On Camping in a Vintage Camper
Ranked #275 in Travel & Places, #12,949 overall
Notes from a Former Vintage Camper "Newbie"
I fell in love with the gorgeous honey colored charm of a vintage Shasta travel trailer, searched it out online, brought it home, decorated it, painted it and went out to camp, all without really knowing what I was getting into. If you're contemplating the same road, let me share my notes as we navigate the road less traveled!
From choosing a camper to choosing a good cushion fabric, stocking the rig with vintage camping gear, cooling her down or dressing her up... I'll post it here as I think of it. Please share your tips with me too!
From choosing a camper to choosing a good cushion fabric, stocking the rig with vintage camping gear, cooling her down or dressing her up... I'll post it here as I think of it. Please share your tips with me too!
Contents at a Glance
- The best places to find a Vintage RV Tra...
- Come Inside my 1963 Shasta Compact Trave...
- The 1963 Shasta Compact Camper
- Cooling your Camper
- Looking for "Trailer Warming"...
- Cool Retro Camper Design Links
- Decorate your Camper into a "Glampe...
- Fuel your Vintage Camper Fantasies
- Vintage Camper Hotels & Motels &...
The best places to find a Vintage RV Trailer.
Tin Can Classifieds
Well, like any good Antique Roadshow story, the BEST place to find a vintage trailer is in someone's barn, well-protected from 40 years of sun, snow and rain; particularly if that barn is owned by the distant relatives of the former owner who just want it cleared out.But pipe dreams aside, unless you happen to luck onto one with a For Sale sign out in the rural hinterland that hasn't been too abused, you'll be looking in more formal sales venues like Craigslist, Ebay, Tincantourists.com and other online venues like Yahoo groups. This requires a certain leap of faith. What can you see in a photo (and what can't you see), how far can you transport the trailer without needing an overhaul and what questions to ask so you know what you're getting into?
There's no perfect answer short of befriending some owners at Vintage Camper Rallies and buying one of their masterpieces when they move on to their next project.
Come Inside my 1963 Shasta Compact Travel Trailer
My Vintage Camper Pictures
The retro bar ad this is our inspiration & theme for our camper - the "Holiday Hideaway."
The 1963 Shasta Compact Camper
One big beauty in a small package
What's so special about a 48 year old travel trailer? What keeps us enthralled despite the many other newer more tech-laden options available? Well, she carries an awful lot of bang for the buck in her cheerful winged package. Let me count the ways;
- She's a little lady; weighing in at around 1,200 pounds she can be pulled easily by my small V6 Toyota Rav4 SUV... and most other small SUVs... and we can even maneuver her around the campsite by hand!
- She's well-equipped; able to sleep two adults and two kids (in fabric hammocks), house a porta-potty (or a standing air conditioner now), stocked with a propane 3 burner stove & and oven, a gas light, several outlets and electric lighting and hose-adapted sink all in just 12 feet (including the tongue!). She's sheltered us in rainstorms and will guard the dog comfortably while we sight-see.
- She's easy to maintain; needing very little TLC other than some time-to-time caulking, paint of ball bearing cleaning she will tuck neatly away in most garages for the season. Its not surprising there are so many still around after a decade of camping!
- She's a beauty; when you camp in a vintage Shasta, expect to receive a lot of attention. Her adorable canned ham shape, glamorous wings and beautiful honey-colored interior birch can not be beat by anything currently available new (well, perhaps unless you can spend $80,000 on an Airstream)! Even still, if you want the cozy warmth of real wood, even Airstream can't compete. They just don't build things like they used to and campers are no exception!
Cooling your Camper
Cheap DIY Camper Air conditioning to go-go
I don't like discomfort when I camp - which is why I camp in a camper, and not in a tent. It was not long into our first tropically hot mid-west summer scorcher that I realized that a better name for our canned ham was the canned cooker. We needed air conditioning if I was going to see much of the summer season in the campground.
We didn't want to ruin the classic look of our vintage camper (nor were we sure the framing was designed to properly support the typical roof-top camper air-conditioner). We also didn't want to put holes in the authentic exterior, nor are we very technically inclined in HVAC issues. Oh, and did I mention, we're cost conscious.
We looked for the smallest window air conditioner and found that its about 1" too tall to fit under the bench seats and vent out the side exterior storage compartment. Hmmm... finally we came across our solution; a portable Danby air conditioner (see photos above) that could be placed in the closet/bathroom.
The airconditioner needed two external vents: one for the condensation to drip (because in our humid climate the water storage tank fills up too quickly to make it through the night) and one for the hot air to vent. Since we had removed the potty we had a nice round hole in the floor already. This (thanks to a good amount of duct tape which isn't the prettiest thing, but works) vents the hot air. One additional small hole drilled through for the 1/4 inch drip tube and we were up and running. Note; we had already upgraded the electric and placed an outlet in the closet. With just enough slack in the vent lines, the unit can be wheeled into the main room at night to cool us off and wheeled out of the way during the day. Its brought down a 98 degree today to a lovely 76 in the high summer. Its a win!
We didn't want to ruin the classic look of our vintage camper (nor were we sure the framing was designed to properly support the typical roof-top camper air-conditioner). We also didn't want to put holes in the authentic exterior, nor are we very technically inclined in HVAC issues. Oh, and did I mention, we're cost conscious.
We looked for the smallest window air conditioner and found that its about 1" too tall to fit under the bench seats and vent out the side exterior storage compartment. Hmmm... finally we came across our solution; a portable Danby air conditioner (see photos above) that could be placed in the closet/bathroom.
The airconditioner needed two external vents: one for the condensation to drip (because in our humid climate the water storage tank fills up too quickly to make it through the night) and one for the hot air to vent. Since we had removed the potty we had a nice round hole in the floor already. This (thanks to a good amount of duct tape which isn't the prettiest thing, but works) vents the hot air. One additional small hole drilled through for the 1/4 inch drip tube and we were up and running. Note; we had already upgraded the electric and placed an outlet in the closet. With just enough slack in the vent lines, the unit can be wheeled into the main room at night to cool us off and wheeled out of the way during the day. Its brought down a 98 degree today to a lovely 76 in the high summer. Its a win!
Looking for "Trailer Warming" gifts for the Happy Camper?
Tshirts, pillows, keychains & more
Here's a Shasta Tshirt I designed in anticipation of our first Vintage Camper Rally in Terre Haute Indiana. See all the Glamour Camping items I've made (including a version of this without the Shasta wings for other canned ham fans)... all at www.zazzle.com/livinglarge*.
Keep Calm and Camp On - Shasta Camper by LivingLarge.
Happy Camper - Vintage RV Camping Keychain by LivingLarge
Keep Calm and Camp On - Shasta Camper by LivingLarge.
Happy Camper - Vintage RV Camping Keychain by LivingLarge
Cool Retro Camper Design Links
Photos, links, design ideas for your trailer
Cool camper design ideas, sites, gallieries and dream zones that I've stumbled upon across the web.
- Creative Camping /or as they say/ Glamping!
- Here's my pinterest board where I collect inspiration for my next camper castle. As hubby says "Dream on!"
- Little Vintage Trailer
- Great resources from another gal who loves her Shasta.
- Get Campie Online Vintage Camper Parade
- A blog full of delightful eye candy of every hue and shade, make and model of vintage camper in fully decorated glory. You'll be addicted.
- Website of the Famous Sisters on the Fly
- Known for their charming campers and outgoing spirit, this troupe of ladies dresses up their vintage campers, heads out on caravans together and shares their love of the open road. Totally infectious.
- Vintage Camper Longings
- A "Bulletin Board" of beautiful Camper related photos & finds.
Decorate your Camper into a "Glamper"
My Camper. My Castle.
For those of you who have secured your delightful little Shasta, you'll know the feeling behind "My Camper. My Castle." Rattle those keys baby. Rattle those keys.
My Camper My Castle - RV Camping Pillow by LivingLarge
Have Wings Will Travel - Shasta Camper Trailer by LivingLarge
My Camper My Castle - RV Camping Pillow by LivingLarge
Have Wings Will Travel - Shasta Camper Trailer by LivingLarge
Fuel your Vintage Camper Fantasies
Vintage Camper books for your library
A great way to research the various makes, models, interiors & quirky decor of vintage campers. Also a great way to pass time while finding your perfect mobile mansion.
Vintage Camper Hotels & Motels & Museums
Still Nervous? Try Before you Buy.
If you're not sure if you can keep your sanity shacked up in a Canned Ham there's one good way to find out; try before you buy at a Vintage Camper Motel! There are a couple cool folks who have turned their camper obsessions into a business (hmmm... tempting eh?). You can benefit from their passion. Choose from a number of different size and brand vintage campers... the only thing you won't get out of it is the knuckle-numbing stress of backing your antique beauty into a tightly packed campground... for that, you're on your own!
- The Shady Dell Camper Resort: Located in Bisbee Arizona this cool place has a selection of 11 different sleeping options (including a boat) all done up in vintage retro charm. As they say, Mid-Century Modern is alive and well at the Shady Dell. They even have their own super cute retro diner. I'm totally jealous!
- The Starlight Classic Campground: Located in Canon City Colorado, 2 hours from Denver this scenic campground also offers an expanding selection of vintage campers available for rental. From a Shasta Airflyte (heart-throb) to a swanky Spartan Mansion to Tacy, The one and only "Long, Long Trailer" known as the 1954 New Moon 40' from the famous Lucille Ball movie... all this and more for your camping pleasure!
- The RV Hall of Fame: If you're anywhere near Elkhart Indiana, "the RV Capital of the World" take a trip to the RV Museum and get inside a whole range of delightful vintage campers.
Decorate your Campsite with Fun & Vintage Camp Items
Lights, Seating, Fans, Coolers & More
Part of what makes vintage camper life so much fun is all the shopping you can do to decorate not just your camper but also your campsite. Here's a start.
- Party Lights to Decorate your Camper: A great selection of outdoor string lights
- Campr Camping Zone: A UK site with fun reviews of camping equipment and gadgets.
- Vintage Camping Items on Etsy This link will pull up search results for Vintage Camping Gear on Etsy. Always fun to troll. All the photos below came from searches on Etsy.
Call all Camping Cowgirls!
Join the Sisters on the Fly
This is one of my favorite & most inspiring camper books. The Sisters on the Fly is a Ladies-only vintage camping group of fun-loving, design-savy and free-spirited road queens who get together in camping caravans across the country, and they are a total hoot.
Sisters on the Fly: Caravans, Campfires, and Tales from the Road
Amazon Price: $9.29 (as of 05/30/2012)
Filled with great stories, recipes and snippets of life on the road in vintage campers, these ladies know how to camp with style. You'll get a peak inside their fabulous, gloriously decorated and often whimsical campers. You'll learn about what its really like to live large from a tiny canned ham. And you'll be inspired. This is a great gift for a new vintage camping gal or for anyone who loves old trailers for their kitsch and style. This is my favorite book to get out every spring to start thinking about the next camping season! To the road sisters! Check out their website by clicking here!
Calling all Free-spirited Queens of the Road
Tshirts for Cowgirls
I've met some really amazing, creative camper cowgirls on this road less traveled... here's a little tribute:
Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History by LivingLarge
Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History by LivingLarge
Photo Album of Vintage Camping Souvenirs & Gear
What I like to search for... on Etsy.
One of these Tartan Plaid Coolers was my first Camping purchase... it has become our "Beverage Cooler"
Home Sweet Camper
Customize your Camper Decor!
While on the long and frustrating search for my next Camper Castle, I decided to pass the time coming up with decorative glamping (Glamour Camping) posters, plates and other cute things so when I finally bring her home, we'll be decorated and ready to go that much faster. Perhaps there's something you might like to help make your camper, your castle! All the designs are customizable and if you have special requests, just drop me a line on the zazzle site and I can help you out! I'm always happy to help decorate!
Home Sweet Camper - Queen of the RV Road by LivingLarge
Well Behaved Woman - RV Queen of the Road by LivingLarge
Queen of the Road Vintage Camper by LivingLarge
Home Sweet Camper - Queen of the RV Road by LivingLarge
Well Behaved Woman - RV Queen of the Road by LivingLarge
Queen of the Road Vintage Camper by LivingLarge
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Vintage Camping Items on eBay
Coolers, Cooking aids & more
You never know what you'll find on eBay. I love looking for vintage fans, coolers, patio chairs, indian blankets, postcards and more. I've sold some nice ones too. Get out and search.
Pendleton Camp Blankets
Sytle your camper with Repro Indian Blankets
Gorgeous iconic Pendleton camp blankets have been around for years. The vintage and the new ones make quite a style statement. Better for winter camping than summer camping but also good for covering seats, pillows and incorporating into your decor
Keep Your Camper & Camping Notes
File in Binder Style
Camp Notes Rustic Western by AdoptTees
Browse more Camping Binders
As you visit campgrounds you figure out quickly where the best spots are. The experienced campers note these spots on a camp map and file it in a binder so that the next time they book a campground, they'll know what to request. Write the names and addresses of cool people you met, add photos, jot down favorite memories or recipes and you'll soon have a family keepsake.
1. Campground Maps with favorite locations marked
2. Names & Addresses of the Friends you met
3. Best Camping Recipes
4. Scrapbooked Photos & Souvenirs
5. Camper Repairs, Information & contact list for RV service
6. Your Handy Camping Master List
iLove Camping with my iPhone
aps for "glamping" in your camper
Don't get me wrong, I love nature... I just like it in its place (about a foot apart from where I'm sleeping!). That's why I'm a camper camper - or a "glamper" - one who puts the "glam" in camping! In the same way, if technology makes the experience better, then bring it on! I'm relatively new to advanced phoning... so every time I find a new way to use my ridiculously overprice mouthpiece I'm tickled.Camping has been a good new venue for my toy... from finding a campground to navigating our way to it or a nearby restaurant, to filling our tin lady with tunes (or blocking out early risers with white noise), to recipes, photos and at night, finding the big dipper... there's so much to love on the iPhone.
Favorite Camping Aps for iPhones
An iPhone is a camper's best wingman. I've found lots of great ways to enhance my outdoor experience with it. Share yours!
Coleman Camp Recipes
Choose by cook method, meal type or ingredients an more...0 points
SurvivalGuide
Although I don't expect to stray too far from civi more...0 points
iParty when iCamp!
Your camper will rock when you bring the tunes with you!
A multifunctional (emphasis on "fun") way to bring the music along with you while camping. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT WORK WITH iPHONE 4!
Memorex MI7706P Party Cube Sound System for iPod and iPhone (Black)
Amazon Price: $81.39 (as of 05/30/2012)
This powerful little music cube not only lets you use your itunes library on the road, it also charges the iphone while plugged in. Great deep sound, easy to carry, doesn't take much space and it even has its own rechargeable batteries that last quite a while. Take it camping plugged in or unplug for a afternoon at the beach. iLike!
Helpful Camping Gadgets I covet
Have Camper, How About Cuisine?
A Cookbook for Campfire Cuisine
Vintage campers carry an air of elegance. Look up vintage photos of campers of the 40's and 50's and you'll see the ladies putting out a spread in their circle skirts and ironed blouses. I don't hold myself up to those fashion standards, but when it comes to food, I don't settle for hotdogs any more than I'd settle for a charmless post-sixties camper...
Campfire Cuisine: Gourmet Recipes for the Great Outdoors
Amazon Price: $8.27 (as of 05/30/2012)
For those like me who enjoy the finer things... things that inspire the eye and the tongue, try this cookbook when your campfire is up and roaring. Lox, marinades, rubs, dressings and all sorts of things to tempt the palette and inspire the campfire cook. You'll be able to wow any dinner guest over the coals!
Vintage-style Camper Awnings - Brand new!
Stay Stylish in the Shade
You'll quickly find out that your canned ham will turn into a toaster oven as the summer sun heats up. You'll also find that a spot in the shade isn't available at every campground... best to bring some shade with you. Do it in vintage style with these brand new awnings that slide into your camper's awning track. Waterproofed Sunbrella fabric keeps out the rain and the sun and gives you covered space for all your cool retro "porch gear."
Campground Conversation Starters
Camping Keepsakes & Kitsch
Want to stand out in the campground even when you're not right next to your Vintage RV Trailer? Grab a couple of these funny camping conversation starters! And send me your suggestions for more designs!
What Happens in the Campground Stays in... by LivingLarge
Shasta Keep Calm and Camp On - Glamping Mug by LivingLarge
What Happens in the Campground Stays in... by LivingLarge
Shasta Keep Calm and Camp On - Glamping Mug by LivingLarge
Vintage Camping in the Movies
The Long Long Trailer
A delightful movie for any vintage camper fan... add this to your library and get it out to watch in your teeny tiny trailer on a rainy day.
![The Long, Long Trailer [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GQCVYTDML._SL160_.jpg)
The Long, Long Trailer [VHS]
Amazon Price: $8.75 (as of 05/30/2012)
This is where it all started baby. America's love affair with motoring and the great outdoors all rolled up into one loveable movie. Add Lucille Ball, Desi Arnez and a 28ft behemoth of a camper and see what happens when hilarious camping newbies figure out how to sink or swim... or both.
Favorite RV Camping Spots
Where do you like to go?
I don't have an RV, but I love to vacation at...
ashleyjohn2347 says:
I say its good lens.
www.royaltorontolimo.com/prom-limo-service.php
mihgasper says:
Anywhere without noise!
COUNTRYLUTHIER says:
I might become a legitimate "happy camper" one day. Nicely done, squid RV'er.
Deadicated says:
Indian Lake, NY
vivekbhan says:
:-)
My Canned Ham loves to park at...
bikerministry says:
Great lens - we love camping. Tent camping and RV. We take camping gear on our motorcycles. That's a real outdoor adventure. Blessings
wordstock says:
Anywhere at all!!
RenaissanceWoman2010 says:
Canyonlands National Park in the camping area by the Green River Overlook. Fabulous sunrise view.
Off Season Vintage Camper's Pursuits...
(aka Shopping)
With no insulation and a low tolerance for discomfort, my family does very little winter camping. The Shasta is stored all "snug in her bed" while visions of camper kitsch dance through my head... and through my web browser. That's right, while I may not be in my camper I can always adorn my house, my Christmas tree or my loved ones in Camper accessories... follow along as we go to my "RV Store!"
My Camper My Castle - Vintage RV Camping Keychain by LivingLarge
My Camper My Castle - Vintage RV Camping Keychain by LivingLarge
Vintage-Style Camper Kitsch
To decorate your retro trailer
You'll be surprised at all the charming camper items you can find with a little elbow grease. I'll get you started with these cute camper accessories from amazon.
Travel Trailers for your Christmas Tree
Vintage Camping Ornaments.
Imagine a vintage camper nestled in the shade of pine boughs enveloped with the soft outdoorsy smell of pine... its a camper's dream...on your Christmas tree!
Vintage Shasta Camper Christmas Ornament by LivingLarge
Vintage Shasta Camper Christmas Ornament by LivingLarge
Wear Your Camper Pride on your T-Shirt
Have Wings. Will Travel.
Wings. You either love them or hate them. If you hate them, you probably don't own a Shasta (unless you're one of those fine fellows who know how much your camper mate loves them... bless you all!).
Vintage Shasta Camper Travel Trailer Yellow by LivingLarge
Drop a Line on the Road Less Traveled!
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CampingMemoriesDotCom
Apr 28, 2012 @ 12:07 am | delete
- Great job on the camper trailer, love the pics. Nice lens.
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macmaki
Apr 15, 2012 @ 2:33 am | delete
- Love the lens. That trailer is so similar to the one my family used when I was a child. We had a 1955 San Gabriel (all Silver) 13 foot trailer. Very similar to yours. Fantastic Lens
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LaraineRose
Mar 17, 2012 @ 9:11 am | delete
- We have a boler that needs some TLC. I like what you did to your camper.
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glockr
Mar 12, 2012 @ 7:33 pm | delete
- Great lens. I love vintage things. Looking for an Airstream to restore:)
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ForestBear
Jan 7, 2012 @ 6:59 am | delete
- Great lens, looks like lots of fun. Love camping
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by LizRobertson
As a designer and rural cowgirl married to an artist, I love the adventure of traveling the road less traveled... this time in our 1963 Shasta Travel... more »
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