Can you tell us about how you got into the vintage trailer hobby?
I am British and have been in the US for 20+ years after marrying an awesome American lass who I met in Helsinki Finland.
To my English eyes, the Aluminum vintage trailers are classic Americana and are things of beauty. After lusting for either a vintage Avion or Airstream for about 10 yrs. and getting dismayed at the prices going up and up, my wife and I came across a 1962 Airstream Overlander in need of rescuing. It was the right price – because it needed a complete restoration due to overpowering mouse urine/nest smell, rotting floors, rusted frame etc. and had actually sunk into the ground since last being used around 1975. Actually, you had to hold your breath to go inside it!
Enter Awesome American Wife who cleaned it out. (See pic of bathtub with several decomposed mice and who knows what.) We took about 15 minutes to decide to buy it. The fun then really started with having a new front section of the trailer tongue welded on and excavating under the old wheels to put on new wheels in order to move it (see pic)!
We are now SIX(!) YEARS later past the hardest part of the restoration, having done the frame, floor, some polishing and now just putting in insulation and interior skins.
We have been slowed down a lot by health issues, but the attitude is GIT’R’DONE and it’s getting there, step by step!
What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? What is your dream vintage trailer?
This is our first trailer. Dream vintage trailer is the one we have……so far!
What do you tow with?
Good question…the vehicle I have is a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with tow rating of 5000 #, but when we hooked that up to the Airstream it looked ridiculously small even though the AS is 3700# dry wt.
So, we rented a pickup from U-Haul to get it to our house. Much deliberation going on now as to what tow vehicle to get. Considering a RAM 1500 or 2500 pickup.
Do you attend rallies and what do you like the most about attending a rally?
I would love to attend some rallies. Have never been to one. Looking forward to making new friends and seeing lots of other vintage trailers.
Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists?
The inclusiveness appealed to me. Also: how appropriate when you tour around in a tin can and eat tin-can cuisine?
What are your camping plans for this year?
Getting south from snowy Pittsburgh with a functional camper later in the year, COVID permitting!