Tin Can Tales - Tin Can Tourists

Tin Can Tales
Volume X, Number 4, Summer 2012 Edition
The Tin Can Tourists is an all make and model vintage trailer and motor coach club. Its goal is to
promote and preserve vintage trailers and motor coaches through Gatherings and information
exchange.
Official Colors: Black and Tan
Official Theme Song: "The More We Get Together"
Stated Objective: To Unite Fraternally All Auto Campers
Guiding Principles: Clean camps, friendliness among campers, decent behavior and to secure plenty of
clean, wholesome entertainment for those in the camps
tincantourists@gmail.com or visit www.tincantourists.com
Winter: 4 High Street Bradenton, Florida 34208
Summer: 1700 General Motors Rd, Milford, Michigan 48380

Tin Can Tourists are on Facebook, join the group if you’re a Facebook user:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=92362365631

Tin Can Tourists forums & member pictures at:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Tin_Can_Tourists/

You can view Tin Can Tourists pictures on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbone2/collections/72157622322464027/
The Tin Can Tourists Insurance Repository is at:
http://tincantourists.com/ins_entry.php
If you have not entered your insurance information, please do. It will be a valuable
tool for those that want to acquire insurance or need support material for a claim.
TCT is very fortunate to have a small group of presenters and newsletter contributors
that have provided our membership with exhaustively researched and historically
accurate presentations.
Hall of Fame member, Dan Hershberger, has contributed a series of presentations at the
Annual Gatherings. His latest “Michigan Puts the World on Wheels: The Model T and the
Early Trailer Manufacturers" was a treasure trove of historical information on the
Model T and early Michigan based trailer manufactures. It was his research and inquiries
that moved the Arthur Sherman’s original 1929 Covered Wagon out of the Detroit
Historical Societies storage facility at Ft. Wayne to Camp Dearborn for display at our 15 th
Annual Gathering’s Open House.
This issue of Tin Can Tales has the third installment of Joel Silvey’s history of the pop-up
trailer. These installments have been thoroughly researched and very well written with
illuminating illustrations.
Hunt Jones, an At-Large TCT Representative, has presented very interesting and
informative Power Point presentations on Diners, American’s on the Road from roadside
camping to Howard Johnson’s, and the history of the GM’s Parade of Progress and the
restoration of the Futurliner.
Al Hesselbart, TCT Hall of Fame member and the RV Heritage Museum’s historian, has
developed outstanding presentations tracing the history and development of the RV
industry.
Al and our Southeast Regional Representative, Tim Heintz, have been able to assist
innumerable members with questions specific to certain RV makes and models.
TCT extends a thank you for giving sharing your research and acquired knowledge
through the newsletter and Gathering presentations.
Forrest – Royal Chief
TCT 15th Annual Gathering May 17-20, 2012
15th Annual Gathering pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbone2/sets/72157629821118980/
http://www.zangzing.com/tincantourists/2012-15th-annual-gathering
Our first Tin Can Tourist adventure: Shannon Rozell and Ron Baumgarten(1966 Ford F-100
w/Camper)
Ron purchased the1966 Camper Truck last summer with much anticipation of many hours to
spend before being able to take it to the streets. We started with a short trip to Flint’s annual
Back to the Bricks where we parked the camper in the “Vintage Camper” area. This is where we
met Dawn Bastian for the first time. Little did we know, Dawn would become a good friend in a
couple circles of interest with us. Dawn told us about the Tin Can Tourist club and how much
fun we’d have if we joined. This set the stage for restoration and repair goals to complete so
we’d be able to bring the camper to the TCT 15th Annual Gathering at the Dearborn
Campgrounds in May of 2012.
We were unable to get to Dearborn for the first night of fun; Thursday’s pot luck. However, our
good friends Dawn Bastian (1966 Serro Scotty Tonga) and John Lambert (2003 Freedom
Teardrop) shared their experience of the evenings potluck dinner event. “We had a great time at
the Thursday evening crock pot dinner. There were at least 75 crock pots of food, from beans to
meats to soups to desserts. It was all tasty... people put their crock pots in front of them on their
table so we knew who made what (just in case you needed the recipe). There was enough food
for many trips around the tent. The weather was perfect and camaraderie was wonderful. As
usual, there were many creative meals in the crocks; I was hesitant at first….vintage
meatballs…sounded suspicious…but I had to try them, and I was not disappointed – or
poisoned.”
Friday morning: Since this was our very first TCT event, Ron and I were like kids in a candy store
(a candy store from the 60’s of course). Once we got in the door (campground) we were so
excited to get our campsite staged, we quickly started dragging out our cleverly hunted and
specially picked vintage treasures and placing them just right…then moving them, then moving
them again… that whole “staging” thing was great fun. Once we were satisfied with the staging,
we headed out for a walk around the park with full intentions of meeting our 150 TCT
neighbors…..
The Dearborn Campgrounds were alive with people and vintage homes on wheels of all
ages, styles and sizes. There were many creative remodels and spectacular staging
setups. One thing every campsite had in common was smiling friendly people who
welcomed us to view their treasures and share creativity and stories of their house on
wheels. We saw everything from a go-go-girl in a groovy dress riding a scooter
(Christine to be mentioned later) to a 1963 Del Rey with a Sky Lounge view for the fancy
traveler owned by Tom, who also has a very impressive collection of literature!
The entire experience was so nostalgic of a day when crime was faint and friends, family and fun
were the primary concern and focus. We never wanted to leave that feeling that the TCT family
gave us. We ended the day’s tour with the hotdog and chip dinner as we visited with new
friends and listened to a great band, followed by a much earned dessert of ice cream as we
wondered back to our campground in anticipation of the Friday Night Lights walk. Once again,
we were impressed with the creativity of so many experienced TCT campers. We look forward
to “upping our game” for the next event. (NOTE: I THOUGHT Ron went overboard with the 5
sets of vintage tiki lights, but now I see…that’s just child’s play…he has a lot more playing to do
as he stealth bids for more lights on eBay and searches every flea-market and antique store
for….more.)
Saturday: The morning began with a treat of donuts, coffee and juice in the TCT tent, and some
fantastic buys at the TCT Tent store. I was able to snag myself a fantastic jean TCT shirt for the
evening bonfire we hoped to have. Ron purchased his usual “must have t-shirt” and some TCT
stickers for the camper. The day flew by. Thanks to a few pictures (ok, perhaps many) posted
on our Facebook pages, and an open invitation to Facebook friends and family to come join the
fun at Camp Dearborn with TCT, Saturday turned into a perpetual party with a constant flow of
company as friends and family came to experience the nostalgia we described at the TCT event.
We cooked many hotdogs and burgers over the grill and served the guests as they arrived. We
talked with many of the tourists that stopped by to see our camper and enjoyed EVERY minute
of the day and every person we encountered along the way. Two of our guests even ventured
out on our bicycle built for two. The neighbors thanked us for the entertainment (they were a
little shaky on the bike at first, and a bit verbal, but all in good fun). Once the company cleared,
we settled in to setup that bonfire and relax the evening away as we reminisced about the day
and planned our next TCT tour.
Ron and I had fellow campers Dawn Bastian, her friend Gary and John Lambert over for an
evening bonfire and were pleased that our neighbor a few lots over was able to join us. Richard
Cooper (1948 Airstream Liner) was a lone camper and we beaconed him to our celebration and
conversation around the evening fire-pit. Richard, an artsy and fashionable guy (aka fartsy)
pondered the thought that “If you took all the time, talent and energy that people have put into
restoring these old RVs and had them focus on something else, they could build the Great
Pyramid of Milford. Except that it would have wheels."
Richard also shared with us that he grew up in a family that was into vintage trailers and that he
has been around the events and the culture since the beginning. Richard said that this one
(Dearborn) is his favorite because it is all inclusive. “Where can you find so many diverse,
interesting people all in one spot? If you haven't made a friend by the time you are unhitched,
then something is wrong”.
Three times over the weekend, I ventured down to the corner to try to meet that sassy looking
go-go-girl who kept moseying by on her scooter….but each time I missed her. However, being
the social-network butterfly that Ronald is, he was able to find her on the TCT Facebook page
and now we are all Facebook friends. As it turns out, we both work for the same large Health
System….small world. We chat regularly and look forward to actually meeting someday soon. So
of course, other than wanting to totally steel her whole groovy dress, go-go-boots and scooter
idea, I had to do a virtual interview with Christine Ruzicska (1962 Shasta Compact) about her
experience at the Dearborn TCT event.
Christine says, “Another spring rally TCT event at Camp Dearborn rolls around, and we could
not have asked for better weather. This has been the first outing that I have experienced being
totally dry and not having to pack up in the rain. It was also the first time that I have
experienced seeing all of the sites reserved and oh what a wonderful sight that was to see.
There were so many neat trailers and cars and a good variety of trailers that I have never seen
before, which made it even more interesting to learn about them. It was such a great time to
see old friends as well as meeting new ones. Everyone seemed to be in great spirits and as
always everyone was extremely friendly and eager to talk about all of the things they have
found, changed, added, removed, bought, or fixed on their trailers. It is always nice to hear
these stories and receive or give valuable advice that will help another member or even a
“member want to be”, along the way. I can’t think of a better, caring, generous, or kind group
that I would like to spend a weekend with. The TCT group is truly like an extended family and it
is always bitter sweet to leave one of the events at the end, but I always look forward to the
future ones knowing that it is going to be another great time”.
Thank you to the many new friends we have made in the TCT family, both at the event and on
Facebook. We look forward to the next adventure. Our camper is still a bit limited in distance
travel (lacking trust), but we have registered for the event in Holly Michigan in August and for
the September event back at Camp Dearborn.
For now, may we see you on TCT’s Facebook, may we enjoy your adventures and your projects,
and until we meet again, peace out. (totally a 60’s saying…and like I am totally stuck in the 60’s
now).
Signing off for now;
Shannon Rozell and Ron Baumgarten
Editor’s Note: Dan Hershberger’s Presentation on Thursday evening "Michigan Puts the World
on Wheels: The Model T and the Early Trailer Manufacturers" was a great introduction to this
year’s theme “Made in Michigan”.
NORTH AMERICAN VINTAGE TRAILER AND MOTOR
COACH CONCOURS/SHOW
Sponsor: Steve Hingtgen, Vintage Trailer Supply – Category – Ready to Roll
Best in Show – Bob & Doreen Bergman 1947 Alma Silver Moon
Reserve Best in Show – Steve & Julie Lisiscki 1968 Century Travelcade
Sponsor: Steve & Kevin Ruth - P & S Polishing and Repair Service – Category Silver
Palaces
Best in Show – Steve & Gail Powell 1955 Airstream Safari
Reserve Best in Show – Jim & Patty Croninger 1971 Airstream Overlander
Sponsor: Fred and Marguerite Meyers – Long-Term Care Insurance Group – Category
Mobile Mansions
Best in Show – Scott & Kathy Binkley 1969 Coachman / 1969 Ford Pick-up
Reserve Best in Show – Jack Kelly & Felix Jimeniz 1988 Holiday Rambler Imperial
Sponsor: Bill Kerola, Scotty Worldwide –Category Tiny Trailers and Teardrops
Best in Show – Donald & Pamela Starner 1974 Serro Scotty
Reserve Best in Show – Lanny Webb 1955 Wally Byam Holiday
Sponsor: Hiroshi Okamoto & Family, TCT Regional Representative Japan – Tow/Trailer
Combo
Best in Show – Bob & Tish Kilpatrick 1953 Little Caesar & 1953 Chevy Pick-up
Reserve Best in Show – Bruce & Evelyn Filiault 1959 Airstream Tradewind/
1957 Ford Custom
Sponsor: Maynard Sellers, Charter Member of TCT – Awesome Interior
Winner: Steve & Gail Powell 1955 Airstream Safari
Sponsor: John Culp – John “Canner” Culp Special Interest Award
Winner: Jackie Jernigan Collection of vintage Camping Accessories
Sponsor: The Friends of Camp Dearborn - Friday Nite Lites
Winner: Baron & Teri LeBlanc Starlite Lounge
Sampling of Concours Winners
Additional Pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbone2/sets/72157629821118980/
http://www.zangzing.com/tincantourists/2012-15th-annual-gathering
Bob & Doreen Bergman 1947 Alma Silver Moon
Before and After
Powell’s 1955 Airstream Safari
Lanny Webb 1955 Wally Byam Holiday
Jim & Patty Croninger’ s 1971 Airstream Overlander
Bruce & Evelyn Filiault’ s 1959 Airstream Tradewind/
1957 Ford Custom
Awesome Interior – Powell’s Airstream
Jack Kelly & Felix Jimeniz 1988 Holiday Rambler Imperial
Baron & Teri LeBlanc Starlite Lounge
Special Guest Star Compliments of the Detroit Historical Society
Arthur Sherman’s 1929 Covered Wagon
Special Thanks to Our Music & Concours’ Sponsors
Silver Palaces: Steve & Kevin Ruth - P & S Polishing and Repair Service, Helena
Ohio
http://www.pandstrailerservice.com/
Mobile Mansions: Fred and Marguerite Meyers - Long-Term Care Insurance
Group LLC
http://www.webspawner.com/users/vintageavions/
Ready to Roll: Steve Hingtgen, Vintage Trailer Supply, Vermont
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/
Tiny Trailers and Teardrops: Bill Kerola - Scotty Worldwide
http://www.kerolaltd.com/
Tow/Trailer Combo: Hiroshi Okamoto & Family, TCT Regional Representative –
Japan
http://www.airstreamcafe.jp/
You can translate the page to English with Google Chrome
Awesome Interior: Maynard Sellers, Charter Member
Maynard, Jeri’s Dad, is currently in assisted living in Venice Florida
John “Canner” Culp Special Interest Award:
Phone 330.839.2780
C/O Breezy Oaks 9683 CR 671
33513
Bushnell
Florida
Friday Nite Lites: The Friends of Camp Dearborn
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Camp-Dearborn-Official-Page/245193889334
Cullen Tate, Dew Drop Trailers – Keg Sponsor
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dewdrop-Trailer/56545551931
Dan Piper, Mid-States Regional Representative and Concours Steward
http://www.vintagecampers.com/
Sponsor: Steve Hingtgen, Vintage Trailer Supply - Category - Ready to Roll
Thanks, also, to Lanny Webb for 15th Annual Gathering art work and Tshirt designs. Bob Meredith for “Rolling History” design and art. Ken and Lana
Hindley for their generous morning coffee contribution.
Made in Michigan – 15th Annual Gathering
Terry supplied the following as a guide for the trailers and motor coaches that were
manufactured in Michigan
Alma Trailer Co. / Alma MI
American Coach Co / Cassopolis MI
Anderson Coach Co. / East Tawas MI
Avalair Corp. / Baroda MI
Avion Coach Co. /Benton Harbor MI
Beemer and Grubb Enterprises (a.k.a. Beemer) / Ortonville MI
Blix Coach Co. / White Pigeon MI
Cadillac Coach Co. Inc. / West Branch MI
Champion Home Builders Co. / Dryden MI
Chippewa Mobile Homes Corp. / Park Rapids MI
Courtly Trailer Co. Inc. / North Street MI
Cree Coaches / Marcellus MI
Dou (Part of Mid States Corp) / Union City MI
Federal Trailer Company / Detroit MI
Forrest Lakes Trailer Mfg. / Roseville MI
General Coach Works Inc. / Marlette MI
Guerdon Industries (a.k.a. Great Lakes Mobile Homes) /Marlette MI
Hiawatha Inc. / Ironwood MI
Holly Coach Co. / Holly MI
Howard Industries Inc. / Saginaw MI
Huron Industries Inc. / Marysville MI
Ironwood Trailer Company / Ironwood MI
Kozy Mobile Homes (Part of Mid-States Corp) / Kalamazoo MI
Marlette Coach Company – Kingston Enterprises / Kingston MI
Mayfair Mobile Homes Inc. / Constantine MI
Michigan Central Airlines Inc. / Flint MI
Mobile Trailer Inc. / Marysville MI
Mon-O-Coach Inc. / Ironwood MI
Mon-O-Liner (Part of Mon-O-Coach Inc.) / Ironwood MI
National Mobile Homes (Part of Mid-States Corp.) / Kalamazoo MI
New Home Coach Co. Inc. / Central Lake MI
New Moon Homes Inc. / Alma MI
Owosso Mobile Homes Inc. / Owosso MI
Palace Corp. / Flint MI
Pontiac Coach Company / Drayton Plains MI
Raymond Products Co. Inc. (a.k.a Travelo Trailers) / Saginaw MI
Regal Mobile Homes Inc. / Pinconning MI
Reliart Trailer Co. / Greenville MI
Roycraft Coach Co. / Chesaning MI
ST Clair Custombuilt / St Clair MI
Sani-Crusier Co. / Carsonville MI
Schiebout Mfg. Co. / Grand Rapids 8 MI
Shoreline Coach Co. / Flint 7 MI
Silver Dome Company / Kalamazoo MI
Star Mobile Homes (part of Mid-States Corp.) / Union City MI
Tour-A-Home Mfg. / Flint MI
Vagabond Coach Mfg. Co. / Mew Hudson MI
Vesely Mfg. Co. (a.k.a. Apache Camping Trailers) / Lapeer MI
Westwood Products Inc. / Cassopolis MI
Wolverine Camper Co. / Gladwin MI
Additions: Cozy Coach, Macomb Trailer Coach, Zimmer, Covered Wagon, United, Royal
Coach, Apache, New Moon, Detroiter, Century, Travel-aire by Kreuger Products Inc. /
Owosso MI, United Mfg. Williamston, Michigan
If you can add to this list, send it to terrybone@comcast.net
th
4
Enchanted Encampment
Annual SW Rally- May 18-20, 2012
A big thank you to everyone that attend this year’s event in Cedar Crest, NM, and
camped at the Turquoise Trails Campground, a TCT friendly. Kenny and I experienced a
blown radiator cap in route, on our 1951 Divoc milk truck, that containing all the
accessory stuff for the weekend, but lucky my handy
husband, fixed it on the spot. When we arrived I passed
out the goodie bags and welcomed several campers
already there. The weather behaved and hovered
around 85 during the day with some clouds, no rain.
With exception was Friday nights wonderful dinner, not
much wind otherwise. Everyone enjoyed the scrupulous
New Mexican dinner of enchiladas, Carnie Avado,(spice
pork) tacos, beans, rice, corn, tortillas, salsa, guacamole,
and chips provided by Papa Felipe's, but we scuttled to
our campers after-wards, due to strong gusts. Photo is
me and Debora, camp owner, around the food. (see my
cookie server-recycled piece??)
The turnout was great, we had 20 trailers of
enthusiastic campers. The long distance
traveler was Skip and Maria from San Diego,
towing their tear drop. We had many first
timers TCT rally attendees, and we had 23
vintage camper on display. Saturday was a
successful swap met, I sold some fabric,
cabinet door pulls, a porch light, cloths, purse,
and some goodie that now belong to someone
else. Also we had many visitors up for the
open house and everyone enjoyed see each
other’s trailers.
Saturday evening everyone gathered again for
a delicious pot luck dinner. It always amazes
me that everything taste so great and looks so
well prepared, coming out of our little canned
ham kitchens. I made a trailer cake that was just about all devoured. It had wings and
was red and white, just like a real Shasta. After dinner I gave out the awards.
Since this was my first time judging campers,
a challenging task, I selected three other
campers to help with the job. The judges
(thank you Deborah, Barbara and Kathleen)
and I spent most of the afternoon, trying to
figure out how to award the beautiful
plaques, provided by TCT headquarters. We
decided the Best in Show was to go to the
Lybarger family, from Sandia Park, NM, with
their beautiful Shasta trailers. Yes, not one,
but three trailers complete with their two
vintage Ford tow trucks, they bought to show.
Reserve best in show, was that a hard category to judge, with all the other trailers
qualifying, but we finally agreed on Ann Goodenough and Ed Derderian from Moab,
Utah with their '65 Boles Aero. Ed told me about the many hours he spent restoring the
trailer, it looks great, very 60's.
Special Interest award went to Steve and Missie
Brown, first timers from Albuquerque, with the just
purchased 1948 Rodelite. Thanks to them also for
bringing the cool old truck and Honda vintage
motorcycle his daughter Hannah, rode around on.
Our final award of Honorable Mention went to:
David and Carrie Wiegert of Harrah, Ok with their
1963 Mobile Scout trailer. David did a frame up
restoration and saved this little beauty from the
scrap yard, I'm sure. Nice job guys.
After the awards, I kept everyone
corralled for a test of trailer
knowledge for a door prizes. I
started of the game by asking a
simple question of “What is the
most famous trailer movie?” First
right answer got a door prizes Then
anyone can ask a question and the
person with the first right answer
gets a price. We has some good
questions and well, some I wonder
questions, but we had a good time and I think we all learned a little something from
each other. A last grand finale door prize was awarded, courtesy of our sponsor Central
Trailer in Albuquerque, and it was time for everyone to return to their trailers and get a
good night’s sleep.
We woke in the morning, packed up stuff and said our thank yous and good byes. I
want to thank everyone for coming and participation and hope to see you again, in
2013. I am debating about trailering to the great state of Texas for the next Enchanted
Encampment, will keep you posted.
Thanks Karen Campbell, your SW TCT rep.
Hoffmaster State Park’s Vintage RV Rally – June 7-10,
2012
The First Annual P. J. Hoffmaster State Park Vintage Trailer and Motor Coach Vintage
Rally was a unqualified success. This was due in part to the efforts of Terri Creeden,
park officer, for putting out the invite, and coordinating with the state to clear the sites
for the vintage rigs and seeing to the details associated with making our stay perfect.
Many TCT members pitched in to ensure a great weekend. Special thanks to Brandon
Morrison, William and Mary Caskey, Roger and Stephanie Hagen, for their contributions
in establishing the event.
Our thinking about what size attendance we can expect at a first time event has been
modified upward after Hoffmaster. Although Michigan and the Great Lakes area has a
large core TCT membership, we used to expect 20 to 30 units at first time events. There
were a total of 64 vintage rigs in attendance with 54 filling the initial loop that had been
set aside for the event.
The weatherman gave us his full cooperation with temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s
during the day and very comfortable sleeping weather at night.
Hoffmaster is a beautiful park on the Shores of Lake Michigan.
This location and June date is a nice compliment to the existing Michigan TCT schedule.
It has taken fifteen years, but we know have monthly events starting with the Annual
Gathering in May ending in September at the Fall Gathering. Various members have
taken the lead and established three summer gathering in different geographical
locations.
Hoffmaster pictures:
http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d7a45354e6a63774f546b3d0d0a&blogview=true
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbone2/sets/72157630017091893/
Spring fling Rally was fantastic
The Spring fling Rally was fantastic. Here is a link to the
photos. www.picturetrail.com/gid24096144
After many years without a TCT rally in the Carolinas, we began preparations for the first
one in October of 2011. Locating a campground was initially a difficult task. Either the
amenities were good but the cost was prohibitive or the interest was not there. We
talked to Four Paws Kingdom Campground in Rutherfordton, NC and found them eager
and quite helpful. This small, private campground goes all out for us and takes care of
all the setup, clean up and table prep for all events. The owners make sure that every
camper is escorted to their sight and assisted in set up. The sites, amenities and service
are first class just ask anyone who's been there. This campground caters to adults and
their canine companions therefore children between 2-14 are restricted from
visiting. While this was initially a concern, after the first rally the participants
unanimously voted to not only continue to plan and hold rallies at Four Paws but to host
TWO rallies a year there.
The First Rally (Fall into Vintage) had 16 participants from all over the country some
traveling over 1,000 miles. Most of us were "new" rally attendees and when the
weekend was over we began making lists of changes to make the next one even
better. Spring arrived and before we knew it we had 15 Trailers signed up for the first
ever Spring Fling Rally in April. (60% of the participants being first time attendees/ 40%
return attendees). We had a wonderful time touring the campers and after calculating
the votes, Brent and Suzie Walker won best Vintage for the Second time in a
row! Many thanks to TCT, Sonny’s Camp and Travel in Spartanburg,
VintageCampers.com, Cindy Harrington for the fantastic door prizes and awards totaling
well over $350.00.
We already have many sites booked for the 2012 Fall Into Vintage Rally and hope to set
a new attendance record. If you are interested in visiting the upstate of SC (NC line) in
late September we would love to have you join us for a fantastic weekend! Feel free to
e-mail Kim at vintageavion@gmail.com
The History of the Popup Camper Part III
By Joel Silvey
http://www.popupcamperhistory.com
In part II of The History of the Popup Camper we discussed the very difficult years
between World War I and World War II. As WWI brought about substantial change so
did WWII. The United States became a global power with no real rival as it was the only
nation to possess the atomic bomb. The Great Depression of the 1930’s was gone as
demand for war production created millions of jobs and siphoned off young men for
military duty. A population shift occurred where more people now lived in cities than
on farms. But possibly the most profound impact upon the RV industry was the advance
of technology in regards to the development and discovery of new materials like plastics
and synthetic rubber. The development of new stronger aluminum alloys resulted in its
widespread use as well.
WWII ended with the capitulation of Japan in August of 1945. General demobilization
took another year or so. Millions of young men soon re-entered the private job sector
or enrolled in universities to take advantage of the G.I. Bill. With the advent of the
population shift and the returning of millions of soldiers an acute housing shortage
resulted in America. This shortage spurned the birth of the mobile home industry, now
known as manufactured housing. Mobile homes can trace their roots directly to travel
trailers of the prior decade. All industry was faced with a sudden shift from military to
consumer manufacturing. With regards to the pop-up camper probably the most wellknown of these manufacturers was Higgins Industries. During World War II Higgins
Industries, Inc. developed landing craft (LCVPs) and 63 other products for the war effort.
A. J. Higgins' designs contributed significantly to winning the war and his prominent
place in American history is firmly established. Higgins, Inc. was founded by Andrew
Jackson Higgins in January 1946 with the intention of manufacturing commercial boats
and other leisure-time vehicles which included the Higgins Camp Trailer. A. J. Higgins
transferred the remaining assets from Higgins Industries, Inc. which was liquidated in
December 1945. The Higgins Camp Trailer was introduced in mid-1946 featuring a
lightweight aluminum body with a steel frame and aluminum tubing to support the
canvas tenting. It is the first known pop-up camper to do so. Before the war aluminum
alloys were too weak for such application. The Higgins Camp Trailer does not appear to
have survived the 1948 recession and A. J. Higgins passed away in 1952. But his trailer
led the way into modern design and function.
On the heels of the Higgins trailer came the Heilite single wheel aluminum trailer.
Theodore Heil of Lodi, California first designed his single wheel unit that unfolded to the
side with an on-the-ground tent in 1935 but changed the body to aluminum in 1948 and
began manufacturing operations in 1950. Weighing only 200 lbs. unloaded the Heilite
camping trailer could be pulled by almost any vehicle of the day. The Heilite trailer was
the most popular and recognizable trailers of the 1950’s.
1957 Heilite Single Wheel Trailer
A significant leap forward took place in 1954 with the introduction of The Ranger
camping trailer. The trailer holds the distinction of being the first manufactured pop-up
camper to be made of fiber-glass and polyester-resin, both the body and top of the
camper. Manufactured from the years 1954 to 1956 by Hille Engineering in Anaheim,
California the Ranger camping trailer is considered the first modern pop-up camper.
Only 200 units were ever produced.
Unlike the designs of the time the Ranger featured a hard top that cranked up, a longer
trailer length resulting in more living space and an extra slide-out bed on the back. It
was 39 inches wide and resembled a dresser drawer with a canvas roof. It could sleep 1
adult or two kids. Typical tent trailers of the time featured beds that flipped or slid out
to the sides and were supported underneath by braces. The bed on the Ranger
supported itself, much the same way a dresser drawer does. The trailer was about 10
years ahead of its time. Today only a handful of the trailers survive. One is displayed in
the RV Founders Hall in the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Museum located Elkhart,
Indiana.
The Ranger Camp Trailer as featured in May 1954 Popular Science magazine.
There remained few, if any, manufacturers of tent trailers in the early 1950's. Inflation
wreaked havoc on the economy following WWII. Gilkison and Chenango survived WWII
but ceased manufacturing operations by the early 1950’s. Demand for camping trailers
simply wasn’t there. Often it was cheaper and easier to build your own, and many
people did just that. Several articles in magazines such as Popular Mechanics and
Popular Science were written with detailed instructions on building your own tent
trailer. This was to have a significant impact upon the RV industry. Several future
players in the manufacturing sector were to take their inspiration from building their
own camping trailer to use on family vacations.
A typical trailer kit that was sold by manufacturers in the 1950’s.
1955 Sports Afield Camping Annual
Despite the Cold War with the Soviet Union the 1950’s were a time of stability and
innovation in America. The end of WWII and all through the 1950’s America
experienced a large spike in birth rates. The children born between 1946 and 1964 are
referred to as Baby Boomers. The level of prosperity that Americans achieved during
the 1950’s during the Eisenhower era surpassed anything prior. While the rest of the
world struggled to rebuild from WWII America’s standard of living skyrocketed thanks to
Eisenhower’s policy of low taxes, balanced budgets and thoughtful public spending.
Probably the most well-known public program was the Interstate Highway System.
Credit markets expanded and new products like credit cards offered. By the end of the
decade the American family had gained 30% more purchasing power. More wealth
resulted in a rise in consumerism. The conditions were ripe for what was to become the
Second Camping Renaissance in America. Camping was to become wildly popular once
again in the United States.
Leading the way for Do-It-Yourselfers in the 1950’s was Clyde Grambsch of Loyal,
Wisconsin. Clyde’s story began in 1954 when he built a pop-up camper for his family. He
added features uncommon for the time in a tent trailer like a screened door and steps.
In 1956 Clyde had the camper repainted to match his new '56 Ford. As a joke the painter
added "Mfg. by Loyal Trailer Co, Loyal, Wis." under the taillight. After the Grambsch
family's next camping trip the Loyal Post Office started receiving inquiries addressed to
Loyal Trailer Co. Sensing an opportunity Clyde founded E-Z Kamper in the autumn of
1957. The company thrived for many years to come. The original pop-up camper
developed by Clyde Grambsch in 1954 is displayed in the RV Founders Hall in the RV/MH
Heritage Foundation Museum located Elkhart, Indiana. It was towed there in 1997 after
careful restoration by the family including Clyde Grambsch himself.
EZ Kamper 1 - On display in the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Museum
E-Z Kamper, now known as Canvas Replacements, no longer manufactures pop-up
campers, but now are the largest manufacturer of canvas replacements and many other
hard-to-find parts.
Vesely Manufacturing, makers of the famous Apache Camping Trailer and an industry
leader for the next 25 years, can trace its roots to 1955 when Gene Vesely of Lapeer,
Michigan designed and built a collapsible tent on top of a boat trailer for an Alaskan
family adventure which never materialized. At the time the only affordable camping
trailer he could find was one built as a single wheel unit bolted to the rear bumper
(most likely a Heilite trailer). Eugene did not like this design and decided to build his
own. Before long he was duplicating his efforts for friends and fellow sportsmen. That is
when he got the idea to produce camping trailers commercially. It was the perfect time
to enter this market. He started making wooden boxed Chiefs at an old cement plant in
1956. In 1957 the Vesely Manufacturing Company was founded as a recreational
vehicle business. By now the Chief was constructed of lightweight aluminum which was
to be the distinguishing factor of future Apache trailers. The company grew rapidly and
by 1959 became the world’s largest manufacturer of camping trailers. During these
early years Vesely produced campers for Sears (Ted Williams brand) as well.
The first commercially sold Apache camping trailer - 1957
The first Apache camping trailer featured and on-the-ground tent structure that opened
up to the side much the same way the Heilite camping trailer did. In Part I we discussed
the 1914 Campbell Folding Camping Trailer, the earliest patented and manufactured
camping trailer sold. This style of camping trailer was not seen again until re-introduced
by Heilite and Apache again in the 1950’s. For a short time they became the most
popular style sold. The list price for the Apache Chief in 1957 was $495 (equivalent to
$3,850 today).
The Apache Chief model as it appeared setup in camp
Another future industry leader, the Nimrod, emerged in 1957. The Nimrod story began
when Ashley Ward purchased a pop-up camper patent from a man in New Jersey
(pending patent identification). With $2,500 ($18,300 in 2007 dollars) of his own money
and $2,500 borrowed from a local banker, Ashley Ward started the Nimrod Equipment
Corporation which later became the Nimrod Equipment Division of Ward
Manufacturing. The plant was located Cincinnati, Ohio in its early years. In the first year
of production, 8 employees made 425 camping trailers of which 189 were Nimrod. The
rest were co-branded for large retailers. The parent company, Ward Manufacturing,
Inc. was founded by Ashley Ward Sr. in 1908 and is still in existence today. Now known
as Ashley Ward, Inc. they specialize in supplying machined parts and components for
their customers. Their corporate offices are located in Mason, OH. Ashley Ward Sr. had
already made a name for himself when he patented the Nimrod Pipeliter right after
WWII.
Ashley Ward Sr. had already made a name for
himself when he patented the Nimrod Pipeliter.
He applied for a patent for his unique invention
on May 17, 1946 and was awarded US Patent
2,432,265 on December 9, 1947. The Nimrod
Pipeliter was selling at a rate of 1 million units
per year in the 1960's. It is still sold in stores
today and remains very popular.
Manufactured from steel construction the distinguishing feature on the Nimrod
camping trailer was its side glide out beds that stored compactly inside each other, thus
allowing for larger beds and a more, narrow trailer body. Most beds at the time flipped
out to the sides. It was considered a large deluxe trailer for its time. Ward
Manufacturing was destined to take over the Vesely Manufacturing in the 1960’s to
become the largest maker of recreational vehicles. But both companies only offered
one model trailer with two distinct styles when the 1950’s came to a close.
The first commercially sold Nimrod camping trailer - 1957
Another pioneer leader of the second camping renaissance was Bethany Fellowship,
Inc. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota Bethany was unlike other manufacturers of the
time. The manufacturing of pop-up campers was not Bethany's main focus. It was only
a financial means to support their Christian missionary work. None-the-less their
contribution to the RV industry was significant. Bethany got its first taste in the trailer
business shortly after they formed in the late 1940's. They manufactured 4 Tear Drop
trailers and 15 House trailers. But it was decided not to pursue trailer manufacturing as
a business venture. This idea was picked up again on in late 1957 when Paul L. Kindschi
and Ted Hegre sensed opportunity in the camping field market. The design they came
up with was different for the time. All pop-up campers manufactured at that time had
canvas tops. Their design featured a light, but strong top made from fiber-glass. They
named this first model the Bethany Vacationeer. This first camper weighed 450 lbs. and
came with fins! Norman Carlson supervised the construction. It was a humble beginning.
They sold 48 trailers this first year and learned as they went along.
Bethany is most noted for their fiberglass hardtop trailers and high quality construction.
As mentioned earlier the Ranger Camp Trailer pioneered the use of fiberglass in a
camping trailer but discontinued manufacturing the trailer in 1956. The trailer
continued to be manufactured throughout at least 1957 by Forlyn Manufacturing Co
located in Minneapolis, MN. During this time it was referred to as the Sport Ranger. No
link has been identified between the two companies, but one might exist.
The first TeePee camping trailer manufactured by Bethany – 1957/58
As the 1950’s were coming to a close there would be renaissance of sorts with camping
trailer designs. We already saw the trend towards using newer and lighter materials in
the manufacturing of the trailer bodies. Next would be the trend towards building
larger camping trailers. This was accomplished by lengthening the trailer’s body and
placing the beds on the front and back of the trailer. Introduced sometime around 1959
the Reliart Trailer, featured the elongated all aluminum body and beds that flipped out
to the front and back. Facts regarding this company remain sparse but they appear to
be the first with such a design, thus leading the trailer design renaissance that took
place throughout the early and mid-1960’s. Note in the photo below how it resembles a
modern camping trailer.
Reliart Trailer
The concept of lightweight collapsible trailers was extended further to the travel trailer
design. One such innovator was the inventor of the Rolite Trailer, Leo Hagenson from
Hastings, Minnesota. As did the others Leo started working on a folding travel trailer in
the spring of 1955 because he wanted a trailer that was easy to pull. After two years of
failure he came on an idea after watching a bulldozer at work. He would use a chain
track in each corner to raise and lower the roof automatically. By the Spring of 1958 his
trailer was taking shape when his wife secretly entered him into the June Inventor’s Fair
in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He won the grand prize and was able to setup and start
production in early 1959. The Rolite trailer was a well-built quality travel trailer that
featured an all-aluminum design. It caught the eye of Popular Mechanics who featured
it in their April 1960 issue. His ideas would be emulated in the coming years by the
other industry leaders.
The Rolite Travel Trailer
In 1959 visitors to our national parks and other areas administered by the National Park
Service totaled 62,812,000. Camping had increased by 50% since the beginning of the
1950’s. Entrepreneurs flocked to the camping industry with all sorts of innovations and
services. Two major magazines were founded, Camping Guide in 1959 and Better
Camping in 1960. Both magazines would see their subscription numbers skyrocket over
the next decade. The magazines have proven themselves indispensable as a historical
reference guide to the explosive decade of the 1960’s. It’s difficult to point one’s finger
to any one single reason for the growth. Americans have always enjoyed the outdoors
and, until recent times, enjoyed the benefits of a large land mass relative to its
population. No doubt a good economy contributed to the growth in camping trailer
sales and other RV vehicles. But other reasons are certainly equally important.
The changes that took place in the 1950’s ushered in the modern RV era, which is still
going relatively strong in this country today. In Part IV we will examine the explosive
growth of the 1960’s and who the major industry players were. We will also examine
the trend to the hardtop camper that is most prevalent in today’s RV industry and how
this change came about. We will examine the industry’s downturn in the mid 1970’s
and reasons behind it. We will touch lightly upon the post 1980 years.
The Wayzless, The Beginning
By Terry Evans
We built our first wooden homemade fifth wheel, the Wayzalot, started in 1997 and
finished in 1999. We traveled about in it almost 11 years, before the “accident” that
killed the Wayzalot, May 11, 2010, a week before the Spring TCT meet in Milford.
Hardy and I still attended the meet but without the Wayzalot. Terry and Michelle Bone
provided us The Hotel Avion, Ken and Lana Hindley brought us an electric wheel chair
for Hardy (as his ankle was broken in the accident), Brian Smithson brought a backup
battery for the chair and Hardy was good to go.
On that Saturday night after the TCT dinner, we were called out of the Avion Hotel to go
to our empty lot 48 with no Wayzalot. The Tin Can Tourists were standing in lot 48 with
candles lit, The Blue Grass Band was there and played about 5 songs, Forrest said a few
words and the funeral for the Wayzalot was over. We passed out the “mass Cards”
which were really the post cards I had made up for the Route 6 Caravan that we were
going to miss.
I asked the guys in the band if they wanted a “mass card” and one of the guys asked for
two. I questioned him if he has played for many dead camper funerals and he said “this
was the first”. That was our closure for the Wayzalot and a nice send off by the Tin Can
Tourists. Thank you all for all the concerns and good wishes.
We then bought a 1949 Glider so we would have something to attend the TCT rallies but
it wasn’t the same. It was a very nice vintage unit but I couldn’t hang up stuff on the
walls, it wasn’t tall enough for us and we were not used to a double bed. We were
cranky in the Glider.
Hardy said, “I’m angry the Wayzalot is gone and I think I will rebuild!!! Now he tells me.
We let the insurance company have the Wayzalot after my daughters and sister pulled
out a lot of our personal stuff the day after the crash. At the time, Hardy didn’t want to
scrap it out and now a month later, he wanted to rebuild….Geezzzzz. We had collected
parts for the Wayzalot for years before we ever started it and now he wanted to rebuild
with no parts from scratch.
We decided we should build something smaller and easier to pull. We are thirteen years
older than when we built the Wayzalot. The International truck was totaled in the
accident, and we thought we should buy something a little smaller, more comfortable
with air conditioning and a backseat for the dog boys. We decided by the end of May
2010 to rebuild, so here we go again.
We called the frame company where we got the original frame and they were out of
business and so we tried two other frame companies and they were gone also. You
know, the economy is in the toilet, I don’t care what anyone says.
We contacted Trail-Air who provided us an air ride hitch for the Wayzalot and Dale
Fenton customized a 42 foot fifth wheel frame down to 21 feet. With the big frame for
the big fifth wheels, it also was 8’ 6” wide. The Wayzalot was 29 feet 8 inches long and 8
feet wide, including a 5 foot back porch which had left us with 24 feet of interior. The
new Wayzless is 21 feet long including a 3 foot back porch which left us about 18 feet of
interior (I thought that could work, it would be like the Wayzalot without the couch
space but that also meant over 12 feet less of wall space to hang up stuff. Now that was
the adjustment!).
So Hardy built the new Wayzless, our daughter Darcy named it. Well, she had John Rich
do the signs (he did the Wayzalot signs) for a Christmas gift in 2010 so the Wayzless it
became. Hardy and I laid out the space and he spent the next eighteen months figuring
out how to build it.
The Wayzless is smaller but cuter. Hardy added a trolley top roof that took forever for
him to figure that one out. Hardy also added a bay window in front which took many
trips to the saw for all the angles in that feature. Jeanette Holverson, an Arizona artist
made a fused glass sink for the kitchen and Darcy carried it home from Arizona on the
airplane. We kept the North Shore Train sink for the bathroom. Galgans gave us the
vintage bark cloth material from their mothers sewing drawer, for my curtains.
Hardy used his vintage knob and tube wiring just like before. The man, who built the
original night stands for us, rebuilt them for the Wayzless. Larry Jump milled the cedar
beams and the cedar bumper from discarded phone polls. He also milled the oak for the
kitchen counter. Monne Haug did the mosaic window in the bay titled “Ode to the
Wayzalot” with Hardy driving in the International pulling the Wayzalot. It’s just damn
cute!
My sister Pat, restores stain glass windows, and for the Wayzalot, she rebuilt two
windows with solid zinc tracks to reinforce them. Her two windows were the only
surviving windows in the Wayzalot, all the others were smashed. We took those two
windows along with the back door from the Wayzalot the day after the accident and
they are now in the Wayzless.
Hardy also added gas cylinders on the custom built bed frame and its lifts up!!! Just like
the big rigs! We also have a larger bedroom with a queen size bed and we can walk
around the bed!! Now that is nice! The kitchen area is small but we will learn how to
cope after we use it for a while.
I designed a pantry in one wall in the bathroom. Hardy said my design was “too much
work“, so I did the cutting of that one panel. Instead of a 2x4’ wall, Hardy built a 2x6”
wall and I added the shelves and then drew out the panel with all the openings for the
cover. “Too much work”, that probably was one of the funniest things Hardy has said
about the Wayzless. Has he looked at this rig? He did a fine job!!!
Our first outing was April 28, 2012 to get it weighed, and it weighed about 7,500 pounds
so it does wayzless. Our second outing was May 2 to Lippert Industries to check the
frame and axles. With that big frame, the 7,500 pound axles were too heavy for the
weight of the trailer so they replaced the double axles with new 5,000 pound axels, new
brakes and drums, and a new pump for the landing gear so we are good to go.
Our first Rally is the 15th Annual TCT Spring Rally. The Wayzless isn’t done yet, it doesn’t
have cupboard doors, we don’t have the furniture, we haven’t hung up the “stuff” yet,
but we are going and we are going to do the “show and tell”. Hardy has done another
“extremely” amazing build. At the 15th Rally, we received lots of " wows" and even
comments how nice the funeral was for the Wayzalot 2 years ago. Hardy says we now
are on our third “fifteen minutes of fame”, once when we built the Wayzalot, once
when we crashed it and now when we built the new Wayzless. We are back on the road
again….Happy Trails from Terry and my favorite builder, Hardy.
A foot note, Extreme RV from the Travel Channel came to film some of the build. They
showed up in March with 2 vans of equipment, 6 guys and spent 9 hours at our garage.
On April 29, they did a repeat of the first day and filmed us pulling the Wayzless out and
driving down the road. I must say, we worked at “compressed time” trying to get as
much done as we could so even though the filming was lengthily we did get a lot more
done because we had a deadline. They said we should be one of three builds on one
episode that should be shown late fall or early winter. So we figured eighteen hours of
filming or getting ready to film will be edited down to about eleven minutes so we shall
see how it looks.
Terry Evans
847.274.8815
terry@wayzalot.com
Special Event for This Fall’s Gathering
Hello all you Canners...we are having a wedding this fall. You are all invited to attend.
And you can participate if you would like.
So if any of you have suggestions, would like to help, and would like to find a dress and
walk down the aisle, just let me know and I will add you to the list.
We are still adding Bridesmaids to the wedding party. Each bridesmaid will need to find
her own dress, head piece and flowers. Please remember, it is the fall meet and the
wedding will be held in the TCT tent so plan according, may need boots and a coat if
cold....I have a list of bridesmaids so let me know if you would like to participate in Paul
and Margo’s wedding.
Ushers and groomsmen can participate with tuxedo tee shirts...I have found a web site
that has them for $6.00, 2x for $8.00 and 3x for $9.00. The site is 6dollarshirts.com.
On Thursday evening, after the crock pot dinner, there will be a bachelorette shower for
Margo, and we could use a couple of girls to help with the shower
On Thursday evening after the crock pot dinner, there will be a boys night out bonfire
and bring your own beer and we could use a couple of guys to help with the bonfire
plans.
We also could use the tin candelabras, if you would like to bring yours with white
candles and white bows, we will use them for table decorations.
Terry Evans
847.274.8815
terry@wayzalot.com
Because you have shared in our
lives by your friendship, we
Paul Edmund Piche’
and
Margaux Jeanne Scott
Invite you to share
The beginning of our new life
Together when we exchange marriage vows on
Friday, the twenty eighth of September, 2012
At Four o’clock.
At the Tin Can Tourist tent
The TCT Fall Meet
Camp Dearborn,
Milford, Michigan
Please, no gifts, your presence is all we desire.
Seating starts at 3:30
Down the Road
2012 Events
After receiving some complaints from attendees of some of the posted rallies at our site,
we felt that we needed to designate the events that are Official TCT Gatherings.
The designation of “Official” TCT Gatherings is probably overdue. We have been
promoting, through our website, just about everything that is submitted and have not
been as clear as we should be about the events that are generated by our regional
representatives and from time to time by TCT members.
The qualifications for a listing as an official TCT Gathering will probably be modified as it
is a work in progress, but for now the following guidelines will be in place:
1. The Gathering is hosted by a Regional Representative or an active TCT member
2. TCT membership is a requirement for attendance. Membership requirements
must be clearly stated and collection of the Tin Can Tourists membership fee
must be part of the rally registration process. Note: when the staff at Camp
Dearborn asked callers for site reservations, many falsely said they were active
members to secure a site thereby getting a price break granted to TCT and
preventing a member from reserving that site.
3. The Regional Representative will be the clearing house for area events and
recommend events that they feel meet the guidelines for the Official designation.
The Regional Representative should be kept informed about the event's overall
organization.
4. Concourses will be limited to the Annual Gathering and Regional Rallies. TCT
purchases the awards and provides some judging guidelines and wants to keep
such awards “special” by limiting the number of such events. It is up to the
Regional Representative as to whether they want to provide a concours for
attendees. Each geographical area is unique and the Regional Representative is
best suited to decide if such an activity is to be provided.
Designates “Official TCT Gathering”
The registration forms are all available on Rally Registration page on the site:
http://www.tincantourists.com/rallyregistration.php or select "Rally
Registrations" under Camp Office on the menu
Paypal forms will become available as the registration process is set up.
The event hosts will post downloadable forms and in some cases Paypal
registration procedures.
Newly listed event: You asked for it and we planned it... so bring the kids
and come on out to the Summer Mountain Getaway in Saluda, NC.
TCT Summer Mountain Get Away
When: July 20-22nd
Where: Orchard Lake Campground, Saluda, NC
Contact: Rally host (Kim) at vintageavion@gmail.com
Rally Agenda
Join us for a summer getaway in Saluda, NC July 20-22nd. A wonderful
campground that has a list of activities for all ages. The campground has kindly
held 23 spots in the back that is off apart from the rest of the campground. Give
them a call and book your reservation...s asap! Don't worry about the heat, the
highs are 85 lows in the 60's! Full hookups at each site . Great activities all
included in your site fee - Lake fishing, Swimming, Badmitton, Soccer Goals,
Scate Ramps, Horse Shoes, Hockey Table, Paddle Boats, Canoes, Small Zip Line,
Soccer Goals, Basket Ball Hoop and many more!
Rally Participation Fee: $10.00 per trailer payable upon arrival at your site
7/20 (Friday) 7pm - Site 105 Rally Meet and greet with snacks provided (bring
your own drinks)
7/21 (Saturday) 11am-1pm Trailer Tours
7/21 (Saturday) 6pm - Vintage Potluck & Awards Presentation
Give them a call and tell them you are with the TCT Vintage Rally and they'll put
you in the right spot! 828-749-3901 http://www.orchardlakecampground.com/
Then e-mail the Rally host (Kim) at vintageavion@gmail.com and you'll recieve
all the Information about the rally from her.
Port Crescent State Park
4 Annual Vintage Camper Gathering
July 26-29th 2012
th
Port Austin Michigan Sold out – Check with John about Stand-by list.
We have been invited back again! Our park rangers and the locals love to have
us visit this beautiful state park. Make plans now to attend. This year the park
is holding 75 sites for us! New this year will be a Match the Classic Car with the
Camper Challenge! We will be inviting the local classic car clubs and owners to
park their cars with our trailers during the open house! We will have our classic
themed potlucks, coffee klatches, tchotchke contest and other old-school
activities.
Contact John Truitt at airstreamguy@mac.com to register and pick your site (do
not call the park directly) or 313-701-8930 for more information, to register and
to be put on the Port Crescent Email List.
(http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=486)
Pictures from last year’s gathering
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbone2/sets/72157627383958770/
19th Annual Truck, Travel Trailer & Farm Equipment Show
Algonac State Park – on M-29 North of Algonac, MI
Sunday, August 19, 2012 – Registration on day of show ONLY 8 am to noon $15.00 – Dash Plaques for first 100 entrants – Cash Awards presented at 4:00
pm
Additional Information – Dick at 810.765.3473 or wikrdik@firststip.net
Camping information – 1.800.765.5605
1st Annual TCT Retro Revival Weekend
Groveland Oaks Campground, Holly Michigan
It will be held August 24-26, 2012
$10.00 a night only 30 sights available – 8 sites remaining
Registration and more details, contact Cullen Tate at toctate@yahoo.com
Brief Description of Event: 5th Annual Northeast rally at Sampson State
Park in the heart of the Finger lakes region of upstate New York. Fees include; all
camping, pizza and wine new member reception, chili and mac and cheese cook
off, live music, dish to pass supper featuring a pulled bar-b-que, public open
house and concours trailer judging.
Date:
Location:
September 13th-16th 2012
Sampson State Park
6096 Rt. 96A
Romulus, NY 14541
52 electric only – SOLD OUT – OVERFLOW SITES
Number of Units:
AVAILABLE
Registration
Procedure:
Registration forms posted at the site and in the TCT
newsletters
Contact Person(s)
Fletch@vintagekingpins.com or
Denise@vintagekingpins.com
12th Annual Mt. Baker Vintage Trailer Rally
Sept. 6-9, 2012
Although not an official TCT Gathering, the Ewing’s are Regional Representatives
for the North West and have held this event for the last 11 years.
Come join us for our twelfth rally being held in at the Northwest Washington
Fairgrounds in Lynden Washington. You can arrive as early as Tuesday the 4th
of September. No pre-reservations are required.
Our vintage trailer rally is open to all trailers & motor homes 25 years old &
older. Folks with newer rigs - but love older vintage units are welcome as well.
The newer rigs will be parked to one side as this year we’ll strive to park all
vintage vehicles & trailers together.
The camping area is grass. We have a very nice meeting room and plenty of
power/water sites with a dump station on the grounds. Our rally location has
plenty of no cost good warm showers and clean restrooms.
The quaint town of ....Lynden...., WA has a Dutch theme with many little shops
to explore. There should still be plenty of garage sales on the weekend as well.
There are numerous restaurants and banks, some within walking distance of the
rally. Close by are auto & RV parts stores, hardware stores, grocery, etc.
The last few years we’ve had 100 or more units in attendance. Over time we’ve
been getting some very excellent older units attending. From the 1930’s, 1940’s,
1950’s and newer are the units. Many are very nicely restored both inside and
out with period furnishings.
We also welcome those vintage trailers that are “Works in Progress” as “Come As
You Are”.
Many tow vehicles are older, restored rigs as well.
Friday night we have a potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish (main, salad
or dessert).
Saturday night we have a dessert social where everyone brings a dessert to
share.
Saturday there will be a swap meet/flea market in the meeting hall. Bring any
trailer, household, craft or other items to sell that might need a new home.
The rally fee is $25.00 per unit. All camping is $18.00 per night, dry and/or
water/power hookup. There are few trees so bring your own shade, awning, etc.
Those with air conditioning
should be able to run them as needed as there are 30/50 amp power
sites. Those who want power and water please bring a power splitter, extension
cord and a Y for your water hose.
Bring your own outdoor table & chairs if you can. Pets are welcome but need to
be kept on a leash, picked up after and not brought into our meeting building
during rally functions. Please make sure your pet stays within your own
campsite when tied out so they can’t reach other’s campsites and cause mischief.
Directions: From the south take I-5 to exit 256 in Bellingham, Washington. Head
north on the Guide Meridian about 8 miles until you get to Lynden. Turn right
onto Front Street and within a mile you’ll see the Fairgrounds on your right. From
the north it’s easiest to take the Lynden border crossing. Drive south on the
Guide Meridian until you get to Front Street in Lynden and take a left.
Any questions please contact Pat or Joanne Ewing at (360) 966-4253 or e-mail at
pre47airstream@aol.com.
2012.
Fall Gathering – Camp Dearborn, Milford Michigan – September 27-30,
Registration forms at end of newsletter.
Additional Information – tincantourists@gmail.com
Newly Listed Event 2012 TCT Colorado 'Fall Fling'
September 27th through 30th, 2012
(Check-in Thursday, Sept. 27th at noon)
Fort Collins KOA Lakeside Resort
1910 Lakeside Resort Lane
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Web: www.fclakesidecg.com
$20 rally fee per person, $41.48 site fee per night at check-in
(we will be parked together, close to the Pavilion)
Breakfast provided each morning, one catered dinner
For more information and to register, contact:
Rob Davis - Colorado TCT Rep.
2520 Gray Street
Edgewater, CO 80214
(303) 523-9409
rob-tct@comcast.net
TCT Petaluma Rally Oct 5-7, 2012!!
We shall have a Caravan thru Historic Downtown Petaluma (lead by me) to the
rally site. Details to follow!! -Contact person(s) Penny Cotter and Wendy Nelson
California Rally – October 5th through 7th at the KOA in Petaluma California –
details to be out soon. For additional information contact Penny Cotter at
auntpenny06@yahoo.com or Wendy Nelson vintagealuminum@yahoo.com
Meet Your Peeps in Petaluma
Tin Can Tourist West Coast 5th Annual Regional Rally
October 5-7 KOA Resort Petaluma, California
Friday 5th
 Vintage trailer caravan
through historic Petaluma
2:00
 Road Kill Chili Pot Luck
6:30
 Cocktails @ Individual
Trailers
Saturday 6th
 Breakfast 8:00
 Trailer Open House & yard
Sale 10-2
 TCT Concourse Judging
 Perfect Polish Demo
 6:30 Americana Picnic Pot
Luck & Barbeque Chicken–
Carved pumpkin contest &
Trailer Awards
 9-11 Special Guest TBA
Sunday 7th
 Coffee & pastries and
good-byes until next year
55 Vintage Trailer sites, $43 per night, TCT Membership & Rally Fee
$20. Rally fee must be paid as soon as possible to secure your spot,
KOA RESERVATION DUE BY MAY 30TH.
Koreshan Unity Settlement Gathering and Show
November 1-4, 2012 – Details to follow in Fall Newsletter (First weekend rather than
the second as previous year)
93rd Winter Convention – February 21-24, 2013
Sertoma Youth Ranch – Brooksville, Florida Registration Procedure will be included
in the Fall and Winter Newsletter
TCT Got the Blues – December 1st
Any interest in this? – If there is enough interest I will put together a
weekend of camping and attendance.
Only one email expressing interest so far. Jeri and I have our tickets.
TIN CAN TOURISTS INVITED TO 2013 FLORIDA RV
SUPERSHOW!!!
Special Announcement from Tim Heintz, SW Regional Rep.
2013 Florida RV Super Show
The Florida RV Super Show in Tampa Florida is one of the country’s largest RV Shows
consisting of over 1,100 rigs and 450 vendors. They have requested Tim Heintz, the
Southeastern Representative for the Tin Can Tourists, to assemble a live-in display of
vintage units to be the featured display at the Florida State Fairgrounds & Exhibition
Center from January 16 – 20, 2013. The intent is to have the vintage display ready to
welcome participants as they arrive for the Super Show starting January 16. For more
detail on the event see http://www.frvta.org/rv-shows/2013-florida-rv-supershow/
Up to 15-20 units can be accommodated and will be provided with hard surface parking
and electricity as well as free participation in all events at the RV Super Show.
(Preference will be given to earlier units - 30s, 40s, and 50’s, but all ages will be
included.) Participants will be able to stay at the event in their units or go to local hotels
at their own expense.
The 2013 World RV Conference will also be holding their quadrennial conference in
Tampa the same week and is scheduled to visit the Florida RV SuperShow on Saturday
and Sunday. There will be vendors and visitors attending from all around the world who
are interested in the history of the RV/Trailer in the USA.
Anyone owning a vintage rig that would like to apply for consideration to participate in
the 2013 RV Trade Show should contact Tim Heintz via e-mail at:
HeintzDesigns@aol.com. Please include “Florida RV Super Show” in the e-mail subject
line.
The following information should be included in all emails.
Name:
Spouse/Guest Name:
Additional Guests Names:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Contact Telephone Number:
Travel (cell) Phone Number:
49
Vehicle Type:
Year:
RV Make: RV Model:
RV Length:
Vintage Tow Vehicle: Y N Tow Vehicle:
Please include at least one picture of vintage rig (and tow vehicle if using one)
Tim Heintz C.E.O.
Heintz Designs Vintage Trailer Restorations
Panama City, Fl.
www.HeintzDesigns.com
Winter Convention – February 21-24, 2013
Details and registration procedure will be included in the winter edition of Tin Can Tales
16th Annual Gathering – May 16-19, 2013
Details and registration procedure will be included in the winter edition of Tin Can Tales
Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration - 2013
The centennial celebration will occur in 2013. Car caravans will embark from Time’s Square in
the east and Lincoln Park, San Francisco from the west. We would like TCT to participate with
vintage trailers and motor coaches. We attempted to get volunteers from the membership to
assist us in developing a Caravan. Very few people stepped up to volunteer, but we are moving
forward. We may be able to develop something from East to West. The current plan is to depart
from Hayesville, Ohio and travel about 150 miles per day giving everyone an opportunity to see
the sites and examine the Historic Lincoln Highway. Our ultimate goal will be Kearney, Nebraska
on Sunday, June 30th. The celebration will continue in Kearney through July 4th.
We will be pre-scouting the route beginning next week. The 150 mileage per day will require
about eight days in transit from Haysville to Kearney. We are planning to arrange camping at
commercial locations and some catered meals will be arranged. We are setting a current limit of
30 rigs for the planned Caravan. The registration/selection procedure will be announced as soon
as possible after completion of the pre-scouting trip in early July.
The announcement will be made through the Google Groups list, so monitor you email carefully
in early July.
50
June 2012 to May 2013 Calendar
Michael Lambert has put together a great TCT calendar with the theme “Before and After”.
The calendar highlights some outstanding restorations.
Calendar was available at the 15th Annual Gathering, 25 remain for your purchase – if you
would like a June 2012 to May 2013 calendar, send a check for $20.00 made payable to
Forrest Bone and mail it to:
FORREST BONE, 1700 GENERAL MOTORS ROAD, MILFORD, MICHIGAN 48380
We Get Letters & Emails
Bob Muncy – Silver Avion Fellowship
bobmuncy@frontiernet.net
www.bobandjeweldeemuncy.com
The construction of my new web-site and photo gallery is almost complete. The Home Page of
my web-site has a number of links to other internet sources which you can open by clinking on
the url. These sources include vintage RV information and particularly vintage Silver Avion
events. You are encourage to browse all of these sources. The home page can be opened by
clicking the following url:
www.bobandjeweldeemuncy.com
My photo gallery is hosted by Blue Melon. Upon opening the gallery, you can click the word
ALBUMS at the top and a listing of all the albums will open.
Upon opening an album, the regular format will show thumbnail photos on the left that comprise
that particular album and a large photo on the right. By clicking the larger photo, it will be
enlarged to full screen size. You can then return to the regular format by selecting the name of
that album in the navigation line at the heading (on the left side)-- just click the name of the
gallery. By doing this (after you return to the regular format) you can view each photo as long as
you wish and when you want to go to the next photo, just click the arrow on the top right
side. Or you can click SLIDESHOW which will move through all the photos.
There are several albums with vintage RV photos including SAF and TCT rallies. Information
about the 2012 SAF Reunion rally that will be held in Elkhart, IN July 25-29 at the Elkhart
Campground is posted on Page 5 of the Home Page. You may want to print a copy of the
Tentative Schedule. Please pass the word to others. Fred and Marguerite are making great plans
for an exciting Rally. Jewel Dee and I have volunteered to help the Meyers promote SAF events.
The Photo Gallery can be opened by clicking the following url:
51
http://www.bluemelon.com/bobcat1944
See "ya down the road !!
Bob Muncy
1977 Avion LaGrande 28'
2010 Ram Laramie Crew Cab
Notice: Insurance Database
Please, Please, Please we need input
After an accident involving a rear end collision the owner of the Bowlus needed to
acquire information about value and we were to send letters to insurance
companies attempting to reach a settlement. How nice it would have been if we
could have had information from our database that would could have been used to
support value based on the information we had from owners of similar trailers.
We have set up the insurance database to help the insured members of TCT deal
with claims more efficiently. Please help the membership out by providing
information all of us might have to use.
We set up an insurance database at: http://tincantourists.com/ins_entry.php
The purpose of this database is for TCT members to be able to provide information to
prospective insurance companies regarding “agreed value” or to assist you in dealing with an
appraiser for a letter to an insurance company either for obtaining coverage or making a claim.
52
The data base is only as good as the quality and quantity of the information that has
been entered.
To be helpful there needs be many more records entered.
Be sure to read on – important.
Hi Forrest,
It is important for vintage trailer owners to realize that most all insurance companies out there
have 'stated value' and NOT agreed value. ANPAC is working on a Vintage policy, hopefully
we'll see it sometime next year.
It will be 'agreed value', but until then, owners need to keep all records and a lot of pictures of
their trailers. It would be wise to have an album with all info in the Vintage trailer and keep it in
a safe place to show proof of condition. ANPAC understands the value of these vintage trailers
and with proper documentation will honor value to put a damaged
trailer back to prior condition if damaged.
ANPAC is excited about this market and will do everything possible to work with clients.
Thanks!
Jannie Van Tassel, Multi-Line Agent
Oregon, Washington, Arizona(Life)
American National Insurance Company
P.O. Box 549
Redmond, OR 97756
(541) 504-7524 Office
(541) 420-6340 Cell
(541) 548-0935 Fax
jannie.vt@hotmail.com
jannie.vt@american-national.com
Attitude Is Everything!
Have a truly great day!
53
TCT Campground Friendly Program
This program allows select and member referred campgrounds to express their support
of vintage trailers and motor coaches by joining TCT and listing their campground as a "Tin Can
Tourists’ Friendly" facility.
By enrolling and becoming members, you are expressing your support of our stated goal
"the promotion and preservation of vintage trailers and motor coaches." Campgrounds will do
this by supporting TCT and by encouraging owners of vintage rigs to patronize their
campgrounds. This support will buck the current trend noted in a recent Trailer Life magazine
that discussed that a number of parks are not allowing coaches over 12 years old to camp at
their facilities and that some campgrounds are available for Class "A" motorhomes, only. We
became aware of such practices shortly after TCT was renewed in 1998, but restrictive camps
are currently increasing at an alarming rate.
TCT is taking an active role in the identification of vintage friendly campgrounds because
the original Tin Canners experienced this type of discrimination at municipal parks across the
US during the late 1920’s through the 1930’s.
By joining TCT as a vintage friendly campground, your location and amenities will be
accessible to all website visitors via a directory. A regular Tin Can Tale’s newsletter feature will
spotlight a member campground.
TCT Friendly Directory
For additional information, email f23bone@earthlink.net or call Forrest or Jeri at 941302-2415.
Campground Membership dues are $30.00 - Members receive TCT Friendly membership
club decal (pictured below), laminated membership/ID cards, quarterly newsletter, and TCT
chronology from 1919 to the present.
TCT Friendly Campground Mail in Application
Registration for TCT Friendly Campground is $30.00
We'll send you an email to get campground information for the directory.
Sign up your favorite campground and receive an additional year added to your
membership.
54
Submissions Wanted
If you have something that you think might be of interest to TCT members.
Please submit it for possible inclusion in future newsletters. Stories about
restoration projects, trips, recollections, etc. would be of interest.
The Tin Can Tourists held summer reunions at Traverse City for a number of
years. We need someone to dig deep and see what we can find out about the
reunions - Contact the Traverse Area District Library at www.tadl.net or call 231932-8500. These articles would be available only from microfilm at the library.
Additional contact:
Alison Widmer - Traverse City Record-Eagle - 120 W. Front St.
Traverse City, MI 49684 - (231) 933-1505 - awidmer@record-eagle.com
The following page contain registration form for the Fall Gathering.
55
Tin Can Tourists
Fall Gathering Registration Form
Camp Dearborn, Milford, Michigan – September 27-30, 2012
Registration Information:
Last Name _________________________________________
First: His) ________________Hers) _________________________
Number of Additional Guests or Children: ____________
I will be bringing the following trailer/motor coach to the Gathering:
YEAR __________ MAKE _____________ MODEL____________
If any of your contact information has changed, list it below:
Street Address, City, State, Zip
Email address:
Registration Fee $120.00 for two adults includes, Window Sign, Welcome Crock Pot
Thursday Refreshments, catered dinner after wedding on Friday, Dance Refreshments,
Pizza Party on Saturday, Morning Coffee and treats
Note: your registration fee does not cover a camping site. You must register with
the camp office at 248-684-6000 for your camping site. Electric only and full
hook-up sites will be available for the Fall Campout.
Registration for One Adult is $90.00
Add $30.00 for each additional guest or child 10 or older
Registration two Adults $120.00 + guests ($30.00) =
Total amount of check ___________________________
NO PAYPAL FOR THIS EVENT – SEND A CHECK AND PLEASE MAKE IT PAYABLE TO
FORREST BONE
Send this form along with your Check. Please make it payable to: FORREST
BONE – to 1700 General Motor Road, Milford, Michigan 48380
Registration Procedure: You must make you own site reservation with the
Camp Office by calling 248-684-6000. Refer to the camp map at
http://www.campdearborn.com/ click on the campsite map to have a
couple of sites in mind when making your reservation. You will be able to
register for a specific site for the rally as well as for early arrival or late
departure
56