In the small country town of Hughson, CA, a family has turned their garage into a workshop for restoring vintage trailers. What started as a simple project quickly became a passion, with every repair and rebuild tackled using resources from local home-improvement stores, hardware shops, and plenty of YouTube tutorials.
The journey began with the rescue of a turquoise 1961 Lil Loafer trailer, measuring just 7 feet by 6 1/2 feet. Left open in a field for two decades, the trailer was in rough shape. To get it home, duct tape and bungee cords were used to hold it together for the two-and-a-half-hour drive. The next morning, as the family began removing the rotted, water-damaged paneling, they discovered that only a single 1×2 was holding up the entire entrance wall. It was a miracle the trailer had survived the trip.
A few months later, a 1963 red Lil Loafer was purchased as a parts trailer for the 1961. However, after another nerve-wracking, duct-taped journey home, the family decided to restore it instead of scrapping it. Over the next six months, they worked together through long weekends, determined to bring both trailers back to life. The red 1963 Lil Loafer was completed in May 2014, just in time for a special trip to Felton, CA, in the redwoods to celebrate a 30th wedding anniversary. The turquoise 1961 restoration began the following week and was finished just in time for the September Tin Can Tourists rally in Petaluma, CA. Both trailers then made their way to Trailerfest 2014 in Lodi, CA, as part of a memorable family adventure.
Now, the next challenge awaits—a newly acquired 1963 Fleetcraft. Though their two-car driveway wasn’t designed to accommodate three vintage trailers, they have managed to make it work. Even their neighbors have joined in on the fun, offering to help and even store the trailers when needed.
This family’s journey is a testament to hard work, creativity, and the joy of restoring vintage treasures together. As they say—Live, Love, Laugh… and Loaf!
Originally featured in issue #16 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.
