Ultimate Barn Find? 1920’s Home Built Travel Trailer
In the world of vintage custom-built travel trailers, it’s been quite some time since one has come around that’s drawn me in like this one in Bend, Oregon currently listed for sale here on eBay. If I was single, I’d probably be happy as a lark calling this vintage home-built creation my dwelling place, just build an outhouse and you’re set! The more I look the more I like, but then reality sets in, and I’ve been married long enough to know which side of the bread my toast is buttered on. So hopefully one of our unmarried readers, or one with a more adventurous wife, will be in a better position to submit a bid. I will say though that she’s lucky we don’t have anywhere on our property to park this, or I’d be really tempted to try and buy it as my mobile man cave! Bidding is up to $9,099 at the time of this writing with the reserve south of being met.
The story goes that several historians have dated this trailer between the early to mid-1920s, and there’s also some good information from the now-deceased owner’s children. According to the family, in 1934 this trailer was obtained in a trade for work performed on the original builder’s 1934 Model A Ford. It has a 1922 Willys axle with the original Willys wood spoke wheels and hubcaps. The trailer was used for a while as a mobile Model A Ford shop until 1941, the last year it was registered, then put on blocks and parked in a garage that same year. It has since received a restoration, with care given to keep the exterior as original as possible.
Things inside are looking about as cool as outside. The original sink, hand pump, cooker, icebox, and potbelly stove complement the Douglas Fir interior nicely, and since this trailer was used as a shop for so long, the linoleum floor had worn out and was replaced, as was the original canvas roof. The roll-down windows all around the trailer have been repaired and made operational. New period-correct upholstery, countertops, light fixtures, and window coverings have also been installed.
The patina on the Masonite is said to be incredible, as are the unique design details that the original builder came up with. The seller says that the trailer really needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate it, although I’m pretty enamored just by looking at the photos. What are your thoughts on this vintage home-built travel trailer? Any idea on what you think the high bidder may be willing to spend?
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Comments
Forget the trailer. I’d like to get my hands on the rare ’34 Model A. Nice restoration though.
Mike Stephens, Ford made the Model A from only 1924 to 1931.
The Model B was a Ford automobile with production starting with model year 1932 and ending with 1934. It was a much updated version of the Model A.
When you have to explain the joke, you missed the joke already. But thanks anyway.
Might look a little out of place behind a 2019 F-150 but this looks like it would be fun. The only thing I see that would need changed would be the axel and wheels. Leave the rest.
I have seen this trailer at Vintage Trailer gatherings in Oregon and California. It is very interesting and in good condition and will sell for much more. It is carried on a trailer as the wood wheels and the construction are not suitable for modern speeds .Zukiman
Wassamattayoo ??? You don’t DO “modern speeds”. You get an appropriate tow vehicle (like my 1925 TT truck, and do it right.
Really nice old homebuilt.Would look great on a nice piece of wooded property.Get away for the weekend home.
Makes me want to renew my subscription to “Field and Stream” and buy a flannel shirt. Beautiful!
Air B n B
Quite a welding project for a skilled fabricator, make a road worthy frame with modern wheels and suspension.
A poor cousin to an Airstream but similar lineage; bldr exhibited a real American ‘do-it-yourself’ talent! Only in America!
This trailer is owned by Flippin’ RVs a television show about vintage and collectible travel trailers.
Flyte Camp employs six people and operates out of a 7,000-square-foot shop.
$10,500 and reserve not met? Leaves me wondering what I can get for my 1954 Montgomery Ward utility trailer that is in need of restoration but just sitting in the back yard. Should take some photos and put it up for auction and see what happens. Who knows maybe someone will share it here for everyone to make comments about it
Fascinating time-capsule – great patina! I wouldn’t touch the frame/axle/wheels, beyond maintaining them in roadworthy shape. It was originally towed by a Model A, so speeds would have been modest. The tow vehicle in the photo appears to be a 1947-54 Chevy Suburban.
I want to try some of those cream crackers on the counter – this trailer must be very heavy with all that wood, I wonder what vehicle pulled it in the 1920’s.
Model A fords were built from 1928 til 1931. The Model B only in 32. The 33 and 34 fords were similar but unlike the 32. The 32 came wqith either the four cylinder, an updated A version or the famed V8.
For 40 years I bought into the paradigm that speed and power were the only way to go, owning some vehicles along the way that would make most motorheads drool. Then I bought a 20’s truck, and all that speed and horsepower became a boring frivolity. Charm and taking the slow road are far more fun. My go fast cars just sit in the shop. The only one I drive and play with anymore is the ancient truck.
There is so much to recommend the really early stuff. It takes a whole new way of thinking about things, but you CAN rebuild wood wheels, you CAN rebuild that old Willys axle. There ARE resources, if one wants to seek them out. This trailer has SO much charm. Put it behind a proper vehicle and learn to rethink gearing over speed and power. Then just set back and enjoy the slow pace and charm of living life at the pace of people whose previous vehicle had four legs.
I like your thinking, Burger! Slow down and enjoy life on the old back roads.
This would be the perfect camper for someone who wanted to get off-the-grid! Wood burning stove, hand pump and crank windows make it self-sustaining without having to rely on electrical or gas amenities. I’ll bet there’s an oil burning lamp somewhere in there in case electricity isn’t readily available. The exterior is deceiving, I almost didn’t click on the story. Glad I did because the interior is amazing! $13,400 RNM
Well, it sold for 25,100 bucks… amazing!
“home made” and probably proud of it too.
I C Ma’m Pa Kettle out side it almost like the painting ‘american gothic’
https://www.christies.com/features/american-gothic-a-midwestern-mystery-10143-1.aspx