New Member Interview with Brigitte Dutil

Can you tell us about how you got into the vintage trailer hobby?

I had restored/renovated a few campers and RVs with my wife, only for her to eventually sell.  So, I decided I wanted a project for myself that I was going to keep and use.  Most important was that I could handle the trailer on my own and tow it with my 2014 Subaru.  I looked every night on Craigslist for a couple of years and one night in November 2018

I came across an ad for a 1959 Trail Feather camping trailer for $700.  I immediately arranged to see it, and it was a wreck!  Excited, regardless of its condition, I bought right then and there.

What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? What is your dream vintage trailer?

We have owned and used a 24″ RV (6 months), a great Jayco tent trailer (several years), a 4Wheel truck-bed camper shell, and converted a 2014 Ford E150 passenger van into a campervan.  We are currently renovating a 1990 Ford E250 Horrizon190, which we are supposed to use but my wife will likely sell it sooner than later.  I absolutely LOVE my 1959 Trail Feather!  I completed its restoration just at the onset of the COVID19 pandemic.  I took me a bit longer than expected, but I did the majority of the work on my own.  As for my dream vintage trailer…I would love a vintage mobile home!

What do you tow with?

I tow with my 2014 Subaru Forester Limited, which can tow up to 1500lbs.  I added over-load springs at the rear to better accommodate the cargo and tongue weight.  Of course, Subaru now makes the 2022 Forester Wilderness that can tow up to 5000lbs.

Do you attend rallies and what do you like the most about attending a rally?

I attended a rally in Palm Springs in February 2020, but without my trailer.  I was signed up for one last year in Grass Valley, but my father had a medical emergency, so I didn’t make.  I look forward to meeting other folks who restored their own trailers!!  I also enjoy seeing all the different types and styles of vintage trailers that are out there in the world.

Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists?

I enjoy belonging to grassroots organizations.  I want to be a part of the vintage trailer movement! 

What are your camping plans for this year?

I am still working on them.  I do plan to attend a rally in San Dimas this year.  I also ride a dual sport motorcycle, so I need to divide my time.  Our truck is too big to tow my little trailer.