In the world of vintage trailers, every restoration holds a unique story, and the Lutes Coach is no exception. With a rich history and an unexpected journey to its current caretakers, this remarkable trailer has been lovingly restored and preserved for future adventures.
The story of the Lutes Coach began about four years ago when a rare listing appeared on Craigslist. The trailer had spent decades tucked away on a Lake Michigan property, protected under the side roof of a barn. Though lacking electricity, it had served as a cherished space for family memories. When the property was eventually sold for development, a scrapper recognized that the trailer held more than just scrap value. A friend, realizing its potential, purchased it for a modest sum but lacked the storage space or strong interest in vintage trailers. That decision ultimately led to the trailer finding its current owners, who eagerly took on the project.
With only a minimal investment, the Lutes Coach was camp-ready within a year. The interior, remarkably well-preserved, required little alteration. Aside from adding a few shelves near the door, where a furnace had once been, no significant modifications were made. Plans are in place to reupholster the sofa in the coming winter, but otherwise, the trailer retains its original charm.
The exterior, however, required more attention. Initially coated in a chalky white film, the original paint was carefully restored to its former brilliance. The roof, which had been covered with brush-on aluminum roof paint, underwent a complete overhaul the following winter. Additionally, the windows received brass screens and refreshed moldings, ensuring the trailer remained weather-tight and ready for future travels.
Beyond its physical restoration, the Lutes Coach carries a fascinating historical legacy. Manufactured in 1951 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, it was the first trailer built under the Lutes Coach name by Clarence Lutes. However, Lutes’ history in trailer-building dates back to the late 1920s, when he began crafting homemade trailers in his backyard. His creations quickly gained popularity, leading him to establish Kozy Koach in the early 1930s. Before World War II, Kozy Koach was reportedly the largest trailer manufacturer in the country.
Production halted during the war, and Clarence Lutes eventually sold Kozy Koach to a Chicago-based company. However, in 1951, he returned to the industry with Lutes Coach, bringing decades of experience into his new venture. This particular trailer, astonishingly, is trailer #1—the very first Lutes Coach ever produced.
A closer examination of the trailer reveals striking similarities to prewar Kozy Koach models, suggesting that Clarence Lutes used surplus parts from his earlier manufacturing days. Disassembling the interior even uncovered a mattress tag dating back to 1939, reinforcing the connection between the two brands.
This rare and historic find represents a significant piece of trailering history, and its current owners consider themselves privileged to have restored and preserved it. The Lutes Coach now stands as a shining example of vintage craftsmanship, ready to create new memories while carrying forward the legacy of one of the pioneers of the trailer industry.
Owners: Brandon and Liz Morrison, Muskegon, MI
