Q: Can you tell us about how you got into the vintage trailer hobby?
A: Our tin tan is a 19-foot 1963 Airstream Globe Trotter trailer which we named Gumdrop. It was purchased in Worcester county MA in April of 2011 as a ‘barn find’ with original Airstream paperwork intact. It had been off the road for many years. Over the past twelve years many renovations were accomplished one by one which made our Airstream more fully usable and enjoyable over time.
Q: What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? What is your dream vintage trailer?
A: Our dear Gumdrop is the first and only trailer we have ever owned. We adore many styles of vintage campers though. My wife’s dream trailer would be a 1960’s Spartan.
Q: What do you tow with?
A: We tow with a 2011 Ford E-350 Van. We affectionately named it Beethoven because it ‘be towing’ our trailer. It’s more than just a tow vehicle. It’s also our traveling storage shed. We keep two kayaks and a grey water tank on the roof. Inside the van we stow two bicycles, tote of fresh water hoses, tote of waste water hoses, tote of electrical cords, tote of other camp stuff, memory foam for wife’s bed, air conditioner when not in use, generator, just to name a few things.
Q: Do you attend rallies and what do you like the most about attending a rally?
A: Although I have been an Airstream Club International member since 2011 (at that time WBCCI), we did not actively participate in the club until 2019. Since then, we have attended five rallies and a few other club functions as well. I have enjoyed learning about the different aspects of trailer camping as well as the camaraderie of rally attendees.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists?
A: Because vintage trailers are super fun and we want to camp amongst other vintage trailers and meet some fun folks with the same interest.
Q: What are your camping plans for this year?
A: I am excited to be first-time hosting a New England Airstream Club rally. The NEAC Podunk Bluegrass Rally will be held August 10-13 at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen CT. This will be a boondocking Rally at a four-day bluegrass festival. This is NEAC’s first time holding a rally at this location or event.
We are also very excited about our camping trip which we have planned for the Outer Banks at Camp Hatteras in Rodanthe, NC.
Hi Bob!
Welcome to the TCT!
I smiled a huge smile when I saw that you and your wife are camping in a 1963 Airstream Globetrotter. I grew upcamping in one! I loved it so much that my husband and I went in search of our own! A few years ago we found our 1965 Globetrotter and have been enjoying rallies with TCT and ACI (WBCCI). Hope to see you and your trailer on the road one day! Happy travels!
Welcome to the TCT. We have been members for about 20 years when we first had Shasta trailers. The rallies are a hoot. Think about coming to the rally at Sampson State Park, NY in mid-September. The opening date to sign up iscoming very soon. It fills quickly! WE plan to be there.
I love your cat looking out the window and cracked up with be-towing. Good to have you aboard! Hey how do you get your cat from the van to the trailer?
Dimples: Oliver is leash and harness trained but he doesn’t always love the transition between van and trailer. I’ve learned that if I put in him his kitty backpack to get him into the large soft side carrier in the van and then from the van to camper in his kitty backpack. Being a 19 foot camper we utilize the shower for his litter box & he has a spot under the bathroom sink to chill when he is done with people. It’s been nice being able to bring him with us and will allow for longer trips