That is where the story of this little 1968 Cardinal Deluxe begins.
“Finally! Someone is moving me off this lonely dirt lot. There are rumors I may have a new owner!”
For a while, the 13-foot trailer had been sitting and waiting for someone to see what it could become. Then one day, it found itself parked in front of a house with a couple coming to take a closer look.
“Okay, here come two people to look at me. The man seems pretty interested, but his wife isn’t so sure. I really can’t blame her. I’m not exactly in the best shape.”
But as James “JD” and Cheryl deVoss looked around inside, they began talking about all the things they could do to bring the trailer back to life.
“They’re talking about new cushions, flooring and all kinds of fun ideas. Wait a minute… I think they want me!”
And they did.
Meet the Crabhut
The Cardinal was no longer just an old trailer. Cheryl and JD gave it a name: The Crabhut.
The little 1968 Cardinal Deluxe received a makeover with plenty of personality. New cushions were made with a fun flip-flop pattern, and beach-cottage touches were added throughout the interior. A beautiful bamboo floor helped finish the transformation.
And, of course, a trailer named the Crabhut needed a few crab-themed decorations thrown in for good measure.
“I’ve got new cushions, a great new floor and all kinds of beachy extras. I’d say I cleaned up pretty well!”
A Vintage Tow Vehicle to Match
The Crabhut’s transformation gets even better when it is time to hit the road.
Cheryl and JD tow the little Cardinal with a 1954 Ford F100 pickup that has been updated for comfort and safety.
“Oh yeah—and did I mention what pulls me around? A 1954 Ford F100! Now how cool is that?”
Together, the vintage truck and trailer make a great-looking combination and give Cheryl and JD a fun way to enjoy the vintage camping lifestyle.
From a lonely dirt lot to road trips behind a classic Ford, the Crabhut found exactly what every old trailer hopes for: someone willing to see the possibilities and give it another chance at adventure.
Written and photographed by Cheryl deVoss
Owners: James and Cheryl deVoss, Phoenix, Arizona
