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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jan 17, 2015 13:01:32 GMT -8
I'm attempting to attach some pics to this thread after following the tutorial (thanks!). If successful, I'll add more and tell our story. Here goes: First pic is how we found her, and the second is a year later when we finally got her out camping.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jan 17, 2015 14:39:04 GMT -8
Now that I know how to post pics, here is how we found our camper. In March of 2013 we started looking for a camper, not knowing anything about them. We looked on Craigslist and at some local dealers. We were heading towards something like a Cassita or other new smaller camper. But, then my wife discovered the world of vintage camper trailers that started another round of Craigslist searches. The first one we looked at was the one we bought. We were actually heading to the Milwaukee RV show when the listing popped up, so we stopped on the way there (only 15 minutes away). It took 15 minutes to fall in love and another 15 minutes of the RV show before we called the sellers, made our offer, and met again to give a deposit. We really had no idea just how lucky we were. The Friendship Vacationaire not only seemed to have the coolest double-entendre name (made in Friendship, Wisconsin), but it was in almost perfect original shape, apparently having been stored inside for decades. There appeared to be no leak staining anywhere, the Dometic LP fridge looked new, the Formica table top was shiny, and the cushions and upholstery looked in new condition. One of the features we loved the most (and have yet to find on another camper) were the two opposing sofas in the rear that easily converted to an almost king size bed that would allow us invite camper friends inside for socializing, and when made into the bed, allow us to sleep aligned the long way so we wouldn't have to climb over one another in the night for potty breaks. It also featured a drop floor which lowered the wind drag profile. Not much was done on the inside other than cleaning. Kathi made some curtains and throw pillows and found a perfect rug. Then, she spent some happy time scouring eBay for vintage Kenro Holliday Melmac dishes (made in Fredonia, Wisconsin), spaghetti glasses, mid-century modern flatware, and other dinnerware. Once we got her home, of course, we discovered just a few issues. There HAD been a leak in the ceiling inside the kitchen wall cabinet. So, off came the J-rails and led to some minor frame rot repair, new wiring for a new Fantastic Fan, some rafter reinforcing, improved ceiling insulation, a new roof, and new J-rails. I changed the electrical system so the fixtures ran off 12 volt DC (with some interesting drama that I documented in VTT Electrical) with a converter/charger and LED lightbulbs. Eventually, I realized that the wheels and tires were too big for the camper, so new ones were bought. It seemed most of the work was on the outside. The windows and all aluminum were cleaned and steel wool polished (thanks to Kathi's hard work). The locks were re-keyed. I hand painted the camper using expensive Sherwin Williams acrylic paint with small hotdog rollers. We like the semi-gloss rolled texture that effectively hides several old love dings. Every screw was replaced with new stainless steel square drive ones. When we go camping, we wake in the morning to the warm glow of the birch paneling, and realize that in the space of 3 sheets of plywood we have everything we need. The louvered windows allow ventilation while keeping out the rain, the coffee pot is an arms reach away, and we know we will NEVER sleep on the ground in a wet tent again. I'll post a few pics here and in some of the appropriate topics on VTT. We want to thank the VTT community for the kind and wise advice through all of the difficult tasks. Joe and Kathi
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jan 17, 2015 15:04:58 GMT -8
Your camper is really beautiful. People search for years to find something like it to restore.
How long is it?
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jan 17, 2015 15:37:01 GMT -8
It's a 13'-6" box, about 16' overall. We think it is about the perfect size. We pull it with a 6 cylinder pickup. It weighs about 1900 lbs, according to a vintage brochure we found.
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Post by vikx on Jan 17, 2015 21:58:55 GMT -8
Lovely trailer! Really enjoyed your photo story. Thank you.
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pete3046
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Post by pete3046 on Jan 18, 2015 9:55:14 GMT -8
Wonderful camper and story! Good for you, enjoy! Pete
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MarthaS
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1965 Friendship Vacationaire
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Post by MarthaS on Jan 19, 2015 6:56:04 GMT -8
Can't wait to see it in person Joe!!!!
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shellatorg
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Post by shellatorg on Jun 13, 2015 9:34:50 GMT -8
Your camper is amazing! What a great story! You've just made me even that much more excited that we just bought our first one yesterday. Thanks for sharing!
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jun 13, 2015 15:38:32 GMT -8
Beautiful!
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craftbeardo
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Friendship Vacationaire
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Post by craftbeardo on Dec 18, 2016 14:22:51 GMT -8
Awesome Vacationaire! We just bought one and are excited to start working!
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Dec 18, 2016 14:35:15 GMT -8
Way cool camper you got there. I want more details. Year, condition, location. Everyone I've heard of has been in upper Midwest.
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craftbeardo
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Friendship Vacationaire
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Post by craftbeardo on Dec 18, 2016 14:52:26 GMT -8
Way cool camper you got there. I want more details. Year, condition, location. Everyone I've heard of has been in upper Midwest. Hi wisconsinjoe! I don't have many details at this point. My parents found the camper near Wautoma, WI and snagged it for us for super cheap. We are going to be there New Years and take it back to MN. They just found the Friendship / Vacationaire logo on the back (painted over), so that helped us figure out was it was. Title has wrong year / brand so we are unsure of the year at this point. Thinking ~ '61. Just doing research now and joining sites to learn what I can. Once we have it at our place I'll post more pics and progress over time. I'd appreciate any info you can share! Thanks! - Adam
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mel
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1964 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by mel on Dec 19, 2016 10:36:58 GMT -8
Love your camper! Its amazing you found one with no interior water damage showing. looks like you guys have had some good trips in it to start
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Vintagehotdog
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Hi, we are Paul and Irvina, Currently rebuilding a 12' 1958 Easy Traveler
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1962 Oasis 18'
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Post by Vintagehotdog on Dec 19, 2016 20:04:20 GMT -8
Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful trailer. Lucky indeed to find it first as most "first" stories don't turn out so well.
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kenl
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Post by kenl on Apr 13, 2020 16:36:55 GMT -8
I'm attempting to attach some pics to this thread after following the tutorial (thanks!). If successful, I'll add more and tell our story. Here goes: First pic is how we found her, and the second is a year later when we finally got her out camping.
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