Warm days, cool nights, and polished aluminum set the scene for the Tin Can Tourists Northern Utah Vintage Trailer Rally, held September 14–15, 2019, at Cherry Hill Water Park in Kaysville, Utah. The late-summer weather couldn’t have been better for a weekend that brought together community, craftsmanship, and a shared love of vintage trailers.
More than two dozen vintage trailers rolled into the campground section of the water park on Friday, giving participants time to settle in before gathering for a potluck dinner that evening. The informal meal took place in front of rally organizer Watt “Orbie” Mungall’s 1952 Silver Streak Clipper, a fitting backdrop for a group that values both history and hospitality.
The rally didn’t go unnoticed by the local community. A feature article in the Ogden Standard-Examiner described the event as a “redneck parade of homes,” inviting the public to step inside restored travel trailers from the 1950s, 1960s, and beyond. The colorful description sparked curiosity, and Saturday’s day-long open house welcomed a steady stream of visitors—many seeing the vintage trailer hobby up close for the very first time.
Saturday evening brought everyone back together for a catered barbecue dinner courtesy of Smoke-A-Billy BBQ and Grill, which arrived with an impressive catering trailer and a spread of smoked meats and classic sides. Adding to the relaxed, festive atmosphere, a pair of musicians entertained the crowd with guitar and violin while attendees shared stories, meals, and plenty of laughter.
During dinner, Orbie announced plans for the following year’s rally, which would move to the KOA campground in nearby Perry, Utah. The new location promised more space, a dedicated rally section, and the ability to accommodate an even larger gathering of vintage trailers—continuing the growth and momentum of the Northern Utah Tin Can Tourists group.
Known for his welcoming spirit and his memorable (and often unconventional) headgear, Orbie was a familiar and beloved presence at the rally. Since that time, he has passed away, but his contributions to the Tin Can Tourists community—and the warmth he brought to gatherings like this one—are fondly remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The 2019 Northern Utah Vintage Trailer Rally remains a standout example of what makes the vintage trailer community special: shared passion, open doors, good food, and the simple joy of bringing old trailers—and the stories they carry—back to life.
