The pre-war Kozy Coach featured here is owned by Barry Weisse. A “Storage Wars” favorite, and Barrys own show, “Barry’d Treasure.” The “Storage Wars” spinoff premiered in March of 2014 on A&E and made a short run. The series features Weiss as he embarked on a cross-country trip unearthing some of the nation’s rarest and most fascinating collectibles. Maybe Barry will be traveling in his Kozy Coach!? Featured in Issue #13 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.
The Rise and Fall of the Covered Wagon Company
In 1929, Arthur Sherman built his first “box on wheels” after a rainy camping trip left him miserable in a tent trailer. By 1935, his Covered Wagon Company was thriving, selling over 1,100 trailers, including the popular 15-foot “Deluxe” model—some even covered in leather!
But in 1936, Sherman made a costly mistake. While other manufacturers widened their trailers to 8 feet, he pre-ordered hundreds of 6-foot axles. Sales dropped, and the company struggled through the Great Depression.
During World War II, Covered Wagon shifted to making truck cargo bodies for the military, earning the prestigious Army-Navy “E” award for its war production efforts. But after the war, demand for truck bodies declined, and by late 1945, the factory was repurposed for manufacturing home ironing machines instead of travel trailers.
In 1958, Herbert Reeves Jr. acquired the Covered Wagon name and revived the brand in Elkhart, Indiana. His second-generation company introduced industry innovations like sewer line storage in the rear bumper. However, by the late 1960s, production stopped once again.
Herb Reeves went on to open Arrowhead Park Campground and was later inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 1979 for his contributions to the industry. Featured in the Vintage Camper Trailers book.
Kozy Coach: A True Time Capsule
From the late 1920s to the start of World War II, the travel trailer industry thrived despite economic hardships. One standout was Kozy Coach, built in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with a sturdy welded steel chassis to prevent sagging and side sway. Their catchy slogans, like “You’re Ahead with a Kozy Coach Behind”, helped establish them as a leader in the market. Featured in Issue #20 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.
Hayes Manufacturing: From Auto Bodies to Early Travel Trailers
Founded in 1904, Hayes Manufacturing Co. was a pioneer in stamped sheet-metal fenders, later expanding to produce hoods, cowls, toolboxes, and complete car bodies for brands like Ford, Packard, and Chrysler. However, the Great Depression took its toll, forcing plant closures and a shift to manufacturing sheet-metal parts for GM and appliances for Coca-Cola and Kelvinator.
Always seeking new ventures, founder H. Jay Hayes launched General Body Corp. in 1937 to build steel-bodied travel trailers—early predecessors to modern RVs. These durable trailers, often called “Motor Homes” before the term was associated with self-powered RVs, were built to keep out pests and withstand the elements, showcasing Hayes’ innovative approach to vehicle manufacturing. Featured in Issue #57 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.
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