Questions About RVs

Dear Mary,

I've recently acquired a 19ft Yellowstone trailer from the mid 60's. It's in really great shape and I am going to start restoring it. What kind of upgrades/options would be most common/useful? It has a shower/latrine, stove, refrigerator, heater and hot water by gas and is fully wired for electric. I'm really hoping to enjoy this in the Blue Ridge Mtns here in NC.

~~ Thanks, Randy

Expert Reply

Dear Randy,

Congratulations on your decision to purchase a vintage camping trailer. You are in for a fun and exciting camping adventure. My husband and I used to own a vintage travel trailer, and you can read all about our restoration experience in Airstream Restoration. We learned very quickly that older campers that appear sound sometimes have structural issues.

The first think you should do is verify that the flooring in your camper is solid and that the seams are free from leaks. If you are fortunate enough to discover that you don't have any structural problems, make sure to apply sealant to the seams to avoid leaks from developing in the future.

It's also a good idea to flush the liquids from all of the systems so you can be sure that everything is fresh. You may want to have a professional verify that the electrical and gas systems are in good working order, just to avoid any potential safety hazards from older wiring or plumbing.

As far as upgrades go, I say that part of the appeal of a vintage trailer is being able to enjoy using the older amenities. I suggest keeping the original stove and refrigerator, assuming they are functional and serve your purposes. Since you're planning to camp in the mountains, it's a good idea to invest in an electric braking system. Otherwise, it sounds like you are good to go!

~~Mary

Dear Mary,

I would like to know what brand of camping trailers do NOT use wood products for the underbelly...and what brand of camping trailers have enclosed underbellies?

~~ Thanks, Linda

Expert Reply

Dear Cheryl,

While it seems that RV design may be headed toward minimizing the use of wood in trailer construction, there aren't many wood free options as of yet. I was able to find a folding camping trailer that uses no wood in the underbelly, or anywhere else in the camper. If this option interests you, check out the Quicksilver folding trailer by Livin’ Lite.

Unlike models with no wood at all, camping trailers with enclosed underbellies aren't difficult to find. A number of reputable recreational vehicle manufacturers make trailers with enclosed underbellies. Some of the most popular models include:

• Brookside by SunnyBrook RV
• Glacier Bay by North American Traveler
• North Trail by Heartland RV
• Sunset Trail by Crossroads
• Max Lite by Trail Lite
• Surveyor by Forest River
• Captiva by Coachmen
• Eagle by Jayco
• Denali by Dutchmen
• Cougar by Keystone

Please note that this is not an all exclusive list of camping trailers that have enclosed underbellies. The majority of the newer trailers do actually have this feature. It's also important to be aware that older models may not be built according to the same specifications as newer models, so be sure to verify with the dealer or seller whether or not the particular model that interests you actually has an enclosed underbelly.

When you're choosing among the different brands, keep in mind that there are several factors to consider other than just whether or not the underbelly is enclosed. Some trailers have simple enclosures, designed to protect the bottom of the camper from damage resulting from exposure to the elements. Some trailers offer an additional layer of protection by adding insulation to the enclosed underbelly. If you live or camp in particularly cold climates, you may even want to investigate some of the higher end trailers that offer underbellies that are enclosed, insulated, and heated.

~~Mary