When it comes to vintage trailers, rare finds always turn heads. One of the hardest-to-come-by classics is the Hille Ranger, also known as the Ranger Camper Trailer. Not only is it an incredibly rare vintage trailer, but it’s also believed to be the first modern pop-up camper, paving the way for today’s designs.
Ahead of Its Time
Built in the 1950s, the Hille Ranger was groundbreaking. It was the first camper trailer made with fiberglass and polyester resin, giving it a lightweight yet durable design. It packed all the comforts of home into a compact space, making it half the size of other trailers of its time.
However, there was one major problem—the price. At $1,500 in 1954 (about $16,000 today), it was considered too expensive for a seasonal-use camper. Unfortunately, this led to its short production run. By 1957, manufacturing had shifted to Forlyn Manufacturing Co. under the name Sport Ranger, but the trailer ultimately disappeared from the market.
Smart Design for Small Spaces
Walter E. Hille designed the Ranger to be lightweight, easy to tow, and spacious enough for a family. Key features included:
- Pop-up roof with a hand-crank system for standing height at camp
- Canvas walls for ventilation and customizable privacy
- Compact but functional layout, with a front kitchen and multiple sleeping options
- Pull-out rear bed, doubling as storage during travel
- Durable fiberglass body, resistant to dents, rust, and mold
At just 1,100 pounds, it was designed for easy towing, and its mid-century modern aesthetic made it stand out.
A Rare Collector’s Dream
With only about 200 units produced and fewer than 40 known to survive, the Hille Ranger is a true collector’s item. While restoration is often needed, vintage trailer enthusiasts appreciate its unique history and innovative design.
If you ever come across a Hille Ranger, consider yourself lucky—this little trailer helped shape the world of pop-up campers as we know it today! Register your ranger here.
I am the grand daughter of Walter Hille.
Susen Hille. Just a fun additional tid bit of history. The story in the family goes that grandma Irean his wife use too serve him a hard boiled egg for breakfast. Well one morning she decided it needed to be cut in half and that is where he got the idea.
He built boats, built all the tools that build the Spruce Goose. Lots of stuff. He died when I was 3 years old. But my dad told me I take after him very much. 😅. So far I’ve haven’t done anything like him. Thank you for sharing.
It was very lovely to see the ad for the pop-up trailer which I coincidentally have one from 1955. I would love to listen with your magazine. Please reach out to me and let me know how I can post it. Thank you.
We would love to see what you’ve got!