I have often heard it said, “The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.” There is a lot of truth to that—and the same can be said for girls and women.
Meet Ellie, a Barbie dream trailer for grown-ups.
Ellie was a severely compromised 1960 Lakewood. In her original trim, she was as cute as any vintage canned ham, but years of neglect and an unfinished restoration attempt had taken their toll. There was really only one way to bring her back: a complete ground-up rebuild.
Ellie’s owner, Allana, is a registered nurse, a young mother, and someone who takes her time off seriously. Her vision for Ellie reflects her personality—strong, active, a little glamorous, and not afraid to get dirty. Think childhood days playing Barbie with her girlfriends one minute and playing in the mud with the boys the next.
The trailer needed to combine vintage style, a little bling, and the ability to handle outdoor adventures.
Most vintage trailers end up reflecting the personalities of their owners, and Ellie is no exception. She is just as comfortable at a vintage trailer rally as she is heading into the backcountry.
With bright white and metallic magenta paint, a taller stance, chrome off-road wheels, and plenty of attitude, Ellie is definitely not your average vintage trailer.
She was rebuilt with all-new systems, including a mini-split heating and air-conditioning unit mounted on the front and protected by a removable custom diamond-plate shield.
Inside, the original floor plan was recreated in new birch cabinetry. Details include custom cabinets, a boomerang laminate countertop and table, a brightly polished pillowed-metal backsplash, and custom gray-and-white vintage-style dinette cushions.
The original stove and icebox were restored and powder-coated magenta to match the trailer’s personality. Other than the chassis, windows, and appliances, Ellie is essentially a brand-new trailer wrapped in a 1960 Lakewood body.
And if you haven’t figured it out by now, magenta is Allana’s favorite color.
Ellie was designed as more than a showpiece. She is a trailer meant to be used, enjoyed, and personalized even further. Allana has plenty of plans to add more color-coordinated touches and, of course, a little more magenta bling.
Keep an eye out for Allana and Ellie. You may find them parked at a vintage trailer rally—or somewhere a little farther off the beaten path.
