Restoring a vintage trailer, rather than purchasing a finished one, gives you the opportunity to select the finishes and amenities that best reflect your style. The largest surface—the exterior siding (predominantly aluminum)—can be restored in several ways.
1. Original Patina
If the original paint is intact, why mess with it? Sometimes, less is more. Whether for budget reasons or personal preference, preserving your trailer’s natural beauty is a perfectly respectable choice.
2. Paint
There are many types of paint suitable for trailer exteriors, from exterior house paint and industrial metal coatings to high-quality automotive finishes. Paint remains a popular option, offering countless possibilities—enough to warrant an entire article of its own!
3. Polishing
Shiny trailers attract attention, but achieving that mirror-like finish is a lot of work. It requires practice, specialized products, and the right equipment. If you’re not up for the challenge, professional polishing services are available, though they can cost over $100+ per foot. If your siding is in good condition, a professional polish may be well worth the investment.
4. Replacing the Siding
For trailers with damaged siding, replacement may be the best option to restore curb appeal. New aluminum siding is available in various patterns and custom lengths, and you can order it in painted or polished finishes to achieve your desired look. Hemet Valley RV specializes in vintage trailer siding and can help with your project. You can read more about replacing siding here.
Tackling a DIY Vintage Trailer Restoration
Restoring a vintage camper trailer may seem daunting, but many tasks are more manageable than you might think. Disassembling your first trailer can be intimidating, but once you understand the simple construction of a canned ham trailer, the process becomes less overwhelming.
Common issues requiring exterior work include:
- Dented aluminum siding
- Water damage
- Rot in interior panels and framework
When the siding (or “skins”) is removed, you can fully assess the necessary structural repairs. Once the framework is restored, the big question is: Do you reinstall the old siding or opt for new aluminum?
If you’re reusing the original siding, precise alignment is crucial. Windows, trim, and other elements must match their original placement. Aluminum is unforgiving—it will bubble and wrinkle if forced into an unnatural shape. As a side note, replacing a damaged panel is often easier than trying to repair a dented one. Aluminum stretches when hammered, making bodywork more time-consuming than swapping in a new panel.
For trailers with excessive wear, replacing all the aluminum may be the best solution. Pre-painted aluminum offers a durable, maintenance-free finish, while pre-polished material eliminates the need for hours of laborious polishing—resulting in a dazzling trailer that turns heads wherever you go. Hemet Valley RV ships siding via FedEx, so you can get high-quality materials no matter where you’re located.
(We received 13’ panels of polished aluminum delivered right to our door!) Have you replaced exterior siding? How was your experience?
