Description
The evolving vintage trailer hobby has a language that may not be familiar to newbies or outsiders. As the hobby becomes more popular, the lingo that we use is also growing. Having a unique dialect is one of the things that defines a community. Terms like “Trailerites” date back to the early days (1930’-40’s) to describe the people who travel in trailers. Some descriptors, like “Canned Ham,” are easy to see why they were coined because they are such an accurate narrative of the popular shape of many small mid-century trailers.
In the Vintage Camper Trailers Rallies book, we included a glossary of the terms we were familiar with at the time that book was published. Terms like “Glamping” and “Potluck” are more mainstream labels that most people know, but have you ever heard of a “Template Trailer”? A “Template Trailer” is a trailer that is so dilapidated that you can only use it for a template. If you want to build a vintage trailer from scratch, a “Template Trailer” is a good place to start. You can find a complete trailer that most people pass on because of its condition. The value to a trailer like this is the frame, axle, windows, hardware, and appliances. The price of these components, and having the patterns to reproduce the wood parts, will far outweigh what you paid for the mess that many other, less ambitious builders averted.
When it comes to a rally, we all have a pretty good visual of what a “Vintage Trailer Rally” comprises. Although each one has a unique itinerary, the basics of a rally remain a weekend camping event for pre-1980’s RV owners. We have hosted Trailerfest rallies for nearly a decade and recognize that many vintage lifestyle admirers do not own a vintage trailer. Until now, they have only been able to attend an “Open House”. We have reserved additional sites and can now accommodate non-vintage RV owners at some of the events we host.
We are still grouping the vintage trailers in their own “Vintage Village” and placing the newer trailers in their own space. Being inclusive is the spirit of camping and creating “Vintage Inspired Campouts” is sure to welcome new families into the hobby while still revering the vintage coaches. The only requirement is that you appreciate the vintage lifestyle and play well with others. (See our Cajun Campin and Western Shindig Trailerfest events.)
An “Open House” house is often, but not always, a part of a “Vintage Trailer Rally” or “Vintage Inspired Campout”. The public is welcome to tour the campground, view the trailers, and visit with trailer owners. The hours are limited, usually to 4-6 hours on Saturday. Another version of this is a “Trailer Tour”. A term we are using for an “Open House” that is open only to the rally’s attendees. We have had great success with “Trailer Tours” in the evening when the trailers are lit up with colored lights.
The more you hang out with “Trailerites,” the more you will pick up on the jargon. The Vintage Trailers Field Guide includes a glossary of terms to bring you up to speed more quickly. Welcome to the tribe!
