Old campers are among some of the coolest accessories you can pair with an old-school 4×4, and this 1959 Trautman Holiday is a compelling and rare offering from a seller that claims to have loads of experience with restoring and maintaining campers like these. The seller notes this one belonged to close friends of theirs who could not keep the Trautman due to lifestyle changes that precluded its completion, but it seems like lots of heavy lifting has already been done. The paint has already been stripped off and the aluminum body polished to shine like new, and the seller notes that the panels are among the straightest he’s ever seen. Find it here on eBay with bids up to $4,250 and no reserve.
The trailer, to me, is the perfect length, clocking in at a manageable 16.5 feet (19 feet bumper-to-hitch). The interior is a treat, looking far better than its age would suggest. The seller notes several improvements on the outside body, but it sounds like the interior hasn’t needed as much refurbishment. The seller notes that the woodwork could be brightened up with orange oil and beeswax, and that the original furnace and stove still work. There’s no refrigerator, so you’re going to need a cooler. The dinette cushions have been recently reupholstered, and the seller adds that the original fleck laminate on the countertops and speckle laminate on the dinette table are in good condition.
The listing notes that the camper benefits from new insulation and that all of the exterior panel screws were replaced with new stainless steel hardware. If you’re seeking perfection, the edge trim will need to be removed and polished, and then re-installed with new hardware and sealant. Other hard work already done includes all of the windows having been removed so the frames could be polished and reset with new bedding and reinstalled, also with new hardware. Any glass with rough edges or other imperfections was replaced with genuine green tint glass, including the glass in the entrance door. The door itself has been polished to match the finish of the rest of the body.
Overall, there’s a lot of heavy lifting done, to the point that I’m surprised the seller doesn’t simply keep it and finish it, or finish it for a better result on eBay. Of course, the market for vintage travel trailers is all over the place with regards to which ones are the most desirable and which ones simply look sweet but don’t actually have high values. The Trautman is certainly an ideal size and configuration for travelers who don’t wish to have the bulk or difficult navigation of a full-size unit, and with just a little finish work, it looks like it will be a pleasant space to spend time in eventually.
I can just see this hooked up to any late fifties or early sixties station wagon. It doesn’t matter what make of car that you choose. Whether it’s a Rambler,a Chrysler, Ford ,or Chevrolet. Could he a four door hardtop wagon or a plain Jane Plymouth. But it looks great for a road trip
Isn’t this quite rare?
I can’t think of anyone who wouldn”t like to have this. I have the vehicles to pull it , which is also why I don’t have the money to buy it.
If I’m going there, it’s gotta be an Airstream.
See, now this, while relatively unknown, has a lot more zing than the Airstream, just because it looks nice, and half the price. I remember, we had a couple Shastas, a Winnebago, a Friendship, there were a ton of manufacturers, all pretty much did the same thing, a place to sleep, and wait out the dreaded “rainy day”. Camping was more of an outdoors thing, the trailer was secondary,, quite the opposite of today, where people bring their living rooms to the campsite, and that’s okay, I guess. You know, we think, oh boy, gonna need a 454 or Cummins to pull it,,not really. I remember, my old man in the 60’s, had a wide array of tow vehicles, they were nothing fancy, and while I don’t recommend any 6’s or 4’s, a small V8, like the old man had, will do just fine, it’s not a race. It’s not until you get the “living rooms”, that you need the power. Great find, most campers became card shacks in the woods or fodder for monster truck shows. Nice to see a nice one again.
For once I agree with Howard A re: today’s “campers”. We used to tent camp, and kids would come from their palatial RVs to sit on a log and eat breakfast with us, the eggs, bacon and pancakes having been prepared over an open fire outside. Ditto supper. I’ve often wondered what sort of memories can be built inside a vehicle nicer than many homes.
Well it would seem that I am now the owner of this trailer, and I don’t mean one like it. Literally this one. I picked it up today in Greenville, SC. When I got home I googled “1959 Trautman Camper Trailer” to see what I could find out…and just found my own camper with no other information anywhere. Pretty wild. If anyone knows anything about these let me know! Thanks!
I believe your trailer is a 1959 Holiday Rambler, Trautman was probably the RV dealer that sold it. Do a search for this manufacturer and year and you’ll find some images of this trailer. The founders of Holiday Rambler said once that this was a new design for them, discovered it towed like a brick, and in 1960 went back to a more canned ham/toaster design. Hope this helps, sorry to be so tardy.
Nancy,
Thank you so much for that information! That makes so much more sense that it’s a Holiday. I love this camper and managed to put a new vinyl floor in it simply because the old one was worn out. The camper needs to be gutted and restored but personally I enjoy the stains on the wood and all of it’s character, tells more of a story! Anyways, thanks again!