today, such as flush vent covers, recessed fillers, and flush door handles for a smooth, aerodynamic profile. Not only that, Don Boles spearheaded setting industry standards for safety and quality that were enforced by various associations. It’s estimated that nearly 18,000 trailers of various types and configurations were produced by the Boles factory in Burbank, California. ■
Adding trailer lights to a vintage camper can be difficult because the light kits are designed to magnetically attach to bumpers. Many early campers, such as this Boles Aero, did not have bumpers. To get this trailer 800 miles home, the trailer lights were taped to the camper’s original light buckets.
A quilted stainless-steel backsplash, solid black-walnut countertops, and painted walls give this 1950s Boles Aero a classic yet distinctive look. It also hides many contemporary upgrades, including an LED TV in the galley cabinet (it pops up through the countertop when needed). (Photo Courtesy Joe Roberts, Abaci Photos)
The original restored heater adds to the Boles Aero’s history and interior space. A quilted heat shield ties this space into the galley, while the shoe storage by the door is a custom feature. The walnut ceiling and Marmoleum floor go the length of the trailer. In back is a full-size shower and queen-size bed. (Photo Courtesy Joe Roberts, Abaci Photos)
A TV is hidden in the galley countertop, and a modern water heater, range, and fridge ensure that these conveniences operate flawlessly. For the sound system, modern speakers are hidden behind original venting slats. The interior finish is a fresh change from the normal varnished birch common in most vintage campers. Painted walls and cabinets set off the walnut ceiling. Original, refinished cabinet hardware and fastening screws retain the vintage art deco feel.
The floor is finished with Marmoleum, and the walls are insulated with 2-pound closed-cell foam. The result is a vintage camper unlike any other and a great retreat after a long day.
Airstream Sovereign
The other camper that is featured in this book is a 1970s Airstream Sovereign. This restoration arrived as a blank canvas, with an owner ready to try something different. With the goal of off-grid capabilities and fully featured interior accoutrements, I set out to build something special.
As with most of my restorations, 2-pound closed-cell spray foam insulates this camper from the elements. After the exterior was patched and sealed, insulation was sprayed on the walls, ceiling, and belly pan to provide 360 degrees of thermal efficiency and sound deadening. The coach is warmed by an Aquahot system that also heats water for the sinks and shower.
When cabin heat is needed, the hot water is circulated throughout the cabin and fed through heat exchangers until the thermostat tells the system to stop circulating. The result is quiet and safe heat. The system can run on liquid propane or 120-volt electricity. To power the large Airstream off-grid, six 6-volt glass-mat batteries are charged by solar panels and an external generator.
If your wish is for a fully custom interior, you can often find someone else’s abandoned project for cheap. This Airstream arrived fully gutted and ready for a custom interior design.
Even though someone had already installed a new subfloor, it was removed to ensure that there was no rot and to add insulation and new tanks. The endcap, window surrounds, and interior skin still need to be removed.
A wood-burning stove in this Airstream provides heat and ambiance, a unique feature that you do not find on a production camper. Both the galley and bathroom are split into two sections. There are no overhead cabinets, which lends to the feel of an open space. (Photo Courtesy Joe Roberts, Abaci Photos)
Behind the art glass, a 43-inch TV is hidden and raises and lowers via a remote control. This is a clever way to hide an often-taboo item like a TV in a recreational vehicle. Vents at the front of the TV cabinet provide heat from the Aquahot system. (Photo Courtesy Joe Roberts, Abaci Photos)
The solid-surface counters in this Airstream are easy to clean and work well with their simplicity. The range is opposite of the sink to increase counter space. Instead of factory plastic knobs on the window levers, custom aluminum handles complement the marine window shades. Another custom feature is the walnut droplights above the countertops. (Photo Courtesy Joe Roberts, Abaci Photos)
The interior features custom walnut cabinetry, Marmoleum flooring, and new aluminum skin. The front endcap features back-mounted woofers for the sound system, while the tweeters are mounted above the front windows. For entertainment, a 43-inch TV is hidden inside the cabinet by the door. Art glass in the TV cabinet ties into the glass found at the end of the galley, which covers the audio system’s amplifier.
Art glass is also used for the shower and bathroom doors. This glass was crafted by a local artist for this project and is intended to represent Aspen trees. The green glass leaves also coordinate with the custom lounge upholstery.
The split galley (sink on one side, range on the other) houses two high-efficiency Engle refrigerators/freezers. Two are used to maximize space. Having two fridges is a common practice on land yachts, where efficiency and space is a priority.
On the sink side, a clothing washer and dryer are housed in the cabinet. This unit is for shore power or generator use only, like the low-profile Dometic A/C unit mounted on top of the Airstream.
The countertops are a solid surface and were produced by a local manufacturer.
Dual 12-volt fridges help to maximize space, while the drop-down counter and lounge area can do double-duty as a computer workstation. Across from the fridges, a washer/dryer all-in-one unit is hidden in the cabinet. (Photo Courtesy Joe Roberts, Abaci Photos)
The exterior was left as is to ease maintenance, rather than stripping the clear coat and polishing. On top of the coupler is the Aquahot water heating system and a propane tank. (Photo Courtesy Joe Roberts, Abaci Photos)
CHAPTER 1
GETTING STARTED
Restoration, a term used loosely in many fields, is defined as the act or process of returning something to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc. For vintage campers, returning one to a concours level or to museum quality might not fit your intent or purpose. But some of these campers are treasured pieces of Americana and should be treated as such. That said, retaining the essence of your vintage camper
