The goal of this page is to highlight resources that can assist anyone who is in the middle or about to embark on a vintage trailer restoration project. This is not for the faint of heart and you might need some help, even if you are handy with the hammer. If you have a resource (websites, books, products, companies, experts, etc) that you'd like to contribute, please edit this page and share with others.
We get lots of questions around helping people identify a trailer they just bought or are thinking of buying. Here are some suggestions to identify your trailer.
First off, you need to use Google. If you can't find a reference to your trailer on Google, then you probably have a trailer that isn't a very popular brand. All of the popular brands have websites, user groups, yahoo groups, or forums of some such. This is because there is a demand for information because of their popularity and value. This doesn't mean you won't be able to find information, it will mean that you have a lot more work to do on our own. It doesn't mean your trailer isn't valuable, you might have a very rare trailer. But it does mean that finding documentation, floor plans, original equipment, parts, knowledgeable resources, etc is going to be difficult if not impossible.
Bring your trailer to a vintage trailer rally, there are lots of experts at these rallies that don't leverage the internet but might be able to recognize or help you identify your trailer.
Other options are to look in the Tin Can Tourists Yahoo Group for a trailer that is similar and if you find something we might be able to tell you what it is. While you are there, upload a couple pictures of your trailer and someone might be able to identify it. Provide as many details as possible.
A good resource of trailer information is the RV/MH Museum http://www.rvmhhalloffame.org/ - maybe if you send them pictures and details, they might have an idea.
You need to find serial numbers, VIN, markings, makes/manufacturers of equipment, paperwork - anything that could be a clue.
Also - there are plenty of homebuilt trailers out there - you might have one. If so, your not going find any information on it. It could just be a custom one-of-a-kind!
Here is the best resource for getting copies of vintage trailer magazines, ads, and information: http://www.allmanufacturedhomes.com - Juergen Eichermueller - The definitive independent vintage recreational vehicle archive source!
If you have a resource you've used or recommend for restorations - please add it to the list:
Email - putzrs@sti.net - Richard Rodrigues Sells 1948-1964 Door & window seal material (weather stripping) material. Send description of needs to Richard
Online Do It Yourself Vintage Trailer Repair http://zoomcart.com/members/restoration
Stanley Tripod Flashlight Portable, hands-free LED lighting Available from Amazon Manufactured by Stanley
Gas-O-Haul Collapsible emergency gasoline can Available from Genuine Hot Rod
Vector Start-It 450 Amp Jump Start System Available from Amazon
Klein 10-in-1 Screwdriver Durable, manageable multi-screwing Available from Amazon Manufactured by Klein
Seal-All Adhesive & Sealant A strong hold on brake fluid Available from Amazon Manufactured by Eclectic Products
Fiber Optic Flashlight Adapter Better flex light Available from X-Treme Geek Or Amazon
Spray Adhesive Best for Flat Items Available from Amazon
Some Turtles Have Nice Shells Homemade RV Book - Roger Beck 2002, 192 pages Available from the author's website
Pocket Caliper Small precision Available from Amazon Also from Village Supplies and from Art Stuff
Lexel Caulk General stick Available from Amazon
Small Parts on Amazon Raw materials for tinkerers Available from Amazon Industrial and Scientific
Sticky Pad Stabilizes items in cars Available from Amazon Manufactured by American Covers
GStone Butane Burner Compact portable hot plate Available from Amazon
Micro-Mesh Abrasives Super fine sandpaper Avialable from Micro-Surface Finishing Products
LightInSight Super wide angle windshield view Available from LightInSight
Tool Belt Another way to have your tools “always on” Available from Daddy's Board Shop Manufactured by 686 Enterprises
Adventure Medical Kits Full medical station in a pouch Manufactured by Adventure Medical Kits Available from Chinook Medical
Jump-N-Carry Portable jump kit Available from National Tool Warehouse
NRS Heavy Duty Cam Straps Quick strong tie downs Available from NRS
Fluke VoltAlert Electricity finder Available from Amazon Manufactured by Fluke
Maasdam Pow'r Pull Best come-along Available from Builder Depot Manufactured by Maasdam
Gorilla Tape Extra sticky duct tape Available from Amazon Manufactured by Gorilla Tape
Eccentric America, 2nd Edition Jan Friedman 2004, 336 pages Available from Amazon
Fumoto Oil Drain Valve Tidy oil drainer Available from Fumoto Valve
Topside Oil Changer Easier way to change oil Available from Amazon
Hi-Lift Jack Moving up Available from FatBoys Offroad Manufactured by Hi-Lift
Charly Box Spoil Fido with a picnic of his own, packed inside the durable Charly Box. Much like a canteen for campers, this simple design is a compact carrier for your pet's food and water. Made of two halves, the Charlybox includes a two-liter canteen for fresh water, and two bowls for water and kibble. http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=12757&Prfrm=1&cmp=AFC-GB9049936277