Vintage RV

Reflecting on our most popular vintage RV stories

These articles about classic RVs were especially popular with our readers

by Danielle Brost
Boler in a field of sunflowers
We have enjoyed interviewing a host of vintage RV enthusiasts to learn more about their projects. — Photo courtesy Jerry Clark

Every so often at RVwest, we take a peek down memory lane and find out which articles were the most popular among our readers. Our vintage enthusiasts have been stepping up to the plate consistently with restorations, inventions and personal stories that we were delighted to hear and share. 

Without further ado, here are some of the favourites:

- Photo courtesy Jerry Clark

Forging nostalgia: The art of crafting a teardrop RV masterpiece from scratch

While it was built using modern materials, Jerry Clark's made-from-scratch teardrop RV was designed as a nod to vintage units of its kind.

The Outsider blends the best of old-school style with new craftsmanship, resulting in the ultimate nostalgia machine.

- Photo courtesy Mike and Gisele Godwin

Vintage RV enthusiasts take on a major challenge

The Godwins proved they were up for the challenge when it came time to upgrade their vintage Datsun and Nissan RVs.

In a candid conversation, Mike shares their story, the struggles, and the thrill of giving old RVs a fresh lease on life. 

— Photo courtesy Jeff Crider

5 Tips for vintage RV restoration: Breathing new life into old campers

This article offers five basic tips to start you off when renovating a vintage RV.

Many of our readers are DIY experts, delving into intensive restoration projects and turning worn-out Bolers and other vintage units into stunning works of art. 

- Photo courtesy Jodi Slotar

Inspired by a classic 1960 KenCraft

Jodi Slotar embarked on her first vintage restoration project to remember the good old days during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The adventure started with the discovery of a 1960 KenCraft RV, and got more interesting from there

- Photo courtesy Terry Roden

Creating the perfect accessory for vintage RV enthusiasts

Terry Roden is a Canadian vintage RV enthusiast with the gift of creativity. He has a 1962 Shasta 16-SCS named Daisy that holds a special place in his heart - and one day he decided to design and create a 3D-printed keychain for it. Roden realized that other RVers would like to have their own custom-made keychains, with their trailer’s logo and other details printed on it - and that inspired him to start his business, Keys to Yesteryear.

- Photo courtesy Randy Welsh

This classic unit is a show-and-shine favourite

Randy Welsh of Cochrane, Alberta is the proud owner of a 1979 GMC Frontier camper van, which has been in his family since it was purchased brand-new. Despite being a vintage unit, it still looks new and runs smoothly. Welsh takes his van to show-and-shines when possible, earning the admiration of other classic RV enthusiasts and connecting with like-minded individuals.

- Photo courtesy Menno Sietzema

Meet Free Range, the restored 1971 Boler

Menno Sietzema and his wife, Marjolein, were camping on a sublime hot day in 2017 when they spied a couple of Bolers and got inspired. They tracked down and restored their own vintage Boler, which they named Free Range and take out on spring and summer adventures. 

- Photo courtesy Vintage Trailer Supply

Top sources for vintage RV parts and supplies

Finding replacement parts for vintage RVs can be a challenge, but these companies can help you restore your classic unit.

They have massive inventories and can order in parts that you may have thought were impossible to source.

Do you have a vintage RV story you would like to share with us? Fill out our contact form and let us know!

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