While well-seasoned trailer travelers may know Shasta products, the brand seems a bit more elusive than some others, and this 1962 Astrodome undoubtedly has the coolest interior of any pull-along motel I’ve seen in a while. The outside isn’t bad either, and for $7,500, it’s making me want to get my camping gear in order and hit the road. This one’s also had a lot of work done and seems ready for action, so head on over to Opelika, Alabama, to see if “Lillian Rose” is right for you. That’s what the owners call her, and it’s always extra special when anything with wheels is referred to by a proper name. Reader PRA4SNW spotted her here on Facebook Marketplace, and we’d like to say thanks for taking the time to send in the tip!
From what I can gather, Shasta offered the Astrodome and the similar Astroflyte from 1961 through 1964, and the main difference was that the Astrodome had a toilet. The seller reports that Lillian’s bathroom is the world’s smallest lavatory, but at least she has one! Both models featured a cab-over-bunk sleeping area, and apparently it extends far enough forward to accommodate a full-size mattress, albeit a thin one. It actually looks fairly comfortable, and the breakfast table sits directly underneath.
The rest of the interior has also been lovingly restored to a mid-century retro vibe, using turquoise, white, and, of course, wallpaper! This looks like really good workmanship, and it includes features like air conditioning and a refrigerator/freezer. However, the seller reports that it’s not just the cosmetics that have gotten attention- there’s also a modern electrical system with new wiring, new plumbing, new roof vents, and new electric brakes. The wheels have been repacked, and Lillian is riding on a new set of tires.
The message out back sums up the performance, as the owner says she also rides like a vintage trailer, with a sweet speed of around 60 to 65 MPH. However, Lillian Rose is reportedly structurally sound, with a rewelded frame, resealed windows, and a freshly sealed roof. She’s also traveled enough to build a track record of dependability, having been through Texas, Virginia, and numerous regional trips in Alabama. I’m really digging this 1962 Shasta Astrodome and how the seller restored her. How about you?
Hook it up 🛻 and follow the sunshine ⛱️🌞
Absolutely, Stan. This is a beaut, and regardless of the RV park rules it’s a star wherever it goes. Phenomenal work to this point and any experienced RV’ers with any real class will appreciate what’s been done to this classic queen. An exceptionally well written ad besides, it belies the belief that Faceplant Marketplace is for employees with too much time on their hands and tweekers.
Sheesh, another FB novel, got “her” whole life story here. I realize too little of a description is frustrating, but “she” goes overboard. You can tell it’s a gal, just by the name. Macho men don’t name their possessions after long decreased aunties. It really does show a ladies touch however,, heck, even I would sit my touchas on that terlet.( normally disgusting) My parents had a Shasta, without that “coffin” on top. It was not for the claustrophobic type. In the 60s, Shasta was considered a nice unit. Not as good as those snooty Airstreams, that garnered the best spots. Shasta, and the like, got the “overflow area”, but camping was gaining steam, the “Woodalls, the campers bible, was as thick as one with hundreds of campsites. Just about any car could pull these, just not too fast, as the sign says, but there was no rush, the ride was part of the adventure, and still can be. Wonderful find, and I guarantee, a “guys” trailer would never look this good.
No that’s a proper camper trailer, what a beauty.
Nice Shasta. I spent many summers in my grandparents Shasta and then their Starcraft. Lots of great memories
$7500 isn’t bad for the condition it’s in.I better not show this to my Wife!
Wonder why it’s registered in Virginia,while it’s located in Alabama?
I agree with all the comments posted here. It is indeed a very nice camper that you could take out and enjoy as it
sits. And like some of you, my parents
owned a few of these things over the years. And if Mom and Dad bought one that wasn’t in cherry condition, we
all.pitched in as a family and made it
over to fit our tastes. Mom and my sister would redo the interior while Dad and I did the paint and body work.
The only real thing that I see this one needing would be solar panels if you
REALLY wanted to get away from it all
and still have power when you need it
and maybe one of those mobile Internet
thingies so that you’ll have something to do should Mother Nature wash out that big hike in the hills you had planned. It would also be useful to run
a radio for weather alerts and the like.
And yeah, you might wanna use a rear
drive vehicle to pull it as using a FWD
vehicle will cause the CV joints to fall out while on your adventure. Had the latter happen to me while towing a small John boat with a ’66 Olds Tornado over 50 years ago and haven’t
forgotten it. That’s why you don’t tow
with a front drive car.
looks to be well done. great if this what your into.
Never had a Shasta, but my dad bought a Corsair in ’61. It lacked the overhead bunk and the toilet but could still sleep 6 in relative “comfort”. We towed all over the mid-Atlantic states. The main issue was always electrical gremlins. I remember being atop a mountain in NC in a fogbank and ice storm trying to trace a short and deciding whether to descend without lights or trailer brakes. Friends had Shastas in the same period.
Nice rig, but looking at the video…was that tin foil in the toilet bowl?
Interesting, beautiful trailer Mike. I have spent some wonderful time with ex-wife inside such a trailer, parked in a small piece of land we bought cheaply, at 700m (2,000 feet) altitude with running water and the forest nearby. No need for a.c. even at the hottest summer days, the seaside at 30min down the road. Electricity by a Suzuki generator and a 60Ah battery, no sun panels in the late 80’s. Sometimes smaller is better!
It is now listed as “Out of Stock”.