal preferences and comfort levels.
RVs fit into this spectrum as well. Just do some research about the global-following of Airstream and Winnebago or the number of vintage RV events held throughout North America. RVing is fun and exciting, allowing the chance to enjoy many experiences, but why stop there? Investing time and effort into finding or restoring a vintage RV is worth it for many enthusiasts and can also enhance the passion for RV travel.
There’s great satisfaction of restoring a vintage RV to excellent condition.
DIY Opportunities
Just as some feel that vinyl records sound better than digital music downloads (like we do), some enthusiasts feel vintage trailers or motorhomes have the classic appeal and style over modern RVs. Like many stereo aficionados, some RV enthusiasts often add contemporary features and components with the vintage design, having the best of both worlds with classic form and modern function.
The fact that select vintage campers are still rolling after 30 or 40 years says a lot. A little tender loving care is likely required, but according to a blog on the KOA website, this is a good thing. Vintage trailers are excellent DIY projects for those who like to dig into a multi-month project in their garage, planning, fixing, replacing, and honing an RV to perfection.
Dave_7
To some, there’s no substitute for the hard lines of yester-year.
Yet, with any vintage RV project, roadworthiness and safety are essential. For instance, are the chassis and frame still solid? Are new welds or replacement parts required for optimal towing or driving characteristics? Is the hitch rusted, secure, or prone to breakage? Do windows, doors and other points of entry need new sealing or replaced to retain warmth and prevent leakage? Are the plumbing and water tanks functioning properly? These are just some aspects to consider when deciding on purchasing a vintage trailer.
In most cases, all of these repairs can be fixed and/or replaced by a professional or handy DIY’er.
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Mr TGT
Some of the classic Airstreams can be found in great shape – while others need some serious TLC.
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Paul Cleary
Some of the classic Airstreams can be found in great shape – while others need some serious TLC.
Even though exact OEM parts may be impossible to find, replacing rusted leaf-spring axles with smoother torsions, rebuilding or dropping in a new engine, replacing new plumbing and tanks, adding in new insulation, or refurbishing existing flooring and other appointments can make a vintage trailer – in most cases – better than what it was brand new.
These projects are only limited to what you want to experience in classic style, and niche restoration shops are available for more extensive replacements or repairs. While the KOA also states that a DIY project for “a vintage camper wouldn’t often be described as spacious or luxurious, they can be warm, comfortable or cozy, and provide a more authentic camping experience.”
Jens Behrmann
Interiors can be restored to the original or re-designed for a more personal touch.
Vintage Trailer Costs and Cost Savings
A quick browse on Kijji.com will give you a good ballpark figure of vintage trailers. Given that even a pre-owned late model, retro-style trailer can cost upwards of $25,000 to $30,000 CAD, we came across a 1959 Vintage Shamrock Trailer that was – at the of publication – listed just under $2,000 CAD, thus providing obvious cost savings. Mind you, you’re not getting too much of a trailer and a lot of work would be required to restore it to near perfection, but that is sometimes the whole point.
Or, further browsing the online classifieds will lead to listings of fully restored trailers, saving you all the work and time while still getting an RV that you’ll enjoy at the fraction of the cost of a new model.
R MIller
Always be sure of the road worthiness and that all systems are in are working order.
That being said, if you decide to do a DIY project (or even have a pro do it) you can turn a profit if you decide to sell it on the used market. Of course, this all depends on the restorations that were completed, and the popularity of the brand and specific model. Airstream, Avion, and Shasta are all niche models in this market and some can run well into respectable five digits when restored properly.
Aside from the costs and effort spent researching to have a vintage RV, the satisfaction of owning what you envisioned will be a great feeling, especially when you spend time on the road and that’s exactly what a passion for owning a vintage RV is all about.