Can you tell us about how you got into the vintage trailer hobby?
When I was in my early 20’s (1980’s) in L.A. I used to go to place (Iowa Boys, “outstanding in the field”) that specialized in used vintage trailers to sell and supply the film industry. I used to spend hours walking through the trailers and imagine how I would fix them up. That is where I fell in love with the Airstream Caravel. To me it was the perfect size and had everything that was needed.
Fast forward 30 years later in 2011, magic struck. Late one night while I was perusing Ebay, looking form a replacement for my tent trailer, a 1965 Airstream Caravel showed up on the site that I immediately recognized as the trailer whose rehabilitation was documented on the VintageAirstream.com website by its, then, owner. I had longed for this trailer for over 10 years. I immediately contacted the owner and after a couple on conversations made a full asking price offer. (I wasn’t going to risk losing this trailer). Myrtle was mine, and I am, happily, the third owner.
For the last 12 years I have continued to modernize and update Myrtle’s systems, however I am pretty hawkish about keeping the vintage appearance and feel.
What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? What is your dream vintage trailer?
I backpacked and then car camped for many years until 2007 when I bought a Coleman Taos popup tent trailer, named Ferdinand (that was the gateway drug) 😉 After one very late-night setup i decided that I was done cranking up Ferdinand and decided it was time to upgrade. That is when Myrtle (1965 Airstream Caravel) came along and has been with me ever since.
In many ways, I believe, I already have my dream vintage trailer. I have a definite fondness for mid-late sixties Airstreams. If I were to upgrade to a larger trailer, I especially like the 1965-1969 Tradewind and Overlander. To me, these represent the pinnacle of Airstream’s beautiful wood interiors and mid-century design.
Do you attend rallies and what do you like the most about attending a rally?
I have attended rallies off and on over the years. Up until recently I was still working and didn’t have a lot of time to attend many rallies, maybe one a year. Now that I am retired, I look forward to attending more rallies.
Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists?
I am hoping to meet others who love vintage trailers and really use them.
What are your camping plans for this year?
I plan to be in the Phoenix area for about 3 weeks in March visiting friends and exploring. After which, I am off to a rally with another club at Anza Borrego in California. I am hoping to get a volunteer gig for at least a month this summer in Yosemite National Park. I am on the waiting list for the Vintage Trailer Rally in Pismo Beach, so fingers crossed. After that, who knows.
Welcome to the group. Love the trailer and it did look familiar. We have a group up restoration of a 1965 Tradewind. We kept the mid-century modern vibe, but put in new appliances, soft goods and one modification in the bathroom to accomodate a composting toilet. This was the last year for plain old window glass and Zolatone paint, but the first year for dual axles. Something to think about when looking for your next trailer.