PopUp Times

How many of ya'll folks own and use a "Vintage Popup"? Now keep in mind that I read the unit must be 25 years old to be classified as "vintage".

We own & use a 1982 Coleman "Redwood" PU.

What is the OLDEST PU being used to date in this group? How old is your PU?

Larry
Houston/Katy Texas

Well I will chime in.  I am rebuilding a 1973 Starcraft Craftmaster6.  I am ordering new canvas and will have to rebuild the roof.  All matresses and cushions need replacing.  I plan on totally gutting the inside and start with empty inside.  I want to change the hand crank for the roof to an electric winch.  May consider building in a shower and toliet.  (its a wife thing)  I am planning on converting all to 120V instead of the mix of 12v, 120v, and sometimes propane.  I will try and post pic's after my next rtip to where I store it.

I have a 74 Apache Royal here in Torrance, CA

My Title says 1975, but the data plate reads 1971 Bethany Citation 86.  I have some before and after pics in my webshots if you'd like to check them out.

I remember a post here about a '59 wheel camper...I did a search, but it won't let me search on "59" and "wheel camper" returns too many threads to go through.  If anyone remembers that thread (we made a lot of fun about having 59 wheels on a camper) and can come up with a better search, I bet it would be appreciated.

Austin

We're trying to get this back on the road.  Our winch broke and we'll be going over the entire lift system.  We have to seal the roof and redo the ceiling paneling/moulding this year.  I have high hopes for our old trailer.  

The Kenoyers in Palmdale
1968 Starcraft Starmaster 8
1999 Chevy Suburban

Well mine is a 1992 so it's not vintage yet but how about this 1923 Gilkie on e-bay.
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Gilkie-tent-trailer-vintage-1920s-Model-T-partner_W0QQitemZ110108076235QQcategoryZ50064QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (//%22http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Gilkie-tent-trailer-vintage-1920s-Model-T-partner_W0QQitemZ110108076235QQcategoryZ50064QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem%22)

I totally forgot about this camper, which I posted about just a couple weeks ago.  Not as old as the one Starcraft Dad posted about, but a beautifully restored one:

http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=61960

Austin

Quote from: AustinBostonI remember a post here about a '59 wheel camper...I did a search, but it won't let me search on "59" and "wheel camper" returns too many threads to go through.  If anyone remembers that thread (we made a lot of fun about having 59 wheels on a camper) and can come up with a better search, I bet it would be appreciated.

Austin

I found it!  It was a 1969 (not 1959) Wheel Camper.  Here is the thread (including pictures of an old '67 Wheel Camper):

http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=57660

Looks like the owner hasn't posted since mid 2006.  Probably busy doing restoration work.

Austin

We have a '75 AMF Skamper.  Closed box is 7' wide and 13' long, tandom axles and high walls. We bought it in 01.  Over the years we have installed air in the rear wall, changed countertops, lost the stove/oven and installed a microwave, bigger fridge, curtains, slip covers, ect. What a great way to spend time with the family.  Only picture on the pc now is by my name, I'll try to get some to post.

Dont know how long the vintage page has been on here but I think its pretty cool.

Hi - I'm fairly new to the board ....

my son and I had a 1976 Startcraft Starlite from about 1996 to sometime in 2001.  it was tiny - the box was about the size of a normal double bed - but great for a single mom and my then grade school age son.  When he moved up from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts in 6th grade, we started doing most of our camping with his scout troop in tents with canoes and backpacks, and the PUP got left in the garage too much.  But we got alot out of it, and we both learned alot from it!

Recently, my Significant Other and I have wished I still had the old PUP - it would be handy to use to visit his daughters and grandsons up in WI - and I'm not doing so much camping with the troop now, as DS is 16 and can camp without mom.....  I'm getting a little stiff to be crawling around on a tent floor, too!

So I recently found a 1973 starcraft starmaster 6 that we're gonna fix up.  It's in my driveway now, but I haven't had it open yet- as the cable lift is shot and needs total replacement to get the top up.  Hope to start tackling that this weekend - been cleaning out the garage to make room for the big project!

We have camping reservations at Kohler Andre State Park in Sheboygan on Mother's Day weekend - so that's our target date for  our first trip.  I'll be posting photos as soon as I can get the PUP open, and any advice and suggestions from you experienced 'vintage' owners is welcomed!

Laura

I have a 73 Valley forge that I have been redoing. I gutted the whole thing and rebuilt the roof.  Here is the link to the before and after pictures.  

http://www.gallery.pstartech.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=32598

Our 1982 Viking was built in Oct '81 and will officially be in the family 25 years in about 2 weeks. My parents bought it new in April 1982. It sat apart for a few years and we spent this past summer getting it back on the road.

We are almost at the "vintage" level, but not quite. We have a 1985 Coleman Aspen that was manufactured in July 1984, so almost 23 years old. I wonder if we can get antique camper tags, lol? We love our little Aspen, but be darned if I can find any information on them. Tons of information on the Coleman Colorado (which I believe came out in 1986), but nothing on the Aspen. If anyone has ever seen another one please let me know!! We are beginning to think that it was a prototype or very limited run, especially since they came out with the Colorado the very next model year. I went to find the owner's manual on-line, and the only thing close that I found was the 86 Colorado. We still have the original canvas (blue), although it has its fair share of patches, lol, and original cushions and fabric. And what makes her even more unique is the various COLORS of patches that we have put on her! I have done all of the work on her, including replacing part of the floor. I also put new linoleum in (it still had the original, but since I had to replace the rotting floor, I had to replace that as well). The best part about our camper (aside from being a gift from a former co-worker who knew that we would give her the TLC that she deserved) is that we are finally off the ground!

_________________

DW - 69:cake:  
DH - 67  :!
DS - 00  :U    

1985 Coleman Aspen AKA "Patches"

We just bought a 1979 Viking Saga 7'' It needs some work but will be good looking when we are done :) It has that 70's funky looking brown and orange plaid cushions and beds so we're going to replace that along with patching up the canvas, replacing the interior ceiling, replacing the  floors, rigging the door latches that hold up the door when the pop-up is down and maybe paint over the fake wood grain cupboards :D lots to do.

Its great to see people fixing and useing vintage camper of any kind. One of the things I enjoy about camping is see what other old campers are there, and see how they deck 'em out.  Last year we where around the bend of 2 old airsteam type campers,(one was an airstream) and one a mid '50,s apachi I think. How awsome, with the polished aluminum and long bullit like tail lights. Had to have been 28 ft long.  Probally rode my bike past it 20 times that weekend.

We are rolling in an '82 Coleman Shenandoah.  It also has been in the family for 25 years.  My wife's parents bought it new in '82.  It is in GREAT shape as my father in law is quite thorough, he even waterproofed the underside when it had to spend the winter outdoors (1 winter).  Every other winter it has been in the garage.  Even the canvas is looking new.  We love it now that we have a couple of kiddos and need to do the vacation thing on the cheap.  The only thing I am wanting to do this year is add an outdoor high pressure stove with brackets to the side.  Anyone with comments on that would be great!

We have an '80 starcraft starmaster. It is needing all new canvas and some wood replaced inside. Nothing major on the wood. I am trying to justify the cost of the new canvas to the DW. (she is wanting a hardside) I love the way the pop-up pulls though. Almost forget it is there most times.

From what I've seen people do with some of these vintage PUP's, she can have anything she wants,(if you can do the mods) and you can keep the easy towing -

I also really like how easy it is to tow a PUP - it's like nothing!  and yet you can have all the comforts of home ( and then some!) and still feel like you're 'camping' by retaining the canvas walls.

I do have to say that I like the new hybrids, though - it is really appealing to me to have the 'top up' all the time to be able to go in and out.  But I don't think one would fit in my garage, anyway.

Shinobi
I don't know how close your Viking is to my model but if you have any questions or need info, feel free to contact me. Check the link below for many of my rebuild pictures. You'll see Viking didn't run out of that orange and brown plaid at least until they built mine!

As the title implies...see my other post in this forum for more info...

We are the new owners of a 1982 Viking---fixer-upper. So, just under the wire, but we're vintage owners too.

I have not posted for a while but I have a 1970 Steury 800D. I have yet to use it other then sleeping in it out in the yard. I have seen it on other posts and have had only positive feedback about it.

we have a 1970 starcraft starmaster 8. it is in good shape considering it is 37 years old. all foam and covers are in good shape, gas works, stove looks new, top is in good shape, pops up and down perfectly, water and electric work (electric has been updated). and considering we got all that for $150 i think we did pretty good. only thing i would like to do is replace the canvas. eventually i will put in new floor (maybe real or fake hardwood flooring) and reapint all the wood to brighten it up.

Awesome! Its great to see a vintage tent trailer forum on the net at last, many thanks to Pop Up Times  :#  :!
I have 3 vintage campers.
1974 Apache Mesa solid state pop up.
1969 S.E.Woods Adventurer tent trailer.
1965 Apache Silver Eagle tent trailer.
Here is a pic my Apache Mesa on site last year.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Dendrz/MtCarleton2.jpg

Quote from: AustinBostonI found it!  It was a 1969 (not 1959) Wheel Camper.  Here is the thread (including pictures of an old '67 Wheel Camper):

http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=57660

Looks like the owner hasn't posted since mid 2006.  Probably busy doing restoration work.

Austin

I remember that topic, all those tires  :-()

I think i got the oldest on here so far with my 65 Eagle, I still have to go collect it though.
Meantime my 69 Woods is winning as the oldest  :p  
I am sure someone will trounce that soon  :D

My husband and I just bought a 1977 Bethany in beautiful condition!

Quote from: Justadad1999How many of ya'll folks own and use a "Vintage Popup"? Now keep in mind that I read the unit must be 25 years old to be classified as "vintage".

We own & use a 1982 Coleman "Redwood" PU.

What is the OLDEST PU being used to date in this group? How old is your PU?

Larry
Houston/Katy Texas

Ditto here Brother.  Got an '82 Redwood 7 and we love it.

Quote from: skamper75Its great to see people fixing and useing vintage camper of any kind. One of the things I enjoy about camping is see what other old campers are there, and see how they deck 'em out.  Last year we where around the bend of 2 old airsteam type campers,(one was an airstream) and one a mid '50,s apachi I think. How awsome, with the polished aluminum and long bullit like tail lights. Had to have been 28 ft long.  Probally rode my bike past it 20 times that weekend.

Yep.  When we took our beauty out on it's maiden voyage, ('82 Redwood),  we had at least 3 couples ask us.." What year is that?"  When we told the them, they said  " Get the fork out.".. Showed them the manufactorer's placard, and they couldn't beleive it.  A liitle elbow grease, and spit and polish goes a long way.  We are just as proud as a whitewashed pig over ours.  

Those old Airstreams are built like a house.  We visited one when we were tenting and a thunderstorm rolled in.  It was like sitting in our living room.  No sway, no noise from the rain reverberating. It was beautiful!  Owners called it
 "The Roving Beer Can".

As of today, hubby and I are the proud owners of a 1971 Cox Cadet. Will post some pics as soon as I get it all shined up this weekend.

Quote from: StephAs of today, hubby and I are the proud owners of a 1971 Cox Cadet. Will post some pics as soon as I get it all shined up this weekend.

Congrats  :)  
Those cox campers look great, they have a classic look all of their own, looking forward to the camping pics  :#

I found this thread very interesting.  We currently use a 1968 Skamper.  It sleeps 8 comfortably.  It had the old stove and fridge in it, but we took that out.  We purchased it from the original owners.  It needs new canvas and screens, but we are going to use it for at least one camping trip before sending it to the shop for the canvas.   Would like to see some older Skampers on here.  I would also like to know where parts can be found for these things.

LEM

We just got a 1974 coleman 7' by 11'. It needs a new lift cable and the canvas could be replaced. We can use and took it out last week for the first time and it worked great other then the cable. I am going to be replacing it here soon.

Hey Everyone,

I'm new here.  Trailman referred me to this forum, and told me about this thread, so I though I might post about my vintage campers.

I have a 1971 Se.Woods Adventurer that I'm in the proccess of restoring.  It's identical to Trailman's 1969 Woods trailer, but mine has a hard top, instead of a canvas top.  It sleeps 4 cramped, but 2 comfortably, and I had just finished renovating the interior with new carpet, wood panel storage cabinets, new memory foam mattresses, and matching linen.  I also just spend $817 USD on a new canvas that was installed by Bear Creek Canvas in Spencer WI, while I was on vacation.  On the outside I put in new lights, wireing, wheels & Tires. and I'm working on repainting the body to it's original colour.

Here are a couple of pics of when I got it, and what it looks like now:

Before:
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/warwgn3/71se-woods/71woods02.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/warwgn3/71se-woods/71woods12.jpg)

After:
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/warwgn3/71se-woods/Tr294.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/warwgn3/71se-woods/Tr289.jpg)

I got this trailer for Free from a friend of mine that was going to haul it to the dump.  When I saw it for the 1st time, I saw alot of potential in it, even though it was trah bound, so it feels good to know that I made something out of nothing.

As for my other Vintage camper, which is actuall my Dad's, it's a 1979 Lionel M-500.  it sleeps 7, has a propane furnace, stove, fridge.  It aslo has  plenty of storage, running tap water, or pump tank, and a stow away toilet.  He's had it since 1980, and was in great shape when we used it, but my parent's aren't campers anymore, so the it has sat in the back yard for over 14 years now, pretty much untouched, so Who knows what shape it's in now.

Also  I have a friend what just aquired a 1984 Viking camper for free, as a project.  And man... what a project.  Talk about rough shape.  The inside is all rotten, and it needs a new canvas, cause the mice have chewed through most of it.

Hi Everyone,
We use our old popup about 30 days out of the year. It spent most of its downtime in a garage in Sea-tac, Washington until about 2 years ago. I brought it down to the Bay Area, and have been rehabbing it ever since. I put a new tent in it, and new mattresses. It's really great because its simple, pretty large when its folded out, and fairly light. I can't even tell its on the back of my Grand Cherokee except for seeing it in the rearview mirror. I guess Coleman didn't make very many of them, because I've only ever seen one other picture of one online.
I'll post some pics as soon as I find the ones I have on my hard drive.
Happy camping !
Ron Pringle
Kensington, CA

We own & use a 1969 Starcraft Starmaster 8

We had a 1976 Apache Ramada that I modded and restored. We sold it last week to another loving vintage enthusiast who is going to further improve it. See the link below for pictures.

Quote from: 1968_SkamperI found this thread very interesting.  We currently use a 1968 Skamper.  It sleeps 8 comfortably.  It had the old stove and fridge in it, but we took that out.  We purchased it from the original owners.  It needs new canvas and screens, but we are going to use it for at least one camping trip before sending it to the shop for the canvas.   Would like to see some older Skampers on here.  I would also like to know where parts can be found for these things.

LEM

Might I suggest taking a drive to Spencer WI, and have a company called Bear Creek Canvas make you a new canvas?

I went there to get my 1971 SE.Woods trailer re-canvased, and they did an outstanding job on my trailer. (as you can see by scrolling up) They gave me an exellent price too. $775 + 5.5% tax = $817 USD.  They even waved off the installation fee, because they thought I was nuts to drive 1,100 miles (1,800 kms) from Ottawa Ontario to see them.

If you can't drive to Spencer WI, you could always take the original canvas off the trailer, and mail it in, and they'll use the old one as a template, and send you the new one.

Here's their website if you need more info.. Bear Creek Canvas

Quote from: warwgn3Might I suggest taking a drive to Spencer WI, and have a company called Bear Creek Canvas make you a new canvas?

I went there to get my 1971 SE.Woods trailer re-canvased, and they did an outstanding job on my trailer. (as you can see by scrolling up) They gave me an exellent price too. $775 + 5.5% tax = $817 USD.  They even waved off the installation fee, because they thought I was nuts to drive 1,100 miles (1,800 kms) from Ottawa Ontario to see them.

If you can't drive to Spencer WI, you could always take the original canvas off the trailer, and mail it in, and they'll use the old one as a template, and send you the new one.

Here's their website if you need more info.. Bear Creek Canvas

Welcome to the site Doug  :)
1100 miles for a new canvas  :eyecrazy:
You get the nomination for hardcore vintage restorer  :D
I bet it was a fun trip though, how long did it take them to make and fit the new canvas?
Is it the same material as the old one?

Quote from: TrailmanWelcome to the site Doug  :)
1100 miles for a new canvas  :eyecrazy:
You get the nomination for hardcore vintage restorer  :D
I bet it was a fun trip though, how long did it take them to make and fit the new canvas?
Is it the same material as the old one?

It took them only a few hours to have the new canvas made and fit in, and the guy there said I broke the record for longest distance traveled for a drop off.

After my campout in Hell, MI  I drove to my friends house in Janesville WI on Sunday, stayed the night, and drove to Spencer WI to drop off the trailer, and went back to Janesville, stayed for the week, and went back to Spencer on Friday to pick up the trailer, and drove home.

Yup... I have and love my vintage!!  It is a 1971 Cox Conestoga!!

Quote from: AustinBostonI totally forgot about this camper, which I posted about just a couple weeks ago.  Not as old as the one Starcraft Dad posted about, but a beautifully restored one:

http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=61960

Austin

That is an A.J.Higgins, they are quite rare as they only made them a few years 1946 to 1948, maybe 1949.
A.J.Higgins the famous WW2 businessman boat builder, he built the famous World war 2 landing craft and the fast torpedo boats.
His contribution to the war effort with swift production methods and clever designs was huge.
After the war ended he tried to keep his workforce in work despite the recession.
He tried several endevours, beautifully crafted speedboats and the aluminum  bodied tent trailers to name a few, unfortunately his company folded before the recession ended.
A lot of people mistake the A.J.Higgins trailers for the namesake Higgins (a fictitious name partly named after a Sears employee) series of camping equipment sold by the Sears catalog company which came along many years later and had no links to the A.J.Higgins campers.


http://nutrias.org/monthly/june2000/june0013.htm

Im camping regularly in my camper, I bring a stitcher and canvas and tools to repair whilst camping.
It's a solid old beast, I'm keeping it for a while and updating the crap out of it,  one trip at a time.

Quote from: badbradIm camping regularly in my camper, I bring a stitcher and canvas and tools to repair whilst camping.
It's a solid old beast, I'm keeping it for a while and updating the crap out of it,  one trip at a time.

What make model year is your camper?  :W

I own a 1971 Bethany pop up.  i'm looking to restore it, just haven't found anywhere to get some new canvas for it.  It has all of the original interior.  Love the brown and orange flower material.  
I have owned the camper for 3 years now.  It was given to me by my uncle for a very strange reason.  The camper and i share names.

I just got on here today but I own and use a 1948 Higgins tent trailer.  It was handed down to me by my parents I just keep it goin.  New canvas about 20 yrs ago and I have had to put on new lights.  From what i have been seeing in pics looks like someone has changed the tounge on her at sometime also but she's still a good little trailer.

Quote from: unklmooseI just got on here today but I own and use a 1948 Higgins tent trailer.  It was handed down to me by my parents I just keep it goin.  New canvas about 20 yrs ago and I have had to put on new lights.  From what i have been seeing in pics looks like someone has changed the tounge on her at sometime also but she's still a good little trailer.

unklmoose, I think you have the award for the oldest trailer still in use  :#
You have a valuable trailer there and they can only gain more in value every year, I would love to see some photos.  
I found this pic of a 48 Higgins on the net, I think the tonque on it is the original, not sure if the paint is original most seemed to be blue.
Does it match your trailer?

Here is my 1971 Cox Cadet.  It was born when I was born.  She is now 37 years old and was recently enjoyed in Maine.  She took the beating of the rain in Maine and driving through NY City did not bother her one bit.  We have been everywhere in this Camper over the years.

Oh and get this...In one of the pictures for the advertisement of this camper (I have the original), it had a big rifle on one of the beds inside.  I thought that was unique.

We own a 1954 Heilite that is in original condition except for a new mattress. We tow it behind our 1990 Westphalia camper van.

I have a 78 Rockwood that I thought was in better shape than it really is. After 2 trips in it (I was down 2 mos. with a hip replacement) I found out that the canvas was worse than I thought and the tires that looked very new came apart on the first trip. I replaced the wheel bearngs, races and seals, 2 new 10 ply tires, Replaced the complete wiring for tailights because I had a bad ground somewhere that I couldn't find. Also found out that my stablizer jacks are screwed up. When I hooked up to water at a campground the first time I found out that someone had cut open the fitting and taken the valve out that keeps the campground water from going into the holding tank. Still, for $300, I feel that I got a good deal. I spent $20 for a tarp, $4 for a grommet tool and $4 for some rope at Harbor Freight that will get my canvas through this season and the next while I save up for new. In the meantime, since it's old, I'm not afraid to rip and tear and put my remodeling skills to work. We were stuck in the trailer a lot  on a thunderstorm filled weekend and it gave us time to see what we really needed to keep and get rid of. The sink is too small to be of much use and the propane refrigerator is broken and the propane furnace works but is 30 yrs. old and I don't think I could sleep with it running, so they're all going to be gone. I intend to replace them with a couch that I will build with storage underneath and more electrical outlets. I already have a dorm fridge and I intend to replace the stove with a microwave and my coleman fluid stove. I have a small electric ceramic heater that kept the trailer nice and toasty on high 40's nights. All in all, I can't wait to get started.

I have a 1969 Apache Ramada that will make its first camping trip in 20 years next weekend. I am sooo excited.
http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm417/sheains20/
yes I sewed that canvas all by myself.

I have a 1970 Starcraft Master 6 that I purchased last year for $495.00.  The trailer was owned by the same family for 37 years and was garaged.  The couple is 80 years young that sold me the trailer- I just spent a over 30 days camping in her since I got it - no leaks in the canvas when it rains, I have spent more money in buying things that what i spent on the trailer.  Have looked at newer ones and just can't seem to find one that feels as soild as this one- The way I put it is "She goes up and She goes down" and she's paid for.

We have a 79 Bethany.  We have replaced it with all new canvas and to begin with it was really clean.... just had mold on the canvas we werent willing to risk having the kids stay in!

We are in the process of replacing stuff on it if its needed.  I love it... for the most part.... except I would really love to have some of the newer freatures like bigger beds... a potty and outside grill....... A/C..... stuff like that.  But again I keep telling myself it works for us!

Quote from: Justadad1999How many of ya'll folks own and use a "Vintage Popup"? Now keep in mind that I read the unit must be 25 years old to be classified as "vintage".

We own & use a 1982 Coleman "Redwood" PU.

What is the OLDEST PU being used to date in this group? How old is your PU?

Larry
Houston/Katy Texas

Some of our best friends gave us a 1974 Steury pop up camper a little over a year ago.  We love it!  It needs a few things but we've camped in it a few times and have used it in the yard during a birthday bash last summer.  Needs some new spring loaded arms to help lift it up and could use some new tires.  Canvas is in great shape for its age, other than a few places where the seams have come apart there are no rips, tears or holes anywhere.  The inside is near perfect condition.  Very 70's looking, of course, with its green and gold colors...the seat cushions still had plastic on some of them when we got it.  Stove top has NEVER been used not even by the original owners.  We have the original bill of sale and paperwork that came with it.  We hope to get the new arms and new tires soon then I'd like to go to work on getting some slip covers made for the cushions just to give a little update.  We will paint the outside "box" as well and replace some of the plumbing and connections.  Check out the pictures I took of her this spring...Thanks!!  I was really glad to find this forum on "vintage pop ups", I had hoped there were others out there like us who love their old pop ups and want to fix 'em up.  Enjoy!

To see pictures, please check out my MySpace page:  //www.myspace.com/herbcat13  or if you want to e-mail me I'll be happy to send them to you that way.  E-mail:  herbcat13@aol.com

Herbcat,

You have the PU that I grew up with. My parents in MN owned a Stuery but our floorplan had the double dinette since there were six kids. We pulled it across the west with a 1972 Ford LTD. I have many great memories of the Stuery. It was a great camper. I still love to see people with them today.

Enjoy.

Mary Romeo

Quote from: maromeoHerbcat,

You have the PU that I grew up with. My parents in MN owned a Stuery but our floorplan had the double dinette since there were six kids. We pulled it across the west with a 1972 Ford LTD. I have many great memories of the Stuery. It was a great camper. I still love to see people with them today.

Enjoy.

Mary Romeo

Thanks for the reply!!  I realized AFTER I posted this that I put the wrong year model, it's actually a 1973 model, but still....glad to hear from folks who have enjoyed one.  I had never seen anyone else with one like it around where I live so it is just so nice to share wtih those who know about them.  You're right, it's a great floor model, so roomy...so much more than most of the new models these days.  Hard to think of parting with it for a new one!  Again, thank you.

We have a 1966 Apache Buffalo Mesa.

When we started doing off road events a few years back, we found that sleeping on the ground wasn't really a problem, but getting up off the ground in the morning was.

I started looking for a camper that was light enough to pull with a Geo Tracker.  I found the Apache on eBay.  It had been sitting in the owner's back yard for 23 years (reckoning from the tags on it).  It took about seven months of work to get it to the point that we could take it camping.

We have been using it for five seasons.  It is a very basic unit.  It has two beds and a dinette, no electrical system (other than the running lights), no water system, and no gas system.   We end up packing just like we did for tent camping, but we get to sleep up off the ground.

Hi.  I'm new here.  My project for this winter is to restore a 1957 Sears tent trailer that has been sitting in someone's garage for a few years now.  I will try to post pictures as it progresses and I hope I can ask for any advice from you all.  I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts and I look forward to being a member here.

Peace,

Mark (StovieRay)

Hey - just proofread (only a day or so later...) and it's a 1967.  I'm a '57.

I have a 1977 Steury. This unit looks great just small problems that I have been working on. Removed the original ice box and replaced it with an electrical unit, added an AC unit since it will be used in Florida. Also added a roof vent other then these items it is ready for the road. [IMG] :U

Our family purchased a 1980 Coleman Gettysburg in 1990. Paint has faded in the Texas Sunshine, I replaced the canvas a couple years ago, 6K BTU A/C on tongue, new electrical system. Looks small behind my Suburban, but minimal wind resistance. I also have an Aircamper cartop tent built in Indianapolis. Great place to keep the kids overnight.

Hey sheains20, it looks like you did a great job sewing the canvas for your Ramada! I have a '66 Apache Eagle and I've asked my wife for sewing lessons. I'd like to make new mattresses (with the vinyl backing, cloth top) and redo the canvas and screens.

Hope to take out the sewing machine and try at least a small project. (I won't give up my man card, though)

Cool looking vintage popups! Hoping to get mine in camping shape for the spring.

Have an 82 Coleman Redwood that we are in the process of restoring.

I just bought a 1970 Skamper.  Of course, there are no instructions, etc.  I am curious what the correct way to open the camper is, so that I do not screw up the arms. :confused:

i have a 1971 puma trailstar,inside is in great shape.just used it for the first time.

Just got it yesterday, will go into the shop next week to grease the wheel bearings.  Previous owner only had it a month or so, his wife wanted a hard side.  He had the AC fixed (No stock I am sure), and put in new gas lines.  The stove is stationary (pooh!!), there is a "pantry" that has to be lifted into place, that is going into the shed.  Someone built more storage on top of the credenza. The fridge looks original. the vent has been sealed shut, the roof has had rubber painted on it, and is cracking.  It has no battery and the dealer/shop is going to look at it to see if the converter will work with a battery (or visa versa).  The tag with the VIN is missing and DE MTRV told me to bring it back on Wed and the guys who have computers will be there to run the VIN and possibly put on a metal tag with the info that is now lost.  
Cushions are OK the colors are definitly 1970's, reds and oranges.

This one is our dry camping trailer, will be moving the dry camping stuff from the Bantam to the Jayco.  The Cabin A is perfect for one and the Bantam is the family camper... this Jayco has 2 Full sized bunk ends and the table.  so it is good for 2.

I recently came across a 1971 Appleby Tent trailer that I traded some junk sitting in the garage for that may have been worth $100. The guy I got it from didn't even know how to set up the tent. I am in the process of trying to get it back on the road in a week... I started last night by un-bolting the box from the frame, and have stripped the frame so I can paint, re-wire, and add another brace. I can't find much about the Appleby. If anyone has any information on the Appleby Tent Trailers, it would be much appreciated. I will try to get some pictures posted of what all I am doing.

(http://thetallorder.homestead.com/popup__1.jpg)
 
1970 Skamper geared up for parking lot music for car shows, etc.!  Still has the sink!  New arms, new lights - so far, so good!

We bought an 1969? Cox tent trailer (8' box) last year. The canvas was in excellent condition.  We completly refurbished it inside and out.  It came out awesome! We're going out in it in a couple of weeks.   I would recommend this experience for anyone who loves to bring old campers back.  What a great project!

We just purchased a 1965 Tradewinds Tahiti camper.  It's a little guy with lots of personality and history.

Quote from: afairburn;206925We just purchased a 1965 Tradewinds Tahiti camper.  It's a little guy with lots of personality and history.

Would love to see pics of it.

Larry

We have a 74 Apache Ramada, we have refurbished, and we love it. Have serveral trips under our belt including ft wilderness at Disney.

i have a 1962 Trade Winds, but not sure of the model.



i bought this one in the fall of 2007 for $350.  tinkered with it that fall and all last year.

replaced a lot of rusty fasteners.  those i couldn't replace i sanded and painted.

painted the inside, painted exterior parts that had been factory-painted, and cleaned up everything else.  

the canvas is still serviceable.  just put it back on a couple days ago and took these photos.

i will use it for the first time in a few weeks.



thanks

john

This thread is very cool, I grew up in Ill. and my parents bought an Apache Popup in the mid 60's. I almost bought a Coleman Colorado in the 70'. One of the main reasons I bought my Quicksilver, basic and a softtop.

I have a Wheel Camper purchased by my Dad in 1968 so we could drive to Hemisphere '68 (mini-worlds Fair) in San Antonio. It been in continual use since.  While not my primary camper now, I still use it several times every year for hunting trips.  Its been a great camper.  Broke the axel 2 years ago on a trip to Colorado, but fixed it and continued on.  It has been across the US coast to coast 4 times, to the Rockies 20 times.  Probally has 200,000 miles on it, with more to come. Of course, it looks like it too and I haven't made any improvements to it or repairs, except where mice have eaten holes in the canvas.  Only the original stove still works, but it beats sleeping on the ground and its easy to set up and take down.

How does a 1971 Appleby grab ya? I have customized the heck out of it, and I still have alot that i want to do to it. I added A/C, New flooring, PVC shelves, and I am in the process of extending one of the bunks to a full or queen size bunk. We use ours regularly and love it. It does get a little crowded on those rainy days, but we love it. We have made it very comfortable. Here are some pictures.  

http://community.webshots.com/user/BamaCamper?vhost=community

I have the distinct pleasure of owning an 1980 Bethany Compact 560...and I
love the looks others give it when they see those twin pullout beds sticking out the sides!  They have so much more appearant room inside..the cabin is
almost 11 feet long and 12 wide across the wings.
  Almost every trip other campers come up and want to see inside. Mine is a late production Bethany so it has white formica and plaid upholstry instead of the earlier orange's and red's.   It pulls like a dream...and sets up easily because there is NO cables or cranks...the spring loaded arms let me set the
roof up with only one hand. White spoke wheels instead of the stock black  
w/baby moon hubcaps moderized the outside appearance too.
  I usually camp alone so I try to keep a neat cabin and campsite and the 560 has ample storage for all the stuff I take along.   It's a shame they quit building this style of camper.

VERY cool camper, Gunrunner!

I do agree that there are some of the older designs that would have merited keeping around - this would be one of them!

laura