Welcome to MyVintageTravelTrailer.com, a place for those who care about classic campers and the lifestyle that comes with them. Here you can explore vintage travel trailer history, compare popular models, and find practical guides to help you choose, restore, and enjoy your own trailer.
Vintage travel trailers remain a standout part of travel culture. Their design, craftsmanship, and character set them apart from modern RVs. Many owners are drawn to their durability, compact efficiency, and timeless look. Others appreciate the freedom they offer without giving up comfort on the road.
The first travel trailers appeared in North America in the 1920s, as road travel became more common. Early models were simple, but they quickly evolved. By the 1950s, travel trailers had become a familiar sight across highways and campgrounds. That era introduced many of the shapes and styles collectors still look for today, from rounded aluminum bodies to compact wood-framed builds.
Today, vintage campers continue to attract both travelers and collectors. Some people restore them to original condition. Others upgrade them for modern use while keeping the classic feel. Either way, these trailers are built to last and can handle years of travel with the right care.
MyVintageTravelTrailer.com is built for this community. Whether you are researching brands, comparing models, or planning a restoration, you will find straightforward information without the fluff. We also recognize the long tradition of “tin can tourists” who have kept these trailers on the road for decades.
If you are getting started or already own a vintage travel trailer, this site is here to help you make informed decisions and get more out of every trip.
Most Popular Vintage Travel Trailers
There have been many manufacturers and models of vintage travel trailers, so selecting the camper that is right for you can seem like a daunting task. We are compiling a guide of the most popular vintage travel trailers to assist in comparison. Here are some of the most popular vintage travel trailer brands with model specifications from manufacturer listings and ads. Compare specifications on popular vintage travel trailer models.
Keep in mind that although the numbers listed in these guides are taken from original manufacturer specification sheets and advertisements, they are approximate and weights can vary greatly depending on many circumstances such as where the trailer was manufactured, its layout, equipment, modifications, and overall load. Be careful never to pull a trailer that is too heavy for your vehicle as it can cause damage to your vehicle and an unsafe situation on the road. Be sure to get your trailer weighed to know it’s exact weight.
Vintage Airstream Trailers
Airstream trailers can be identified by their rounded aluminum tops and bodies. The seemless rounded top offers better aerodynamics and protection from the rain, preventing water damage that affects many of the flat-top trailers.
In 1936, a lawyer and magazine operator named Wally Byum introduced the Airstream Clipper, the first of the silver, sausage-shaped trailers that went on be such a huge success. Airstream’s success continues to this day, making it the oldest trailer manufacturer in the industry. Their site can be found here.
Vintage Shasta Trailers
One of the most popular lines of trailers is the Shasta. Easily recognized by its distinctive wings and “canned-ham” shape, the Shasta trailer was the best selling travel trailer brand from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. They quickly became a favorite of campers all over the United States due to their low price and high quality. They remain very popular with vintage travel trailer restorers and collectors. Shasta travel trailers were manufactured from 1941 until 2004, then again since 2010.
Vintage Aristocrat Trailers
Manufactured from 1956 to 1974, the Aristocrat travel trailers advertised garage storage with their Lo-Liner series. Aristocrat vintage travel trailers were able to be equipped with optional metal wheels which lowered the overall height, allowing them to be stored in a garage.
Vintage Avion Trailers
Avion travel trailers were first introduced in 1957 and are some of the highest quality trailers built. The body is two complete aluminum riveted shells with treated fiberglass insulation between them. Avion’s high standard for quality can also be found in its hardwood floors and dovetail cabinetry.
Pre-1963 Avion trailers have an aluminum skin that can be polished to a mirror finish. Shells made after 1963 have a satin finish and are more durable.
Vintage Aloha Trailers
Aloha manufactured economic travel trailers from 1954 to 1970. They were a smaller comapany but quite popular.
Vintage Kenskill Trailers
Kenskill manufactured travel trailers from 1946 to the mid 70’s. A larger company, Kenskill had made 18,000 travel trailers by 1959. These trailers were designed to be stood up in and offer plenty of head room.
Vintage Airfloat Trailers
Airfloat travel trailers were built from 1930 to 1957 and featured an aluminum body with round port-hole windows which are unable to be opened. Later models included openable square windows to improve air flow.
Vintage Spartan Trailers
Spartan travel trailers were manufactured from 1945 to 1961 by the Spartan Aircraft Company. Owned by one of the richest men in America at the time, J. Paul Getty, no expense was spared in the creation of these high quality travel trailers. They were built with the same techniques used in the manufacturing of their airplanes. The result was some of the highest quality travel trailers available, and their price reflected that.
Vintage Forester Trailers
Forester travel trailers were built from 1958 to 1979 by Forest City Industries in Forest City, IA.
Hopefully this list can help provide some help in choosing your own vintage travel trailer. You can find vintage travel trailers for sale locally or on eBay. We will continue to add more manufacturers and models as time progresses so be sure to come back for future posts.
For more information, check out some other great resources like the Tin Can Tourists wiki or their extensive photo collection.