Shasta Travel Trailer
History
The Shasta Trailer Company started out in 1941 by building mobile home trailers for the US Armed Forces in a Los Angeles, California plant. After WWII, they sold mobile homes under the Cozy Cruiser brand. 1952 was the first year for the Shasta brand to roll off the assembly line in Van Nuys. Models from 14′ to 35′ were offered. The boom in mobile homes and travel trailers was in full swing and the public couldn’t get enough of the Shasta brand. In April of 1958, Shasta opened the Goshen, Indiana plant to keep up with demand.
The distinctive wings were added to the Shasta line in the late 50’s and continued on the trailers and even some motorhomes until the early 80’s. During this time, the Shasta brand was the best selling trailer brand in the US. That is why, after all this time, “Vintage” Shastas are still so popular and available everywhere.
By early 1963, Shasta had added another production plant in Leola, Pennsylvania and was up to 5 different models of trailer. Later in that same year, the all-new model 1500 was offered to 5-star reviews. Again proving to the public, that the value that was built into the Shasta brand was well worth the low price!
In 1964 came the first of the “square-ish” Shastas with the introduction of the redesigned Compat model. It’s leaner, cleaner lines were a sign of things to come and was very well received by the general public. By late 1966, all of the Shasta trailers would be designed with the more modern look. Production plants were also added in Grapevine, Texas and Battle Ground, Washington.
During 1969, the brand new Loflyte was being offered and was a big hit with the RVing public. A sixth plant was added in Columbia, South Carolina as the Shastas were in great demand. And by 1973 there were nearly 500 Shasta dealers throughout the U.S. offering all new models with stylish interiors and all-new exterior styling with bold striping along the sides. The wings were smaller than before, but they were still there!
At some point in time, Shasta trailers were produced by Shasta Industries, a division of the W.R. Grace Company (this information obtained from a 1975 model year owners manual).
Coachman Industries bought the Shasta brand in 1976. They continued making Shasta trailers and motorhomes until as recently as 2004. At one time during the early 1980’s, the Shasta name was on nearly every conceivable type of RV…Motorhomes, 5th-wheels, travel trailers, and even some pop-up campers.
The Shasta brand seems to have disappeared with no goodbye and no fanfare. Not really a fitting end to such an amazing part of American history. Until it’s disappearance, Shasta had been the longest continuous producer of trailers in the United States.
In the summer of 2000, Shasta cut their model lines down significantly. When I asked why, the staff at the plant in Middlebury, IN said Coachman was looking to reduce the number of models/lines offered. Coachman was bought out by River Forest. In 2009 Forest River made the Shasta Airflyte 12′ with a great retro look for one year but discontnued it because it would compete with their small lightweight trailer called the R Pod.
As of late 2010, Shasta is once again producing Travel Trailers and Fifth wheels.The company is a stand alone division of Forest River, and offer Oasis, Revere and Flyte travel trailers and Phoenix fifth wheelsfor the 2013/2014 model years.
We are restoring a 1955 Shasta trailer but I cant’find any that look like ours. It is all alumimum with only one window on the sides that open top & bottom. It has a full stove with 4 burners,ice box on the door side of the trailer. The Shasta also has a heater in it between the stove & sink area. Our trailer has a full bed in back with a hamik on the top a kitchen table in front that folds down to a bed.
If you know anyone that has a 55 Shasta like ours would you send them our e-mail address redcreek@fidalgo.net. Thanks you
Shasta travel trailers were recreational vehicles originally built between 1941 and 2004. Founded by industry pioneer Robert Gray, the firm was originally situated in a small factory in Los Angeles, California to provide housing for members of the US Armed Forces. With the growth in sales over the following 30 years, the “home” factory in L.A. moved to three steadily larger facilities in Southern California, in addition to six other factories established across the country to better serve the regional markets. At the time of its purchase by the W.R. Grace Company in 1972, Shasta was the largest seller of recreational vehicles in the United States (also including motorhomes in its inventory). Coachmen Industries, Inc. bought the firm from Grace in 1976.
The high quality and low price of Shastas made them a favorite with campers all over the United States.
Shasta Loflyte trailer, built in 1971, currently located at Lost Valley Educational Center
Same Shasta Loflyte Trailer in the Snow in March
The “wings” on the rear sides were a visible identifier in the 1960s and beyond. The name was sold to Coachmen Industries. Coachmen marketed Shasta branded travel trailers until 2004. Only vintage trailers were available until 2008 when the brand was reintroduced complete with its identifying wings. The new trailers have updated art deco interiors and are all electric. Their features include stainless steel microwaves, stainless steel sinks and mini blinds, hot plate cooktops, wet baths and entertainment features – including a 19″ LCD television.
In 2010, Shasta RV re-emerged as a division of Forest River Inc. In March 2012, Mark Lucas became the president and general manager of Shasta RV. The company has grown to include a sales office, multiple production facilities and a finished goods staging area.
In 2015, Lucas introduced the 1961 Airflyte re-issue with production limited to 1,941 units, honoring the company’s first year in business. Re-issues were available in 16-foot and 19-foot floorplans and in three two-tone colors: Matador Red, Seafoam Green and Butternut Yellow, all with Polo White. These models included the signature “Z” stripe and the iconic wings. However, Shasta ended up recalling 1,736 of the re-issued Trailers for window and tire issues.[1] [2]
Shasta RV currently builds the Oasis, Revere and Flyte lines of travel trailers and the Phoenix line of fifth wheel travel trailers.
Vintage Shasta Trailer VIN Numbers |
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What Year is My Vintage Shasta Trailer? |
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Vintage Shasta Trailer Specifications, Weights and Dimensions
One of the most popular lines of trailers is the Shasta. Since the 1940’s, Shasta trailers have been very popular for their low cost, light weight and large amount of room compared to their compact size. Easily recognized by its distinctive wings and “canned-ham” shape, the Shasta trailer was the best selling travel trailer brand from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Shasta trailers quickly became a favorite of campers all over the United States due to their low price and high quality and old models are still very popular among vintage trailer restorers and collectors today.
Shasta trailers were manufactured from 1941 until 2004, then again since 2010.
Shasta’s many models offer a variety of interiors, exteriors, and degrees of self-containment which enables you to choose the model which best meets your tastes and needs. With the table below, compare each vintage Shasta trailer model to help find the right one for you.
Vintage Shasta Trailer Models
Symbols: S=Standard Equipment, O=Optional Equipment, a=Optional Fold-out Double Bed, i=Ice, GE=Gas-Electric Refrigerator, b=Gas-Electric Refrigerator Optional, c=Double Bowl Sink, d=Pressurized Water System, e=Optional Portable Chemical Toilet, F=8 sq. ft. LP Gas-Electric Refrigerator Standard, g=30 lb Gas Cylinders, H=4 Burner Cook Stove Standard, L=4 Wheel Brakes Standard, r=Rating
Years built
1941 through 2004.
Models
Early 60s models:
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1966 Shasta model 1500 – This is a very typical mid-60’s style of Shasta. Beginning in the mid-60’s the older rounded style of the 50’s was replaced with the more angular style as shown here. This unit had a grooved wood paneling, which replaced the birch ply interiors of the earlier years.
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Later Models (Late 60s – Early 70s)
69 1400 rear
69 1400 kitchen
1969 Shasta Stratoflyte 20ft
Some owners
Annie Croissant, Oregon. 1964 Shasta Continental. In most internet sites it states that the Continental model was made in 1965 but my title states the year as 1964.
Connie, Imperial Beach, CA Year:1969 Model:1400. Don’t know what number owner I am but it’s in pretty good condition. I’m sure it can use some restoration instead of just decoration, but since nothing major is visible, I’m playing first!
Kevin Davis, NC 1974 Compact 13′ 1966 17′ SC
Donna Friar, Newaygo, Michigan 1963 Shasta 12′. My husband surprised me with this on Christmas morning several years ago. oldlikeme@sbcglobal.net
Scott & Lauren Frymoyer 1969 Shasta Astroflyte. I haven’t been able to find any information about this model in 1969, any help would be appreciated. It’s in pretty good shape and we’re using it as we try to fix and maintain her. l.frymoyer@comcast.net. With new information I now think it’s actually either a 66 or 67. It makes more sense as the general shape of the trailer fits those years.
Dan Hellier Raleigh NC. 16SC and 1400 , unsure exactly what years. Please check out NC RV Soutions at ncrvsolutions.com There is a picture link at the bottom of the web page.
Dave and Debby Looney, Springtown,TX 1971 Shasta Stratoflite We were lucky enough to get the title with the camper. We are doing a complete rebuild. We hope to go back with the walls tomorrow 10-21-07
Gary,Honesdale,PA 1959 AERFLYTE purchased new in 59 by my moms brother James Bryant and was kept in mint condition.I have had it two years and have towed it cross country two times. Gets lots of attention every where we go.I also have a mint 1960 15 ft. Zollinger.
Sam and Michelle Ishihara, Apex, NC, purchased Dan Hellier’s fully restored, 1969 Shasta 1400, in the summer of 2007. We affectionately dubbed it “Once in a Blue Moon” and we are having a blast. With 3 college kids at home, we run away every chance we get. We can’t stop smiling….:) Dan did a fantastic restoration!
Dave & Pat from Little River, SC, a 1975 RL 1750 manufactured in Leola, PA.
Ryan & Linda frizzell,Toledo, oh., Purchased new 2009 12′ shasta airflight while on vacation this year. downsized from 25′ white box. We also restore vintage trailers, curent project is a 1967 aristocrat 10’Lil Loafer.
Brad & Tricia Kiekintveld Holland, MI USA, purchased 2001 Shasta Ultraflight new in August, 2000. One of 6 units made in June, 2000 at Middlebury, IN. The ultraflight series lasted only one year, the 2001 model year our trailer was made is not documented. We were told the other 5 trailers went out west to a trailer show. We bought our trailer sight unseen, we were getting ready to order one, but the line was cancelled. To my knowledge, our model (2547 – front dinette, double bed bunks, both bunk beds are double beds) was the only 2001 Shasta trailers built in the Ultraflight series. The trailers had smooth sides, very light weight (3200lbs dry for my 25′ trailer) – Our trailer has the 60th anniversary package on it. To bad the production was stopped around 2004, up until then it was the longest manufacturered travel trailer in this country. I will look for the sales brochure and post it on this site.
Carole Rietman, West Olive, Mich [just a stone’s throw or so above Holland] bought a vintage in quite good shape – 1961 Shasta ?Aeroflyte from Jane in June of this year. It’s now in wonderful shape after a LOT of scrubbing, just needs a little TLC with some minor wood damage inside. Looking to replace the “wings” which did not come with it, unfortunately. FIRST time out camping in it today:-), July 19,2010. Has the registration paperwork and two full tanks of propane even.
Karen & Phil Henderson, South Carolina, 1971 Shasta Stratoflyte, 18′. It has a bathroom and a kitchen and even a closet! We have had to gut it though because a previous owner took the cover off of the vent over the propane refrigerator and it had severe water damage from sitting out in the weather for many years. She is in a covered garage now, so the renovations have begun. We have none of the original paperwork, but from the stickers on the side she was manufactured in Pennsylvania. The stove and oven work, but the refrigerator and water heater are dead. Going with an electric frig and a tankless water heater. Also looking into putting solar panels on her roof and a battery system just in case we decide to go off grid.
Bob and Phyllis in Irmo SC have a 1973 model 1400 and a 1956 model 1500. They can be seen at:http://thisoldcamper.com/
2015 Shasta Airflyte 16 Reissue Vintage Travel Trailer
A highly popular and sought-after Vintage travel trailer we are reposting for your perusal. Shasta’s Airflyte is still very popular in searches and (hopeful) purchases. Their reissue included lots of current updates that are, 3 years later, still very useful and current enough for most of our current technology as well. Enjoy the original overview and video walk-through at the end by Shasta’s owner.
MSRP: Starting at $15,000 USD (from 2015)
Length: 16’4″
For 2015, Shasta has created a nearly exact replica of it’s iconic 1961 Shasta Airflyte 16SC Travel Trailer complete with the legendary Shasta wings! Shasta started in 1941 and to commemorate their 75th anniversary they are producing a limited construction of 1,941 trailers and will be available in all three original colors; Matador Red, Seafoam Green, and Butternut Yellow.
Shasta has paid close attention to duplicate every small detail down to the original Shasta logo magazine rack. The new Shasta Airflytes will also feature an all-in-one bathroom with a toilet and shower in place of the closet to meet the desires of today’s campers.
The Airflyte “canned ham trailer” has a vintage interior that remains close to the original, but with all modern appliances and plumbing. Some tweaks have been made though: for example, instead of a twin-size bed, the reproduction accommodates more people by allowing for a full bed. A bunk bed option is also available. This will feature the same full bed/dinette and bunks.
It comes with a dog-bone pattern Formica on the counter tops, and birch cabinet doors, as well as LED lighting. Tuck-and-roll pleather matching the exterior color, that looks old, is on the bench seating in the dining area. The floor is also made of black-and-white vinyl.
This new travel trailer boasts tons of storage throughout with sleek finishes! The Shasta weights roughly 2,270 pounds, making it easily tow-able behind most SUVs, sedans, and mini vans. So, enjoy the finer things in life with this 2015 Shasta AirFlyte 16.
Interior Features:
- Concealed Radio Controls w/ Aux Input
- Hidden Bluetooth stereo
- Dinette w/ two tone, tuck-and-roll pleather wi silver welt
- Dinette makes 54″ x 76″ front bed
- Rear bench makes 39” x 56″ bed
- “Dogbone” pattern Formica counter tops trimmed with aluminum edging
- Bathroom with toilet and shower where the original closet would be
- Birch wood cabinet doors and other interior features
- “Scalloped” cabinet doors with retro “Chevron” handles
- Shasta Logo Magazine Rack
- Black and White checkerboard vinyl flooring
- Interior color scheme to match exterior
- All Interior Lights are LED
- Original Gas Lamp reproduced to look like 1961 gas lamp is LED
- Throwback Hehr Jalouise Windows
- Draperies
- 3 Burner Cooktop
- 3 Way ReferSS Micro Oven
- 3-Wat Refrigerator with Freezer
Exterior Features:
- Hidden flip-down stabilizer jacks
- Hidden outside speakers
- LED exterior lights made like ’61 retro style
- 24″ wide entry door (original 22″)
- Friction hinge door
- LED Lighted Door Handle
- Hidden air condition
- Jalousie windows true to original (except back
- Same 3 Original Colors fire escape window)
- Wings are to Exact Original Dimensions
- Same 3 Original Colors to choose from:
Seafoam Green
Buttercup Yellow
Matador Red (color from GM in 1961) - Wide Sidewall Radial Tires
- Rope and Pole Awning
- 30 AMP Service
- Original Log Style Aluminum Sliding
SPECS for 2015 Shasta Airflyte 16 Reissue Travel Trailer:
Measurements | |
Exterior Length | 16′ 3.75″ |
Exterior Width | 7′ 0″ |
Exterior Height | 96″ |
Interior Height (with A/C) | 6′ 4″ |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs) | 2,470 |
Tank Capacities | |
Fresh Water Capacity (gals) | 25 |
Gray Waste Water Capacity (gals) | 18 |
Black Waste Water Capacity (gals) | 11 |
Water Heater (gals) Gas/Electric | 6 |
A/C (BTU) | 5,000 |
Clubs/Links
1961 Shasta Airflyte Reissued in 2015 Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/1961ShastaAirflyteReissuedin2015
The Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum: http://vintageshasta.proboards.com/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Classicshastas/ Classic Shasta Trailer Discussion group. Get your manuals, ads, etc., here.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/VintageShastaClub/ VintageShastaClub on Yahoo
http://www.freewebs.com/kc8jwa/classicshastas.htm Shasta History, Wings and Paint information, etc.
http://www.freewebs.com/kc8jwa/shastacompact.htm Shasta Compact site
http://www.shastaloflyte.com Shasta LoFlyte Dedicated Info Repository
NC RV Solutions – Shasta restoration project
http://www.engine-decals.com For vintage style Shasta decals, has many colors to choose from.
Videos
Vintage Shasta Trailer Pictures |
Of the hundreds of different brands of “canned ham” style travel trailers manufactured during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, the classic Shasta Trailer is certainly one of the best known. The polished “Shasta Wings” jutting off the rear are widely recognized, and are usually the first feature that comes to mind when someone mentions that their family had a Shasta Trailer. This well known company was established in 1942 and these rounded beauties were built on Keswick Ave in Van Nuys California then later Northridge California, with another facility in Goshen Indiana. The predecessor to the Shasta, the “Cozy Cruiser”, began rolling out of the factory in 1951, with the classic “canned ham” shape. Early Shastas retained this rounded side profile through model year 1957. The beloved “Shasta Wings” first appeared on the 1958 models, when the original rounded canned-ham shape was altered with the top frontal area now leaning slightly forward and then angling back inwards toward the bottom. The popular Shasta trailer came with warm natural wood interior paneling and cabinets of Birch or Ash. The kitchen counter and dining table were covered with color-coordinated laminate which was also used for the simple sliding doors on the wood cabinets over the dining table. The single 110v ac outlet was barely adequate but the butane powered wall lamps cast a warm and cozy light against the golden hue of the interior woodwork (see some great Shasta Interiors here). The classic Shasta canned-ham shape was changed to a more squared-off style, front and back, beginning with the 1965 models, but the much-loved Shasta Wings continued intact into the mid 1980’s. Whether it’s the Cozy Cruiser model from the early 1950’s, or the Compact, 16-SC, 16-SCS, 16-RK, Astrodome, Starflyte, Airflyte, 1400, 1500, 1900 or more modern Loflyte and Stratoflyte models, Shasta travel trailers remain one of the most popular family trailers on the road today.
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