Some vintage trailer stories feel like they’re straight out of a movie—and this one certainly qualifies. In 2011, on a wheat farm in eastern Oregon, the Jones family’s son made an unexpected discovery while putting away equipment after a long day of harvesting. Tucked away in the back of a massive barn sat a 1955 Boles Aero 24-foot Ensenada trailer, untouched and forgotten for decades.
Knowing his parents were already vintage trailer enthusiasts—with a teardrop and a 12-foot Lakewood “canned ham” to their name—he couldn’t resist snapping a photo and sending it to them. It didn’t take long for the Joneses to make the trip north. A few months later, they struck a deal with the owner, whose parents had purchased the Ensenada brand new. After a month of prep work—replacing tires and axles, and clearing out the barn—the trailer was on its way to its new home in California.
The Ensenada hadn’t been opened since 1974, the last time it was used. Inside, it was like a time capsule—filled with clothes, personal items, and evidence of about a million mice. Fortunately, thanks to the abundance of wheat in the barn, the mice had plenty to snack on and hadn’t chewed or damaged a single part of the trailer. They had, however, made themselves at home, nesting in every crevice they could access, entering through an open sewer connection and the air duct for the diesel furnace.
As years of dirt and mouse debris were cleared away, the trailer’s remarkable condition came to light. Every original detail remained intact—the curtains, venetian blinds, upholstery, knobs, gaskets, and even the Bakelite handles. Nothing was missing or broken. Even more incredible, each piece was in perfect condition, including the beautiful birch interior. There was no need for sanding or refinishing—no chips, dents, or cracks to repair.
The exterior was in equally good shape. After a quick afternoon of removing the old, yellowed plastic coat, the original finish shone through once again.
The windows and gaskets were still soft and pliable, as were the charming plastic ruffled curtains above the porcelain bathroom sink. With a few functional updates—including new plumbing for the 3-gallon flush toilet, replacing nearly 200 pounds of galvanized sewer pipe with lightweight ABS, and installing a modern 5-gallon water heater—the Ensenada was ready to hit the road and show off its stunning, well-preserved style.
A true barn find, this Ensenada is more than just a trailer—it’s a preserved piece of history.
