This beautifully restored 1936 Masterbilt Scout trailer has undergone a complete frame-up renovation. None of the original interior materials could be salvaged due to age and deterioration, but the restoration team carefully used the original framing, window patterns, and layout as templates to rebuild the trailer to modern standards while preserving its iconic 1930s charm. The Masterbilt Corporation, based in Los Angeles, California, began producing travel trailers in 1934 during the Great Depression. The company is believed to have operated only through 1937. Despite their short time in business, Masterbilt trailers stood out in the early trailer industry with their elegant shapes and unique window designs. Built with Masonite over plywood, like many 1930s trailers, they were stylish but not built to last the ages—making surviving models exceptionally rare and highly prized by collectors. Masterbilt offered three models: the 13-foot Ranger, the 15-foot Pioneer, and the 17-foot Scout, which featured the most refined finishes and layout. This trailer is believed to be one of those premium Scout models.
The trailer measures approximately 19 feet including the tongue. Its exterior has been updated with aluminum siding, replacing the original Masonite, and the windows were rebuilt with aluminum skin. It was painted in a classic color scheme using automotive base and clear coat to replicate the original design. The original front tongue and hitch crank remain, and the original axle has been completely overhauled. One standout feature is the set of 1936 Kelsey Hayes wire wheels with 3-inch whitewall Coker tires, giving it a truly authentic pre-war look. A heated exterior shower is mounted on the driver’s side, adding functionality without altering the compact interior layout.
Inside, the trailer showcases stunning ribbon-cut Sapele Mahogany throughout the walls, ceiling, and cabinetry. Four coats of spar varnish create a deep, glossy finish. The drawers feature full-extension, soft-close hardware, and the seating is upholstered with 7-inch cushions detailed with button tufting and piping for a classic look. The vintage stove has been refinished in a soft, complementary color with automotive paint, and a high-temperature ceramic coating was applied around the burners for durability. The icebox features new Mahogany doors while retaining the original hardware for authenticity. The original hand pump at the sink still functions, drawing water from a fresh tank, and a modern 12V pump supplies a second faucet with hot and cold water from a 6-gallon water heater. One closet has been converted into a private toilet room with a porcelain toilet and black water tank, while another houses a slide-out LED TV and DVD player, cleverly tucked away.
This 1936 Masterbilt Scout is a remarkable fusion of vintage elegance and modern functionality. It retains the charm and character of its original era while offering the comfort and reliability of today’s travel trailers. A true showstopper, it’s sure to draw admiration at any vintage trailer event and serves as a shining example of early American trailer design at its finest.
