Travel Trailer Window Shopping

[Headache]

It didn't take me long to realize I'm miserable in my van.  I need to be able to stand up.  I have a few medical issues that have gotten worse since coming down here.  I've decided a small travel trailer is in order.  However, I'm looking for something particular.  Since I'm window shopping until I have enough money saved I'm looking for pics and info about particular models.  For example; there is a couple here that gutted and restored a 1970 Holiday Rambler that with the particular paint colors they used looks like it's from the 1950s(see The Phoenix Ramblers on YT).  Those of you here at the RTR that have seen that turquoise and white beauty will know what I'm talking about.  The rounded and curved edges are what caught my eye first....anyway...

I'm looking for pics and info on other models that have a similar look so when I have some money saved I'll know what to keep my eyes open for.  Nothing bigger than 25 feet and nothing shorter than say 16 feet, would prefer in the 20-23 foot range.  I'm also not going to spend thousands of dollars on garbage.  I fully intend to gut it and make it "mine" so short of the axles and brakes working well enough to tow away and no big gaping holes I'm not shopping for the perfect mansion.

Thanks!

 

[bullfrog]

Sounds like a plan but remodeled traver trailers get heavy quick especially older fiberglass ones. If you have something good to tow with all the easier to make it yours. Most of the older travel trailers used the wooden floor braces to support the steel out side the main frame and keep the main frame from flexing. As these trailers age and deteriorate they begin to flex and crack. Make sure you inspect the frame for cracks especially if the wooden sub structure is remover or rotted. Rust is also a consideration if wet wood has been sitting on it for a long time. This is one reason lots of people begin with a cargo trailer or flat bed utility trailer and build out.

 

[Motrukdriver]

Here is a facebook page for folks posting RV's for under $5000.  Might give you an idea of what you can get for what you got.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1661014084161857/

Also, there is a gal named Zina Lacy on facebook.  Her and her husband scour the country side looking for vintage travel trailers.  They sell them as is or completely remodeled or anywhere in between.  

https://www.facebook.com/zinathomas

It shows thomas so I don't know if that is her maiden name or married name.  They have two lots of vintage travel trailers. One in Texas and one in Oklahoma. Friend her if you have facebook and tell her what you are looking for.  I'm sure they'll be able to help you out.

 

[user 13531]

If you're still in Quartzsite, hit the interior part of town away from the big RV show, there are a variety of individual rigs for sale all over the place. I didn't realize how many folks winter or bring their rigs to the area for the expressed purpose of selling same. You're future mini mansion maybe closer than you think...

 

[Headache]

Did you know of a particular place?  I've been driving through town but all I see are the newer rigs, not anything looking nostalgic and definitely not looking for a mansion.  I'll be around there until the 24th.

 

[Headache]

Also, there is a gal named Zina Lacy on facebook.  Her and her husband scour the country side looking for vintage travel trailers.  They sell them as is or completely remodeled or anywhere in between.  

https://www.facebook.com/zinathomas

It shows thomas so I don't know if that is her maiden name or married name.  They have two lots of vintage travel trailers. One in Texas and one in Oklahoma. Friend her if you have facebook and tell her what you are looking for.  I'm sure they'll be able to help you out.

That link shows "page not found" on FB, but what you described is pretty much what I'm looking for if they don't charge and arm and a leg.

 

[RVTravel]

The link worked for me while logged into facebook.

 

[Motrukdriver]

Me too, just checked it.   If you can get into that one then here is another one for vintage campers pre-1980 for sale.  Several cute and relatively inexpensive TT's in there.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/181664555543872/

 

[jimindenver]

Any time you see the word vintage in the title it is either in pretty bad shape but they still want a lot, or in good shape and they want a fortune. Also there are a number of "vintage" parts that you can not see that may need attention like wheel bearings, tires, seals, roofs, propane tanks and converters. You would be surprized how much a good looking steal of a deal can cost you. It is why rebuilds are so expensive.

 

[Headache]

I am unafraid Jim.  I used to restore old cars with 64 Impalas being my fave at the time.  Hell, some of the crap on my van isn't made anymore!

The more I read about those Holiday Ramblers the more I like them!  Tanks!

 

[Motrukdriver]

Yep, check the wheel bearings, check the tires, check the lights. If everything seems good to go then drag it home to tear it apart. Rebuilding something old to make it work for your own personal needs is the fun part. Scratching your head thinking "How in the heck am I gonna do...." is even more fun especially when you figure out how to do it. For many of us, building it is just as fun as using it. I flew RC airplanes for about 10 years a long time ago and I had just as much fun building them as I did flying them.

 

[Headache]

Still looking for pics and info. Already know what tow vehicle and what to inspect.

I found another trailer I liked here at the RTR. It looked like 2 old banana split boats with one flipped on top of the other glued together with wheels on it. It was so ugly I loved it and what the guy did to the inside with old barn wood was amazing! I'll post pics when I can but guess what? It was a 60ish Holiday Rambler Ramblette!

I guess I know what I like!

 

[Motrukdriver]

Those old Holiday Rambler TT's are neat looking. Love to have one myself.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/holidayramblersforsale/

 

[Headache]

Here's that Ramblette I fell in love with.  The interior was like the perfect size; not too big and not too small.  I'd love to find one and after getting it and my van all fixed up then I'd paint them both matching.

 

[Headache]

Anyone in San Diego? Heh, this is what I can afford right now lol. I'd have to light up a few bug bombs in that but hey! Diamond in the rough right?

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/rvs/d/22-foot-vintage-traveleze/6477614819.html

 

[highdesertranger]

lots of work. remember at least 4 tires and a wheel bearing pack to move it. highdesertranger

 

[Headache]

lots of work.  remember at least 4 tires and a wheel bearing pack to move it.  highdesertranger

Heh, I was expecting to have to rebuild the axles on that one but it's in my price range.  Looks like I'm going to have to look for a utility trailer.  I need to find something close to drag behind asap.

 

[Headache]

Wish me luck! I've got the mechanic scheduled to meet me at a trailer I'm interested in(and he's going to wire me up for lights) as well as reservations at an RV park so my critters and I won't freeze and for the price I may spend 2 nights! Even my Canadian friend is going so I'm going to follow him so I don't run off. It's going to be an adventure! /fingers crossed

 

[highdesertranger]

good for you I hope it goes well. say hi to Alex for me. highdesertranger

 

[Headache]

Crap, friend can't come but I'll be on my way early!