“Travelers don’t know where we are going, tourists don’t know where they’ve been.”
-Paul Theroux
We set up our camp beneath towering Ponderosa pines lining a babbling stream, and find ourselves completely alone.  The sun shines through the canopy casting dappled light across the forest floor littered with needles and cones.   We open up our camp chairs, pour glasses of wine, and settle into the quiet of our own thoughts.  We made it. ​

Finding places like this was just one of the many dreams we had when we first bought our vintage camper off of Ebay for $900.  These dreams kept us going through the tougher spots of our remodel project and downsizing our life.  We knew that someday, somehow, we’d get here, right here, and all the hard work would be worth it.

​Over the past 8 years and 110K miles of full-time living in Hamlet, our 1957 Sportcraft travel trailer, we’ve been amazed by the “right here” places we’ve discovered.  We’ve found ourselves hiking to nearly 9,000 feet in Texas, pedaling bicycles up steep inclines in a western Washington drizzle, and wandering among eerie hoodoos in sun-drenched Utah.  We’ve paddled between foggy, granite islands off the coast of Maine, weeded onion beds in the red dirt of Hawaii, wrangled sheep in Colorado, hiked countless miles of solitary, winding trail, and discovered some of the best places to park our rolling tiny vintage home in North America.  Many of these aren’t in conventional campgrounds.  ​

Solar is The Key!
One thing we can always count on in our wanderings is that the sun will rise; it will illuminate our solar panel and give us the energy we need to power our lives – pretty much no matter where we are.   But wait, solar technology on a vintage rig?  You got it, during our entire travels we’ve almost exclusively run on solar power.  You may be surprised to find out that the first solar panel was developed 140 years ago.  Solar has been key in helping us take advantage of our favorite boondocking spots across the nation.
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We’ve found that a portable panel works really well with our vintage camper.  We can set up the solar panel in the sun while keeping the trailer in the shade.  It also means that we didn’t have to install a panel bracket on the roof of our 63 year old rig. ​

We constantly get asked what we can run with solar.  Our answer is always, “It depends on what you are trying to power.”   With our small solar powered system we run our LED lights, Fan-tastic Vent/Fan, a couple of small household appliances, as well as charge our smart phone, laptops and other personal electronics.  Our goal is to live as simply, as minimally, and as inexpensively as possible, and we’ve been able to thrive with our tiny home over the past 8 years!  The important thing about solar is that it’s scalable and can be designed to fit your personal power needs. ​

Retrofitting an air conditioner to your vintage or tiny trailer can pose a variety of complications and require a fair amount of labor and skill to install it correctly. A poor installation can be unsightly and worse yet, cause leaks that in turn cause moisture damage. A roof mount RV air conditioner or residential window style air conditioner also require 30-50 amp shore power to operate. To stay cool in your vintage trailer with conventional AC you will need to be plugged in. Here is an alternative to a traditional AC installation.

​The Zero Breeze Mark 2 offers trailerites the option to stay cool in their canned ham, teardrop or tent trailer. There is no installation required and because it is portable and battery powered you can use it when you are boondocking. We frequently camp for free with our membership to Harvest Host. We like the freedom that NOT being tethered to a paid campsite gives us on a road trip. Until the The Zero Breeze Mark 2 portable air conditioner, this meant enduring the heat and humidity unless we paid for a site. A portable AC can be taken from trailer to trailer (if you have more than one) or you can use it in the shade of your awning. Your Zero Breeze doesn't have to be sold with your trailer making it a good investment for years to come.

Is there really a "10 Year Rule"?
Yes, kind of, sometimes. Some parks, typically higher-end (more expensive) RV parks may have this "rule." Understand that these types of RV parks are catering primarily to a clientele with rigs that start in the six figures. RV parks typically use this rule to screen long-term rentals of 30 or more days. The "10 Year Rule" is usually not enforced for weekend camping stays. The rule is simply a filter RV parks use to eliminate the riff-raff.

​Why is there a "10 Year Rule"?

• Safety- Unrestored or poorly maintained RV's may pose a higher risk of fire due to wiring or gas issues. Older RV's may be more likely to leak fuel or fluids. The park cannot perform a safety inspection on every unit, so the ten years old rule is used as a gauge.
• Visual Appeal- Campers that are staying in newer or well-maintained vintage trailers do not want to stay in a beautiful park next to a beat-up or unsafe trailer.
• Laws- County and state laws may dictate rules. Particularly with long-term stays where the tenant is considered a resident as opposed to an overnight guest. There may also be terms in the property owner's insurance policy that prohibit certain types of RVs or activities.
• Park Expenses- Tennants with an RV that is worth very little may be more apt to not pay rent, abandon the vehicle, or require an eviction. All of these things are less likely to occur if the camper has a newer rig or restored vintage trailer. Should the park have to deal with removing a crummy old trailer, it can be costly and time-consuming to go through the process.

RV Parks and campgrounds are busy these days. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the camping craze is likely to continue to grow. RV sales have increased, and camping is a safe way to get outdoors with friends and family. Don't fear, though, even if the large exclusive resorts turn you away, you have options. If an RV park's supply of available campsites is low, they may be more particular with who they allow to camp in the park.

Should I sell my vintage trailer and buy a newer one?
We have been camping on the west coast and around the US for over a decade. We may camp up to 20 weekends a year.  We have always had vintage trailers. We have NEVER come across this obstacle and cannot recall any reports of the "10 Year Rule" being imposed on any of our friends that camp vintage. If a  park uses this rule as a screening device, and your vintage RV is in good condition, most of the time, the park will make an exception for you. Chances are they will want to see it up close, have a bunch of questions, and want to find out where they can get one! Be sure and tell them about www.buyvintagetrailers.com.
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Keep in mind that park owners and managers are probably campers too. They are not blind to the popularity of vintage trailers. Some campgrounds even have vintage trailers as rentals. If you hear of someone being turned away from a park because they had an old trailer, consider the whole story.

• What is the condition of their trailer?
• Length of their stay?
• The caliber of the park where they were making a reservation?

If you do run across a park that enforces the 10 Year Rule because you have a vintage trailer, (or any another experience you have with this), we would like to hear about it. Give us as much detail as you can. Let the park know about the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine, and we will send them some copies to see if we can change their mind.
 
Paul and Caroline Lacitinola
Publishers of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine
vintagecampertrailers@gmail.com

May 1, 2020
Finally!  Ready to slide the fridge in for the last time, and it was a perfect fit! Hooked up the gas supply, checked and triple checked for leaks then lit the fridge on propane for the first time, ( we had already tested the AC side prior to this).  After about 3 hours the fridge started to cool; filled the ice cube tray and checked after another 3 hours to find ice starting to form, walked away from it for today; checked early the next morning to find solid cubes in the tray.  I plan on running the fridge on propane for 3-4 days to get a feel for how much gas is being used.*
Remaining tasks include deciding on a door panel insert, matching the paneling or brushed aluminum/stainless?? Securing the fridge to the enclosure/floor with provided screws. Will also need to modify the storage door/mirror above the fridge as it encroached about 3 inches into that existing space.  This should be a nice upgrade to make camping just that much more enjoyable. Stained/varnished fridge panel in place (turned out a little darker as a different species of plywood was used, but it will do for now).(painting vents, fridge door panel, and modifying upper cabinet door/mirror: about 6 hours)
​
* ran the fridge on gas from a hot start-up for 5 + days in 100 degree heat and it used about 3.5 gal. propane. It should do better if I pre-cool first using 110 v, then switch to gas before travelling.

After “sheltering in place” for several months, many of us are ready to get back on the road. Campgrounds are opening for families and small groups, and highway travel may be the safest way to get out of the house during the cautionary “re-opening” period of the COVID-19. Before you hit the road, make sure you are prepared for a safe journey.

COVID Travel Restrictions Map 

Save On Campsite Fees and Fuel—our two biggest expenses on a road trip.

• Harvest Host. Save a bunch of money on your road trip when you stay for free! (Use our link to save 15% on the annual membership) Stay one night, and you pay for your membership! 
• Passport America. The largest 50% Discount Camping Club! 
• Allstays. A travel resource for free camping and more! 

 

• Good Sam Club. Discounts on fuel, campsites and dumping stations. 
• Gas Buddy. Find the best price on fuel and save money on every tank of gas. Why pay more? 

Don't have an RV? Why not rent one for your road trip? Rent an RV from Outdoorsy for your journey. 

Basic Safety Precautions while traveling during the re-opening

• Do not travel if you are ill.
• Exercise a minimum of 6 feet of social distancing.
• Bring face masks, hand sanitizers, and disposable gloves. Use as needed or required.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Pack your food or use curbside pick-up or drive-throughs.

 

• California Campgrounds Open Today!
• Considerations for Travelers—Coronavirus in the US
• Be prepared if you are hosting or attending a rally during the pandemic. ​

OVERVIEW 
On March 19, 2020, the State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health issued an order requiring most Californians to stay at home to disrupt the spread of COVID-19 among the population. 
The impact of COVID-19 on the health of Californians is not yet fully known. Reported illness ranges from very mild (some people have no symptoms) to severe illness that may result in death. Certain groups, including people aged 65 or older and those with serious underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, are at higher risk of hospitalization and serious complications. Transmission is most likely when people are in close contact with an infected person, even if that person does not have any symptoms or has not yet developed symptoms. 
Precise information about the number and rates of COVID-19 by industry or occupational groups, including among critical infrastructure workers, is not available at this time. There have been multiple outbreaks in a range of workplaces, indicating that workers are at risk of acquiring or transmitting COVID-19 infection. Examples of these workplaces include long-term care facilities, prisons, food production, warehouses, meat processing plants, and grocery stores. 
As stay-at-home orders are modified, it is essential that all possible steps be taken to ensure the safety of workers and the public. ​

PURPOSE This document provides guidance for campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor recreation areas and operators/providers to support a safe, clean environment for the public, employees, interns and trainees, volunteers, and all other types of workers (referred to collectively as “staff”).

NOTE: Campgrounds with playgrounds, conference spaces, or meeting rooms should keep those areas closed until each of those types of establishments are allowed to resume modified or full operation. When allowed to reopen to modified or full operation, campgrounds and RV parks with these establishments should refer to guidance on such industries as it becomes available on the 3 COVID-19 Resilience Roadmap website. The guidance does not apply to youth camps, team or contact sports, school and educational activities, and other public gatherings. For guidance on summer camps, refer to the guidance on the COVID-19 Resilience Roadmap website. All public events or concentrated gatherings at campgrounds or RV parks, including group bonfires, group campsites, presentations at outdoor amphitheaters, musical or other performances, or other events must be cancelled or postponed. Most organized activities and sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and football that are held on park fields, open areas, and courts are not permitted to the extent that they require coaches and athletes who are not from the same household or living unit to be in close proximity, which increases their potential for exposure to COVID-19. Members of the same household may engage in such activities and sports together.
​
The guidance is not intended to revoke or repeal any employee rights, either statutory, regulatory or collectively bargained, and is not exhaustive, as it does not include county health orders, nor is it a substitute for any existing safety and health-related regulatory requirements such as those of Cal/OSHA.1 Stay current on changes to public health guidance and state/local orders, as the COVID-19 situation continues. Cal/OSHA has more safety and health guidance on their Cal/OSHA Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus webpage. The California Department of Parks and Recreation has an online resource center for state parks and operational updates, including safety information, are available for national parks on the National Park Service webpage. CDC has additional guidance for parks and recreational facilities administrators.

By Steve Katkowski

​Well, just exactly where do I start here?  Nobody likes goodbyes, right?  I know I don’t. S0000, let me open this letter with a friendly “HELLO”  Hello to all the trailer buddies I’ve made over the years. All of us got started in this hobby with a good story, here’s my story and I hope you enjoy it. 

Many  years ago I received a phone call from a  guy in Florida who was selling an antique trailer.  He told me it was like new, never used.  Parked in a barn since 1953.  Suuuuuuurrrrrre, do you think I would believe that? I had at the time already bought the deed to the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. Could this be another opportunity to impress my wife at how stupid I could be? ​

I passed on it because it sounded too good to be true.  In fact, I passed on it several times when he persisted with his calls.  One time he said “Steve, you are going to buy my trailer!”  Well, curiosity got the best of me.  I was going to Michigan to visit family, so I made a simple change to my ticket and made a stop in Florida.  This was a real experience guys.  I was picked up at the airport by a guy in an old Dodge van that looked like it could have been in that old black and white photo of Hiroshima after the bombing ended WWII.  Rust holes, smoking exhaust.  And  when he stopped, it was in front of an old building that didn’t look much better.

How was I going to explain to Jenay that once again I went on a wild  goose chase?  First of all, I’d never owned a vintage trailer.  The hobby was in its infancy. Secondly, I could just imagine  where this sales pitch was going. When he opened the door to the building and I was floored.  There right in front of my eyes was basically a brand new, Tweetie Pie yellow 1953 35 foot Vagabond trailer.  I’m sure if we took it outside you could see it from a satellite.  Trying to control myself so as not to  show my excitement, - and look cool and reserved----(as if I am capable of that)---  I asked him “what’s  it like inside?   He stepped up nose to nose with me and said “I TOLD YOU, IT’S NEW!)   ​

Steves ever changing collection of vintage trailers, cars and memorabilia was featured in the Vintage Camper Trailers Book.

When I walked  inside I almost fainted.  This thing had everything but the smell from the factory applied final finishes.  I had to ask “how much” and for the second time I was floored.  I blurted out, “FOR AN OLD TRAILER”?   Well, sometimes you’ve got to step up to the plate and thankfully I did.  We shook hands on the deal and I took out my checkbook to give him a deposit.  This folks is where I got my first inkling about  just exactly how great the trailer hobby was going to be.  You see—he said “why would I take a check from you for a deposit, we shook hands” wow. 

I got home and mailed him a check anyways.   He mailed it right back. “ Pay me when you pick it up.”  And the rest they say, is history. From the very first Craig Dorsey Vintage Vacations rally at Newport Beach to my lastTrailerfest Rally with Caroline and Paul, it’s been one incredible journey. More friends than I ever imagined without ever having to turn on a computer or cell phone. Over the years the hobby grew into an obsession that slowly evolved into a museum.  And through my conversations with each and every one of you I’ve gained a wealth of information. It’s truly been an honor to share it all with you and I appreciate you sharing your lives with me. ​

Both of these trailers were pictured in the Vintage Camper Trailers Book along with others in Steve's collection at the now disbanded museum.

The time has come for Jenay and I to move on. We have sold everything in the museum, wall to wall, floor to ceiling.  We have sold our home and moved away from our beloved redwood trees and the occasional earthquakes and scary fires--- to our new, beloved “old peoples 55 and over” gated community. We will now have unlimited golf courses and hurricanes.  I should have done this sooner.  Being in my 70’s may make me the youngest neighbor on the block. (hee hee hee).

I will be searching for one last vintage camper for the two of us to enjoy for the next  50 or so years we have left.  I just hope my truck lasts until I’m 120 years old.   I may not be able to afford a self-driving  autonomous ¾ ton solar powered electric four wheel drive vehicle when I really need it. 

Steve's museum and the Masonite vagabond with the original interior (above) were featured in the Vintage Camper Trailers Book and The VCT Magazine issue #30 of the VCT Magazine.

Happy trails my friends----  I love you all--- and don’t ever forget, one trailer is never enough. Nothing compares to the thrill of the hunt.  On top of that, decorating is the real icing on the cake.  BYE BYE, NOT!

Steven and Jenay Katkowsky
p.s. You can still visit the website to experience just exactly how much fun it can be letting a hobby get the best of you.  The stories are all there. 
www.vintagetrailermuseum.com
stevenkatkowsky@gmail.com

So you see, I’m not gone at all.  What the heck, I may as well tell you now---it only took me a few months to pick up another two trailers.  If you’d like a peek, let me know.  And I’ve managed  to terrorize a whole new group of people at 3 vintage trailer rallies out here in Florida. 

P.S.  And a special thank you to my friends Paul and Caroline (akaVintage Camper Trailers Magazine) for taking this hobby to new heights.  Not that many years have gone by since I first  met you both. You shared your dreams and in a relatively short period of time they’ve all been achieved.   I think I can say this for all of your trailer family---------we love you. 

Hosting rallies this year has presented organizers with new scheduling challenges. Events are being rescheduled, postponed, and even canceled. It is important that campers are informed about any changes or new rally dates. You can be sure that most of us are ready to get out and go camping as soon as possible!

• If you are hosting a rally, utilize the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine and www.VintageTrailerRallies.com to let trailerites know about your event.
• If you are attending a rally, check before you roll. Go to www.VintageTrailerRallies.com or contact the host directly for updates.

 
Be prepared for possible changes to rallies based on COVID-19 regulations.

• Social distancing. If masks are required make sure you bring one.
• Things like potlucks, open houses, and group events may not be held.
• Some campgrounds may not have public restrooms open, BYOB.

Many regulations and much attention was given to this new safe ride start-up program, and many bars, their patrons, and the police watched to see what was going to happen with this new idea. ​ 
​
Miracle of miracles! The Program worked! During the first 10 years of service more than 50,000 carefully documented safe rides were given to intoxicated drivers and their intoxicated passengers, and their cars were safely delivered home by a small group of dedicated sober (My turn to drink, Your turn to drive) volunteers. For the first time in Tahoe history, DUI deaths and DUI crashes decreased as reported by the South Tahoe Police Dept.

Now for The FUN part of this story! To keep these safe rides free, IGS decided to host an annual fundraiser based on the 50’s lifestyle and 50’s cars and call it Cool September Days Car, Truck, Motorcycle and Vintage Camper Show. Along with an old car show, IGS would put on a 50’s style Sock Hop with dance, dress-up and hairdo contests and at mid-night at the Hop as a grand prize IGS would give away a locally donated and restored old car on a $1 raffle ticket.

A lot of things have changed over the past 30 years but the Good Samaritans Safe Ride Program is still alive and well in Tahoe and the 30th annual Cool September Days Car Show was held at the South Lake Tahoe Heavenly Village shopping center on September 18-20, 2015.

Over the 30 years of this safe ride programs history, many different cars, trucks, and motorcycles have been located, donated, and restored to be used in IGS’ fundraiser raffles, from a 1953 Buick Special in 1986, to a 500hp Ford PU and new Harley in 2002, to a grand prize of a 1953 Chevy Sedan Delivery with a new teardrop trailer all set up to go camping in 2010.

IGS volunteers would like to invite everyone with an interest in vintage cars and/or campers or motorcycles to come to Lake Tahoe for the day or for one of our weekend shows at the Heavenly Village Shopping Center (near the Gondola). This package will be given away October 18th, 2020.

To date, more than 100,000 intoxicated drivers and their friends have been delivered safely home in the Tahoe area and much effort has been made to help start safe ride programs in other cities all around America. Many lives have been saved and many millions of dollars of damage has been avoided thanks to your generous donations for raffle tickets or when you attend one of our Car Shows. Get your raffle tickets here.

Thank you for 34 years and counting! 
​Tom and Polly Argo
 p_targo@yahoo.com
530-541-7300
PO Box 7007, Stateline NV 89449