Over the Memorial Day weekend, we went and picked up the vintage camper down the road from us. We know little about this camper other than she is a Travelmaster. Hooking on to the camper and pulling her out of this junk yard was much easier than I expected. We aired up one tire, hooked up, moved an A-frame, and headed out.
We only had less than a mile to our house.
She really is a hot mess! Whew...I started cleaning when we got home and can report the rat poop, sink, counter, and most of the cabinets are now GONE! I cleaned out all the trash and swept really good. Someone had added sheet rock to the walls and ceilings and I'm now in the process of ripping that out. The sheet rock and metal roof that was added to the single axle camper creates more weight than needed for going down the road. The structure needs some work, so the messy, ill-hung sheet rock needs to go anyway, in order to do things right. Its more than I really wanted to tackle, but I know things must be done right. Patients...
She's parked near the yard, so that it will be easy to work on. An extension cord lets me plug a fan in while working inside and I have a window unit air conditioner that we plan to hook up soon. See that duck tape on the camper? Its gone now! I went to an estate sale yesterday and found several things "for the camper"! I know its a long way till I can decorate, but I can't pass up the perfect rug and a very antique cedar chest that could be turned into cabinets or storage.
I have been searching online and haven't been able to find out much about Travelmaster or any original pictures of the camper. I have been able to find this ad from 1965 and the camper in the picture looks just like ours.
If anyone has pictures or links to other Travelmaster travel trailers, I would love to see them and learn more info about this camper. I have a catalog coming for camper parts, can anyone recommend a great and affordable place to get replacement parts?
I know we have a lot of work ahead of us, but it will all be worth it in the end.
I can't wait to see more! It's a lot of work but it will be SO worth it. I'll email and send you some links for restoration information. You may have found them already but, just incase, I'll send them on. I need to get busy and get mine ready to roll!
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Oh goody, I see that Adrienne is helping you out! I'm glad that I put you two in touch! Your little beauty is a diamond in the rough. I have faith in you giving it a new life! LOL, I adore the pic you took via the side window. Clever shot!
ReplyDeleteI'll tell ya! You are one ambitious babe! I asked my husband for any ideas. He suggested you watch on You Tube "Mark's RV Garage Episodes 1-17". It really starts with episode 2 where he searches for an old RV and then starts to tear it down.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this will give you ideas and where to buy stuff.
So excited for you, and I know you'll put your heart an soul into this project. Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDelete((hugs))
I have a 1966 18 foot Travelmaster that I am fixing up. Not restoring, but making workable and cute. I belong to Sisters on the Fly, a group of over 3000 women across the country who like to fix up vintage trailers, fly fish, camp, kayak, and other outdoor activities.
ReplyDeleteSomeone had painted the outside of my trailer all silver and the inside a wine color. I love green. I painted the inside green, and looking at your trailer with it's original exterior,I have an idea of how to paint the outside. Not exactly original, but close. I will stick with the green theme ( I am thinking of calling her "Green Goddess" or "Green Glamper") , painting parts green, and perhaps leaving the other parts silver for now.
I wish you good luck in restoring your trailer. My RV repair man, Dan, in Camp Verde AZ says "I love this trailer", every time I see him. I think these Travelmasters are special . He says they are rare. Your trailer is worth restoring!