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Vintage Camper Heaven

 We are vintage travel trailer owners and enthusiasts. It is our passion to find, fix, refurbish and customize these sweet old things for YOU! We'll even STORE it or do a Consignment sale for you if you need to sell it !    WE HAVE USED VINTAGE PARTS TOO !

Also known as Vintage-Travel-Trailer.com

Located in the Colorado Foothills between  Morrison and Conifer.

E-Mail: [email protected]

CALL : 720-229-8511  (or text or carrier pigeon) LOL

RESCUED, Transported and Sold over 650 Vintage trailers since 2012. Renovated or partially renovated over 200. Consignment sales completed in 2023/2024 - 18 so far.

Trailers for sale - click below , fueling people's vintage dreams since 2012, what we do ​, (for trailers for sale see 'trailers 4 sale' page).

We FIND, SELL, REPAIR, and STORE trailers.  Consignments are offered to help you fill someone's dream.  Vintage trailer parts are also available.

Our aim is to provide a way to own a fabulous vintage camper at a cost that allows you to feel good about the investment. 

  1.   Finding the right trailer for you . In the Happy Campers Gallery, you'll find visions and dreams of customers we have helped. What is your dream? We can find it for you!

  2.   Helping you with decisions and logistics. What will fit your needs: size, weight, features, and amenities (bathroom, water system, electric brakes), etc.

  3. Maybe you've found a trailer and bought it or considering it. We offer an inspection assessment service  similar to a home inspection.  A  detailed report is provided, listing repairs and costs to get it the way you want it.  Or, just to help you decide if this is the right camper for you.

  4.   figuring out how to fix the vintage trailer so it will give years of pleasure .  every old camping trailer has issues from wear and tear, and years of exposure to the elements. very few owners knew how to take care of them. we know how to fix them every camper undergoes inspection and evaluation from a 2-page checklist, so you (and we) know what we're working with.,   5.   refurbishing to fix the important basics. we seal the roof and edges; go thru and test and rehab the water, electric, propane systems. tires, wheels, bearings, towing lines - we want it to be safe.

  6.   Customizing the sweet thing so you can put your own finishing touches on it.  We do what you can't or prefer not to: flooring, bodywork, roof, paint, etc. Then you do the fun part - curtains, cushion covers, accessories, etc.

  7 .   Seasonal storage. Outdoor. Very reasonable rates!

   8.  Consignment sale. When you are done enjoying your vintage trailer, Vintage-Travel-Trailer can sell it for you!

                                                              ​

WAYS WE CAN HELP

Contact us and let us know what we can help with!

 How we can help:

1. Buying a camper,

2. Repairing your camper,

3. Consult when you consider buying,

4. seasonal Storage ,

5. consignment Sa le ,

6. Used Vintage PARTS FOR SALE .

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BEFORE YOU BUY

Important things you need to think about before you buy an old travel trailer:, - have you owned a camping trailer before , - what should the size and weight be of the trailer (do you know how much your tow vehicle can pull), - in what condition - ready to use or needing fixup , - plugged in or "off the grid" , - toilet or shower - what is really needed , - how many beds (adults, kids), - 1950's, 60's, the 70's what look/style/vintage is to your liking  , - do you want to make some repairs yourself and save  $ , - what's your budget if you don't know, we can help you figure it out., - how soon do you need it , send us your list on the contact form below, let us help you find the right trailer....

You may find this trailer.

Then have to do this.

So talk to us before you buy!

Because when we examined this trailer based on our experience, we discovered water damage in several hidden places that required the removal and reconstruction of the entire rear wall and part of the floor.

Unanticipated cost $2000.

Located in the Colorado Foothills 45 min/ SW of Denver near Conifer.

C all or text :   720-229-8511 

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Mountain View, CA Change Location

Retro Campers and RVs for Sale

Retro Campers, including older Retro styled RVs and Retro Travel Trailers, are throwbacks to the early days of camping. These unique retro-inspired styles are made popular by the new brands such as Riverside Retro RV, Scamp, and the Gulf Stream Coach Vintage. If you are looking for a retro styled camper with all the conveniences of a new RV, a Retro Camper may be for you! Find your own Retro Camper for sale near you from our dealers and private sellers below.

2023 Riverside RV Retro 171DRD

2006 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 40DFD

• Odometer: 52530
• Cumming Engine

2023 Riverside RV Retro 190BH

2023 Riverside RV Retro 210

2024 Riverside RV Retro 135

2017 Newmar King Aire 4533

• Odometer: 329687
• Cummins I6 605hsp Engine

2016 Winnebago 1780

2022 Riverside RV Retro 190BH

2022 Riverside RV Retro 165

2023 Riverside RV Retro 240BH

2023 Riverside RV Retro 165

2023 Entegra Coach Cornerstone 45B

• Odometer: 8500
• 605hp Cummins Engine

2023 Riverside RV Retro 135

2024 Riverside RV Retro 171DRD

2012 Coachmen Brookstone 367RL

• GVWR: 15000

2024 Riverside RV Retro 135FD

• None Engine

2024 Riverside RV Retro 179

2020 Riverside RV Retro 193

2023 Riverside RV Retro 511

2025 Riverside RV Retro 135

2024 Riverside RV RETRO 135

2021 Ram ProMaster 2500

• Odometer: 34000

2024 Riverside RV Retro 165

2022 Riverside RV Retro 135

2023 Riverside Retro 190bh

• Odometer: 500

2015 Riverside RV Retro Whitewater 177

2024 Old School Trailers 821 Bunkhouse

1990 Fleetwood American Eagle Cambria

• Odometer: 51800
• 460 Ford Engine

2021 Riverside RV Retro 179

2022 Riverside RV Retro 179

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Tin Can Tourists

The Original Vintage Trailer and Camper Club

We love vintage trailers as much as You do!

Be a part of the oldest and best trailer club in the world. Doesn’t matter how old, how big or small, what the shape is or if you tow or drive it! Restored or not!

All are welcome to join and come camping with us. You are joining a club that promotes the interests of all vintage trailer and motorhome owners. We work with campgrounds, parts manufacturers like Vintage Trailer Supply, vintage trailer restoration companies, historians and others supporting the community to make sure community is appropriately served!

What do we provide?

Come camp with us. See what rallies are near you or promote a rally you are hosting.

We work with campgrounds to make sure vintage trailer and motorhome owners are accepted.

We even will help you start a rally by picking a campground, creating a fun agenda and getting the word out.

Classifieds

Do you have a trailer, motorhome or tow vehicle you want to sell?

Are you looking for your dream camper?

We offer the only free vintage trailer classifieds open to all vintage trailer and motorhome owner. Let us list your trailer or let us help you find the one of your dreams.

Membership Benefits

You are joining a club that promotes the interests of all vintage trailer and motorhome owners.

New members receive membership cards and a TCT window decal.

Members have access to special content, discounts on items in the store and members only products.

Here are our latest Posts

• New Tin Can Tourists Ambassadors
• TCT welcomes Spacious Skies Campgrounds – Balsam Woods to Vintage Friendly Campground Program
• Johnny Agnew inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame
• Trail Running
• TCT welcomes Lost River Valley Campground to Vintage Friendly Campground Program

Want to send us a message?

Use the email address [email protected], our instagram feed.

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Where and How to Find Vintage Travel Trailers For Sale

• by Crystal Adkins
• August 23, 2018 January 22, 2024
• Vintage Mobile Homes , Buying and Selling Manufactured Homes

Trying to find vintage travel trailers for sale? In this article, we’ll show you our 12 favorite websites that have vintage travel trailers for sale   and an arsenal of free tools that will help you search for your favorite vintage trailers. 

You don’t have to look on eBay or Craigslist every day, you don’t have to travel through every campground in your state, and you certainly don’t have to hire an agent (though that’s an option if you have the money).

To find vintage travel trailers for sale you just have to know where to look online and how to use a few free tools that will make your search a bit easier.

Best Websites to Find Vintage Travel Trailers for Sale

Craigslist and eBay are musts for anyone searching for a vintage trailer but there are several other vintage travel trailer sites that you’ll want to bookmark as well.

TinCan Tourists

TinCan Tourists is a vintage trailer fan’s heaven. The club began in 1919 so it was cool before trailers had a chance to even become vintage.

You don’t have to be a member to list a travel trailer for sale but members have their listings featured on the front page.

Little Vintage Trailer

Little Vintage Trailer has been one of the best online resources for vintage travel trailer lovers for years. It’s also one of the cutest sites online (I may be partial). I love everything about this site!

Sisters on the Fly

The Sisters on the Fly are the coolest ladies to ever hit the road! This group of women vintage travel trailer owners started in 1999 and have grown to over 10,000 members that all know how to have fun. They meet several times a year and their site is full of great articles and has listings section.

Vintage Campers

Vintage Campers is the go-to site for vintage travel trailer fans. They have a cool magazine and their site is the most thorough resources I’ve found for travel trailers.

Airstream Classifieds

Airstream Classified is another brand-specific site but there’s a reason there are so many: Airstream is the most popular travel trailer in American history. They are iconic!

Airstream For Sale

Airstreamforsale.com is a good resource if you are looking for an Airstream but not so much if you have your heart set on a Spartan. Still, it’s a good site that can help you learn about the iconic brand.

Spartan Trailer 

Spartans are my second favorite travel trailer brand. Maybe I’m attracted to aluminum on a weird psychological level? This is a small site but you can find vintage Spartans for sale which is always awesome.

Tin Inn Travel Trailers

I don’t know much about Tin Inn but the owner appears to have a ton of experience restoring travel trailers. There are a few trailers for sale and I suspect that if you had a specific model in mind this lady would be able to find it.

You may recognize Flyte Camp because they have their own TV show. I’m a big fan and since you are looking to buy a vintage travel trailer you will be, too! I’m gonna go ahead an warn you, they ain’t cheap but you can be guaranteed that if they’ve restored a trailer they did it right. This amazing Holiday House is available for sale on their site right now. I’ll let you click to see the price. Just be warned it’s a one-of-a-kind collector’s piece. Oh, if only…

You can find beauties like this at Vintage Camper Trailers .

I’m hesitant to include eBay on this list because vintage travel trailer listings are often scams. You have to be very careful with these listings. 

My rule is that if it costs more than $200 you should only use eBay as a tool to start the buying process but never finish it. You should never bid on an item like a vintage travel trailer without seeing it in person. Your eBay searches should only be for local listings unless you really are willing to travel to get the trailer you want.

Common eBay Scams

One common scam is to list a really awesome trailer at a dirt cheap price while the seller always has a sob story like they are in the military but can’t store their prized possession so they have to get rid of it fast. All you need to do is pay them a storage/holding/delivery fee and then they’ll meet you tomorrow. Click here to read about the top 10 scams on eBay. 

Using Advanced Search on eBay

eBay is a popular site for a reason. They have an easy to use interface with a powerful search engine that can help buyers look for exactly what they want.

The advanced search function on eBay is easy but tends to pull up irrelevant listings. I searched for vintage travel trailers within 100 miles of my zip code but was shown stickers, lamps, and postcards. You can refine your searches with their exclusion/inclusion tool and the results are more relevant. Read 7 tips to help you search eBay. 

Saved Searches and Watch Lists

Saved searches , also called followed searches, can help you find vintage travel trailers for sale before everyone else. You just enter your criteria and they will email you when a new listing meets your settings. You can save up to 100 searches.

A watch list is another helpful tool to find vintage travel trailers for sale. This is helpful for things that you look for a lot (say you collect vintage mobile home magazines). eBay will email you when a new listing is found or when an auction you’re interested in is about to close.

Stuff Alert

Stuff Alert is an outside service that may be helpful to you. They continuously crawl eBay for whatever it is you are looking for and will email you when a listing is found. It’s a good tool to use for local searches because in many cases the early bird gets the worm (well, it used to be like that but I think the vintage travel trailer trend has died down quite a bit since 2015).

Facebook Marketplace is a Great Place to Find Vintage Travel Trailers for Sale

I think I may be addicted to Facebook Marketplace . It’s so easy to see a listing and communicate with the seller in real time. I found a brand new doggie door that goes into a sliding door for $40. It was $140 at Walmart. All it took was a quick text (and Facebook even writes that out for you) and meeting them at the agreed place.

The marketplace has a great search tool. You can choose the category and distance area and use keywords such as ‘1965 Airstream Safari’ to pull up all the listings. Here’s an Airstream I found that is just down the road from me.

Related:  This Vintage Airstream Remodel is so Cool

Facebook Groups

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of Facebook groups dedicated to vintage travel trailers of all makes and models. Within these many groups are people buying and selling vintage trailers. Some of the groups that appeared when I searched ‘find vintage travel trailers for sale:’

How to Search Craigslist Like a Pro

You can find just about anything on Craigslist.  It’s the original online marketplace but I have a feeling Facebook Marketplace will be taking over the top slot in no time. Until then, it’s a must visit to find vintage travel trailers for sale.  We use Craigslist here a lot to  find great Craigslist mobile homes for sale.

Craigslist is a site that is simple, yet a bit intimidating at the same time so here’s a quick tutorial on how to use Craigslist.

Go to Craigslist at  http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites  and you will see a page that looks like this:

Click on the US link on the top left or click on a purple dot that is close to your home. Personally, I like to click on the US link – it just seems easier for me to read the states than look on a map.

If you click on a purple dot you will see the map zoom in to the dot you clicked and then see more purple dots like this:

If you click on the US link, the page will change to a listing of states and their cities. Like this:

Find your state and then the city closest to you and click on it. You will then be forwarded to a page that looks like this:

Scroll down to the ‘for sale’ section and click on the rvs + campers:

Clicking on rvs + campers will take you to a page with all kinds of listings! Some will be from dealerships and some from individuals but you can use filters to block out the listing you don’t want. You can also change how the listings appear.

To see listings by owners only, simply click on the ‘by owner’ section, you can also block out any listings that don’t have an image.

Another great feature is how the listings appear. Personally, I like the gallery view best because the images are larger and I can quickly find any listing that catches my eye. Just click on the list, thumb, gallery, or map to see which one you like best.

You’ll have a whole screen of listings. If you like one just email or give them a call! Be careful though, never go to a listing by yourself and always meet at a public place. Here are 18 things every Craigslist user should know. 

Search Tempest

Search Tempest is a great tool for Craigslist, Amazon, and eBay. They describe themselves as a classified ad search engine. You type in what you are looking for and where you are looking and it takes you to each site automatically. You can also have it email you listings based on keywords which are super handy.

See 5 more Craigslist helpers here.

IFTTT is one of the most powerful tools ever made for the internet. They describe themselves as a way to connect apps, services, and sites together. It is powerful so you will definitely want to use it to find vintage travel trailers for sale.

You’ll also want to use IFTTT to do other neat things like creating a Google spreadsheet of all your online purchases as you receive the receipts or add songs to your Spotify when you like a Youtube video or automatically backup your Facebook photos to Google Drive. There are applets for everything! You can search through all of them here after creating a free account . It’s free to use but there are paid plans.

IFTTT for Online Shopping

Using IFTTT to find vintage travel trailers for sale is pretty easy. You’ll need to connect your craigslist, ebay, and

This applet sends you a daily email of all the Craigslist listings that match your search terms 

This applet goes a step further. You add a search criteria URL and it sends you an email, a push notification, and logs the listing into a Google spreadsheet. You just have to connect the various accounts to IFTTT.

This applet gives you a daily email digest with eBay listings that match your search.

You should be able to find vintage travel trailers for sale with all these tools and tips. Ebay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups, and all the awesome vintage trailer sites online are great places to start your search but you should never buy a trailer without inspecting it in person. If it’s a good distance away from you then please consider hiring a camper expert or even a mechanic to inspect it for you.

We’ve written about buying used mobile homes here and it’s the same concept for vintage travel trailers. We also have an entire section of resources and state guides for buying mobile homes here. 

Once you find your vintage trailer you’ll probably want to check out these 9 awesome vintage travel trailer campgrounds. 

As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living!

Join the conversation!

Great tools to search for favorite vintage trailers.

I look forward to getting my hands on something like this! Cannot wait to start my own vintage project. This is way over my budget, but it’s amazing. Good luck!

I just bought a 1972 a kencraft ft 26 ft camp trailer and was wondering if anyone has info on these

LOOKING FOR A FIXER-UPPER TRAVEL TRAILER DOESN’T MATTER WHAT SHAPE ITS IN

Thank you so much for letting me know! I’ll get that corrected right away.

It’s a beautiful mobile home! Whomever ends up with it is one lucky soul!

Greetings! Please let everyone know that the 1968 KenCraft is still for sale! The Poppy Villa is 35 feet of vintage charm, with recent kitchen update and tons of room. Here’s a link to more info & pictures, this page will stay up until she’s sold:

http://1968kencraftvintagetrailer.wordpress.com/

Thank you for featuring our 1968 KenCraft vintage travel trailer on your site!

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Top 5 Vintage Travel Trailer Manufacturers

If you're looking for a unique and nostalgic way to travel, consider purchasing a vintage travel trailer. There are many different manufacturers out there, so it can be tough to decide who to go with. In this post, we'll review the top 5 Vintage Travel Trailer Manufacturers. 

What you'll find...

We have a list of various vintage trailer manufacturers who've been in the industry for a long time. These include Aero Flite, Shasta Airflyte, and Vintage Airstream.

Their trailers are world-famous, trusted and used by travel enthusiasts the world over. We discuss what makes each company unique, and help you decide which one is right for you!

The Best Vintage Travel Trailer Manufacturers

Red is rad - 1947 aero flite.

Hello, fellow wanderers! I’m Alyssia. Since 2008, my husband and I have called an RV our home, journeying through life one mile at a time. Our nomadic lifestyle has led us to over 70 countries, each with their unique tales that have shaped our own.

I share our stories and insights right here, hoping to inspire and guide you in your own adventures. Expect tips on RV living, our favorite camping spots, breathtaking hiking trails, and the joys and challenges of an ever-changing view from our window. Alongside, you’ll also find practical advice on outdoorsy stuff, designed to equip you for any journey. Join us as we continue to explore the vast, beautiful world on wheels!

See the Eye-Catching Retro Exterior

Built today with a 1950s style.

The Retro is a compact, lightweight travel trailer with customization options that start with the size and look of your rv exterior. The retro brand has multiple size options ranging from micro and mini campers to a full-size 28’ Bunkhouse. Haul your Retro with a Small SUV, Jeep, Van, or ½ Ton. View our Retro specifications guide for details on the dry weight, water tank size, axel count and more. Our Retros aren’t remodels or restorations, they’re brand new RVs intentionally designed with a vintage look. 

Elegantly Shaped

The exterior of the Retro RV provides an instant kick of nostalgia as the classic or teardrop RV shape. The smooth curves remind you of simpler days. The rounded exterior extends a welcoming feeling with an invitation to time hop during your travels.

Designed for Function (and Fun)

Retro campers are lightweight and easy to haul. There’s no other way to put it. The Retro RV is vibrant and fun on the inside and out, which is one reason why it’s been featured in music videos and TV commercials viewed from across the globe. Choose from 8 power-punching colors or 3 neutral tones for your retro RV exterior.

Step Inside & Back in Time

The interior of the Retro stays true to the name with the classic, black and white checkerboard flooring reminiscent of the 1950’s diner style. Dinette cushions pop in aqua, red, or seafoam green, but are also available in grey for a more neutral look. Bright birch wood covers the interior walls and cabinetry (N/A in 511 models), securing the vintage style.

*Dealer Stock Only

290BH ELITE

Find a Riverside RV

Between the Retro and Intrepid brands, Riverside RV offers a broad selection of floorplans and styles for every kind of camper. With dealers located across the U.S. and Canada, finding a Riverside RV near you is just a click away.

Contact Riverside RV

Email Address

Buying a Vintage Camper Trailer 101 – Beginners Guide

• BEGINNERS GUIDE

G. Yoganand

This is a complete guide to help you on all things you need to know before buying a vintage camper .

Many people are becoming interested in purchasing vintage campers. Whether for the summer road trips or weekend camping, vintage campers provide you the greatest memories in your adventures.

However, before you buy a vintage camper, you need to ensure you have made a good investment. In this post, I will share with you the most important things to look for when buying a vintage camper.

What exactly is a Vintage Camper?

A vintage camper is a type of a travel trailer that has been around for a long time. Most campers are considered to be vintage if they are 25 years or older.

RVs in general can last a certain years and need restoration later on if you still want to use them. Travel trailers do not have engine and therefore, if you can renovate them, you can still continue to use them.

Vintage camper trailers weigh between 2500 to 3200 lbs on average

Is It a Good Idea to Buy a Vintage Camper?

If you love adventures and seeing all the beautiful sights, you should buy a vintage camper.

Modern RVs are packed with high-tech and luxurious features for people to enjoy.

But, for vintage campers, they may not have all these features, but they still look great and will offer you all the fun you need while traveling.

Here are reasons why you should buy a vintage camper

1. You save money

If you want an affordable way to reach your camping destination, you should consider a vintage camper.

They are less expensive compared to buying new trailers. Once the camper has been renovated, there are no additional costs involved.

Vintage camper van or trailer can be bought in at a very less price unless its in high demand and thoroughly renovated.

2. They are charming

Everything about vintage campers is charming and cute. This is why they are so popular. They make the best photo backgrounds. Additionally, they look great when they are parked.

3. Easy to tow

Vintage campers are mostly smaller in size. This makes it easy for you to tow as you travel to your destination. In fact, they are so light, and you may not even realize if it’s still there.

4. Easy to set up

If you don’t have a lot of experience with RVs, you should buy a vintage camper. They are easy to set up due to their small size and design. Vintage campers are fully equipped with everything you need for your camping.

5. Different camping options

A vintage camper allows you to camp anywhere, anytime. This is most ideal when going on road trips. You will be able to park the camper anywhere, whether on the road or in a park.

6. They are comfortable

To make the best memories from your adventures, you should buy a vintage tracker. They are designed to offer you the comfort you need while you are away from your home.

Inspecting a vintage camper

Today, there are many vintage campers available. How do you know the right vintage camper for you? If you are planning to purchase a vintage camper, you need first to inspect it. Here are things to look out for.

Determine the Usage

Before you buy a vintage camper, you should determine how you will use it. This will help you decide on the right size, quality, and features that suit your needs.

In this case, you need to decide whether you need a vintage camper for weekend trips only or full-time camping. Also, decide if you want a vintage camper for yourself only or with your friends and family.

Moreover, if you plan to use your vintage camper on particular campgrounds, you should check out if there are any restrictions.

Have a Budget

When buying a vintage camper, you should have a budget. This will help you find one that you can easily afford. The cost of vintage campers varies depending on various things.

If you want a fully renovated camper, it will be expensive. However, this could reduce the costs of future repairs.

Once you decide to go for vintage camper remodel , make sure you plan it and have a budget before starting.

On the other hand, older models are more costly since they are in high demand. If you plan on renovating the camper yourself, you should be ready to take care of the costs that come with it.

To get a camper that is within your budget, compare different models, and find the best one. When buying a camper, you should not be in a hurry but take time to research and compare.

Look Out For Water Damage

One of the worst things you will get when it comes to a camper is water damage. Firstly, you should inspect the vintage camper carefully.

This is because, with most vintage models, it will be difficult to notice any water damage. If the camper has signs of water damage, it will first need a complete renovation before using it on your next trip.

The cost of repairing water damage can be costly, and you need to avoid such campers. Thus be careful when checking every inch of the vintage camper you want to buy for water damage.

Most vintage RV owners understand that water damage is a serious thing when it comes to selling, and they will try to hide the water damage by giving it a new painting. Therefore, you need to look out for:

Water stains in the interior of the camper

• Repainted walls
• Leaking on the floor
• Leaking in the ceiling and the walls
• Ripples on the interior walls
• Rotting in the cupboards
• Inspect the corners where the walls meet
• Check the vents for proper functioning

Inspecting the Floor

When buying a vintage camper, the floor is one of the key things to inspect. The floor should be solid enough without any soft spots. A good floor should last you for long and provide support for all your adventures.

Moreover, replacing the floor of a vintage camper is not easy , can be costly and time-consuming.

If you buy a camper with a weak floor, you will be forced to replace it before you go camping. Replacing the floor involves removing the seats, beds, and all pieces build on the floor.

Check for Electrical Damages

Electrical damage can be serious when it comes to a vintage camper. When inspecting the camper, ensure the electrical system is working and everything is in order before you buy it.

It is good to verify all the electrical appliances are fully functional. When camping, you will need a vintage camper with a properly installed electrical system for your comfort.

Dealing with electrical damage in a camper can be challenging. Firstly, you will need to remove the interior walls to know the root cause of the problem.

Secondly, you will need to call a professional electrician for the work, which will cost you more.

Inspect the Exterior of the Vintage Camper

When buying a vintage camper, you do not only inspect the interior part but also on the outside.

You should take a good look at all the exterior parts to see if it’s in proper shape. Check if there are cracks, dents, and leaks.

Though vintage campers are quite old, you should ensure you find one that is stylish and attractive even on the exterior.

Check Appliances and Propane Lines

Next, you need to check if all the appliances in the vintage camper are functional. You can start by inspecting if the fridge and stove are working. With this inspection, you will have an easy time during your trip.

If they are not working properly, you will need to make expensive repairs.

If the fridge and stove are working, then the propane lines are in good condition. If the propane lines are faulty, then your safety will be at risk.

Other things to check include water lines, bathrooms, and holding tanks. You can test all these things to confirm they are in good condition.

Look Out for the Tires

Your safety and that of your vehicle depend on the tires of the vintage camper. You should inspect the tires to verify they are in good condition and that they are not popping out with wires poking out. You should also check if they have a good tread.

Vintage campers’ tires can be very expensive to buy. You should avoid campers that you will need to change the tires.

Instead, buy a camper that has well-maintained tires that are meant for campers. Additionally, the tires should have all the necessary accessories and make sure the lug nuts are tight.

Original Windows and Glass

It is best to ensure that the vintage camper you choose has original windows and hardware. For vintage campers, it can be difficult to find windows that match well with the trailer.

To get replacement windows and hardware, you should visit a vintage trailer store. However, you will need to incur additional charges for the windows, removing the existing windows and installing new ones.

On the other hand, you should check if all the glass is intact. Moreover, you should check carefully if the original glass has been replaced with cheaper alternatives.

Replacing vintage glass is expensive and even hard to find. Test the windows by checking if they can open or close easily.

For vintage campers, always check the axle. The axle, bolts, and springs should be in good shape. This ensures you have a safe and smooth ride and that the camper does not break down in the middle of the road.

Look for Signs of Mold

Even though the vintage camper does not have any signs of water damage, molds indicate water problems and leaks in the camper.

Therefore, you start by checking spots such as the ceilings, floors, walls, and corners if there are any signs of molds. Furthermore, you should inspect the bathroom, cabinets, and closets and see if there is mold.

Another way to know if there are molds is bad smells . If the vintage camper has a bad odor, it can be a sign of mold, wet wood, wet fabric, and urine from rodents.

If there is mold in the camper, it means that there is water damage, and you should not buy that camper. It can be difficult to get rid of the mold in the camper, and they can cause respiratory problems.

Lastly, a title is a basic thing when buying a vintage camper. You should ask the camper owner if they have a title for the camper.

To have an easy time with the title, you should consider a camper with a title in the name of the seller. This is because the paperwork will be minimal.

However, in some states, it is easy to get the title while, in some, it can be a total nightmare. So as you shop for a vintage trailer, always keep in mind about the title.

Do you need to Renovated the camper?

When buying a vintage camper, you should consider about renovations before purchasing it. Vintage campers are quite old, and most of them will require repairs and maintenance.

Even if the camper is in good shape, some parts will break down, and you will need upgrades and repairs. These renovations are expensive, and you should set a budget to take care of the upgrades.

You may need upgraded and repairs on things like,

• Rewiring the lighting
• Changes lights
• Brake light replacements
• Storage door latch replacements
• Floor cleaning and removing stains
• Roof vent replacements
• Tire replacements
• Trailers hitch repairs
• Trailer brakes replacements
• Door rework
• Working on the furniture like couch, dinette
• Replace or repair kitchen items
• Shower head replacement or cleaning
• Faucets cleaning
• Awning repairs
• Replacing carbon detectors, fire extinguishers
• Sanitizing tanks, hose

Additionally, you need to consider if you will get professional repairs or DIY. With Do It Yourself, you will need knowledge and expertise in electrical, welding, woodwork, plumbing, and welding.

The renovations need time for the camper to be in perfect shape. They include buying the parts and installing them, which may take more time than expected. With this, you will need to be patient enough before you can start using the camper.

You cannot consider vintage camper renovations without a budget . To know how much you will spend on the renovations, you should inspect it and find out what needs repairs and replaced.

Water Damage Repairs

Most of the vintage campers will have water damage, that’s the sad truth. The important thins is you should know about it and it could be harder to find the water damage itself.

Most people who jump to buying a vintage RV have no idea about this and they do not realize that painted walls can actually have these damage underneath.

In such a situation, the renovation or repair can be tough job depending on how much is the damage. Some times you may end up building the camper fully. So, be aware of this fact that water damage is far more common in old vintage trailers .

Inspect and look for water damage at all the possible places like,

• Cabinet gaps

The stains of such a damage could be hidden behind jobs that were done to look it good. Inspect every corner in the interior of the camper.

Dealing with Asbestos

Asbestos were used in building vintage trailer prior to 1987 after which they were banned in the US. Asbestos are harmful when you inhale it and can cause health issues.

Asbestos can be present in loose insulation or adhesive or vinyl tiles. So, be careful while working on restoration of hard floor. Wear PPE while dealing with such restoration and assume asbestos are present.

Best Vintage Camper Brands you can buy

If you are looking to buy a vintage camper and don’t know which one to buy, check out the list of options that are already popular among other RVers.

This is by far the best vintage camper you can buy. Airstream are a very old company dating back to world war II. The most exciting thing about vintage airstream is, they last very long.

Their body is made up of aluminum and that makes them easily recognizable. A good thing about owning an airstream vintage trailer is, you will be better off renovating it.

Their parts are easy to find because of their popularity and they are still in business making new models.

An old airstream will be in good shape and sometime you may have to work on its floor. There is a huge community of airstream and there are people who can help you on forums as well.

Scotty trailers

This trailer making company was started in 1956 by John Serro in irwin, PA. Once you acquire one of these you may have to work little harder in getting it to life again.

The walls, roof and interior will generally be rotted. It does lasts long but you will need renovation for sure. The exterior will need polishing and repainting.

I see listing of these campers too often on vintage sites. These fiberglass campers are good for renovating. Their fiberglass body can last very long. They are small and very popular among vintage camper lovers.

They were manufactured in late 70’s and early 80’s. Their good construction has tested time and now, as a vintage camper you can own and renovate it. There is good demand for these and after renovating, may be you can sell it for higher price after you are done using it.

These are similar to airstream, made up of aluminum. One thing that distinguished them is their large size. They made some of the largest trailers in RV industry. They shut down in 1959 and hence their parts can be hard to find. Airstream parts can be used as substitution while renovating them.

Vintage Shasta StarFlyte Camper

This is another vintage camper that you can consider. Its a classic 1950’s camper trailer that people want to buy. Do check out for this brand on sites and forum. You will need good restoration before you start using it. I see ads stating “vintage shasta camper for sale” a lot of times of sites.

Vintage Style Campers that are Actually New

Do not want to buy an old real vintage camper and renovate it? But, still want to have that classic vintage look and feel in your camper?

If yes, then below are your best options. These RVs have vintage camper look and feel but are actually new.

Happier Camper

These are cute little campers that have awesome looks. They are adorable and if you love owning a small low weight trailer with vintage looks then this is the one for you. They are costly but are a perfect option if you want something special.

Scamp Trailer

This fiberglass light weight trailer is very popular and a lot of people prefer these due to their good features. You can trust these trailers as they have been making Rvs since early 1970’s. They know exactly what it was like in that era. Who else would you trust then the ones who actually did it.

River Side Retro

They make vintage style campers that look like classic old RVs. Their design are really cool and makes you feel amazing. The color schemes and interior are really cool.

Gulf Stream

The vintage camper made by gulf stream is a replica of styles in 1950’s. Its a perfect camper for those who don’t want a renovating job on real old campers and yet have that style of living. Go for it.

Now lets look into details on how to find a vintage camper .

Where Can You Buy a Vintage Camper?

You can easily find a vintage camper without much hassle. One of the fastest ways to buy a camper is online. You will be able to see a variety of sellers, their photos, location, and prices.

You can also buy a vintage camper through referrals from your friends and family members. You should compare deals from various sellers to find a reputable one. When looking for a vintage camper, you need to have patience and be flexible.

Lets check out some of the online website where you ca start your hunt for a vintage camper.

Tin Can Tourists

They have big listings of vintage campers and a perfect place to find one for your next trip. You don’t have to login as a member to do the search. just go to their website and search based on your zip code.

You can find details like contact details of the owner and camper details. Best part is you can directly contact the owner and carry on with the deal.

Owners generally post several pictures but if you still need more details then you can reach out to the owner directly.

Vintage Campers

They have it in their name, don’t they. This is not only the place to find you next vintage caper but also a place to get your camper restored and renovated. You can also post ads for wanting a vintage camper and people will get back to you with their deals.

You can buy vintage camper appliances, parts here. Do contact them if you want help in restoring the camper as well.

Airstream Classifieds

This, as the name suggests an airstream buy/sell place. Its not necessarily for vintage campers but as you know airstream is a very old company. You get airstream trailers that were built several years still running nicely on roads and hence an airstream is a great vintage camper you can buy.

One of the great things about airstream is its body. Its made up of high grade aluminum that really keeps it in great shape over a very long period of time. On an average airstream lasts for more than 30 years and yet they will be as good as new.

As far as this site is concerned they have forum and classified ads where you can find people listing their airstream. Definitely a great place to find your next vintage airstream trailer.

Want modern luxury fitted inside a classic 50 year old designed RV? If yes, then flyte camp is a perfect RV maker for you. They specialize in making those campers that have look and feel of 1950’s and 1960.

In early years of RV in 60’s and 50’s natural materials were used in making RVs which later shifted to more synthetic materials taking away that feel. Flyte camp makes an effort in you giving you that back.

Their team puts work in making RV the way it looked those many years ago. They help you in restoring and renovating old RVs to restore their glory. They are definitely putting work in keeping the American history alive.

Little Vintage Trailer

This is another great site for searching old vintage trailers. People post the campers that they want to sell. They also organize rally’s or events where you can reach out to other sellers.

The site itself has a look and feel of vintage and that’s what interested me. Do check out this site as you may find a real deal here. Although the site doesn’t has many listings a once in a while listed camper can still be yours.

This is a place where all sorts of things are put for selling and auction. I am sure this was on your mind even before coming here.

Ebay is surely a place for getting some awesome old stuff but you need to be careful as scams do take place on this platform. Its not the platforms fault, you need to be carful enough in choosing the listing.

Be sure to check out here but more importantly be sure to figure any scam.

Just like ebay, this is another platform where everyone comes too often to buy used stuff. People list their vintage camper van and trailers here and you can find your next dream camper here. Check out the details, pics before you contact the owner.

Its a very simple to use site where in you filter based on your location. It is also an art to find exactly what you want.

Sometimes you may spend whole lot of time and yet don’t find anything as per your need. There are tools that can help you getting notifications as well.

Look out for vintage camper for sale ads and reach out the owner for further details.

Facebook group

Facebook is a hangout place for all sorts of people. RVers do have groups and this a perfect place to get real good deals.

Join such vintage camper or general RV group and you are bound to find something very special.

Yes, it will take time until you see that post that’s exactly for you. Your search time may go on for weeks and months until you come across a good deal near your location.

There are several RV forums where RVers discuss and share things relating to RVs. You need to have patience until you see someone throw that camper availability as a comment or post somewhere.

There wont be ads of vintage campervan’s but you can definitely get someone showing interest in selling their vintage camper.

You yourself can start a thread letting people know that you are interested in buying a vintage camper. Believe me these are real people talking real thing and you are bound to find good leads.

You also get to connect with people in the community and there will be someone somewhere who will have idea on this.

Buying directly from owner is always a good idea as you get good deals without any middle man.

Before you finally decide to buy a particular vintage camper, make sure the seller is reliable. This is especially if it’s your first time buying a camper. With a reliable seller, you will avoid scams and enjoy the best deals.

Cost and Best Options

The cost of vintage campers depends on the models and the condition of the trailer. If the trailer is already renovated by the owner, the cost will be high, but for those without any renovations, they are cheaper.

For renovated vintage campers, their prices range from $8,000 to $70,000. For vintage campers without renovations, their prices range from $1,000 to $15,000.

However, even if it is cheaper to buy a non-renovated camper, you will spend a lot of money to renovate it to a fully restored vintage camper.

The cost of renovating a vintage camper ranges from $1,000 to about $10,000. The best options for vintage campers will depend on your budget and your camping needs.

You can use NADA guide to know the actual worth or price of the camper

Mistakes to avoid while buying/renovating a vintage camper

Buying and renovating a old vintage style camper can lead to frustration and waste of energy if things don’t fall in place properly. Here are few mistakes you need to avoid.

1. Buying without proper inspection

This happens to almost every buyer. Unable to figure out and locate water damage will lead to extra spending on getting it fixed.

Do not buy the camper unless you are sure about all the problems it has. If you are buying for a project like DIY renovation then sure go ahead, at least you know how much it will cost you.

2. Do not underestimate the renovating cost

Renovating a camper will depend on many factors. If you are new at this then be sure you talk to a professional on how much it will cost you. There are professional services who deal with this.

A simple fix inside a trailer may ultimately cost you a lot. So, be sure to have a near correct estimate. Not knowing what all problems the camper has can lead to underestimating.

3. Renovate all at once

This is good practice as it will reduce the overall costs. If you keep doing small-small project then the overall cost and efforts will be much higher. Just take out some time and get it done once and for all.

Sometime such projects can take a whole lot longer and therefore you need to plan for it. If its going to be a months time then be it. Just plan the renovation and get it done.

4. Take professional help

If you are not comfortable doing it yourself or has no idea on how to get it done reach out do people who can do a better job.

Its no good to destroy it without proper knowledge. Just reach out to people who can help you at a reasonable price. There are lot of DIY RV restoration services out there.

In Conclusion

Buying a vintage camper involves planning, inspecting, and budgeting. Once you consider all the above guidelines, you will be a proud owner of a vintage camper.

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