Can you tell us about how you got into the vintage trailer hobby?
I’ve spent my entire life in the hot rod and custom car scene, so vintage campers were a logical next step of interest for me. I really appreciate anything with age, from my 102 year old house, to this 65 year old camper, and my many antique vehicles. It is refreshing to leave behind some/most of the usual creature comforts and live with necessities.
What type of trailers have you owned and what do you have now? What is your dream vintage trailer?
This is my first vintage trailer, and my first full restoration. I see a few more on the horizon, but for now I’m content with this one. I chased these shorter Aristocrat Lil’ Loafers for around 10 years before I finally found one for sale. In fact, the camper I found online in 2013 and saved a photo of is the EXACT same camper I ended up buying. I did not realize until I had the camper in hand and looked back at that old photo. The rarity of it being one year only and oh so small drew me in. It is and was my dream camper, but I do have future plans for something else. I am pondering a shortened Spartan, but I also would like to do an older traditional “canned ham” style trailer. I think whichever I choose, it will be slightly larger than this Aristocrat. I’d like to have more amenities inside, like: a shower/potty, bigger closet, better kitchen, mini split a/c, and room enough for two adults/two possible future children. A family rig, if you will.
What do you tow with?
Duties have been split between my pickup truck, a 2025 Ram 1500, and my van; a 1967 Dodge A100. I primarily planned to use the van, but sometimes a/c and cruise control help with the longer trips.
Do you attend rallies and what do you like the most about attending a rally?
Never been! 107th TCT Winter Convention will be my first.
Why did you decide to join the Tin Can Tourists?
To see what it is all about, embrace the community I’ve found and see what new friendships and trailer/camping tips come about.
What are your camping plans for this year?
Not too much. I plan to attend my first rally. Other than that, a few shorter weekend trips, a few van based events, and hopefully a longer nice weather fall camping trip. We have liked to do a Christmas camping trip the last two years, making one of the destination Christmas towns our homebase.
That is CUTE!!! Love the van pulling it as well.
Hi Blaine,
Welcome to TCT!! My husband Randy and I are ambassadors for the state of South Dakota should you ever find you would like to visit our area. Historic HWY 12 goes right through our little town. Randy is also a car guy. He wanted to know if you are on the HAMB? We have a 1948 Oldsmobile that we will be pulling our 1948 Spartan Manor with. We look forward to a rally in July this year in Summit SD.
Does anybody want a canned ham think it’s a 1950s got everything’s intact need some work it’s got the diamond on the front door glass that’s missing and some of the louvered glass was broken but it’s in great shape I’m willing to sell it for peanuts
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