Can you tell us about how you got into the vintage trailer hobby?
Back in 2012 I saw something featuring Sisters On The Fly, and I knew I had to have a little camper of my own. I started researching vintage groups, and actually found your website at that time. That’s when I fell in love with the vintage vibe.
What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? What is your dream vintage trailer?
In 2013, my mom found a darling little 1968 Shasta Compact for $500 in a yard sale, and that was the beginning. We named her “Tulip”, repainted the exterior to red & white, had Marti’s Awnings create a beautiful striped awning for us, ordered new wings for her on Ebay, and then sold her for a nice little profit – regretted that decision for many years.
This past winter, I found another beauty on FB Marketplace – this time a 1960 Shasta, that I had an instant connection with. I named her “Ethel”, and although she had been “fixed up” by the prior owner, I’m an interior designer by trade, so my ideas are a bit different than how she came to me. I’ve been slowly adding my take to create more of a Mid-Century modern feel, with new countertops, electric appliances, all new wiring & lighting, new awning, and at some point here soon, new VCT flooring & a new exterior paint scheme. For now, she’s my beautiful work in progress. I’d like to say she’s my dream camper….but I would love a Spartan Manor in my next life.
What do you tow with?
I am pushing the edge a bit, pun intended, with a Ford Edge. My vehicle tows her fine, but my vehicle tow rating is 3,500 lbs, and I’m right around 2,950 or so. I learned from someone in this group to not exceed 80% of the tow rating of my vehicle, so I’m just over where I should be.
Do you attend rallies and what do you like the most about attending a rally?
My first ever gathering was this past June at PJ Hoffmaster State Park, and although it wasn’t an official “rally”, we definitely learned what to expect and how to enjoy future rallies. We look forward to registering for the September rally at Camp Dearborn in Milford. The Open House was so much fun, touring other campers at the park and getting inspiration.
Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists?
This group offers such a wealth of knowledge – everything from how to identify where a serial number is…to how to remove windows and clean the aluminum, and who makes great awnings. It’s fun to follow other campers in this group and encourage those who are in the renovating process as well. I love the support and meeting like-minded people. I also love watching videos on You Tube of past Tin Can Tourist sponsored rallies.
What are your camping plans for this year?
I’ve got plans to camp in Northern Michigan mid July and early August, and again, looking forward to September’s rally. After that, I hope to do a color tour in the Upper Peninsula in late September/early October as well.
would you like another one, just listed 1960 comes with enough cabinet-grade pine lumber to remodel