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BF Classified: 1958 FAN Travel Trailer

Most of the vehicles that we review on Barn Finds could be considered pullers as they are self-powered and capable of pulling or towing. Today, for your review, we have a pullee in the form of a 1958 FAN travel trailer. This rare trailer, which appears to be in original condition, is located in Polk City, Florida, and is available either here on BF Classifieds or here on eBay for $8,500.

Per TinCanTourists, the FAN Coach Company was formed in 1954 by Franklin A. Newcomer and his initials served as the acronym for the company’s name. By the mid-’60s, FAN’s manufacturing capability had grown to the extent that it had the ability to produce twenty-eight trailers per day. The company was sold twice and ultimately ended up under Coachman RV’s ownership before being closed for good in 1982. All told, FAN produced approximately 30,000 trailers/campers.

By my observation FAN trailers were an exercise in packaging. I recently came across one at the Ponte Vedra, Florida car show and was impressed with the amount of functionality squeezed into a rather diminutive footprint. This camper has it all, A/C, heat, sleeping accommodations, electrical hookups, storage, and though it doesn’t show it, I believe a sink that is located inside of the rear compartment door – it would be worth an inquiry to be certain.  Even the old-style, wooden screen door is a nice throw-back to an earlier era.

The exterior of this camper is in magnificent condition and shows no sign of wear inside, outside, or underneath. The understructure is composed of wood and has been painted or coated and 62 years has not caused it any distress. The seller states that this camper has been stored indoors and it truly shows it. As he further claims, there are no dents or creases in the perfect aluminum coachwork –  there is no detectable wear.

In a time when bigger is equated with being better, in pretty much every aspect of life, and certainly with pickup trucks and RV’s this FAN trailer, at only twelve feet in length, is a nice reminder of a long-ago simpler time. Got the urge to hit the open road? Just drop what you’re doing, hitch up the camper, take off and see the great outdoors in a simplistic and minimalist way. And beyond that, just as unusual vehicles are always a hit at your local car show, think of the discussions that this FAN camper will start at the next RV park or campground! This camper is a great way to go big by going small, don’t you think?

Comments

  1. Avatar Fahrvergnugen Member

    Great condition; perhaps it wasn’t used much? Esp without water or propane or interior space for a porta-potty, it’s more of a bed-in-a-box-on-wheels. Plus, the A/C looks to blow right onto your feet while sleeping.

    Intriguing, but pass.

    Like 6
  2. Avatar AZVanMan

    Very cool camp trailer. Never seen one, but I’m just one more divorce away from needing one!

    Like 9
  3. Avatar John P

    Not an original ‘58 Fan.. this is a completely new trailer…

    Like 3
    • Avatar Matt

      What makes you say that? The ad clearly states it’s a 1958?

      Like 4
    • Avatar Rick Sheerin

      You are correct John! This camper was made in 2006. I know because I built it! I had originally planned to do a full restoration on a full size Fan but because of the severe rot I demolished it down to the frame, shortened it and constructed what you see in the pictures. I repurposed the windows, cut the door in half and built the rest myself. I have pictures of the complete build. I registered it as a 58 Fan because I used the original frame and it was the easiest way at the DMV.

      Like 1
  4. Avatar Fred

    nice and simple peaceful thing

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Jason

    Is it made for midgets???

    Like 1
    • Avatar Major Thom

      +1. Unless you can see eye-to-eye with Danny Woodburn, it doesn’t look like it would be very comfortable for camping. Price has now dropped to $7500.

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Kenn

    It’s a pullee I believe.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jim ODonnell Staff

      Don’t you just love self-correcting text editors? Fixed!

      Thx,

      JO

      Like 1
  7. Avatar CharlesS

    Similar in concept to a teardrop camper. Set up a canopy at the rear of the camper for an outdoor kitchen, and your good to go. Many campgrounds have toilet and shower facilities. Can be towed with a midsized car or SUV. You get to sleep in air conditioned comfort safe from wild critters joining you in your sleeping bag. Quite a step up from a tent.

    Like 2

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