1960 Mobile Scout… Re-created

I joined this forum back in early 2014 after purchasing a 1960 Mobile Scout 16 travel trailer.  At the time, in my "travel-trailer-naive-delirium" (maybe you've been there too), I believed I was buying a ready to go restored specimen.  The skirt lumber even passed the vaunted 'ice pick' test reasonably well.  The PO seemed sincere and knowledgeable, so the deal was cut and the trailer was towed home; over 800 miles.  It towed pretty well which reenforced my feeling that I had done good.  When the trailer arrived home, over the next few weeks, there was lots of tinkering and personalizing.  Along the way, though, I began to discover, within the hidden recesses and in the nooks and crannies… you named it: rot and a fair amount of mold.  I began peeling corners away a bit at a time and the plot thickened.  Mind you, the trailer was quite handsome to the naked eye but I began to realize that in both my naiveté and in my purchase, I had encountered an expert make up artist in this particular PO.  Not only were the 'lip stick' techniques thorough, but in many cases, attractive and aesthetically appropriate.  So my thoughts immediately went to: 'how do I make this right'?  I still really liked the trailer; the style, layout, size etc.  I made an assessment and decided to seek some professional help, given that I am not equipped nor do I have the property and space to make this a do-it-yourself project that many of you have taken on. My assessment said that I was looking at some frame repair, and some interior panel replacement… put the old skin back on and I'm done.  Boy was I wrong.  After consulting many restoration shops, I discovered an outfit in Salt Lake City, UT, "Camper Reparadise" [www.campereparadise.com].  I liked their can-do attitude and their shop rate was very reasonable.  They also had fine examples to show of their trailer craft… in both canned ham and riveted skin types.  So, I hit the road and upon my arrival they looked the trailer over and were impressed and optimistic about the limited nature of the work.  They all loved the trailer and that so much of the original material and furnishings were still intact.  But in the coming weeks as the skins were peeled off, another story entirely was revealed.  Even these seasoned vets did not see it coming… neither did I: copious amounts of rot and deterioration.  It was only the unibody nature of this trailer's construction that kept it from blowing apart on the road.  The structural materials, for the most part were shot.  In some places, as the skin was removed, splintered, even powdered wood fell to the floor; I saw the pictures from afar.  There was evidence of termites and hornets nests within the walls.  Mold was almost everywhere.  Nothing except interior furnishings, windows, steel frame and a Vaillant on demand water heater were salvageable.  Oh… the black tank, toilet, galley sink and Princess stove were still good… cold comfort at this point.  So, determined, a new estimate was drawn up, with myself as 'chief architect' of this new and expanded project scope.

Months of consultation, decisions, sketches and countless photographs, emails and text messages, took us throughout the summer months and into the fall.  Finally in early November, my return trip to Salt Lake City to see the results of the labors of the boys (and the always present shop dogs) at Camper Reparadise.  In short, a remarkable "recreation" of that 1960 Mobile Scout.  At first it was odd seeing the ol' gal looking so spiffy and fresh… but after a few days it felt as cozy and familiar as ever.  I'll also add that the shop employed some incredible structural detailing that will keep this trailer on the road for decades.  It was very admirable their commitment not only to aesthetics but build integrity.  Plumbing, gas and electrical systems were all well designed and generous in the amenity that they provide.  Also, their were many on this forum who knowingly and unknowingly provided support and advice to me at those decision 'forks in the road'.  Many thanks.

And without further ado, a nice story board showing off the finished product at the Camper Reparadise website: 

campereparadise.com/wp/?page_id=6263

Happy holidays… everyone!