A Passion for Vintage Travel Trailers

Though most people are interested in modern and spacious RVs, there is a fast growing movement of vintage travel trailer enthusiasts. From reality television shows to viral blogs, retro RVs are making a comeback. They certainly don’t offer the luxury of a high end camper, but for many they foster nostalgia and represent a simpler time.

Due to the trailers’ small sizes, some retro RV lovers use them as stationary places of retreat rather than mobile homes. It is common to refurbish the travel trailers and use them as a sort of guest home. The practice of buying and renovating vintage travel trailers has brought many people together over this common interest.

For example, Kelle Arvay of Toldeo, Ohio created an online community of retro RV lovers on her blog Little Vintage Trailer. The blog’s tagline, “happiness on wheels”, sums up the value these RVs bring to many people’s lives. Though it started as a journal of her experiences refurbishing vintage travel trailers, the site has become a hub of vintage RV information. It features everything from informational articles and charming picture galleries to trailer sales and advertising opportunities.

This movement has grown enough to inspire RV companies to start selling their former travel trailer lines. Shasta RV is reissuing their 1961 Airflyte for the company’s 75th anniversary. Shasta was founded in 1941. The reissued trailer features updated appliances and rest rooms. The rest of the trailer retains the small, retro design, though. Many people love the Shasta Airflyte because of its compact size, ‘canned ham’ shape, and tiny wings on the upper back corners.

Along with the vintage travel trailer revival, the RV industry as a whole is seeing a boom in sales. Learn why this benefits RV and travel trailer enthusiasts.