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Broken glass is usually a nonissue, only an inconvenience, with vintage campers. However, do make sure that all window hardware is still intact when shopping for a restoration candidate. Even more important when searching for a restoration candidate is ensuring that no-longer-available cast-aluminum hardware and stampings are still present.
Finding the correct VIN number is essential to registering a camper. Typically, a stamped plaque is mounted near the entrance door, but these are often lost over time. If this piece is missing, you can sometimes locate the number on the A-frame by the LP tanks, but do not confuse this with a serial number stamped on the coupler, as that’s related to the coupler manufacturer, not the trailer.
Likewise, windows are important. Currently you can service many vintage Hehr windows through vin-tagetrailersupply.com, but not all windows and pieces have replacement seals and hardware available. It’s important that the trailer you pick has intact windows. This doesn’t have to include glass, as that’s often fairly easy to replace. If a window is missing altogether, however, or has been replaced with a department store alternative (such as on the Flying Cloud), finding a correct replacement may be daunting. But not entirely impossible.
If a title is not present, a bill of sale and Department of Transportation Vehicle Identification Number inspection is necessary. It’s best to check with your state’s DMV regulations on titling a unit before you purchase a non-titled camper. Addressing this early prevents major roadblocks and headaches down the road. Also, get the camper registered in your name before any of the restoration process begins. It’s easier to register/title an unrestored unit than a unit you’ve already heavily modified.
Things that Shouldn’t Deter You
It’s a given, unless you’ve stumbled upon a sheltered time capsule, that a potential restoration has already been through many quick fixes and DIY dress-ups by previous owners. Basic camper restoration is undoing those layers of paint, questionable carpentry, mysterious metal fabrication, and liberal applications of caulk and silicone. A true renovation includes ensuring roadworthiness. It’s up to your discretion to guarantee that the chassis is structurally sound, axles are safe, and the body is habitable.
Sometimes, a basket case is a good choice for a project. You can only make it better. This 1960s Tradewind’s interior is gross, to say the least. But with a little (well, actually lots) elbow grease and determination, it’ll be an inviting and rewarding space.
That said, to do it right, taking a camper down to the essentials is often required, regardless of the style of restoration you’re considering. For that reason, sometimes a basket-case example, rather than searching long and hard for a garage queen, is a good choice for a project; you can only make it better. You’ll be undoing decades of quick fixes, so starting with a neglected unit shouldn’t deter you from a potential restoration project.
You want to avoid projects whose price has been inflated by work you’re going to undo. Many vintage campers are advertised as restored or partially restored. Although this might be tempting, the owner could be hiding damage, rather than addressing it; so it might not be worth the higher price. Imagine finding a floor fix that is layering wood over a rotted subfloor or new interior walls hiding old wiring and rodent-infested insulation. If you’re going to restore a camper, you might as well ensure that it’s done to your standards and avoid paying for something that’s already been “restored.”
Another option is a partial or abandoned restoration. However, this means putting pieces back together that someone else disassembled. It’s easier to take something apart and put it back together yourself, rather than guessing.
When searching for a project, things such as a rotted subfloor and water damage are to be expected and are addressed during the restoration. And, as mentioned earlier, broken glass usually isn’t an issue. The important items are a clean title, essential appliances, and original hardware.
Where to Find a Project
Locating a project camper can be a difficult task, even with the benefit of the Internet. The reality of geography and distance can quickly extinguish the hope of a perfect candidate. If you’re looking nationally, the best examples are found in dry climates. First, the temperate conditions prevent deterioration, and second, drier climates have a higher camper density because of the demographic of retirees who were former vacationers settling there.
The Internet will be your main avenue in searching for a potential camper project. When negotiating a deal, keep in mind that vintage campers are often easy targets for scam artists. Use due diligence to avoid a financial loss.
Many gems can be found in coastal and humid regions, too, but these conditions promote mold and mildew growth. This causes irreversible damage to wood and brings rust to ferrous metals. Plan to deal with these irritants when shopping in a rust-prone climate.
Trailers in cold regions experience a freeze-thaw cycle that promotes water intrusion, which, not ironically, causes the same rust and rot issues mentioned above.
National classifieds that specialize in vintage campers are a good source, but prices will be at the top of the market.
Another worthy option is to use your favorite search engine to find brand-specific classifieds. To broaden your search, you can put your manufacturers of choice into an online classified aggregator and hope for the best. Also, there are many forums for specific manufacturers, which may provide leads on available trailers within the group.
Despite the expanse of the Internet, you have plenty of other avenues to scan on your camper hunt. For example, local classifieds and bulletin boards are a good source, but finding a specific model may not be possible.
Another tip is to be aware of your immediate surroundings. Just as with the phenomenon of seeing your new car model more often after you’ve gained ownership or interest, you should focus on looking for campers when traveling around; you might just stumble on the perfect restoration candidate at the perfect price.
Another good source of information is couriers or postal workers. Make friends with them and ask them to let you know if they come across any old campers in their travels.
Finally, an important tip, which should be common knowledge by now when using the Internet, is to be aware that vintage campers are often targets by scam artists. Do not send money unless you are certain of the recipient and you practice basic fraud avoidance.
Transportation
Once you’ve located a trailer, transporting it can become a major hurdle. In most cases vintage trailers, especially those in need of restoration, are not roadworthy. It may take more than one trip to extract an old camper from its place of hibernation.
First, jack up a side to inspect the wheel, tire, hub, and brakes. If the tires are dry-rotted and need to be replaced, it could require not only changing the tire but replacing the rim as well. Old split-rims are not necessarily serviceable anymore, which many vintage campers ride on (but if you try hard enough, you might find a shop or individual that’ll mount them). When reinstalling the wheels, follow the proper “star”
