Bill and Laura McKee have always been drawn to the excitement of water skiing and boating, spending countless hours on the lakes of Northern California and Oregon. Their love for adventure took a unique turn in 2016 when they embarked on a journey to build a houseboat. However, they added a twist: incorporating a vintage trailer into the design. The result blends modern adventure with classic style.
Each spring, the couple escapes the pollen-filled air of Southern Oregon, towing a Jeep behind their RV as they travel across the country for months at a time. But their one-of-a-kind houseboat has become the true centerpiece of their travels.
Making waves at their first rally
In July, the McKees debuted their houseboat at the Rally on the River in Brownsville, Oregon. It was their first time attending a vintage trailer rally, and they were unsure how their unusual creation would be received. Much to their delight, fellow enthusiasts embraced their project, and the boat became the talk of the event.
We posted a short Instagram reel @vintagecampertrailers, and it quickly went viral, amassing more than 3 million views. The vintage trailer houseboat is now a beloved piece of the vintage trailer community. It was featured on the cover of issue 75 of the Vintage Camper Trailers magazine.
Building a dream on water
The McKees’ project started with the purchase of a 1954 Kenskill trailer for just $200. Although the trailer was in rough shape and had no title, it was perfect for their vision. Bill, an engineer, took charge of the construction, building the trailer on his car hauler and preserving the original patina.
The 24-foot trailer, a two-door park model, was trimmed down to 20 feet, and the back door and fender cutouts were removed. Bill carefully crafted the trailer’s new frame using aluminum tubing and mounted it on top of their 1993 Landau pontoon boat, which had received a new deck.
When the trailer was nearly complete, Bill used two forklifts to lift it off the car hauler and lower it onto the boat. The structure was designed with sturdy materials to support plenty of people on the top deck. Bill’s engineering background shone through in the meticulous planning of the project, although he admits much of the design was done in his head. He outsourced only the aluminum welding, doing most of the work himself.
One of the standout features of the houseboat is the front section, which opens up to create an awning for the deck. This proved to be a challenge to make waterproof, but Bill successfully overcame the obstacle.
Inside the vintage trailer houseboat
The interior of the houseboat is as charming as the exterior. A vintage refrigerator cleverly hides a modern three-way fridge, while a Murphy bed in the back offers additional storage underneath. Bill installed an on-demand water heater but now questions its efficiency, especially for boondocking. For daily use, the couple prefers a solar shower and reserves the hot water for dishes and quick washes. In the back of the boat, vintage coolers serve as storage for a propane tank, a battery for the motor, and other essentials.
Navigating life on the lake
The houseboat is fully equipped to meet boating regulations, with fire extinguishers, life jackets, anchors, and marine running lights. It also features a solar panel, allowing the McKees to stay on the water for up to two weeks without returning to shore. The 115-horsepower outboard engine provides enough power to cruise at 10-12 mph, perfect for leisurely trips across the lake. The boat’s design balances weight carefully, with a 50-gallon water tank at the front and fuel and waste tanks positioned to ensure stability as they travel.
A close call
While Shasta Lake is their favorite destination, one memorable incident served as a lesson in caution. Anchored in a narrow inlet, a wake surfer sped by, causing their houseboat to rock violently. The sudden motion sent dishes and pots flying, much like a scene from The Long, Long Trailer. After this close call, the McKees now opt for designated five-mile-per-hour zones to ensure a more peaceful experience.
Bill and Laura’s unique houseboat stands as a testament to their creativity, engineering skills, and love for adventure. It continues to turn heads wherever they go, inspiring vintage trailer enthusiasts and boaters alike.
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