New Member Interview with Donna Hanner

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

It’s sort of a princess-and-the-pea scenario. My son bought 32 acres in southwest Virginia this past Fall for his own retirement plans (ten years away). I spent one night there in a tent on a deflated air mattress. It’s beautiful country, babbling brook and all that, but I needed a little more comfort. I ordered a cot with foam mattress sent to his house that he could take up there to leave for me for next time. His plans are to build a cabin or two to begin with on his non-working weekends. Being somewhat impatient with that timeline, I started looking at campers online – I preferred the look of the vintage. My daughter, who owns a 42′ RV with her husband, helped in the search.  We missed out on the first one she found.  She found a recently renovated one about an hour from home – bought it on sight!  We outfitted it and got it ready for the road. 

What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? 

This is my first camper. My daughter has had several over the years. We camped in a tent and a popup when I was a kid. Mine is a 1965 Norris 14′. I have a portable air conditioner in it, a Thetford Curve and a coffee pot – all the comforts of home.  

What is your dream vintage trailer? 

I haven’t dreamed up a better setup than the one I have, so far.

What do you tow with? 

My son-in-law and daughter towed it home for me. They pulled it a couple hours away to my first campground about two hours away to make sure I knew what I was doing. So, now I’m in the market for a pickup truck to tow it myself. Would love an older model that “coordinates” well (see photo).

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

I have yet to attend a rally, but will be looking forward to it.

Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists? 

I joined Tin Can Tourists for the resources available from people who know a lot more about these campers than I do.

What are your camping plans for this year? 

My camper’s currently parked in my driveway, where my dog and I will go to take a nap or sleep overnight. She loves it. Once I get my own tow vehicle, I plan to make multiple trips to campgrounds within a couple of hours of home, and even take it several hundred miles away to visit relatives. My original plan was to park it on my son’s property near New River in southwest Virginia as a getaway.