​Introducing the Vintage Camper Trailers Boot Camp Online Restoration Summit!
Are you passionate about vintage camper restoration? Do you dream of bringing a beloved classic back to life but don't know where to start? Look no further! The Vintage Camper Trailers Boot Camp Online Restoration Summit is here to guide you every step of the way. Join us on August 23 & 24, 2024, for an electrifying online summit where seasoned experts spill the secrets to reviving those charming trailers of yesteryear.

What to Expect
This immersive experience is designed to bring you up close and personal with top-notch professionals in the field of trailer restoration, all from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're looking to revamp interiors, master exterior fixes, or simply gain some inspiration, we've got you covered.

• Expert Speakers: Gain access to a diverse range of professionals who will share invaluable insights on restoration techniques. From practical tips to mindset guidance, our speakers are here to help you achieve your goals.
• Interactive Sessions: Engage with our experts in live Q&A sessions, where you can ask specific questions about your projects and receive personalized advice.
• Comprehensive Content: Learn everything from the basics of trailer restoration to advanced techniques. Our content is crafted to ensure you leave with actionable knowledge that you can immediately apply to your projects.

Your Vision is Attainable, and We're Here to Help
We understand the passion and dedication it takes to restore a vintage camper. Our summit is here to support you, providing the tools and knowledge needed to turn your vision into reality. As one past attendee remarked, "The Boot Camp was a game-changer for me. The insights and tips I received gave me the confidence to tackle my restoration project head-on."

Welcome to Our Value-Packed Online Event!
The best part? It's all free! Yes, you read that right. You can access all this incredible content without spending a dime. Plus, there are special offers and prizes available to participants, making this event informative and rewarding.

Don't Miss Out!
So, grab your toolbox and buckle up for a journey packed with knowledge, camaraderie, and a whole lot of fun. This is your chance to dive deep into the world of vintage camper restoration and bring your projects to life.

Sign up now and let's bring those vintage RVs back to life! Remember, it's free to attend, and the experience is priceless. As another attendee shared, "The camaraderie and expertise at the Boot Camp were unparalleled. I left feeling inspired and ready to tackle my restoration with renewed vigor."
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Join us for the Vintage Camper Trailers Boot Camp Online Restoration Summit on August 23 & 24, 2024, and take the first step towards reviving your beloved vintage camper. See you there!

Discovering the Omnia Stovetop Oven has been a game-changer for our camping adventures. This Swedish gem, with a history dating back to the 1940s, has become our go-to kitchen tool for baking on the go.

Unveiling the Omnia's Magic - How it Works
Crafted from lightweight aluminum and steel, this Swedish marvel transforms any camp stove burner or barbecue into a mini oven, evenly distributing heat for perfect baking results. The steel base plate heats up, creating a whirlwind of hot air surrounding the baking pan. The lid allows steam to escape, ensuring dishes come out just right—never soggy.

Why We Swear by It
Compact and Efficient: Despite its small size, the Omnia delivers big on performance. It's easy to transport and store, making it a must-have for any camping adventure. Seemingly similar to a Dutch oven (which we also love), the Omnia is lighter-weight and easier to clean. Invest in a silicone mold or muffin ring for even quicker clean-ups.

​Versatility Redefined
From Breads to Casseroles: The Omnia adapts to any dish or cooking style, from freshly baked bread to mouthwatering casseroles, making it an indispensable tool for our outdoor kitchen. We like to make cinnamon rolls or other pre-made refrigerator biscuits and frittatas. A cookbook and even a Facebook page are dedicated to its versatility, which knows no bounds. The Omnia stove effortlessly adapts to a wide range of dishes and cooking styles.  Get one for yourself with our coupon code (omnia4vintage) and save 20%.

​Have you ever attended a rally or show on concrete or asphalt with no way to secure your awning? Gary Moore came up with a way to utilize the weight of water with common items from a home improvement store. Filling a five-gallon bucket with water gives you a 42-pound anchor to secure each awning pole. Water produces a substantial amount of weight you don’t have to transport. Wind can still pull or tip the buckets. Gary engineered four-foot 1x2s with a notch in each end to keep the buckets in place by placing the sticks between the base of the awning pole and the tethering rope where it connects to the bucket handle. (We might add a lid to the buckets and a spring between the rope and handle. If you wanted to be fancy, you could cover the buckets with a burlap sack or another material.)

Full feature on Gary and Arlette's trailer in issue #70 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.

Have you got a tip to share?

By Caroline Lacitinola

​“A place for everything, everything in its place.” This Benjamin Franklin quote runs through my mind repeatedly as I walk from trailer to trailer in 105-degree heat, looking for clothes hangers to display t-shirts we will sell at an upcoming rally. Why can’t I seem to get this down? I have a coat rack with this saying on it. I write this saying down on my goal sheet. I know this saying is true and makes life so much easier, so why don’t I do it? I don’t have an answer for you, but I keep striving to make this true in my life.

Prepping for a rally is an old story but one I always reflect on when going through the process. Every camping trip, rally, road trip, or vacation has variables. Tomorrow, we leave for a rally 8 hours from our home. We are going without children. We are leaving the dog at home. Those two sentences take a lot of prep work out of this camping trip.    

I am a list maker, and I find they are more and more necessary the older I become. I will remember for a moment, and if I don’t write it down at that moment, it may not make it to the event. I have lists for food, personal hygiene, our store, camping gear, dog needs, outfits, etc. WRITE IT DOWN – CHECK IT OFF!

​Divide and conquer. If you have a camping partner, divide the responsibility of prepping for a trip. In our home, the lines are blurred, but Paul ensures the trailer is safe and ready for the road while I buy and pack and inventory supplies. The blurry lines sometimes result in things that don’t make it into the camper for an event, but after 15 years, we both realize that it wouldn’t be camping if we remembered everything! (Pillows are always a contender for not making it as we both prefer to bring our own, and they are last-minute additions as we run out of the house at o-dark-thirty.)

While reflecting on life, you never remember the times when everything went 100% as planned. You tell the stories of tires blowing, kids getting sick, luggage catching on fire, sleeping on a cot in a minivan, awning poles going through the side of a trailer, and many other crazy tales that come from doing life. So, when things don’t go as planned, take a deep breath, and remember that it will make a story to tell down the road.

​This note is a glimpse into my scattered mind as I race around, getting ready for a rally. I did find the hangers. After looking in all the right places, storage shed, enclosed trailer, the last camp trailer we used at an event, back to the storage shed, back through the enclosed trailer, they were in the last place I looked. The other truck that we used at our previous event! Sure enough, the hangers were neatly boxed and ready to go in that truck. OH, DEAR!

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s stories around the firepit.  

​What do you make sure you don't leave home without? Comment below.

There has been an increase in stolen items recently at vintage trailer rallies. Most of the items were cut from the cables that were “securing” them in the wee hours of the morning. Theft and other crime are not something we have had to deal with over the 15 years we have been camping. Many of the ideas in this article are good measures to stay safe while camping in general, and focus on preventing the theft of your personal property. This is an excerpt from an article in Issue #62 of The Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.

​Part of the appeal of camping is the wholesome family atmosphere created when you get together with friends and meet new like-minded people. In the past 15 years, we have stayed at over 100 RV parks. Our kids grew up roaming the parks enjoying the park’s outdoor spaces without fear. I can only recall a couple of instances where anything was stolen. A recent weekend experience has caused me to rethink how we will camp in the future.

While many types of crime can occur at an RV park, I want to focus this article on preventing theft while camping—the kind of camping we do at vintage trailer rallies. We are surrounded by friends and fellow trailerites (and the park’s long-term residents). I don’t believe that these people are a threat. It is more likely that the lawbreakers from outside the park are preying on trusting travelers.

​I have very little interest in catching or confronting thieves. I want to direct my energy to keep them away, slowing them down or scaring them off. If campers take personal responsibility to safeguard their possessions, thieves will not return if it is not easy pickens. High-dollar, high-demand e-bikes bring the best return for the lawbreakers. Bicycles, scooters, and motorbikes can be an easy ride or roll away. They bring quick, easy money and are worth the risk for the prowlers. Here are some ways to protect your toys and collectibles and play an active role in stopping thefts where you camp. Don’t let the fear of crime in RV parks keep you from having a great time. Camping is generally safe and a great way to get away from the daily grind.

Camping gear and toys can be a substantial investment. Should a theft occur, be prepared with the information you will need to report a theft or recoup your losses.

• Document your possession’s serial numbers. It can be as simple as a written record in your RV or an app on your phone.
• Photograph your possessions to document their condition and provide a good description should they be stolen.
• Register your bike with Bike Index or 529 Garage. Both are free services that store your bike’s information in a searchable database that police departments and bike shops can access. 
• Operation ID is a nationally recognized property identification program to deter theft and aid in recovery. You can engrave your driver’s license number on items of value. A driver’s license number is easily accessible by law enforcement to find the owner.
• Are your bikes insured? Check with your insurance agent to see if they have liability and personal property coverage for you and your bike. Homeowners, renters, or vehicle insurance may cover losses. Confirm that you are covered for items when “away from home” and “outside the vehicle.”
• Velosurance is a company that specializes in bike insurance.
• Some insurances will cover items stolen from inside your vehicle or RV. Folding bikes (and some folding e-bikes) are small enough to stow away easily.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Taking precautions while camping will ensure that you do not become a victim. The park should be making reasonable efforts to protect their guests, but ultimately, they are not responsible for your losses. Here are some ideas to help prevent you from becoming a victim.

• Be attentive to people in the park during the day. Thieves may prowl the sites during the day to locate their targets. If someone looks out of place, report them to the park immediately. (You may want to say hello to let them know they haven’t gone unnoticed.)
• Lock up bikes during the day when you are away. (See lock recommendations next page.)
• Motion detector lights around your trailer will startle would-be thieves and make their activities more apparent after dark. Tri-Lynx makes battery-powered options that have magnets to attach them to a variety of spaces temporarily.
• Keep your site well lit. Leaving your decorative lights on may be a deterrent. Thieves prefer to work in the shadows.
• A tent room​ on your awning can provide extra living space and conceal your possessions from passers-by. If you don’t have canvas sides, you may even use something like mosquito netting to keep ne’er-do-wells out of your space. Use folding tables or the park’s picnic table to help secure your awning space.
• Although it may seem silly, a string of empty aluminum cans is almost impossible to move without making noise. In a pinch, you may have to get creative with a noisemaker. Booby traps that cause bodily harm are illegal. 

(Use a combination of two or more.)

• Folding Bicycle Lock Made with 3MMHardened Steel Links.
• Chain locks like Kryptonite are made from 3T manganese steel.
• U-Locks made from hardened steel are suitable for locking a wheel to the frame. Reducing the ability to roll the bike away simply will reduce the likeliness that you become a victim.

Note: With some exceptions, cable locks may be reserved for quick lock-ups where you are just trying to deter someone from walking off with your bike. Cables and padlocks are relatively easy to cut with bolt cutters.

• A cover is an inexpensive way to keep your bikes out of site and prevent deterioration from sun, rain, and dirt. Choose a bike cover that has a lock.
• Bike alarms like the Wsdcam Waterproof Bike Alarm with Remote are a great option. An anti-theft alarm is triggered by movement. A 113 dB loud alarm will help deter thieves and give you peace of mind. Storing your bike in the bed of your truck at night will utilize your vehicle’s alarm if someone attempts to take your bikes.
• Trackers like the Apple AirTag and Tile work with your cellular device and can help you locate your property if it is lost or stolen. These devices work primarily off Bluetooth and have a limited range of up to several hundred feet. Outside of the Bluetooth range, the device may “ping” the last known location if the device is in wi-fi range. A tracker like Tracki utilizes GPS tracking and can track items worldwide. This type of device requires a monthly service fee of around $20.
• Some e-bikes have locks and alarms integrated into their design. Removable batteries can be a deterrent as well. Features like this will add value to the e-bike you purchase. Do not leave your charger plugged in outside your trailer at night unless you are SURE it is secure. If a thief gets the charger with the bike, that is a bonus! Make sure that you do not leave the keys in the ignition.
• Cameras are another option to “catch” a thief. Trail cameras designed to capture wildlife images have features like motion detection and night vision to document what is going on outside your RV at night.

“It doesn’t do any good to report a theft. The cops won’t do anything.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you don’t report a crime because you think nothing will come of it, you facilitate the problem. Crime reports help direct future patrols and prevention and aid in returning your property to you if it is found. A police report may also be necessary for an insurance claim. 

Be a part of the Solution

• Take responsibility for securing your possessions.
• Be aware of your surroundings and suspicious activity.
• Report concerns and crimes to the park and police.

Tires are manufactured by bonding rubber to fabric plies and steel cords. Despite the anti-aging ingredients mixed into the rubber compounds, there is a realization that tires are perishable and a growing awareness that some tires (especially trailer tires) will age out before their treads will wear out.
For the most part, today's tires deliver more miles and years of service than ever before. In the 1970s, typical bias-ply tires lasted less than 20,000 miles and were only expected to be in service for about two years. In the 1980s, early radial ply tires offered a treadwear expectancy of about 40,000 miles during four years of service. By the turn of the century, many long-life radial tires extended treadwear to about 60,000 miles during four or more years of service. Passenger car and light truck tire technology and American driving conditions in the past resulted in tire treads wearing out before the rest of the tire aged. That may not always be true of today's even longer-lasting tires that are approaching 80,000 miles of treadwear.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone. Properly stored tires that are protected from the elements and not mounted on a wheel, age very slowly before they are mounted and put into service. In our experience, when tires are properly stored and cared for, most street tires have a useful life in service of between six to ten years. While part of that time is spent as the tire travels from the manufacturing plant to the manufacturer's distribution center, to the retailer and to you, the remainder is the time it spends on your vehicle.
"Environmental conditions like exposure to sunlight and coastal climates and poor storage and infrequent use accelerate the aging process. In ideal conditions, a tire may have a life expectancy that exceeds ten years from its date of manufacture. However, such conditions are rare. Aging may not exhibit any external indications and, since there is no non-destructive test to assess the serviceability of a tire, even an inspection carried out by a tire expert may not reveal the extent of any deterioration."
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and tire manufacturers are currently studying the many variables. Exposure to the elements (sun and atmospheric), regularity of use (frequent or only occasional), and the quality of care (maintaining proper inflation pressure, wheel alignment, etc.) will all influence the answer. So while tire life depends on the service conditions and the environment in which they operate, the difficult task remains how to identify all of the variables that influence a tire's calendar age and attempt to quantify their influence.

Since Tire Rack sells tires manufactured in North and South America and Europe, Africa, and Asia, it's common for us to receive new tires directly from manufacturers that are already six to nine months old. Since we rotate our inventory, most of the tires we ship are less than a year old.
There are also some occasions where we work with a tire manufacturer to help them clear out their inventory when they discontinue a tire line. While this may uncover some new tires that are several years old, these clearance tires are typically offered at a discount and will wear out before they age out.
Tires are stocked in Tire Rack distribution centers under favorable storage conditions. Protected from exposure to direct sunlight, moisture, and hot and cold temperature extremes, our inventory leads a sheltered life compared to the tires mounted on wheels, installed on vehicles and exposed to the elements, road grime, and brake dust.
Tire manufacturers' replacement tire warranties begin when the tires are purchased and typically last 4 to 6 years from that date. This allows the tire manufacturers' limited warranty to accommodate the time it takes tires to be shipped from the manufacturing plant to the warehouse or distribution center, to the retailer, to the consumer, and the time they spend in-service on the vehicle.

Keeping tires properly inflated is probably the most significant action a driver can take to prevent tire failure. For example, driving a vehicle with a significantly underinflated tire can permanently damage the tire's internal structure in ways invisible to external visual inspections. A U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tire aging field study revealed that 30 percent of spare tires observed were significantly underinflated when first checked. Putting underinflated spare tires into service before properly inflating would greatly increase their risk of catastrophic tire failure. The inflation pressure of spare tires should be checked monthly along with the rest of the set.
Our experience has been that when properly stored and cared for, most street tires have a useful life in service of between six to ten years. And while part of that time is spent as the tire travels from the manufacturing plant to the manufacturer's distribution center, to the retailer, and to you, the remainder is the time it spends on your vehicle.
www.tirerack.com

Share your experiences or other helpful information or questions in the comments.

This is an excerpt from an article by John Palmer in issue #59 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.
Photos by Hal Thoms

​The Vintage Trailer hobby is just over twenty years old.  I have been active in the hobby for the past twelve years and have witnessed extensive growth.  For example, we now have lots of vintage rallies to choose from attending within a day’s driving distance.  In California this past month, we had three very large Vintage Rally’s scheduled on the same weekend!   We now have The VCT print magazine, we have had T.V. shows about our hobby and vintage trailer rebuilding, we have our annual Boot Camp Learning Experience “sold out” each year, and companies are now opening that specialize in the restoration of vintage campertrailers.  We have parts vendors that have invested their resources into the tooling necessary to build reproduction parts to help save our old trailers.  Major insurance companies are developing special policies targeted to our specific vintage trailer insurance needs.  You cannot watch a primetime T.V. show or a T.V. commercial without seeing a vintage trailer used as a prop in the background.  Mainline R.V. companies have tried to jump on the vintage bandwagon by releasing modern versions of the old Vintage Trailer designs.  

Anyone remotely watching this hobby has already seen the significant increase in prices for restorable camper trailers, only to find them already sold when you call. ​So, what are your options to just accepting the increase in cost and limited availability of core trailers to rebuild that are in popular camper sizes?  How about building your own hand built vintage trailer? Read the intire article in issue #59 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.

Click "Read More" below for more pictures.

​Don't Spoil the Vintage Look with a Modern Fridge!  Try an Energy Efficient Fridge Alternative
We can think of about a million things that we love about vintage trailers, but the original "ice box" food storage solution in our 1957 Sportcraft, was not one of them.  Designed for a simpler time, we appreciate both the minimalism and the sweet, mid-century hardware on this poorly insulated aluminum box.  But, the original ice-to-food-storage ratio just wasn't going to cut it for longer than a weekend, let alone full-time living. 
During our 2011-12 remodel we considered a modern replacement -- 3-way fridge, 12V cooler, etc.  We just couldn't find anything that would fit the space while keeping the vintage look and budget, and provide us with enough cold food storage. With our launch date to full-time living approaching and with no viable solutions on the horizon, we settled on a hasty compromise.
We used the vintage ice box inside Hamlet as a dry-goods storage space and kept all of our cold food in a cooler out in our pick-up truck bed.  This forced us to stick with the tried and true habit of picking up 10 lbs of ice every 3 to 4 days.  Planning ahead to avoid being somewhere far off-the-grid with a melting bag of cold water instead of a robust block of ice, just became part of our routine.   

​Call it procrastination, call it just settling in to the way we did things, but the constant draining and cleaning, the sweaty cheeses, the partially liquified lettuces, the trips to the store -- it all finally got the better of us.  We needed a different solution that would allow us to store enough food without having to compromise our inside space or vintage esthetic.  We were not alone.  With all the folks transitioning to life on the road in RVs, vans, and vintage rigs, the 12V product options just keep opening up!
We settled on the ICECO VL45 Single Zone Portable Fridge Freezer, with its simple design, very reasonable price tag, efficient compressor, low-profile but durable handles, as the perfect solution for our situation. Many 12V fridge options were either too bulky, not powerful enough, too expensive, or simply too large for the allocated storage area.  When your whole life fits into a 72 sq ft camper and the utility box of a truck, reallocating space is, well…complicated.  Note: It's also perfect for those families who need extra fridge/freezer space beyond what they store inside their trailer.
We wanted to run our fridge off solar power to extend our boondocking adventures well beyond the lifespan of a block of ice.  It also seemed like a wasted opportunity to not include an engine charging option into the mix, without draining the truck battery.  The folks at Renogy thought so too, and created the Dual Input DC to DC Charger.  We became aware of this product while installing a DC to DC charger between my parent's towing vehicle and RV and it really got us thinking. 
This ingenious device takes an engine charge input (via the starting battery) as well as a solar panel input.  It allows us to run a 12V fridge off of our 12V-50Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate battery and be able to charge it while driving, or with our portable 100W Folding Solar Suitcase while camping off-grid. 

​One extra feature of the Dual Input charger is that when connected to solar and the service battery is full, the charger will trickle charge the starting battery in the engine.  So, no matter how far out we might be, or for how long, we won't be stuck with a dead starting battery.  
The installation was pretty straightforward and can be done with minimal tools, as you can see in our step-by-step video.  We had to design some vehicle specific solutions for mounting and securing components, but with the truck bed topper providing a water-resistant shelter much of the challenge for this installation was already solved.     

Click on "Read More", (below) right for the rest of this article, a downloadable pdf, video product review and coupon codes.

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?