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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2017 1:11:19 GMT -8
I came across this 1949 Prairie Schooner on CL. This is about 30 miles from my home and I'm considering taking a closer look. My wife would likely kill me as I have barely started on my current trailer restoration. However, I've gotten the bug to peruse what is out there, and this seems real intriguing.
Does anyone know anything about these trailers? What might be the value of something like this completely restored?
The current owner wants $2800, but looks like he will deal somewhat. I copied the CL post below these (2) pictures:
This postwar "breadbox" style of camper harkens back to an era of streamlined glamour! Built in the era after WWII, using the same techniques that were used to build the bombers, these trailers often served as a "home away from home" for servicemen across the US.
The Prairie Schooner Tourister is not a common make, overshadowed by Airstream, Avion, and Albion of course, but still notable in it's breadbox shape and aluminum skin.
I got this trailer with the intent of gutting it completely and building a travelling shop for my wife to take to shows and sales- but I don't have the time to do the full frame-off rebuild that is necessary. Yes, this trailer has a great frame and skin- but someone left it in the woods with the kitchen door open, and a branch fell on the roof, cracking a wood brace and creating a leak. So the floor and ceiling of the front half is a total gut. At that point, might has well lift the whole thing off the frame, Coroseal or POR15 the frame, and build a whole new floor and internal skeleton, using what is there as a pattern.
There are some great parts- original Bargman locks (I found the key hidden on a shelf inside) and one of the wooden screen doors is intact, good for a pattern to rebuild. Preway oven and Marvel refrigerator for vintage touches. Non-original oil heater. And to top it off, a factory option STAINLESS STEEL BATHTUB encased in a wood frame, that sits under the box spring and mattress. It's like a time capsule, with 1950's newspapers lining the shelves and souvenirs from Yellowstone. Yes, it's a lot of work. It's a perfect winter project! But once you get done, you won't be glamping in a spam can with pink flamingo curtains (I hope!) You'll be glitzing it up in style, 1940s style!
You can get a lot of helpful pointers from the experts on TinCanTourists or BasketCaseTrailers on Facebook. I also got all of the factory info on CD that was available from the trailer expert in Germany, Juergen Eichermueller. And a bunch of "time capsule" goodies that come along with the trailer.
Will tow home fine- I brought it home from an hour north of Duluth, three hours behind my F150 and I barely noticed it was there. Has heavy duty tires with tubes inside on it right now for safety, should eventually have trailer spec tires put on it.
Asking for $2800- but make me an offer. I'm willing to trade for a vintage tractor- like a Ferguson, Allison, or Massey with a three-point hitch and a brush hog, or a 99+ Volkswagen commuter car.
Or maybe something I haven't thought of. Feel free to make me an offer |
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Nov 15, 2017 19:23:56 GMT -8
I like it too. I wonder what the inside looks like? Sounds rough.
"Built in the era after WWII, using the same techniques that were used to build the bombers"
Rivets?
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Post by vikx on Nov 15, 2017 21:49:18 GMT -8
I like it but looks very rough... This appears to be a riveted trailer and would be repaired from the inside out. The front "curve" will be very hard to duplicate at the dent. It would be a fun build with a huge learning curve. Parts will be in the 10K range with original appliances and fixtures. Completely restored it might sell for 25. I'm being realistic. Museum quality restorations are sky high, selling price reflects what the traffic will bear.
Honestly, it's very hard to "make money" on any vintage trailer build if you count your hours. I'm at a dollar an hour and one of our members is up to $1.78... We do it for the joy, not the profit.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2017 22:11:47 GMT -8
Thanks for the responses nccamper and vikx...
I know what you mean about the joy versus the profit! That is what intrigues me about this one - quite the challenge and learning curve as you say.
Do you know of anyone that has restored a trailer like this? Would be great to get a step by step teardown and rebuild example from someone with experience.
The inside out approach would definitely be different than the outside in of a traditional restoration. Would cabinetry, closets, paneling, flooring, etc. all be brought in through the doors versus building the exterior shell around the completed interior?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Nov 17, 2017 13:59:56 GMT -8
The only thing I can offer here is that it's not a "breadbox"... It's a "bread loaf" trailer. LOL.. I'm a stickler for correct terminology. It's not worth $2800 in my humble opinion. $1000 tops with only these two photos. As Vikx said, the top will be very hard to fabricate. Tar on the roof seams sucks. I've seen these in much better shape sell for much less. They are not in demand. Winter project? More like 3 to 5 winters.... Spam Can? This guy sure knows how to obliterate our terminology...
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2017 20:46:36 GMT -8
Darn...you broke my bubble Mobiltec! I was hoping that I might have found a gem way up here on the Minnesota tundra! I'm not too concerned about getting the dent out as I've done a lot of body work on old muscle cars in the past, and aluminum would be relatively easy to reshape.
I did get a couple more pictures that show the Bargman H-20-2 door handle and the cool looking bathtub. Never seen that before!
I'm still trying to connect with the guy to take a look in person...anyone else that can provide me feedback on this thing would be greatly appreciated before I'm able to see it up close (hopefully still available).
By the way..."SPAM" was invented in Minnesota, and a lot of folks up here use it slang/ pop culture I guess. So don't take too much offense! We are very proud and have fun with it.
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Post by vikx on Nov 17, 2017 21:19:20 GMT -8
That bathtub is too cool!
There are a few sites online that discuss riveted trailers. Airforums (Airstream site) has a lot of rebuild info. They're not the same, but similar. Rivet methods and tools are different than what you're probably used to. I have a friend with a 55 Boles Aero and he is currently trying to re-fabricate skins. The trailer is gutted, as is normal for this type of trailer.
I think once you get the shell and floor sound, the build isn't that different. Many have aluminum ribs, then are framed with wood around windows, doors and wall studs. The wood allows firm attachments for cabinets, panels, etc. I'll know more next year, as I will be helping on the Boles. The only worry I have with a breadloaf is bad aluminum. Just don't have enough tools and metal suppliers to go there.
I agree with Larry, you're looking at at least two winters. Be FUN tho!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2017 21:49:46 GMT -8
Thanks Vikx for the encouragement! Like I said, I have yet to see this in person and the owner hasn't contacted me yet. Hopefully he's off hunting (it is that time of the year here), and not able to get back to me. I'd be bummed if it is already sold before I have a chance to at least take a closer look.
When I read "winter project", I felt the same way as you and Larry...more likely (2) winters and a summer in between! But you know...most people believe winter never ends in Minnesota, so I have all the time in the world! Labor of love - that is what we are in it for, correct??
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Nov 18, 2017 7:39:19 GMT -8
Sorry to pop your bubble but you might want to study up on aluminum a bit. It's not like re-shaping steel. When it is dented it stretches and there is no way to bring it back to it's original shape. It will oil can on you. There are aircraft builders out there who might be able to help.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Nov 18, 2017 19:02:21 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2017 12:24:41 GMT -8
I agree with nccamper on restoring large campers - probably not a good money making venture.
However - I still have my eye on the one below, a 1949 Prairie Schooner. The existing owner told me he had folks interested some time ago, but now his listing just reappeared yesterday. Still at $2800 - I might take a peek at it in the Spring if it is still available. By then maybe the price will drop further and it might become a worthwhile investment. It would be a good viewing opportunity regardless. Thoughts??
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Post by vikx on Dec 31, 2017 20:35:46 GMT -8
I think that the two "free" trailers will cost you more to bring them home than they are worth. And restored not much more. The bottom one might be really cool inside (or filthy dirty and trashed) It "might" be worth a look but long trailers just don't sell. It is a house trailer, not a vintage camp trailer.
Didn't we discuss the Prairie Schooner a while back? Again, it's bigger than what's popular but is the right year. Fixing it will be extremely difficult, especially the compound curves. The roof is very dented and has a big strip of tar. This type of trailer usually has some pretty severe cancer along the bottom of the skins and belly (if metal) I don't see this as an investment, more a labor of love if you want to keep it.
Most people looking for a vintage trailer want small and hammy. Some of the mid 60s retro rigs are popular as well. Getting into a camping spot is much easier with a shorter trailer, not to mention that a lot of campgrounds don't allow long trailers. If you are wanting to re-sell, older than 1970 is good, small is better and hams the best.
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Post by nccamper on Jan 1, 2018 5:36:50 GMT -8
I like the Prairie Schooner. One came for sale here a few years ago for $2500. The construction was closer to a tank than the small hams I normally buy. So I passed on it.
I agree with vikx, most people shopping for vintage are searching for cute and easy to tow. But if there is a chance your wife will toss you out of the house for having too many projects going at once, a large camper may be more comfortable for you while living in the driveway.
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Post by bigbill on Jan 1, 2018 7:00:34 GMT -8
The newer small rig could be a Banner many of them were built with that paint style I would guess it to be a 70 plus or minus a few years.
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Post by vikx on Jan 1, 2018 22:06:28 GMT -8
Not many folks are looking for breadloafs. They need a lot of vehicle to tow and take $$$ to repair, so cost more in the end. Take a look on eBay and see how many completed listings are for one and the price. Also, we had a restorer here who did a lot of work on this type of trailer, even fabricated a 'new' one to look old. Unfortunately, he also used modern counters, faucets and flooring which did NOT go over well with buyers. They are looking for VINTAGE. Conveniences can be easily hidden, so a trailer can work well without losing the charm.
Where you are makes a difference in selling. If vintage trailers are popular where you live, there is more of a chance one will sell. For instance, California has a lot of breadloafs, a good place to restore them.
Sorry to harp, but length really does make a difference. Spartan buyers are actually cutting the 31s and 33s down to around 24 feet. Spartans are in demand and the shorter the better.
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