2022 Calendar The Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine 2022 calendar is a glimpse back at some of our favorite photos. Like the magazine, the calendar features trailers from the pre-war era through the mid-century. Custom and traditional trailers that have been restored by professionals or owner-built. In the spirit of the magazine, each photo contains a caption that tells about the trailer and its owner's vintage journey. (8.5" X 11" full-color glossy paper with a cardstock cover.) FREE SHIPPING. Shop Here. Silver Suzi Jewelery Designs A self-taught metal artist specializing in unique silver designs. Shop a wide selection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins. Vintage trailer, Airstream, and custom designs for you. Shop Now Tow Girlz Gear Cozy sweats and ladies v-neck tees for around the fire or waking up in the woods. We include a sticker for your trailer so everyone knows you are in the "club." View Options Christmas Cards Do you love vintage trailers? Do you love holiday-themed vintage trailer puns? We've crafted a six-pack assortment of greeting cards featuring some of our favorite vintage trailers that embody the spirit of the season. Order Now! Tow Boyz Gear Get ready to rally with our club button-up camp shirts, t-shirts, and hoodies. Click here to shop and join the "club" with your own Tow Boyz decal for your vintage camper trailer. (Included FREE with every order.) Picnic Table Shield Avoid the mess, avoid the splinters and uncomfortableness of public picnic tables with these convenient covers! Made in the USA of commercial-grade marine vinyl. Shop here. Mid-Century Key Fobs Three mid-century key fobs for your vintage trailer keys. These motel-style key chains feature "room number 4569" to remind you of the mid-century years from 1945 through 1969. Only a few left! Vintage Nights 2022 Calendar Vintage Nights 2022 Calendar by Rick Rajewski. Vintage Nights 2022 Calendar. Order yours here. Vintage Camper Trailers Book Vintage camper trailers are a unique symbol of midcentury America that resonates with many people. This book introduces many of those people, along with the trailers they’ve lovingly maintained or restored. It includes hundreds of photographs of everything from fancy and comfortable trailers designed for glamping (glamorous camping), to trailers handed down through families across generations. Shop our books. The Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine Give your friends and family a gift they will love 6 times a year. Select an offer that includes back issues and your gift recipient will receive a gift card with their order announcing their gift from you. In print and/or digital from $24 per year. (Click here to subscribe for yourself.)
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Cooler weather is upon us, and putting your vintage trailer away for a few months may have made your honey-do list. Winter camping in warmer areas of the country may be possible, but most trailerites will put their trailer away for the winter. After hibernating for several months, putting your trailer back into service in the spring will have fewer unpleasant surprises if you follow these ten guidelines.
1. COVERED STORAGE
If possible, always store your vintage trailer under a cover. Keeping the elements off of the trailer will prevent many common issues caused by moisture. A canopy also blocks damage from hail, birds, and falling branches. Tarping a trailer may cause more harm than it prevents. A tarp can trap moisture and scuff or scratch the trailer's finish. If you are using a cover made for trailers, be sure it is designed to be used outdoors in the rain and/or snow.
2. WATER SYSTEM
Vintage trailers usually have a pretty simple water system consisting of a freshwater tank and possibly a small black and/or gray water holding tank. Even a simple water system can be severely damaged by freezing weather. Cracked pipes or tanks can be expensive and difficult to repair. The basic steps: Turn off the water heater, drain and flush all tanks and pipes. (Open all of the faucets while draining to help drain completely.) Leave the faucets open to allow for expansion if any water is remaining in the system. If your trailer has been upgraded with a more modern design, you may have additional steps you should follow for your trailer. An RV antifreeze can be utilized for additional protection.
3. HUMIDITY
Mold and mildew will cause unwanted odors and health hazards. A dehumidifier used every couple of weeks (or as directed) or moisture absorbing material inside the RV will help reduce or eliminate the moisture that will cause damage. Some forums profess to leave a light on inside the trailer to produce a small amount of heat and "dry" the air. Stand your cushions up on their edge to allow for more circulation. Remove all bedding and clothing that may trap and retain moisture. Baking soda and sachets of coffee grounds will also help prevent or eliminate odors.
4. RODENTS
Remove all food and beverages from the trailer. Keep rodents from getting in the trailer. Fill any entry points (around pipes or exterior storage doors) with caulking or copper or steel wool. Some scents are thought to keep mice at bay and don't require adding chemicals or poisons to your vintage trailer; suggestions include peppermint oil, mothballs, pine needle spray, and dryer sheets. Poison can be used if you have an infestation. Use a brand that is non-toxic to humans and all non-rodent animals.Poison-free RatX Bait Discs work from the inside out to kill rats and mice with up to 90% less odor.
5. BATTERIES
When disconnecting batteries, remove the negative cable first—store fully-charged batteries in a warm, dry spot. Larger systems with multiple batteries will have specific instructions for proper maintenance. It is usually better to keep these batteries installed in the trailer. You may still want to disconnect the negative battery cable. Check the battery charge level periodically, and recharge when necessary. If you are in need of a new battery, we highly recommend the reliable Duralast Gold Battery.
6. Tires
Covering your tires is a good idea in the summer and winter. For long-term storage, you may want to jack up the trailer to eliminate the chance of flat spots or deterioration from sitting in the dirt. While concrete is preferred to park on, Tri-Lynx Levelers will elevate the trailer tires and protect them from contact with the ground. You may even stow the tires and wheels separate from the trailer. Check the dates on your tires and replace them per the manufacturer's recommendations. When it comes time to replace your tires, we reccomend Tire Rack.
7. PROPANE TANKS
Turn the gas off to the trailer. In harsh winters, propane tanks should be removed (if stored outside of the trailer) and stored in a sheltered location—but never inside the RV. Cover the tank connection fittings with plastic bags and rubber bands to keep the insects from entering the lines. 8. EXTERIOR Close all ceiling vents, check seals around exterior doors and windows, and re-caulk where needed. Wash and wax the exterior. Lubricate hinges, window cranks, and the hitch latch mechanism and jack. 9. AWNING Clean and DRY the awning. It is essential to make sure the awning fabric is completely dry to prevent molding. The same goes for pop-up or fold-out trailers with fabric or canvas siding. Prevent the smell of mildew and the damage that it and mold can cause.
10. VALUABLES
Last but not least, if your trailer is stored in public storage or somewhere you cannot monitor it, remove any valuables. Any temptations for theft like TVs or other electronics or hunting and camping gear should not be left in the trailer. It may be a good idea to annually videotape your camper to have a record of its inventory and value. Update the value of the RV with a professional appraisal. Use a quality hitch lock and consider installing a GPS tracking system should your trailer be stolen. Use the comments below to let us know what we missed? What else do you do to protect your vintage trailer? |
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