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!​

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 ​

​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. 
​
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! 

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. ​

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:

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?
​
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.

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.
​
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.

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.
​
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.

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.  ​

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.  ​

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. 

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.

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.

3. Ants. Leave ant traps in cupboards and closets to avoid an infestation.

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.

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)…". ​

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

​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!” 

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.