Vintage travel trailers come in many shapes and styles, but few are as eye-catching as those with trolley tops, lantern tops, or clerestory windows (sometimes called Pullman-style windows). These raised roof designs, popular from the mid-1930s to the early 1950s, gave trailers a distinct architectural look while improving ventilation and natural light inside.
What Are Clerestory Windows and Trolley Tops?
The clerestory window concept dates back centuries, used in buildings and railcars to allow light and air to circulate while maintaining privacy. In the world of vintage trailers, these windows were built into an extended or raised roof section, often referred to as a trolley top or lantern top due to their resemblance to streetcars and train carriages.
These windows served both practical and aesthetic purposes:
- Allowed warm air to escape, keeping interiors cooler in the summer.
- Provided extra daylight without sacrificing wall space.
- Gave trailers a distinctive, streamlined look that set them apart from other models.
Trailers That Featured Trolley Tops & Clerestory Windows
Several vintage trailer manufacturers embraced this unique design during its heyday, with Westcraft being the most well-known.
Westcraft Trailers (Mid-1930s to Early 1950s)
Westcraft was famous for its high-end, Art Deco-inspired travel trailers, and many of its models featured clerestory windows. These trailers were built with rounded aluminum or steel bodies and had an unmistakable raised roofline with wrap-around windows. This design not only improved air circulation but also gave Westcrafts a luxurious, railcar-like appearance.
- Westcraft Shasta & Westcraft Coronado – These models, produced in the late 1940s and early 1950s, featured full trolley tops with multiple windows. They are among the most sought-after vintage trailers today.
- Admiral – Another stunning example of the trolley top design, combining functionality with classic 1940s styling.
Admiral and Other Mid-Century Trailers
Beyond Westcraft, Admiral trailers also utilized clerestory-style raised roofs. These models often featured smooth, riveted aluminum exteriors with the same high-end, railcar-like aesthetic. Other manufacturers in the 1930s-50s experimented with similar raised window designs, though they were less common.
Why Did These Designs Disappear?
By the mid-1950s, trailer manufacturers began shifting toward lower-profile, more aerodynamic designs to appeal to postwar travelers looking for lightweight, mass-produced options. The trolley top and clerestory window designs required extra materials, labor, and precision, making them costlier to produce. Vent fans and streamlined windows gradually replaced the need for these elegant raised-roof sections.
Restoring & Preserving These Unique Trailers
Today, trailers with trolley tops and clerestory windows are highly prized by collectors and restorers. Since the windows are often custom-shaped, restoring them can be challenging, but the result is a stunning, light-filled trailer that stands out at any rally.
If you own or have come across a Westcraft, Admiral, or similar trailer with these iconic windows, we’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment or share your story with us.
