Finding parts for a vintage trailer can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but there are several great places to look depending on the type of trailer (Airstream, Shasta, Spartan, etc.) and the parts you need. Here are some of the best sources:
1. Specialty Vintage Trailer Parts Suppliers
These companies focus on restoring classic trailers and often carry reproduction or NOS (New Old Stock) parts:
- Vintage Trailer Supply (vintagetrailersupply.com) – Great for Shasta, Scotty, and other fiberglass trailers.
- Airstream Supply Company (airstreamsupply.com) – Official parts source for Airstreams.
- Inland RV (inlandrv.com) – Specializes in Airstream and other vintage trailer parts.
- Baxter’s RV Interiors (baxters.com) – Upholstery, curtains, and interior components.
- Canvas Replacements (canvasreplacements.com) – Awning and tent trailer fabrics.
2. Online Marketplaces & Forums
- eBay – Search for specific parts (e.g., “1950s Shasta door latch”).
- Etsy – Sometimes has vintage hardware and decor.
- Facebook Marketplace & Groups – Join groups like Vintage Trailer Parts & Sales or Airstream Classifieds.
- Craigslist – Check local listings for part-outs or salvage trailers.
3. Salvage Yards & RV Recyclers
Some junkyards specialize in RVs and trailers:
- Colaw RV Salvage (Missouri) – colawrvsalvage.com
- RV Surplus Salvage (Arizona) – rvsurplussalvage.com
- Bontragers RV Salvage (Indiana) – bontragers.com
4. Vintage Trailer Clubs & Shows
- Tin Can Tourists (tincantourists.com) – A great community for vintage trailer enthusiasts.
- RV/Motorhome Shows & Swap Meets – Events like Alumapalooza (Airstream-specific) often have parts vendors.
5. General Hardware & Restoration Stores
For generic parts (hinges, seals, lights):
- McMaster-Carr (mcmaster.com) – Industrial hardware.
- Restoration Supply Company (restorationstuff.com) – Gaskets, seals, and vintage-style fasteners.
- Local RV Dealers – Sometimes carry universal parts that fit older models.
6. Custom Fabrication
If a part is impossible to find, consider:
- Local metal fabricators (for brackets, frames, etc.).
- 3D printing (for plastic or small components).
- Upholstery shops (for custom cushions and curtains).
Tips for Finding Rare Parts:
- Know your trailer’s make, model, and year – Critical for accurate searches.
- Check part numbers – Some original manufacturer numbers still cross-reference.
- Network with other owners – Forums like AirForums.com (for Airstreams) can help.
Would you like recommendations for a specific type of trailer or part? I’d be happy to help narrow it down!
Do you know of any appliance repair people that will fix an old refrigerator? I have a quik frez.
Good suggestions. We started our Serro Scottie a few months before the COVID shutdown. We had to scour the internet and ran into some of your suggested places. They worked out well for us. We did put everything on hold during the pandemic but we are complete and have camped in our Scottie a few times. We found a company that had just about every kind of seal imaginable. We started with a Scottie that was pretty much a shell. All the wood was rotten and when we stripped the skin off her she collapsed into rubble. We named her Pip-Squeek. Thank you for the helpful information.
This is not a comment on the article, but an appeal to try to encourage someone to save a piece of history. On Highway 95 about halfway between Lake Havasu City and Parker AZ, there is a Spartanette trailer in fairly bad shape, but it appears to be salvageable. It looks to be close to 30 feet long. It is on a hill N. Of the highway and visible from the highway. It is on the back lot of an RV Park. Hopefully someone looking for a project will rescue this classic.