Forum Discussion

The_Dung_Beetle's avatar
Sep 26, 2013

Glamping and Dolling Up Vintage TT's

Recently some friends of ours met us for a short camping trip and we were sooo tickled to see their humble abode was a vintage 1960's trailer they had allll "Glamped" out! They had gutted it, and brought it back to life with DIY modifications - complete with hilarious pink flamingos out in front as the frosting on the cake.

As much as we love our current TT, I would love to nab one of the older gems and bring it back to life with fun bold ideas.

Anyone in here have any tips or photos they'd like to share? Do's ~ don'ts?

Thanks in advance!
.

20 Replies

  • I'm reading fast and furious here (thanks to all posting), but have to scoot out the door to work!

    I have ck'd out that Sisters on the Fly link before...and I'll for sure be buying raffle tickets.

    poof*
    .
  • You can look through the thread in my signature line to see what's involved with restoring a 22' from '71. The really cool thing about restoration is that you can put as much into it as you want to get whatever kind of result you're after.

    The particularly nice thing about smaller, vintage, single axle trailers is that they are in high demand because of their low weight and easier towability. I think they also fit the single couple camping lifestyle rather well.

    FWIW, I have my eye on an older single axle Airstream that might become my next winter project.
  • OK I admit that I have had the thought about restoreing a vintage TC and truck together with modern upgrades like wireing and plumbingfor the TC and a completely updated powertrain for the truck...Now where is that lotto ticket dangit lol
  • Thanks Everyone!


    Matt_Colie

    Thanks for the "Tin Can Tourist" tips. I'll look into it. I just saw a camper with that on the back today. My dad had a great "Canned Ham" when we were in high school - all natural wood and awesome. I could just KICK myself as I walked away from the 1970-ish Kit Companion I had bought back in the mid 80's (divorce 1999). The X just let it sit out and my kids report he finally just gave it away because it was just trashed from leaking and mice. It was a jewel! It had huge windows on it and was extra wide. It blew my mind and I have never seen another one like it! That was why I bought it. Good Ol' hind sight..yadda yadda... *sigh*! Our friends have been working on theirs for a long time.


    Robsouth...

    Be stillllllllllll my foolish heart! Great photos!!! Love the red and white.


    Wishbone

    "Glamping" is a current term for people who camp in style. Camping meets Glamor so to speak, but the term is also used a lot by people who own vintage campers with unique remodels that have them off the "adorable" chart. Interior upholstery matching the awning fabrics and that matches their camping chairs and other color scheme. They had even found vintage coolers that were turquoise. Colored lights twined up the poles for the awning AND their awning legs were stuffed into sand filled vintage gas cans. They often have a theme look about them. Our friends camper was a 50's beach theme.... and sooo darn cute! They even had Melmac dishes that MATCHED...lol


    I can see how a project like this would be a labor of love, but my hub said if I find one reasonably priced we can tackle it together. I'm sure the TCT's will be a great place to start.


    .
  • Well Beetles,

    It can be rewarding, but be very ready to do a lot of work. Start by looking up Tin Can Tourists. Find a local rally and get there. Most are in campgrounds, so you could even take your very new TT and park somewhere out of the show. Then, walk among them and be ready to be amazed.

    They seem to come in basic three shapes - Teardrop, Canned Ham and Bread Box.
    Used seen to be available in two condition levels: Looks like a total disaster, and, Looks salvageable but is a total disaster.

    Unless you can find one that has never had water damage to the wooden framing structure (read - Fat Chance), that will have to be rebuilt almost from scratch with very little information. It can be done - Get to a TCT event and they will show you.

    Yes, we are members of TCT. Our coach is only 40yo.

    Matt