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  • 1967 Dodge A108

RESCUE RESTORE RALLY

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Arizona Rally- Greetings From Lake Havasu

3/5/2021

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We just had to get away. Like many vintage trailerites, being stuck at home makes us wanderers go stir crazy. The Lake Havasu, AZ Rally was the next one coming up, so we decided to take a drive. Cherri Aiken was a welcoming host, and the views of the lake and sunsets were incredible. The asphalt campground was dry camping, but the nearby restrooms were more than adequate to make our stay comfortable. We did some hiking and biking and visited the London Bridge. We also watched a fishing tournament taking place on the lake. We ran into old friends and made some new ones as we always do. It was nice to experience some normalcy and just go camping. Taking the time to go to a rally was good for the soul. Be safe, go camp!

TEARDROP REPAIR AT THE RALLY
By Ron Drake 
I have always recognized that vintage camper trailer enthusiasts are very friendly, helpful, and interesting people.  You might even say that they are a little eccentric and, like my neighbor Ed Derderian, who has at least six vintage trailers, a little too obsessed with the hobby.  I’ve seen people rush over to their neighbor at a rally to help with an awning, a pop-up shade, or other situations where an extra hand was needed.  Whatever the scenario, people are always willing to help.

That brings me to my point.  The first weekend in February my wife, Pat, and I decided we needed to get away from home for a few days and see some different scenery, get out of the cold weather, and, from a distance, mingle with trailer people again for awhile.  So we headed to the annual vintage trailer rally at Lake Havasu City in Arizona.  The congenial rally hosts Mike and Cherri Aiken always organize a fun and low-key event at the Arizona State Park in a reserved section right along the beach.

It is over an eight-hour drive from our home in Castle Valley, Utah to Lake Havasu City so we left early to get there with plenty of time to set up before dark but we encountered strong winds and blowing sand along the way.  Somewhere in eastern Arizona the combination of the gusting winds and a section of rough roads jiggled the rear hatch loose on our 1947 Kit teardrop and caused it to swing open widely and flap in the wind, which pulled the nails loose and damaged the trim that connects the siding and roof.  I ran a strap over the top of the trailer to hold it in place with plans to just deal with the problem when I got back home after enjoying the weekend.

At the rally, I was visiting with Norman Guimond from Los Angeles, and during our conversation, I mentioned my experience with the wind and damage to the trailer and he took a look at it and said “we can fix that.”  Norman seems to be the type of guy with a lot of nervous energy but  more importantly, he has a sincere desire to help people.  He wasn’t having any of my plan to fix it when I got home so we got right with the repair work. As soon as we got started with the project then Chuck Schaffeld from Ontario, Oregon saw what was going on and came over to the trailer and offered to help.  He even brought his toolbox full of a multitude of power tools just in case they were needed.

In less than an hour, the three of us had the trim straightened and the aluminum siding back in place and the trailer was back to its original glory except for the dirty condition of the trailer caused by the dusty trip to the rally.  

The experience with Norman and Chuck and their desire to help out only reinforced what I already knew: vintage camper trailer folks are a great bunch of people!​
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This article was originally published in issue #54 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.
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WIFI CONNECTIVITY FOR YOUR VINTAGE TRAILER or RV.

1/22/2021

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By Alyssa Padgett 
RV Entrepreneur Podcast

If you want to work on the road, you need RV internet. Which unfortunately isn’t as simple as setting up internet in a house.
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Inside of the high-tech Mobile Incubator (a 1950's Shasta) from https://www.culturehustlers.com/
Chris and Cherie are OG full-time digital nomads and have been traveling for nearly 15 years. They both work on the road and knew that this lifestyle couldn’t work long-term without solid internet.
After years of testing and experience, they’ve become the gold standard for understanding and finding gear for internet for RVers
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I recommend listening to our full interview with Chris and Cherie on episode 212 of the RV Entrepreneur Podcast, but if you're short on time, I'll highlight a few of the major things I learned listening to their expertise.
Here are a few of the best tips Chris and Cherie shared:

Create Redundancies
If you're working on the road, knowing where you will have internet signal tends to dictate your travel plans. If you have backup options for staying connected, you can (almost) always stay connected.
For example, we use an unlimited AT&T data plan for our hot spot and main internet connection.
But we also have unlimited Verizon data on our phones that we can tether to our computers as a backup.
And we also use a wifi extender in case we need to use RV park wifi. (RV park wifi has improved leaps and bounds in the past few years! Chris and Cherie share a few reasons why in the podcast episode.)
Redundancies will improve your chances of staying connected.
This is also something employers love to hear you have in place if you're working remotely. Being able to say "Don't worry boss, if this doesn't work, here's my backup plan, and my backup backup plan" goes a long way!
This does NOT have to be hugely expensive to set up either.
We pay $105/month for unlimited AT&T, our unlimited data plans on our phones costs the same as 10 GB of data would cost us, so that was a no brainer upgrade, and the wifi extender we use is built into newer RVs. (And I'll cover more internet gear you’ll need in a sec!)
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Lucas Spivey of the Culture Hustlers. https://www.culturehustlers.com/
Unlimited Data is...Gone?
When we started RVing in 2014, you had basically one internet option: unlimited data.
Now, carriers don't offer truly unlimited data plans anymore. (You'll have to search for a grandfathered plan from a third party vendor.)
Most "unlimited” data plans have hidden caps, ones that even the sales people probably don't know about. So before you buy an unlimited data plan from a carrier, read the fine print.
Do they throttle after 35 GBs? Because throttling in our experience means your internet goes from speedy to won't-load-anything in a snap.
(Chris and Cherie do recommend an AT&T plan by Cricket in the episode!)
Despite the limitations of data, cellular data is still the best option for staying connected (other options would be relying on RV park wifi or lugging around a satellite with your RV).
If you can find a grandfathered unlimited data plan, it can be the best way to stay connected on the road. However, because carriers are cracking down on data plans that use lots of data every month (think 250+ GB), these data plans are becoming more scarce. 

Internet Gear You (Probably) Need
In addition to a hotspot (sometimes called nighthawk, jetpack, velocity, unite, and other random names depending on where you buy it), you may consider a few pieces of gear to boost and extend your internet signal. 
So to make it overly simple, here's a quick reference list of some of the types of gear Chris and Cherie mention in their interview:
  • ​weBoost cell booster This boosts your cell signal from your carrier and can be installed on your RV.
  • ​Netgear MIMO antenna This is not a cell booster, but works similarly. You plug in into your hotspot and can move it around your RV to the location with the best cell signal. It works better than a cell booster about 70% of the time according to Chris and Cherie.
  • ​Pepwave Max Router This is one of the newer internet developments in the past few years. A router can help you stay connected to the strongest internet option in your arsenal, but it’s on the more expensive side when it comes to RV internet gear. 
  • ​Winegard Wifi Extender For connecting to RV park or public wifi, this is going to extend signal into your RV if you’re far away from a router. This doesn’t boost your internet speeds like a cell booster does, but can be most helpful in RV parks where you’re likely far away from the internet source.
  • ​King WifiMax Extender Same function as above, but this extender is slightly cheaper and was built into our last RV, the Winnebago Forza. More and more RV manufacturers are starting to build wifi extenders into their new rigs. 
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The Mobile Incubator. https://www.culturehustlers.com/
So what should your internet setup look like? It depends.
I know, not what you want to hear, right?
But everyone has different needs!
  • Someone doing Youtube needs amazing upload speeds.
  • Someone doing Zoom calls with customers five hours a day needs more redundancies.
  • Someone who blogs like me and doesn't have tight deadlines, doesn't need a complicated internet setup.
Chris and Cherie lay out a ton of options in the podcast episode, which is why if you're trying to figure out the best internet set up for you in 2021, I recommend listening to the full episode for their expert advice.​​
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Four days after their wedding, Heath and Alyssa jumped into an RV and started traveling full-time.
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TCT 2021 Winter Convention

1/4/2021

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​Tin Can Tourists' may be a vintage trailer based group but we do not discriminate membership based on the year of your rig.....ALL trailers are welcome to attend, even brand new rigs, motorhomes, tents, etc... Come Join the fun!

Registration is OFFICIALLY OPEN for the TCT 2021 Winter Convention. This year will be packed full of fun and safe events. We will do everything we can to remain safe and healthy. We have a professional caterer that will prepare meals safely and served in to-go containers allowing members to eat at socially distanced tables or take their meals back to their trailer. This year event T-Shirts are included in the rally packet. There will be a socially distanced outdoor movie night (Every trailer gets Jiffy Pop and other movie treats in their welcome packet.) Custom TCT Mask will be provided for all members. New this year is a shuffle board tournament (Mask required for participates) and we are sure to have some strong competition as other Rallies have had Shuffle Board and we are finding out that teams have now officially been formed and some already have their own team uniforms!
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There will not be a Public open house this year but we will have Friday Night Lights were members are encouraged to decorate the exteriors with lights and open all their curtains with interior lights turned on so we can all 'tour' and 'view' the trailers outside safely from the windows. Saturday will also include a Swap meet as usual and the Ladies Exchange that we had last year. Sanitation will be a top priority for this event! More information and official schedule will be posted soon! If you have any questions or concerns please send an email to TCT.Heintz@gmail.com ​
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​Vintage Vera - a Mobile Pop-Up Shop

12/29/2020

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Women are a big part of the vintage trailering community. They do more than just CAMP and GLAMP in vintage trailers. They are restoring them, polishing them, operating food carts, vintage vendors and photo booths out of them, and memorializing them in art and jewelry. We are recognizing these women in a regular feature in the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine and here on our blog. We want to hear from you too.
vintagecampertrailers@gmail.com
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​Vintage Vera is a Mobile Pop-Up Shop selling Vintage/Retro/Bohemian Fashions & Accessories out of a 1961 Glendale Glendette (made in Strathroy, Ontario) Vintage Camper NOW turned Glamper! Based out of Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. 
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The trailer is named Vera after my Nana. My business, VINTAGE VERA, got her name in my Nana's honor. She taught me to brake for thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, auctions, junk in the road and the occasional dumpster. I was lucky enough to have her for 36 years. She actually passed away on my birthday. A big part of my LOVE (or obsession) of the old and pre-loved is because of her. Some of my fondest memories are of Saturday mornings adventures with her, my mom and aunties and whoever else wanted to tag along. When I was about 14 she gave me my first beaded vintage hand bag and the rest is history. At last count I had over 70 vintage handbags and purses...every once in a while I try to purge them and add them to my shop inventory, but I’m not very good at it! 
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I love vintage finds of all kinds and the hunt for the old, unexpected and unique...beautiful vintage dresses and purses, Pyrex and barware, swag lamps and quilts. I also really love old vintage camper trailers that have been restored or made into something exciting and new again. And I’m a  Glamping (Glamorous Camping) kind of girl. I try and go glamping in the warmer months as much as possible with my young son, we always do at least one camping trip that is about 14 days and a few 2-3 days one as well. ​
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Vintage Vera is a combination and dream of marrying some of my favorite things and hobbies into a small business. Something other people will enjoy and possibly even inspire them to chase or in my case tow a dream! 
I have my shop on Etsy, but the only a small amount of my actual inventory makes it to the shop posting. Best way to see what I have is to come to one of my pop-up shops. You can also Like or Follow Vintage Vera on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

Mariana McElroy
AKA Vintage Vera                                                                             
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Vintage Vera was featured in the Vintage Camper Trailers Book. Get a copy from the authors for yourself.

The Vintage Camper Trailers Book

$24.99

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.

This is our first book. (200 full color pages in hardcover.)


Paul and Caroline Lacitinola are immersed in the vintage camper trailer hobby including rescuing, restoring, and rallying. In 2011, they began publishing the first U.S.-based magazine for collectors, restorers, and admirers of American-made camper trailers. Subscribe Here


We include free stickers a bookmark and coupons with every order.

Please indicate in the notes if you would like your copy signed.

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The Vintage Camper Trailer Rallies Book

$24.99

A book about the history of camping clubs and trailer rallies and our story of how we got involved hosting vintage trailering events. Hundreds of photos (192 full color pages in hardback) of vintage trailers and tips and ideas on how you can host your own rally! The book features trailerites and the trailers they’ve lovingly maintained or restored. 

This is our second book. See our first book here.

​

Paul and Caroline Lacitinola are immersed in the vintage camper trailer hobby including rescuing, restoring, and rallying. In 2011, they began publishing the first U.S.-based magazine for collectors, restorers, and admirers of American-made camper trailers. Subscribe Here


We include free stickers a bookmark and coupons with every order.

Please indicate in the notes if you would like your copy signed.

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$32.98

Only a few left!

Save $12 to $20 when you buy two books. We will also include two stickers with your order.

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Which Caravan Heater is Best – Electric, Diesel, or Gas?

12/17/2020

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Placing a heating system on cars is as important as adding up an air-conditioner, especially in chilly weather. As a result, RV heating costs cheaper than on cold seasons than in normal days.
Here are the different types of heating systems for RVs:
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Four Common Types of RV Heating System

Which of the four heating systems can keep your van warm – portable heaters, reverse-cycle air-conditioning, or gas or diesel heater?
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Portable heaters and air-cons demand extra work to get started. On the other hand, gas and diesel heaters are stand-alone systems to heat up RV interiors. Keep an eye on each type’s advantages and disadvantages to easily select which one is better. The sure thing is, no one is better than the other as the choice depends on your needs.
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Portable Heater
Let’s begin with the cheapest type of heating system. Portable heaters will not cost higher than 40 dollars that provide an efficient fan heater. It must have access to a 240-volt power supply to start working.

Additionally, the electric heater will occupy a larger space in the van. Avoid placing the heater near the floor, instead make a space on a bench for safekeeping.
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To ensure safety, try not to use the full capacity of the electrical system by running high current-draw items together with the heater.
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Reverse-Cycle Air-Conditioning
This option is a versatile way to keep your RV cool and dry at the same time. Most reverse-cycle air-conditioning is placed on the ceiling of a full-sized van. The installation process has all the accessories needed to be made available from the factory, like H-frame support. It can also be an all-round air-condition by its roof-top installation.
However, you should be extra careful with its pop-top design. The air-con unit has a harmful roof lifting mechanism that won’t lift extra weight during installation. Installing the unit with layout permitting, under a bed, or under seats could be an alternative. Allow extra space for route ducting and heated-air outlets.

One good thing with reverse-cycle air-conditioning is it can provide warmth overnight. Just set the temperature to your desired heat level and be ready to go. The air might become too dry that will cause irritation.
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Now, here are the downsides of air-conditioning you should be aware of:
●        Delivering heat in an RV starts after a few minutes, which is not ideal for most campers. Also, it is only compatible with 240v AC power.
●        Running the system can be noisy.
●        The need for a licensed electrician adds up the cost of installing the air-con unit.
●        You must look for a powered site before going on a trip to make use of the reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
●        A lithium power system is an expensive alternative to a power grid, hence adds up cost.
●        Using a generator is another option, but then again very costly. An air-con unit requires a 2.4kVa generator that may cost 2000 dollars.
●         It brings so much inconvenience for the campers.
As campers want to make things work faster, reverse-cycle air-conditioning is not ideal to break that chilly morning.
Gas Heater
Gas heaters are the best choice for heating large spaces since they operate quietly compared to other heating units.

To run the system, a 12V power must exist. It makes the fan and control unit function so well to create heat in your RV. Clean fuel is suitable for running the gas heater, which is accessible at home.

Gas heaters are both electricity and fuel-efficient in order to deliver heat in two weeks. Only a 9-kilogram bottle of clean fuel can last for weeks while drawing a low current. Remote areas charge higher costs in refilling the gas bottle than in cities. One is found in Australia’s Truma Vario Heat Eco, formerly Truma system.
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A gas heater must be installed by a licensed gas fitter to avoid leaks on the gas line. They follow regulations to safely fix the heating system to some RVs. Do not install a gas heater near the door, window, and other gas appliances for safety purposes.
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Diesel Heater
The final caravan heater option is perfect for DIYers, with no need for licensed fitters. It is an efficient heating unit with a compact design. Diesel heaters work with 12V power and the same fuel for tow vehicles.

Proper installation will result in a quieter operation, as diesel heaters can be loud sometimes. Inlet silencer or exhaust muffler helps to reduce the noise of the pump, much better when it is insulated.

Having an extra diesel fuel during trips is advisable, together with a jerry in topping up the heater. Compared to gas fuel, diesel smells worse and can easily stain stuff. Heating performance may also be reduced by carbon deposits formed in the chamber. Running the system in the full heat of at least an hour helps to burn the deposits. Make sure the heater is set on high for long periods.

Periodic maintenance is necessary to enhance the features of the diesel heater. It includes cleaning the glow pin to remove the carbon deposits stuck in the chamber. In addition, replace the fuel filter and perform checkups on the exhaust lines at least two years in a row.
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Which Should I Choose?
Choosing the best air conditioning for caravans is crucial to match your trip essential on an RV. Better pick the system that fits your caravan needs as well as your budget. There are a lot of options you can find, so make sure to select the ones that passed quality standards.
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Whitewall tires - What to know and where to find them

12/2/2020

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If you are like me, you love the look of wide whitewall tires. I run them on my classic cars and like the way they look on vintage trailers. Here are several examples of beautiful trailers accented by whitewall tires. Post your favorite in the comments and continue reading for resources on where you can find tires, wheels, and hubcaps to dress up your trailer.
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Steve Folsom (the owner) found this Hercules in the same city it was manufactured. The Henderson’s Hercules Manufacturing produced travel trailers from 1969 – 1971. According to their website, the company has been in business since 1902 when it opened as a buggy manufacturer in Evansville, KY. Later the business moved to Henderson, KY. Having stayed in business for over 112 years has required the company to be innovative and change with the times. Now, the company primarily manufactures truck and van bodies for the trucking industry. According to an article written by Douglas White, retired president of Henderson’s Hercules Manufacturing, Joseph Banna, confirmed the limited manufacturing date of 1969 -1971 for the Hercules Trailer. (Featured in issue #37 of the VCT Magazine.)

NEVER use passenger car tires on your trailer. There are significant differences between passenger car tires and trailer tires. A passenger car tire is not designed to carry heavy loads for extended periods of time. The side walls are not as strong as trailer tires and can aggravate trailer swaying. A trailer tire is built for such purposes as well as low rolling resistance, long-life, and stability while towing. As a result, the tire may have different steel belts, plies, beads, thickness, and diameter as compared to a passenger car tire.  ​
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One of only three known to exist. Restored by Flyte Camp of Bend, Oregon . This unique 1962 Holiday House Geographic Model X is a standout wherever it goes. Currently part of the Gulley collection in Arkansas. The Gulley Collection owns two of the three Geographics. The third was last known to be in Europe. (Featured in issue #37 of the VCT Magazine.)
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1957 Dalton restored by owner Steve Quinones in 18 months. (Featured in issue #49 of the VCT Magazine.)
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It may be time to replace your existing tires even if they appear to have tread remaining. Consult this recent article, 5 Common Questions, published in the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine to determine the age of your tires and find out if your trailer tires should be balanced. We also recommend checking that your lug nuts are tight before each trip.  ​
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Originally purchased by the current owners parents in 1955 for $1600. This Aljoa trailer made family trips from California to Tennessee. (Featured in issue #26 of the VCT Magazine.)

Vintage Trailer Supply - Wheels, tires, and hubcaps for your vintage trailer.

Miller Tire - Vintage trailer tires and wheels and everything from the smallest lawn and garden tire up to the largest farm tractor tires. If you're always hunting for the best match to tires of a given period, Miller Tire’s expert employees offer the largest selection of antique farm tractor tires available in the USA. We stock the tires (including trailer whitewalls) needed to make your restoration shine!

Tire Rack - Wheels and tires for your trailers and tow vehicles shipped directly to your home or installer.
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​6 Things That May Save Your Trailer This Winter

11/24/2020

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The Gulley collection is located in Arkansas and includes over 5 dozen Airstreams.
Will your vintage trailer be ready to go next time you want to take off? You do not have to be MacGyver to turn ordinary household items like WD-40, copper wool, and a light bulb into objects that will preserve your vintage trailer any time it is stored away.  Most vintage trailers have limited charging or plumbing systems and do not require technical winterizing. Still, you should do these simple things when storing your trailer to safeguard it and ensure it is ready when it is time to go to a rally next year. 
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A collection of approximately 80 trailers fills two warehouses. The climate controlled environment is ideal for preserving trailers in top condition.
1. Your trailer should be stored on a solid surface like concrete, blacktop, or minimally compacted gravel. Parking your trailer on dirt or grass may deteriorate tires and shorten their lifetime. Covering your tires will protect them from sun damage. A cover, or better yet indoor storage, will preserve the exterior of your trailer from the negative impact of sun, rain, snow, and debris. If you must park your trailer outdoors, clear weeds from around the base, keeping a safe distance from larger foliage that may scratch the trailer when it sways in the wind. Avoid using a tarp to cover your trailer if possible.
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The collection includes several dozen trailer models other than Airstreams.
2. Wasps and bees love to make nests in furnace and water heater vents. The best way to keep bees and other insects from getting inside in the first place is by covering up all exterior openings where they could enter. Mesh covers are available for your furnace vent, fridge vent, water heater, etc. WD-40 is also useful in killing and preventing wasps around the home and RV. Spray some WD-40 around all of your RV's vents to help keep wasps from nesting.
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The Gulley collection includes a lot of period gear.
3. Ants. Leave ant traps in cupboards and closets to avoid an infestation.
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This room is dedicated to The Wally Byam Airstream club and contains many rare pieces.
4. Mice and rats like to burrow and spend the winter in the warm insulation. Snakes will sometimes follow the rodents in their search for food. Remove any human food from the trailer, so you are not attracting rodents. Rats and mice can chew through almost anything but will generally follow the path of least resistance. Plug any possible entrances with copper wool. If you discover an infestation, clean and repair the damage ASAP. If there are droppings inside a cabinet, pull everything out and carefully clean it all. Rodent droppings can carry diseases. Wipe everything down the area with a weak bleach and water solution. Check for further damage, such as chewed holes and patch them. You can fill them with copper wool and then cover the hole with an aluminum patch and/or fill it with expanding foam. Traps are preferred over poison. A rodent can die in a wall with poison and cause a horrible stench and be impossible to extract. If you use traps, check them frequently to avoid a rotting carcass.
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5. Control the interiors moisture. Dehumidifiers and moisture-absorbing products will prevent your trailer from unwanted smells. A comment on our blog offered this tip… "another common trick of boaters is to leave a 115 VAC light bulb on (it needs to be old fashioned incandescent to provide heat)…". ​
PictureThe Gulley collection includes rare trailers like this pre-war Masonite Airstream and the Gold Airstream. www.goldairstream.com
6. If you are in a climate where freezing temperatures are likely, prevent damage to your trailer's plumbing with a few simple steps. Use heat tape on pipes and hoses. Wrap your freshwater hose and sewer hose with heat strips to keep the lines warm and prevent freezing. Valves and connections are most at risk of freeze-ups. You may also add foam insulation in addition to heat tape for extra protection. If you can do so safely, use a space heater to warm the interior. Open your cabinets that contain plumbing fixtures, so your trailer's heating can keep your internal plumbing warm. Allowing a small drip from faucets can help combat freezing by keeping water moving. Adding a small amount of antifreeze in holding tanks can protect the valves from freezing.

Add your storage tips and comments below.

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Top 10 Christmas Gift ideas for vintage Trailerites

10/28/2020

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1. Christmas Cards

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The Retro Christmas Card Company has designed the cover of the Christmas season issue of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine for several years and this year is no different. Order your cards today to give to your friends and family. https://www.retrochristmascardcompany.com 

2. TORCH 500 MULTI-PURPOSE LIGHT

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Yes it is a great flash light or flood light but what grabbed our attention is the built in solar panel and USB port! Charge it with the sun and use it as a back-up charger for your cellphone! Let there be light. ​http://www.goalzero.com

3. 2021 Calendar

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Hot off the press! While supplies last. We send free stickers with your order. Click here to shop. SOLD OUT

4. VCT Boot Camp

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Prepare to restore like a pro at this networking and learning event. Click here for more information.

5. Omnia Oven

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We absolutely love this oven for the oven less. Bake right on top of your camp stove! 
https://www.omniasweden.com/us

6. Trailer Books 

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Save 20% on all books in our inventory through November, 2020 with code xmas20   Shop Now

7. stargaze™ recliner luxurychair

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A chair that "sits" more like a hammock. Collapsible aircraft grade aluminum folds down into its own compact carrying bag. The lower center of gravity, auto recline feature and swinging motion make for a comfortable campfire or nap. Click here to shop.

8. The VCT Magazine

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For collectors, restorers, admirers, and dreamers. The gift they will receive 6 times per year. Give yourself a gift and subscribe today or gift someone else a years worth of vintage trailers. 

9. Lynx Levelers

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We don't leave home without them. Level your trailer, RV or camper securely. We don't leave home without them. Get more info here.

10. 2020 Sticker collection

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Receive the stickers pictured here and a 5th bonus sticker for just $4.99. Remember the year you may want to forget! Very limited quantity so don't wait. Click here to order yours now. SOLD OUT
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A CAMPER FOR SASHA

10/20/2020

1 Comment

 
By Kathleen Casper
​It’s difficult to choose where to live when you are a Pacific Northwest mountain person and a tropical Florida beaches person. So, our family moved back and forth across the country every few years in an attempt to have it all. Three years in Washington State, then three or four in Florida, then back again. We’ve moved our five children cross-country so many times that even the four-year-old could probably give you directions.
That being said, we never just moved anywhere- we caravanned with our entourage of vehicles, boats, campers, and so many pets. Last we counted, the 12-year-old parakeet had moved across the country three times and around Florida a few times. And the 24-year-old red-earred slider turtle did the national move five times. Then add six cats and a few dogs. We called ourselves the Casper Family Circus and even considered painting the camper like a circus tent at one time.
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​My husband, Brad is used to the chaos and my insatiable yearning for new places and exciting adventures. That’s why it makes me giggle a little when I think about this past move when I actually surprised him. He’s pretty unshakable and goes with the flow. But the day I told him I was going to “just see…” a pregnant mini horse, a few weeks before our scheduled move from Florida to Washington, he about fell out of his chair. “You’re going to see WHAT?!” I repeated my statement, grinning. “Where do you think you’re going to put a pregnant mini horse? We already have too many vehicles to move across the country. We didn’t even have a way to tow our second camper. That’s why we had to sell it. And we can’t afford a horse hauling company for a mini horse!” I was giggling by the time he finished. “It’s okay,” I smiled, “I’m only going to LOOK at it.” He knew better. Within a couple hours I was calling, “Can I buy it? She’s sooooo cute!” I imagined him shaking his head and rolling his eyes. “Where are we going to put it?”
“Oh, don’t worry,” I soothed him, “I have just the idea. I’m going to make the camper into a horse trailer!”
“What?” he hollered into the phone. “The camper we just spent all year rehabbing?! You’ve got to be kidding.”
But of course, I wasn’t. “It’s a two-for-one special, Brad. A horse within a horse. I just have to have her!” 
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So, for the next few weeks, right up until the date we were scheduled to start driving the three thousand plus mile trip, I worked on creating the world’s best horse trailer for the adorable mini in our 1967 Monitor camper.
I was determined to create a safe and secure stall for our new friend, smack dab in the middle of the camper. She would have room to move around, but stall padding to lean against. And the whole thing would be wrapped in tarps and stall mats so no messes would get through to the structure.
First, we took the camper to the trailer shop to have them check the frame and ensure it was solid enough to hold a horse in there. (The horse only weighed about two hundred pounds, but I was scared that she could break through the floor if she stood in one place too long or we hit some bumps.) They assured us that the frame was strong, and they changed the bearings in the wheels and did a safety check on the whole structure.

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Converting Tire Sizes From Old to New

10/6/2020

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This unfortunate roadside occurrence was shared in the Vintage Camper Trailers Facebook groups page.
If it is time to replace the old tires on your vintage trailer, you may have a hard time matching up the numbers with the new tires sold today. We rely on Tire Rack to help us figure it out when we need new rubber. Here are some guidelines you can use to replace your old tires before you are left stranded on the side of the road.
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Click on the chart above to download a pdf.
Depending on the sizing system used when the tire was manufactured, there may not be a good rule of thumb or step-by-step process to follow to make the conversion. The chart above has many of the different sizes you may encounter.

​For something like a 6.50R15, the 6.50 indicates the nominal section width of the tire in inches, and the 15 is the wheel diameter, also in inches. Since modern tire sizing typically uses millimeters for the section width, we need to convert 6.50 inches to millimeters, so 6.50 x 25.4 = approximately 165mm. When the aspect ratio is not listed, like in 6.50R15, it is assumed to be 82, meaning the sidewall height is 82% of the tire's section width.


Modern tires use aspect ratios in increments of 5, so the closest current size to a 6.50R15 is 165/80R15. The conversion is very much an approximation, not an exact science. If your travel trailer has a tight fitment without much room for variance in tire size, it would be best to take some measurements and give us a call before pulling the trigger so we can help ensure you get a tire that fits.
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In issue #52 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine, we will also cover when to replace your tires and how to read the dates on tires, why you need trailer tires instead of passenger car tires, how to determine load ranges, and whether or not to balance your trailer tires. Don't miss it. Subscribe today.
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