Can you tell us about how you got into the vintage trailer hobby?
My best friend has been wanting me to camp with her for the past 2 years. She’s a member of a couple of women camping groups and I started following their pages. I saw so many vintage campers on these sights, and realized that I just really liked them. Before I knew it, I was looking at the types that I really liked that were for sale. I love the shastas and air streams. I wanted something to fit in my garage, so focused on the Scotty’s and Shastas.
What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? What is your dream vintage trailer?
My husband and I owned a 2004 fifth wheel several years ago, but sold it due to his health. I just purchased a 1968 Serro Scotty Sportsman Gaucho, 13 ft and will fit in the garage. It was located in West Virginia, I’m in East Texas. I found someone that would tow it back after inspecting it. Ethan with American RV Restoration is wonderful. He is adding a few things that I wanted…mostly an A/C, and fixing a few things that we found when I got it home. I will camp in it a few times this year and figure out what else I might want or need him to do with it during the winter. My dream vintage is almost anything that is all original. I also love an air stream, original of course.
What do you tow with?
I’m going to be towing with my 2015 Ford Explorer with factory tow package. This is another reason I picked the smaller trailers to focus on. I really don’t want to pull anything over 2500 lbs.
Do you attend rallies and what do you like the most about attending a rally?
I have not attended any rallies as of yet. I would love to at some point. I do hope I can find some in my area.
Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists?
I was looking for more information on Scotty’s and Tin Can Tourist popped up. I have found great information, plus a lot of ideas of what they are supposed to look like. Mine has been painted on the inside, but I want to keep the charm of the original trailers.
What are your camping plans for this year?
This year I just plan on camping close to home a few times. We have several state parks that I can get to in an hour or less. So I will “practice” at those places. I may go on a camping trip with some friends that have scheduled for August with a camping group that they go with.
We are doing what you are doing and we are keeping our 1966 Red Dale original, no paint on the inside at all. We found problems with the water tank and pump,, as soon as that is repaired, we will go somewhere close to figure out what else needs to be done before traveling far. And we like the same types of trailers, small and dream of having an original airstream or similar camper.
I also have a 1968 Scotty somewhat identical to yours. I am the third owner and it is original on the inside. I was fortunate to find her after several years of dreaming and many dead ends.