Truly awesome vintage trailers for sale are rare, especially those that have have been carefully restored to their original glory like this 1949 Palace Royale.
The Palace Corporation was a popular trailer builder in the 1940’s and 50’s. The company hailed out of Flint, Michigan and is known for a few specific details; One of the most well-known features of a Palace was their use of a round port window on the front door. Another feature they used in early models was an all steel body assembled (much like an automobile). This 1949 Palace Royale has both of these features.
The Atlas Mobile Home Directory has a few listings for Palace Corporation. Here’s an advertisement they feature on their site for a 1947 Palace:
This 1949 Palace is one of the most recent vintage trailers for sale on eBay. The listing price was $26,000 or best offer. The owner accepted the best offer though the agreed upon amount was not released.
This 1949 Palace Royale has been beautifully restored and is a perfect example of the beauty that is vintage trailers. Here’s how the seller described the home:
This is a rare vintage 1949 Palace 24′ Royale that’s been lovingly restored. It is super clean and looks stunning! It literally turns heads from blocks away! The trailer has been restored to be original as possible while adding some important updates.
We disassembled the trailer down to the wall studs and open frame. We then repaired and replaced from the bottom up, including new insulation, subfloor and wiring. Most of the cabinets are original with their great hardware. This restoration was not intended to make the trailer like new, but to repair the issues and maintain the vintage look and feel of the trailer. We replaced all of the window seals and all of the unique window openers work great.
It is lightweight at 4,260 lbs and can be towed easily behind any medium sized tow capable vehicle! It is very warm and inviting with a front queen sleeper sofa, full center kitchen and a rear bedroom with a full size bed! We added a very small bathroom with a toilet and a shower. We also added gray and black tanks along with a fresh water tank and water pump for camping convenience. It has a beautiful kitchen setup with the original oven and a period correct refrigerator and lots of storage!
The seller also listed all the restorations and replacements they done to the trailer:
1) Exterior and interior paint
2) Axle, brakes and tires
3) Electric breaker box and 2 circuits
4) Hot water heater
5) Fresh, gray and black tanks
6) Dometic porcelain toilet
7) Plumbing lines, faucets, water pump
8) Dual propane tanks, gas lines
9) Insulation (most)
10) Ceramic tile backsplash
11) Vintage style awning
12) Custom curtains
13) Electric space heater
14) Freshwater hose and waste hose
The late 1940’s was a time of renewal and peace in the US. After WWII, the country experienced a severe housing shortage and trailers was getting used as full-time housing, as opposed to temporary housing or camping. You can read more about that time here:
Wood paneling was used often in the early model trailers and campers. The interior restoration of this home is exquisite. Every detail is perfect!
If you are in the market for your own vintage trailer there are a few things you should keep in mind. Cost is usually based on the restoration. If the trailer has been completely restored in period-specific materials you can expect to pay a premium.
If you want to save money it’s probably best to buy a trailer that needs to be restored and do it yourself. This gives you the ability to spend money a little at a time and control every aspect of the restoration.
Do you have a vintage trailer or mobile home? We’d love to see it!
As always, thank you for reading Mobile and Manufactured Home Living!
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