I became interested in vintage trailers basically because of a scam on Craigslist.
I had a dream about retiring, buying a camper and meandering across the country. I started saving almost 10 years before my planned retirement date. When the date got closer I started looking at Class C’s and travel trailers that were 5-10 years old. I was amazed at how much they had deteriorated in such a short period of time. They were moldy, musty and had the ugliest interiors. Then I saw an ad on Craigslist for an early 60’s Bambi Airstream that had been gutted and rebuilt. It was gorgeous and was only $3,000! I realized it was a scam after responding to the ad but it made me think that maybe I should try doing this on my own and so I started doing research on what it might take to buy a vintage airstream and rebuild it.
In 2016 I went to look at a 1973 Tradewind Airstream in Springhill, Florida. They initially rejected my offer but called me back 3 weeks later and accepted it.
It took me 2.5 years to rebuild the trailer and I love camping in it. Sometimes I camp solo and sometimes with my sister. We belong to a ladies camping group and go out monthly for 4-5 days. We have a blast. It’s mostly retired ladies and we camp in the Florida state parks. Some months we make multiple trips. We are mostly destination campers but eventually I will make that meandering trip across the country.
The Airstream is my first camper and my first experience with camping. I tow with a 2017 Toyota Tundra 5.7L double cab.
I joined the Airstream Club but never attended any rallies. I discontinued my membership when Covid hit. I had been wanting to visit the Tin Can Tourist Annual Rally for a few years now. 2022 was finally the year that I joined and attended the rally. I had so much fun seeing all the vintage trailers and meeting so many people that shared the same interests as me. In fact I met a couple ladies there that also belong to my ladies camping group.
My sister and I have multiple trips planned for this year, all within Florida. Topsail Hill SP, Rainbow Springs SP, Anastasia SP are just a few of the parks we will be camping at this year.
Excellent refurbishing. Now you have one you know will last!
You did a great job! Any inside pics? What woman’s group are you with? I bet I have a guess. :0)
Who did your polishing? Looks great!
I do my own polishing, and each year do a minor touch up polishing which the trailer currently needs. I belong to the group The Florida Floozies. It’s women that enjoy camping and visiting our local state parks. Most of the ladies have trailers but we do have some tent, van and car campers that join us.
I have no idea how to post pictures of the interior in this comment section. Sorry.