When Vintage Trailers Grew Up

the trailer grows up

The 1920’s and 30’s were the travel trailer’s Golden Age. They were the ultimate automobile fashion accessory and had yet to be labeled as a poor man’s refuge. The following article chronicles the innovations during the late 1930’s such as electric breaks and provides a glance into the wonderful world of travel trailers.   (Popular … Read more

Our Mobile Homes of the Past Infographic

mobile homes of the past

Mobile Homes of the Past is a little info-graphic I put together that highlights some styles of each era and lists quotes about the homes. I love to read about the history of mobile homes and I have much respect for the people that fought for the homes, such as Elmer Frey, president of Marshfield … Read more

Unique Mobile Homes – Highrises of the Past, Present, and Future

skyerise terrace stacked mobile home highrise

There were some truly unique mobile homes in the past. Some made sense. Some didn’t. Most unique mobile homes have one thing in common – they were created by dreamers trying to solve a problem and they may have worked had they not been before their time. The need for affordable housing is never ending. Land … Read more

Vintage Mobile Home Restoration; Worlds Oldest Caravan

worlds oldest mobile home

The Wanderer, perhaps one of the oldest mobile homes in existence, recently went through an extensive vintage mobile home restoration. It’s now proudly displayed at the Cotswolds Caravan Club. Related: The History of Mobile Homes. Dr. William Stables, a wealthy Scotsman, commissioned the caravan in 1884. It is an impressive 30 feet long and the epitome of luxury. … Read more

1953 Spartanette Mobile Home Restoration Video

spartan trailer

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Here’s a video that shows a great vintage mobile home restoration of a 1953 Spartanette.  Spartan’s are one of the most popular vintage mobile homes and for good reason; their well built and beautifully designed. Getting your hands on a Spartan that has been maintained fairly well is hard though. If your dream is to own one, you should be prepared for a hunt. The good ones are picked up quickly! The others are usually picked up quickly as well and then prepared for a complete mobile home restoration to take place. It’s a hobby, a business, and a passion. Some lucky people have made their living restoring mobile homes and campers!

There’s an entire culture and community in the US that revolves around vintage camper and mobile home restoration. They meet all over the country pulling their beauties and talking to other owners. The Tin-Can community is one of the largest and has over 7,000 members on their Facebook page. If you own a vintage camper or mobile home  you might want to consider becoming a paying member of some groups. It’s a great way to meet people and to see beautiful vintage campers and mobile homes.

Here’s a few groups you might want to check into:

Tin Can Tourist at www.tincantourist.com

Sisters on The Fly at www.sistersonthefly.com

Old Trailer at oldtrailer.com

Birchwood Beauties at www.birchwoodbeauties.com

These are the most popular and each one shares schedules of shows and meets so check to see if there’s any in your area. It’s a great way to make new friends.

As always, thanks so much for reading Mobile & Manufactured Home Living!

Daydreaming of Kate’s Lazy Desert Airstream Motel

kate's lazy desert airstream motel

Finding resorts, motels and campgrounds that rent out vintage mobile homes is one of my favorite parts of this blog. These attractions are perfect for those of us that can’t afford to own our own vintage mobile home just yet. They are also perfect just to get away from life for a minute. Kate’s Lazy … Read more

1936 Mobile Home Innovations

vintage mobile folding house

Our mobile homes are perfect examples of how modern technology and innovation can better our lives. From a small vardo being pulled by horses to our new triple wides, the mobile home industry is always improving and inventing ways to make living as comfortable and easy as possible. In a 1936 mobile home, there were … Read more

1936 Mobile Homes

vintage+camper1

Could you image the excitement and intrigue of new 1936 mobile homes? I sure can! Lot’s of people saving up for their dream home in an effort to be free and live simply and go anywhere they wanted. It’s a refreshed dream that is still in some of our hearts some 70 years later. This … Read more

Fold Up Homes of the 1950’s

fold up mobile homes

Innovation is what drives the manufactured home industry, one of the best innovations was fold up homes. While I wouldn’t classify these particular homes as true mobile homes (no axle is attached), I do consider them to be the pre-fab’s of yesterday. Related: Expandable Mobile Homes: The First Double Wides. The concept of folding the walls … Read more