Rally Days Turn to Vintage Nights

A vintage trailer rally may best be described as something between a car show and a camping trip. The popularity of “glamping”, or glamorous camping, has introduced a whole new type of camper to the outdoor lifestyle. Many of these “campers” are not inclined to rough it much more than maybe having to walk to the restroom at their favorite RV park! A vintage trailer rally can draw anywhere from a dozen trailers to a couple of hundred trailers, all of which were originally manufactured before the disco craze was over.​

Vintage trailers can be the perfect solution for the part-time or beginner camper. Often a vintage trailer can be picked up at the fraction of the cost of a new trailer and simple repairs or decorating can be made as time and money permits. Vintage trailerites, are often drawn to vintage trailers because of their classic styling and the memories that they evoke. If you are considering the purchase of a vintage trailer, or just admire their timeless beauty, visiting a vintage trailer rally may be something you want to add to your bucket list. Vintage trailer rallies and shows are held across the USA. Chances are, there is a rally not far from you.

Many rallies offer an “open house” during the weekend long event. We host several large rallies a year and have our open house from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday. Our rallies have 150 to 250 trailers, and most of the trailer owners will invite you in to their trailer and share with you, their passion for the hobby. (Find rally dates at www.trailerfestrally.com) Visiting a variety of different makes and models of trailers will give you a better feel for what you would like to purchase for yourself if you are in the market. If you aren't looking to buy, it is an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon reminiscing about the good old days while touring mid century coaches. We took our vintage trailer experience and put everything we know about rallies in a book titled “Vintage Camper Trailer Rallies”. Whether you are attending a rally, considering hosting an event, or just want to live vicariously through hundreds of photos, our book is packed with information and a lot of eye candy. (Available at www.vintagecampertrailers.com)

Having attended and hosted vintage trailer rallies for over a decade, I can tell you that far and away my favorite time in the park is after dark. The trailers’ natural wood interiors take on a glow that can be admired through the window or screen door as you stroll through the park. The exteriors are often illuminated with colorful lights that create a sense of whimsy. With crackling campfires, laughter and usually a guitar or other instruments heard throughout the park, all of your senses can feel the camaraderie and friendships that are formed on each and every trip.

Vintage trailer rallies are not open to the public at night. Unless you are participating in a rally you may never have the chance to see a couple of hundred vintage trailers lit up after hours. Photographer Rick Rajewski captured photos of vintage trailers at night with the moon and stars overhead. An avid camper, Rick and his wife Cheryl purchased a 1964 Silver Streak and hit the road to find others who shared their passion for the past. Rick’s calendar, “Vintage Nights” showcases more than a dozen of these high quality photos. The calendar  is sold out. The Rajewskis (and their two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, River & Woody) live in Palos Verdes, California. ​​