Every once in a while, a vintage trailer comes along that really captures what made the postwar travel trailer era so special. This 1947 Spartan Manor is one of those standouts—and yes, it happens to be currently for sale, for those already feeling tempted. Rather than dive straight into specs and numbers, let’s take a relaxed walk-through of what makes this classic such a joy.
Starting from the ground up, original Spartans weren’t polished when they left the factory, but this one has been brought to a soft, handsome shine that suits its lines perfectly. During the renovation, the body was removed from the frame so everything could be properly evaluated and addressed. Details like the freshly painted propane tanks and wheel rims, finished in signature Spartan red, nod nicely to the brand’s heritage.
Step inside and the craftsmanship immediately stands out. Custom cabinetry fills the space, all built in natural birch to stay true to the original look and feel. The layout follows the factory 1947 design, with original-style doors, drawers, hinges, and pulls reused wherever possible. Even the original wall sconce lighting remains—updated to be dual voltage—adding just the right amount of period charm. A copper screen on the entry door and solid birch framing continue that thoughtful attention to detail.
Comfort wasn’t overlooked either. The walls and ceiling are fully insulated with fiberglass, and the ceiling includes a reflective Energy Q membrane to help keep things cooler on warm summer days. While not original, a discreetly added air conditioner makes modern travel much more enjoyable. The refrigerator is a vintage Marvel unit from a same-era Airstream, and it works exactly as designed—right down to accepting a block of ice when electricity isn’t available.
One of the most charming features is the fully functional gas light, installed as a nostalgic yet practical backup should you ever find yourself without power. The original Coleman stove has been completely refurbished and works beautifully, while the oven has been disabled for safety.
The bathroom continues the theme of vintage done right. A new anodized aluminum shower stall—buck riveted, not plastic—keeps the industrial Spartan feel intact, paired with a Dometic toilet. Curtains, rods, and screens are all hand made, including bronze bug screens and a solid birch door screen. The custom table is built specifically for this trailer, with solid birch legs and apron and a birch veneer top, sized perfectly for the space.
Sleeping accommodations are equally well thought out. The custom mattress falls between a full and a queen and is made from organic materials. Beneath it is generous under-bed storage, easily accessed thanks to sturdy gas struts that lift and hold everything in place.
Mechanically, the trailer has been fully modernized where it counts: all-new PEX water lines, updated drain and waste plumbing, a black water tank with proper dump connections, and a portable gray water solution. There’s on-demand hot water, a 35-gallon fresh water tank, and a 12-volt pump for off-grid use. Heating comes from a 25,000 BTU Suburban furnace that’s more than capable of keeping things cozy.
As for towing, these Spartans were famously light for their size. This one now weighs in at about 4,200 pounds with propane, battery, and air conditioning—a modest gain over the original 3,700 pounds. With a tongue weight of 615 pounds, it tows smoothly and confidently behind a properly equipped vehicle, just as a Spartan should.
The result is a trailer that stays close to its original roots while being far more livable and enjoyable for modern use—a classic you can travel in, live in, and proudly show off wherever you go.
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