Here - Tin Can Tourists

Tin Can Tales
Volume XI, Number 2, Fall 2012-13 Edition
The Tin Can Tourists is an all make and model vintage trailer and motor coach club. Its goal is to promote and preserve
vintage trailers and motor coaches through Gatherings and information exchange.
Official Colors: Black and Tan
Official Theme Song: "The More We Get Together"
Stated Objective: To Unite Fraternally All Auto Campers
Guiding Principles: Clean camps, friendliness among campers, decent behavior and to secure plenty of clean, wholesome
entertainment for those in the camps
[email protected] or visit www.tincantourists.com
Winter: 4 High Street Bradenton, Florida 34208
Summer: 1700 General Motors Rd, Milford, Michigan 48380
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If you have not entered your insurance information, please do. It will be a valuable tool for those that want
to acquire insurance or need support material for a claim.
What do you get when you cross a worn out 1956 Airfloat Land Yacht with a mosque in Spain?
by Walter Dill
+
The first photo sent by Larry Walsh
=
LAND YACHT
Grand Gallery - Cordoba Mosque
A friend, upon hearing that I was contemplating living in an old travel trailer, pleaded with me to think of my
daughters. But he was too late, I had fallen into the abyss you all know too well - where people, who were
once respectable and upright citizens, now burn their time stumbling around, kicking old tin cans. I have
now (proudly) become trailer trash.
My Airfloat travel trailer epic adventure has its roots in the experience of being Mr. Mom for the last 12 years
to my daughters, Twyla, now 20, and Celina, 17. Because of life's crazy circumstances, we have lived in 16
houses since they were born - the last 14 being rentals. My formal education and a basic passion in life is in
the realm of design and art, and the girls have a strong genetic tendency in this direction. Therefore we often
fixed up our homes beautifully - full of color and artwork, plus improvements such as custom loft beds. Alas,
we invariably decided to move on and the rentals needed to be restored to their original off-white and
empty blah. To add to the vagabond lifestyle, three years ago the girls and I decided to pull them out of the
normality of public education, put everything in storage, and have a European adventure
(http://everyonecandance.com/The_Journey_1.html) . We
spent a total of 6 months in Europe, staying in 50 homes in
17 countries from Norway to Turkey
(http://usservas.org/pdfs/newsletter201003.pdf ) . We make
our living teaching partner dance (Swing, Salsa, Waltz, etc.)
and my daughters have taught with me since they were 9
and 12. To help with travel expenses we taught dance in
schools in Scotland, Germany, Italy, and Hungary. Epic
adventures, as you might notice, are the lifestyle we choose.
Upon our return to the US, it was clear that both Twyla and
Celina were deeply inspired about life and its possibilities.
Celina, desiring a home base, became obsessed with the
idea of building a cottage for herself, and since we don't own land, it was going to be on wheels. You can
follow Celina’s journey at http://mytinyabode.blogspot.com. Over the years, we have had so many experiences with unique and beautiful homes, that she has very clear ideas of what she wants, and of course, very
little is orthodox. A primary focus in my life for the past year has
been to support Celina with this and her other projects. My
Airfloat project has often been on
the back burner.
Celina, Walter,& Twyla in Budapest
When I realized that soon I would be
an empty nester, it was time to
create my home. My parents, when I
graduated high school in 1972 , sold
our small home in Barstow, CA, and
bought a used 32' Airstream. My
father was an older dad, so was
retired by this time. He also had
woodworking skills, so he made
revisions in the interior to better
fit their lifestyle. They spent the
next 16 years living in the
Airstream and had a good life
traveling whenever they desired
around the North American
continent. They also decided to
get rid of the normal dishes, etc.
and used grandma's china,
crystal, and silver.
I started looking around at
motorhomes, etc. and noticed a
very nice 1957 40' Spartan Imperial Mansion (I love these names!) on Craigslist in a nearby community. It was a beautiful trailer so I woke up
to the idea that restoring an old trailer might be a fun way to create a home. This one was a bit too expensive
but I soon found another just like it only 5 miles from where we live on Whidbey Island (just north of Seattle).
The owners were willing to sell for a reasonable price. But as we were ready to finalize the deal, their family
circumstances changed and they needed the trailer for accommodations.
I have long since learned that when one door closes, another opens, so went online to see what might be
found. Another Spartan showed up, which happened to be in
California, so I contacted the owner, Larry. He replied that it had
sold two years previous, but that I might want to look at this
Airfloat. Attached was the picture at the top of the first page. I
showed it to Celina and we both, with eyebrows raised, thought this
just might be leading to a good adventure. We had never seen
anything like it. Obviously we were not vintage trailer nuts, yet.
Larry turned out to be Larry Walsh of http://www.cannedhamtrailers.com, who lives in Southern California.
He was working on a job near Paso Robles (mid California), and as many trailer nuts do, would spend his free
time driving around the countryside looking for old trailers. He spotted this Airfloat sitting in a large fencedin field near Atascadero. A young man happened to be working in the field nearby so Larry asked if he could
see and photograph the trailer. It turns out that it had been brought down to the field the day before to get
ready to sell but did not have a “For Sale” sign yet. The owner, who had too many projects (which you trailer
nuts would thoroughly enjoy) was ready to let this one go. He had bought it a few years previous to fix up.
Coincidently, it was the next day that I emailed Larry. After expressing
definite interest in this fun looking trailer, he sent more pictures and
contact info for the owner. I immediately called the owner and arranged
to send a deposit. Larry had confirmed that trailer was worth the asking
price of $2,000. Side note: after I sent the deposit, many people inquired
about this Airfloat, leaving notes on the gate.
Larry even offered to return to the trailer and make a short video so I
could see what might be needed before and after transport. Here is his
24 minute YouTube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCN2YBWaRLw
One problem is that we didn't have a truck to pull it. We decided to buy an old truck on Craigslist in California, because we would need one to move her trailer also. We found the “ideal” truck in Prunedale, CA, that
Celina loved. (Would one of you please explain why a 17-year-old girl would be passionate about old
trucks?) It ran poorly, but Celina loved it (therefore I succumbed), and we had arranged for a mechanic to do
work on the truck in Atascadero.
What ensued (a story reserved for the vintage truck society) was a very expensive extra week with a fulltime mechanic in Atascadero getting the ‘63 Chevy 327 dually flatbed running correctly. This ate up all our
savings and more. After the truck was (supposedly) road worthy, the Airfloat had been Gorilla taped
together, and appropriate licenses and permits acquired, we headed north. Only 40 miles outside of Paso
Robles, going up a grade on a two lane highway towards I5, the temperature gauge started rising and BAM,
a hose blew. All we could do was pull slightly off the road, still blocking half the lane, and guide the semitrucks around our trailer (trash). It wasn't a pretty sight. Celina was distraught. Our life just fell apart. We
couldn't go back and obviously could not go forward. We had spent all our money (plus) trying to get the
truck running. Again, being an eternal optimist, I suggested to stay open and trust life. As many of you
might already know, one of the best investments an old vehicle or trailer buff can make is with AAA. We had
acquired AAA Premier RV Coverage before traveling south - at a whopping $45 extra above the normal rate
for the time period.
Superheroes do exist: We immediately called AAA (our third call so far on the trip, and not the last), but it
took about two hours for an appropriate tow truck to show up. In the mean time, a nice guy with a heavy
duty pickup offered to pull us to a nearby turnout. What then happened was one of the most wonderful
experiences on the trip. A large tow truck shows up and out steps (drum roll please) Sergio, the manager of
Pete Johnson Towing in Paso Robles. He had come along with a young driver for training purposes. In a
strong Mexican accent, he said, “63 Chevy! I have a '61 just like it. What's the problem?” We showed him the
blown hose, and he asked the driver to get a wrench. Sergio rerouted the hoses, and after analyzing the
engine, removed the thermostat, and put it all back together. “OK, it will run fine now.” Celina and I were
dumbfounded. Sergio then offered to drive with us the next 50 miles to Kettleman City to make sure we
were OK. When we arrived, he pulled up to In & Out Burger, handed Celina a $100 bill, asked her to get him a
cheeseburger and large Coke, and get whatever we and the young driver wanted. He was going off to get
some coolant for our truck. We looked at each other in amazement. Celina's previous distraught look was
replaced by the biggest smile possible.
We ended up getting a new radiator in Sacramento the next day and the Airfloat flew behind the Chevy to
Mt. Shasta that evening, with only one side-adventure in route. As dusk approached, I noticed our headlights were rather dim. Actually, when darkness was total, so was the lack of lights in front of our truck. How
could this be? We had just had a professional mechanic get
the electrical functioning well. I saw a truckstop in the
distance, so passed an unlit off-ramp. Flashing lights immediately appeared in the rear view mirror. The highway patrolman, Officer (Mike) Foss, informed us that we were a black
hole on the freeway and that he had to give us a citation but if we had AAA (thank goodness for AAA), he would forgo
the ticket. It turns out that he restores small airplanes so,
with his patrol car flashing insanely, we gave him a full tour
of the trailer and shared stories about restoration and life.
Mike said the evening had been a bit boring that evening, so
enjoyed this respite. When the AAA truck arrived the driver
spent quite a while trying to figure out the problem. The
“funniest” thing then happened. Mike wandered around
Chris (driver), Celina, Sergio, and our ‘63 Chevy
checking things and discovered that we had not managed
to connect the plug between the truck and trailer!! Whoops! We all laughed. Once plugged in, everything
worked fine. Somehow, when the plug was undone, the wiring was such that nothing worked, including the
truck lights.
We proceeded to scream up to Mt. Shasta, passing trucks as if they stood still - and made it all the way home
to Whidbey Island the next day, at 60 mph. Not only did it not overheat, it didn't even get warm. Every time
we stopped to get gas, the wide eyes and questions ensued. “What is it?” My favorite was a derelict-looking
guy outside a gas station in southern Washington, smiled and asked, “Are you going to fix that up?” After
replying yes, he said, “I love when people do things like that.” .......I think old worn-out things (and people!)
should always be supported to find a healthy and functional place in the world. There is beauty in every
person, no matter how difficult their life has been, and the same is true for old travel trailers!
The restoration: Since this trailer has such nice lines, the plan was to simply clean up the existing elements
and get it on the road. The reality was different. Much of the internal structure was rotten. More details on
this later. First, the good stuff:
The interior finish was a once-white-but-now-dirty-beige crackled lacquer. The big surprise was that all the
shelving, cabinets, and cabinet door frames were beautiful, dark Philippine Mahogany, though virtually all
the interior plywood including the panels in the cabinet doors, was delaminated and unusable. Given that
this project started in the winter, refinishing these cabinets (in a warm shop) was a good first task. Sanding
off the finish took many hours of finicky work. The door panels were removed with a flush trim router bit.
Therefore anything could be put back into those openings. This is when the “over the top” strategy started to
develop with the interior.
Redesign: An inspiration was the “ornate” filigree detail that the Airfloat designers had added to the inside of
the living room desk glass doors. The original (below left) is made from 1/8” plywood, and was the same
basic size and shape as parts (walnut and maple checkers) I have made in my furniture design (see
http://everyonecandance.com/Early_Designs.html) . I came up with a redesign (below middle) which closely
reflects the Airfloat detail. Now the creative juices were flowing. Below right is the actual cabinet.
The choice was then made for each door panel in the trailer to have a different design inlaid into its surface. A
few are illustrated on the next page.
My background: A theme that runs through my life is taking the old and making it new, that is, be inspired
Walnut and
maple desk
door inlay
design,
replacing the
original thin
plywood inset
which was
behind the
glass.
by tradition, not
controlled by it. This is
true with our dance
business. We play
(literally) with traditional
dance forms and bring in
new ideas by crosspollinating or more
accurately, goofing
around. We have fun. The
goal in my life is to have
fun. Purists in any form,
be it dance or vintage
trailer restoration, want
to only replicate the old.
Ponder what was going
on in the head of Omar Suttles, the original designer of the Airfloat. He was constantly innovating - trying
to make a unique and quality trailer. This focus on innovation is the most important tradition for me. With
this Airfloat, I tried to imagine what the designers would have done if they were let go to do whatever they
would like - if creating one for themselves?
The Work: The only elements that were retrievable from this 1956 Airfloat were the cabinet cases and door
frames, the chassis, the fridge and stove (with work), kitchen sink, entry door skins (not insides), some
hardware, and siding (which is actually quite corroded.) Everything else was not really usable. More than
one person has questioned why I didn't just start from scratch. My response: Then I wouldn’t have been
able to write this story!
Luckily friends are letting us use their large barn/metal building on Whidbey Island to work on our trailers.
As you might imagine, rain is a common occurrence in our area.
The first step with the Airfloat was to take off the siding in the front and back which had obvious rot. When
the screws and bolts were removed, the wood framework literally crumbled to the ground. It was totally
rotten.
The next step was to remove the aluminum edging, which was attached with not only screws, but thousands of rusted nails - including spiral nails. Even though the wood framework was mostly rotten, these
nails required significant effort to remove. The edging was shredded in the process. I was still wanting to
simply replace parts that were rotten and put the trailer back together, but it was getting clear that this
would not be a good or possible strategy.
This is when my daughter and I explored using Sing Panels (www.SingCore.com), which are manufactured
near Olympia, WA, quite near us. I had recently met the owner, Peter Sing, and had seen his showroom. It
would be significantly easier and stronger to use Sing Panels to rebuild the walls. Also, a friend suggested
making my trailer the full legal width of 8' 6”. This would be easier if rebuilding the walls from scratch.
The floor of the Airfloat was made of a top layer of 1/2” plywood nailed onto 2 x 2s. These were in good
shape, but the bottom layer against the chassis was a unique tar paper covered wood veneer, which had
mostly disintegrated. It would require totally removing this floor panel to replace the bottom layer. So the
choice was made for the Airfloat to become a blank chassis. The walls and floor have become a great bonfire material.
There were some really nice design details in the overall trailer, but also quite a few “intriguing” (not so
good) choices in construction. For instance, the very nice mahogany cabinets, besides being screwed to the
floor and wall studs in the interior, were nailed
to the wall from the outside, through the thin
insulation and interior siding. Yes, before
putting on the exterior aluminum skin, they
literally hammered nails from the outside
through the thin insulation and interior paneling into the 3/4” edge of the cabinets. They
must have had very good jigs because it would
have been very easy to be slightly off and split
the mahogany.
Given that I am 6' 3” I decided to explore creating more headroom. Another friend suggested
the idea of a mollycoft (raised area along the
length), which can be seen on a few vintage
trailers, but is most common on gypsy wagons
and street cars. I wanted to play with the theme
of curves, so came up with the idea of a cylindrical mollycroft as well as a curved “bump out” in the front,
which will sport a very nice dinette. This mollycroft gives well over 7' of headroom over the entire length of
the trailer. Without this detail, I could only stand up in about 2/3 of the trailer. In design school there was
often the discussion of a theme being reflected in all axis. The original body, mollycroft, and front “bump
out” each express themselves in a different plane – plus they give more usable space. Originally I considered
lengthening the frame to accommodate the bump-out, but realized that would entail significant redesign of
the chassis (and I am not a welder), so I figured out how to shorten the original body by about 2 feet, by
repositioning the siding, which allowed enough room for the dinette area.
Besides using Sing Panels for the walls, I decided to use aluminum tubing to create a framework for the other
parts. Aluminum is actually quite inexpensive so the budget has not been too stressed. I discovered a metal
fabrication company in Everett, Metalistics, that can do very clean and accurate bending of tubing, etc. I
ordered the tubing from Thyssen Krupp in Portland and they delivered it directly to Metalistics. This led to
one of my favorite stories within this story.
I was still pondering the final design – not sure if I wanted to tackle the mollycroft. My money was low when
the metal was delivered so I asked Metalistics to hold off doing any bending until I could afford it - but I had
given them all the dimensions for
the cylindrical parts. When I called
the next week and said I needed
to hold off on the bending - to my
surprise (and to theirs) one of their
workers had some extra time on a
Friday afternoon and had gone
ahead and bent the mollycroft
parts. I am a big believer in trusting life, and was actually overjoyed - they had made the decision for me. I had really wanted to
add that unique detail. We agreed
on a very reasonable price and we
picked up the parts. In a few days I
had started mocking up these
trusses. My daughter, who had
been suggesting I cool it and simplify my design, was also
overjoyed with the outcome of this little mistake.
As many of you are aware, this kind of construction becomes a
labor of love. The plan is to spend quite a bit of time traveling in
this Airfloat, so I want to be surrounded by a fun environment. I
just bet that the original designers of the Airfloat would thoroughly enjoy the space that is being created in this trailer.
Windows: The portholes are an obvious. They are in good shape
The new drawer pulls
needing only new glass and caulking. The three louvered
windows are in good shape, so will simply be cleaned up and
reinstalled. They provide virtually no insulation, but that can be sacrificed for this unique detail. The larger flat windows are another issue.
They are rather flimsy in their construction, so I am pondering replacing
them with stronger double-pane versions - maybe making them from
scratch.
Doors: The Airfloat entry doors are one of its unique and beautiful
features. I was hoping to simply re-hang them, but upon inspection, the
wood guts were rotten. I have
dismantled them, which was not a
simple task, and plan to either build a
new aluminum support structure or fill
them with Sing Panels. FYI, our AAA
Premier RV coverage paid for a locksmith to rebuild and make keys for both
door locks. Hint, hint - AAA is a great
service.
Plumbing – the sewer was all very heavy cast iron which is now history. All
the other piping was copper, which might be able to be reused.
Cabinets – Typical to my approach to life, one of the first elements completed for the trailer were the drawer pulls (above right). All but one of the
Inlay designs for top cabinet panels.
Original top cabinets
big cabinets were completely refinished over the next few
months.
Top Cabinets are one of the wonderful design elements of
the Airfloat. See previous page. The 6 rectangular rounded
edge doors were framed with a worn out plastic moulding
which kept them flush with the cabinet front. I made new
frames with the same shape using Wenge (a dark African
wood) with inlaid maple dots. (See last page). These too were
completed early in the process. I had to resurface these
cabinets, as well as some of the large panels on the big
cabinets, with very nice thin Sapele plywood, which looks
very similar to the original Philippine Mahogany. See previous page for these top cabinet designs.
Floor: I decided to create fancy parquet flooring. The picture
to the left is how it will look when laid out. The middle
picture is one of the nearly completed tiles, and the bottom
is the fancy one. So far I have maded 77 of these parquet tiles
constructed of 3/16” thick pieces of wood glued onto 1/4”
plywood. These will be adhered to a plywood subfloor.
Parquet floor layout
Actual 12” square parquet tile
Kitchen Counter: Many different surfaces were pondered,
but a good friend had recently given us a few very beautiful,
thick planks of hard maple. I decided to make a 3” thick
maple counter top (actually only 1” thick except at the
edges), which can be seen on the next page. The original sink
is in good shape so it is being put back into place. I managed
to make the hole for the sink a bit too large - another opportunity to change a screw up into a creative solution - so
decided to make a Wenge and Maple ring around the sink
just like on the top cabinet door frames. It turns out that the
curve at the corner is exactly the same diameter as the
frames for the upper cabinet doors. I plan to use Waterlox for
the finish. If anyone has a better idea, please send the info.
Outside Finish: Many hours have been spent exploring how
to finish the siding. The corrugated aluminum has virtually no
dents, but is quite corroded. Preparing the surface for paint
would be a daunting task. Buying new siding would be sad
since the original aluminum is structurally just fine. The
solution I am currently considering is using car wrap material
- for instance, Avery Supreme Wrapping Film which comes in
gold metalic, very similar to the original gold anodized finish.
If done correctly, this film could seal most of the seams which
had leaked and caused rot under the original exterior - and
still look like paint. The only prep necessary for wrapping the
siding would be to sand the surface and apply a primer.
Current State: There are many other elements to be dealt
with in rebuilding the Airfloat. My primary time, energy, and
financial focus, as mentioned earlier, has been to help my
Not exactly a typical Airfloat parquet design
daughter build her cottage on a trailer, so
most of the additional details for the
Airfloat are still in process. Since the trailer
is in an unheated workspace, efforts this
winter will be focused in the shop on
interior details.
Celina left today for two weeks, so much
will get done on the Airfloat between
submitting this article (December 10) and
Christmas.
The Plans: Both Celina and I plan to have
our trailers habitable by the fall. Mine will
be very road worthy, so hope to see some
of you folks as my new sweetie and I travel
the country.
Maple kitchen counter top and upper cabinet frames
One reason I am putting so much design energy into this trailer is that it will be a traveling showroom for
my furniture design business, which is in development.
Also, more than one contractor friend has expressed interest in building new travel trailers from scratch
based on the Airfloat design. This is essentially what I am doing, so ......
I try to keep updated pictures on our web site (http://everyonecandance.com/56_Airfloat.html) and on
Facebook ([email protected]). My email is [email protected]. Please contact me if
you have questions, comments, etc.
Walter Dill
Be careful………..you might just get what you have been wishing for
By Bob Bergman & Doreen Bailey-Bergman
A barn find; every trailerites dream. To be so fortunate to find an old trailer in a barn that was used a few times
and put away.
Well, we really did not find this one, as a matter of fact, it found us. A couple of years ago we were at a trailer
show and a gentlemen who was viewing for the day returned to our trailer at the end of the show. He said his
boss had a really neat old trailer in a barn and he thought we would appreciate it. He did not know what kind of
trailer is; so we asked him if it had a pointed nose and he said he thought it did. Still unsure of what it was, he
said are you interested in seeing it? “Of course”, we replied and got the telephone number to call his employer.
As you can imagine we called him the very next day to arrange a time to see the mystery barn trailer.
He said come over later in the week and I will show it to you. Since Bob’s Grandfather was a foreman at the
Covered Wagon Company, we were hoping it was our long awaited wish. He wore his grandfather's work
badge for good luck and off we went in search of our barn trailer.
As luck would have it, it was indeed a Covered Wagon Trailer, and we thought it was a 1938 model. The
owners’ wife’s Aunt and Uncle ordered it new. It was a real beauty. We talked with the owner for quite some
time. He said they were thinking of selling but he was not sure if they were ready to sell. But we were to call
him back in a month. That month turned into another month and another and another. After about 6 months,
we stopped calling for a while.
And then out of the blue, on a Sunday evening, I was surfing the Internet while watching tv. There it was, an
email from Forrest Bone with the subject line “covered wagon trailer” and the body said…..”he is ready to sell”
call him. He would not leave his telephone number with Forrest so I was glad it was still in my phone.
It took Bob all of 3 seconds to call him back to see about the trailer.
On Thursday of that week, a nervous ride to the barn ensued. And what to our amazement did we see, but a
Covered Wagon Trailer out in the field. He really was intent on us buying the trailer and he had already pulled
it out of the barn and greased the bearings and put air in the tires so it was ready to hitch up and go.
He has had several offers over the years to sell the trailer, from as far away as California and points in-between.
He chose us to purchase the trailer because he was sure we were purchasing the trailer for our enjoyment, not to
flip. It would also remain in Michigan where it was made and he could also visit the trailer. We were chosen
twice to purchase this trailer. First from an employee seeing our love of restoring all the woodwork in our
Spartan manor and then from the owner who saw our love of vintage trailers. He knew that Bob wanted a
Covered wagon trailer to honor his grandfather. We are the second family to own this trailer coach purchased
new in 1938.
So keep wishing for your dream trailer………..you never know where you will find it.
Bob Bergman and Doreen Bailey Bergman
Introducing Orbie Mungall, TCT Northwest Regional Representative
(We have used a portion of a news article written by Becky Cairns of the Standard-Examiner
about Orbie and his collection.)
WILLARD — Spend a few miles of road time following this vintage travel trailer and you’ll soon
see why it’s nicknamed “The Shiny Hiney.”
The glare off that silver aluminum exterior is nearly blinding. “It’s like traveling behind a
mirror,” explains Orbie Mungall, the fellow who spent untold hours polishing the 1947 Boles
Aero to its glowing state.
“The Spud” is another moniker Mungall uses for his old-style round-shaped trailer, or even
more fittingly, “The Canned Ham.”
Whatever they’re called, classic trailers from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s are rolling back into
popularity.
“They’re more artsy than your new trailers now ... they have a character, a style,” says
Mungall, a Willard resident who has restored more than half a dozen of these vintage boxes
on wheels.
Finding one of these old beauties before it’s sent off to the junkyard makes Mungall one
happy camper. He likes nothing better than to clean the trailers out, shine them up and get
them back on the road again.
“No telling how many camping stories have been told in all these trailers — probably 2 or 3
tons worth,” Mungall says in his soft South Carolina drawl as he shows off his collection.
And the trailers themselves tell their own stories, in the stickers plastered on the windows of
places they’ve been, or in the small mementos left inside, like a 1957 Lagoon amusement
park ticket, a turquoise dish rack, or some hand-carved coat hooks made of tree branches
collected at campsites.
“That’s getting personal, and I’ll keep that,” Mungall says.
Out of this world
Mungall has seven trailers on his one-acre home site, ranging from another 1947 Boles Aero
now being restored inside his new workshop, to a 1952 homemade trailer created from a kit
by a family living just up the street.
“Once you get the fever, it grows on you,” Mungall says of his shiny metal finds. “A lot of
people collect frogs, or flamingos, or baseballs ... I don’t know.”
A retired seismographer or “doodlebugger,” Mungall picked up his first vintage trailer, the 12foot Boles Aero, in 1995, north of Logan. His second purchase was a 1952 Silver
Streak Clipper, a missile-shaped trailer he found for sale alongside a road in Nebraska.
“It looks like something out of ‘Buck Rogers,’ ” Mungall says, standing outside the 22-foot
trailer nicknamed “The Wedge.” “The front and back are identical, it just has that alien look.”
Eye-catching, too, are the pink flamingos — a “trailer trash symbol" — surrounding the
Clipper or peering out from one of its windows.
The Silver Streak is a relative of the well-known Airstream: “It’s very aerodynamic; all these
guys (who created them) were aircraft engineers so they thought aerodynamics,” Mungall
says.
He adds, “These things are rare — I was glad to get it.”
Across the yard sits a 1965 Barth, a 24-foot long trailer that Mungall says was “top of the line”
in its day, even equipped with a full porcelain bathtub.
“That thing is like an Abraham tank, or a Sherman tank — it is heavy duty,” says Mungall, who
once spent a summer living in the spacious trailer while working as a campground security
guard.
Etched in wood
Inside the 1947 Boles Aero, Mungall points out such vintage touches as the birch wood
cabinetry and the old-fashioned-looking white icebox. Nearly everything in this beauty is
original, save the carpet, upholstery and blinds.
Open a closet door and you’ll see the signature of the trailer’s designer, Don Boles, etched in
the wood. Mungall met Boles, who has since passed away, at a trailer rally in Nevada. Boles,
Mungall says, “nearly dropped to his knees” when he saw the authenticity of the restored
trailer.
Boles’ wife even gave Mungall the trailer’s original production sheets, which are really just
handwritten notes.
“That’s gold to me — (Boles) made the Travel Trailer Hall of Fame,” Mungall says.
The Boles Aeros are noted for their all-aluminum frames, with no wood to rot away as the
trailers age.
Carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills are needed to tackle a fix-up job on these old
trailers, Mungall says. Some of the techniques are learned by trial and error, like exactly
which type of polish to use to get the exterior to shine like a mirror.
Aircraft-grade polish turns out to be the thing that gives the best results, but Mungall says,
“I’ve spent maybe 300 hours learning the wrong way.”
Yes, the restoration is a slow process, but Mungall quips, “I’m a Southerner, I’ve got patience
— I can sit and listen to my beard grow.”
Take a peek
Mungall says he works a little every day on his restoration projects, but it’s all entertainment
— never drudgery.
“When it goes from relaxing to aggravating, I cut if off,” says the Willard transplant, who
helped promote a 2012 bill in Utah creating a special registration and license plate for
antique trailers.
The price tag on Mungall’s trailer purchases runs from $600 to $1,500. Although he has kept
his restored pieces, some models might sell for as much as $13,500 in the United States, or up
to $37,000 in Europe.
“The Europeans have a fetish about Western cowboys, mountain man relics and now,
vintage trailers,” he says.
Anywhere he takes his vintage collectibles — be it a campground or a stop at the grocery
store — Mungall says the trailers attract curious onlookers.
He jokingly tells folks, “It’s $1 for the full tour and 50 cents for a peek.”
Seeing these vintage trailers often triggers fond memories. Folks frequently tell Mungall they
remember camping in one themselves, or that someone in their family once owned one.
“It just brings back a piece of your childhood or a piece of your history,” he says.
Although he isn’t actively looking for more trailers to work on, Mungall says, “They come to
my attention — they just show up.”
Camp, sweet camp
Mungall and his wife, Mary Jane, camp in their vintage trailers with what some might see as
an old-style approach. They like to stick to the back roads — “You can’t see (the world) at 80
miles per hour,” Mungall says — and they set up camp to play cards, read books or “talk to
each other, by golly.”
In contrast, many folks nowadays don’t seem to camp to get away from home, Mungall
says. “They camp to see how much home they can take with them,” with their generators
and portable DVD players and the like.
Why, if someone were to give Mungall the key to a brand-new monster motor home, he says
he’d take it out and put the thing up for sale.
“These new ones serve a purpose — but not my purpose,” he says.
As he travels, Mungall says he enjoys meeting people and seeing their reactions to his rolling
pieces of nostalgia.
“If that gets them back to camping or something, all the better,” he says, “Get them away
from the push buttons and videos.”
And if those folks were to acquire a “Canned Ham” or “Shiny Hiney” of their own, that would
be fine by Mungall, too.
After all, he says, as he walks through his trailer collection, “These are keepers.”
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MEMORIES
Nostalgia is tops on the list of reasons folks are attracted to vintage trailers.
“When they were kids, they went camping in something real similar to that, so it brings back
those memories for those people,” says Karen Campbell, a regional representative for the
national Tin Can Tourists trailer organization.
The old-time trailers are also economical to purchase, at perhaps half the price of new
trailers, as well as easy to haul and use, the representative for Utah and the Southwest says in
a phone interview from Albuquerque, N.M.
And don’t forget the decorating. From kitschy pink flamingos to leopard spots to Route 66
memorabilia, folks love to make their trailers look different from everybody else’s, Campbell
says.
A vintage trailer is not a white box — “It’s full of color, it’s full of life, it’s full of excitement,”
says Campbell, whose own trailer is themed in a Reddy Kilowatt cartoon character motif.
Tin Can Tourists has about 1,000 members who enjoy gathering and camping at rallies across
the United States. Although Campbell hasn’t staged a Utah rally yet, she says her goal is to
do one in each of the nine states she represents.
The organization takes its name from an early 1900s’ Florida custom of folks putting tin cans
on their car radiators to identify themselves to one another as campers. The term and the Tin
Can Tourists organization were revived in the late 1990s, Campbell says.
Vintage or not, some of the old trailers do have a few modern updates. Campbell’s own
1957 Mobile Scout has such creature comforts as an air conditioner, water heater,
microwave and, of course, a portable potty.
Her other trailer — “you can’t have just one,” she says — is a 1958 Jewel that’s decorated
with flowers of that era and serves as a guest house at her Albuquerque residence.
That might be another reason folks like old trailers, Campbell says: “Maybe it’s cheaper than
adding on another room.”
From the Webmaster’s Desk
By Terry Bone
The Tin Can Tourists are actively participating on Pinterest. You can find us
at: http://pinterest.com/tincantourists/
Never heard of Pinterest? Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and
share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse boards created by other
people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. The
Tin Can Tourists is sharing images of the trailers being sold on our TCT Classified Ads, pictures
of vintage trailers and related items.
Classified Ad system has been updated. It now supports more pictures and more
functionality. This was long overdue and the old software was struggling with the increase in
traffic.
We have a new website under development. It retains much of the functionality of the
current website but we think you'll like the new vintage look to the site. The mobile version of
the website is being completely rewritten and will provide all of the functionality and content
of the standard website but formatted for smartphones and tablets. Both the updated
website and new mobile website will be launched before the end of 2012. Let us know what
you think!
Regards,
Terry Bone
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tincantourists.com
Thanks to Chuck Hagmann for sending along the following:
Down the Road
2012-13 Events
After receiving some complaints from attendees of some of the posted rallies at our site, we felt that we
needed to designate the events that are Official TCT Gatherings.
The designation of “Official” TCT Gatherings is probably overdue. We have been promoting, through our
website, just about everything that is submitted and have not been as clear as we should be about the events
that are generated by our regional representatives and from time to time by TCT members.
The qualifications for a listing as an official TCT Gathering will probably be modified as it is a work in progress,
but for now the following guidelines will be in place:
1. The Gathering is hosted by a Regional Representative or an active TCT member
2. TCT membership is a requirement for attendance. Membership requirements must be clearly stated
and collection of the Tin Can Tourists membership fee must be part of the rally registration process.
Note: when the staff at Camp Dearborn asked callers for site reservations, many falsely said they were
active members to secure a site thereby getting a price break granted to TCT and preventing a
member from reserving that site.
3. The Regional Representative will be the clearing house for area events and recommend events that
they feel meet the guidelines for the Official designation. The Regional Representative should be kept
informed about the event's overall organization.
4. Concourses will be limited to the Annual Gathering and Regional Rallies. TCT purchases the awards and
provides some judging guidelines and wants to keep such awards “special” by limiting the number of
such events. It is up to the Regional Representative as to whether they want to provide a concours for
attendees. Each geographical area is unique and the Regional Representative is best suited to decide if
such an activity is to be provided.
Check the Rally Calendar at www.tincantourists.com for a listing of other events.
Designates “Official TCT Gathering”
The registration forms are all available on Rally Registration page on the site:
http://www.tincantourists.com/rallyregistration.php or select "Rally Registrations" under Camp
Office on the menu
Paypal forms will become available as the registration process is set up.
The event hosts will post downloadable forms and in some cases Paypal registration procedures.
93rd Winter Convention Schedule and
Registration follow
..
..
..
..
.
Tin Can Tourists
Tentative Schedule: 93rd Annual Winter Convention
Thursday
Arrival and parking
Check in 1:00 to 4:00 pm
5:30
6:00
7:00
8:00-9:00
6:00
7:00-9:00
8:00 - 9:00
11:00 – 3:00
5:00
8:00 to 9:00
Get Acquainted Social at Pavilion –Wine Provided
Business Meeting & New Member Induction
Pizza Party
Power Point Presentation The Lincoln Highway: "America's Main Street" Hunt Jones Presenter --– Door Prize
Drawing at conclusion
Friday
Catered Breakfast at Pavilion
Pot Luck dinner - Bring table service and drink
Special Entertainment - music for listening or dancing
Saturday
Coffee, and Treats at Pavilion
Vintage RV Open House and Concours for Southeast Regional Members - Flea
Market items can be placed on the picnic table on your site.
Catered Dinner at Pavilion –BBQ Chicken
Concours Award’s Presentation
Sunday
Sunday morning Bluegrass Gospel with your
Coffee and donuts at the Pavilion
Extreme Emergency 911 - Park Manager – Karen - Park’s Main Office 863-984-8445 Forrest & Jeri Cell 941-302-2415
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Tin Can Tourists
93rd Annual Convention
Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brooksville, Florida
February 21-24, 2013
Sites will be available for early arrivals as well as those that want to stay longer
Registration Information:
Last Name ________________________
First: His) ________________Hers)_________________________
Contact information: (Mailing address - Phone and email address)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
Number of Additional Guests or Children: ____________
Trailer/Motor Coach bringing to the Winter Convention
YEAR __________ Make _____________ Model____________
Registration Fee $140.00 per trailer for up to two adults includes three nights camping with water
and electric, entertainment, morning coffee & breakfast treats, catered breakfast and dinner.
Add an additional $25 for each adult guest or children over 10.
No additional meal tickets will be available at the Convention.
A Southeast Regional Concours will be held for owners of trailers or motor coaches located in the
Southeast Region (West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida,
Alabama, Mississippi, & Louisiana).
$140.00+$25 per guest or child+$20 for membership dues if applicable:
If you would like to renew you due for May 2013 to May 2014 add an additional $20 for the
annual dues.
Total amount of check ___________________________
Send this registration along with your Check made payable to: FORREST BONE –
4 High Street, Bradenton, Florida 34208
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Vintage Trailers Wanted
Tin Can Tourists
Manatee Historic Village
Heritage Days – March 15, 16, 17, 2013
Show at the Village on the 16th
Registration Information:
Last Name ________________________
First: His) ______________________Hers)_________________________
Number of Additional Guests or Children: ____________
Indicate the Year, Make and Model of the RV you will be bringing:
This information is for the window sign that you will receive at Linger Lodge.
If you have any new contact information, such as a new email address, etc., write it below:
The registration fee of $20.00 will be used to defray dinner costs at the lodge on Saturday
night. Camping fees will be paid directly to Linger Lodge.
All vintage makes and models will be able to join in on the Heritage Day’s festivities. Come join
us for the open house at Heritage Park and stay at the historic Linger Lodge. Come and join
the fun.
Please make check payable to Forrest Bone
An early submission of this registration form is recommended. We will only be able to reserve a
limited number of sites to insure we are able to camp together. Don’t delay, register today.
Make Check Payable to Forrest Bone:
Total amount of check ___________________________
Send this registration form along with your Check made payable to:
FORREST BONE: 4 High St., Bradenton, Florida 34208
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End of Season Gathering – Kissimmee Florida – March 21-24, 2013
Tropical Palms Resort and Campground
2650 Holiday Trail
Kissimmee, Florida 34746
Phone: 407.396.4595
Questions?? Contact – Ashley Ogozaly or Filipe Colares
Email [email protected]
Tropical Palms is the group getaway you will remember for the rest of your life. It is flatout Florida fun and good times.
Where you’re close to everything and far away from the everyday. Tropical Palms is a day
trip to Disney World, Universal theme parks, Sea World, Daytona Beach, Kennedy Space
Center, Busch Gardens, or taking a stroll over to Old Town and celebrating the glory days
of bygone times. Spending the winter at Tropical Palms is the perfect way to escape the
cold.
Amenities include:
30/50 AMP Sites
Heated Pool
Pet Wash Stations
24 Hr. Laundry Facilities
Propane Fill Station
Dump Station
Registration form follows – send in the reservation form and I will
give Tropical Palms your name so you can register for a site.
Each individual will be responsible for site reservations and
payment.
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Tin Can Tourists
Tropical Palms – End of Season Gathering March 21 -24, 2013
Tropical Palms Resort and Campground
2650 Holiday Trail
Kissimmee, Florida 34746
407.396.4595
Contact person – Ashley Ogozaly or Filipe Colares
Email [email protected]
Registration Form
Registration Information:
Last Name ________________________
First: His) ______________________Hers)_________________________
Number of Additional Guests or Children: ____________
Indicate the Year, Make and Model of the RV you will be bringing:
_______________________________________________________________
This information is for the window sign that you will receive at Tropical Palms
If you have any new contact information, such as a new email address, etc., write it below:
The registration fee of $40.00 will be used to cover rally costs. We will plan a Thursday Social Hour,
Breakfast and Pizza Party.
Please make check payable to Forrest Bone
An early submission of this registration form is recommended. We will only be able to reserve a
limited number of sites to insure we are able to camp together. Don’t delay, register today.
Make Check Payable to Forrest Bone:
Total amount of check ___________________________
Send this registration form along with your Check made payable to:
FORREST BONE: 4 High St., Bradenton, Florida 34208
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Smokey Mountain Weekend - Brief description of event: Join us in the beautiful Smokey
Mountains for a weekend to remember. This is an adult campground (children under 2 and over 14
are welcome)
Date: April 19-21, 2013
Location: Four Paws Kingdom Campground, Rutherfordton, NC 28139,
828.287.7324, www.4pawskingdom.com
Number of units allowed at event: 41
Registration procedure: TCT Rally Participation Fee - $15.00 Per Site (collected upon arrival)
Reservations can be made directly with Four Paws Campground by calling 828-287-7324 or at
http://www.4pawskingdom.com . Site fees are dependent on size and type of site you choose.
Remember, to mention you are with the TCT Spring Fling Rally to receive the appropriate rate! Please
Note: TCT Rally Participation fee is NOT included in your site rental.
Contact person: For more information contact Kim at [email protected]
16th Annual Gathering – May 16-19, 2013
Tentative Schedule 16th Annual Gathering – May 16-19, 2013
Thursday
5:00
7:30
Friday
9:30
10:00
11:00
11:00
1:00
2:00
Tent
Tent
Breakfast Brunch 1st Seating – Even Numbered Sites
Breakfast Brunch 2nd Seating – Odd Numbered Sites
MEETING FOR ALL CONCOURS ENTRANTS
Antiquing in Howell – drivers needed
TCT Picture Display
Dan Hershberger’s 1927 Auto Kamp Trailer –
Vintage Camping Equipment Demonstration
Dutch Oven Cooking – Doug Hardekopf
Pizza Party
Music by Bugs Beddow Band
“Friday Night Lites” (Judging)
7:30
Tent
11:30-2:00
11:00-4:00
2:00
Coffee and Sweet Treats
Food Vendor will be available for lunch
North American Vintage Trailer and Motor Coach Concours
(Open House and Concours)
Period dress encouraged – reflecting your trailer’s vintage
PLEASE MOVE TOW VEHICLES TO TENT VILLAGE AREA
Dan Hershberger, 1927 Auto Kamp Trailer – Vintage Camping
Gear demonstration at Site #50
5:30 1st Seating 6:15 2nd Seating 7:00
Sunday
"America’s Main Street: The Lincoln Highway”
Hunt Jones, presenter
Tent
Tent
Tent
Meet@Tent
Chalet
Site #
50
3:00
TBA
6:00
at Tent
7:00
at Tent
Dusk to Dark
Saturday
Crock Pot Thursday
50/50 – Tickets on Sale
New Member Reception
Catered Dinner –Odd Numbered Sites WRIST BANDS REQUIRED
Catered Dinner – Even Numbered Sites WRIST BANDS REQUIRED
Concours Award’s Presentation, Door Prizes, 50/50 Drawing
7:30
Tent
Coffee and treats
DEPARTURE BY 1:00 HAVE A SAFE TRIP – SEE YOU IN THE FALL
Police Emergency Number: 911 or 248-684-1825
Camp Office: 248-684-6000
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Fire Department: 248-684-2335
Forrest & Jeri 941-302-2415
5th Vicksburg TCT & 33rd Vicksburg Old Car Festival for Thursday, June 6 - Sunday,
June 9, 2013 – Vicksburg, Michigan
Camping in the Vicksburg Historic Village at 300 N. Richardson Street. Registration fee,
$25.00 includes electric, which is due by June 1, 2013.
Limited sites.
Contact: Ken and Lee Evensen at 269.649.2445 or cell 269.808.0853 or email for more
information or questions: [email protected]
2013 Western Canada “Tin Can Tourists” Vintage Trailer Rally
Hosted by: Susan and Gerry Measures
Sons of Norway Country Club East of Mission BC Canada
Phone 604 929 6403 Cell 604 813 7305 [email protected]
Where: Sons of Norway Country Club - 11901 Seux Road - Mission, BC - V2V 4J1
Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration – 2013
Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration – July 2013
NOTE DATE CHANGE: Submit application by the end of January.
Participants will be notified by the end of February.
Forrest and Jeri Bone – 4 High Street – Bradenton, Florida 34028
[email protected]
c.941-302-2415
RE: Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration Caravan
From: Forrest and Jeri Bone
Dear Tin Can Tourists Member;
During the latter part of June, Jeri and I pre-scouted a route for the 2013 Caravan.
Our previous experience with the Historic National Road Caravan and the Route 6 Caravan as well as participant suggestions has
helped us develop this Caravan. When possible the distance traveled is close to the targeted 150 miles per day. This will allow for
plenty of sightseeing along the route. There would be a set time for arrival at the next nights location, allowing for staggered
departures and arrivals. Also, because of our previous experience, we feel that is very important that if you are planning on
participating you will start with the group in Hayesville Ohio and complete the trip to Kearney.
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To apply for participation, send in a brief bio and picture of the participants with your trailer/motor coach (indicate the year, make and
model) and pictures of the RV both interior and exterior.
We are limiting the number of participants to 30. If we get more than 30 units wishing to participate, consideration will be given to
developing a diversified caravan including a range of years, makes, and models. If needed we will use a TCT member selection
committee to pick the thirty units for the caravan. Those not initially selected will be rank ordered and placed on a standby list to fill
spots due to cancellations.
Although final costs have not been determined, we do have the camping costs arranged and are looking at having a catered meal every
other day during the caravan. Our estimated costs for camping and catered meals is $320. Addition costs include a Lincoln Highway
Association Membership and guide book. A deposit of $150.00 should accompany your bio and pictures as formal application.
If not selected or if you have to cancel, this deposit will be refunded.
Following the completion of the Caravan, unspent funds will be refunded to participants.
Caravan Leaders – Forrest and Jeri Bone
Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration – July 2013
Forrest and Jeri Bone – 4 High Street – Bradenton, Florida 34028
[email protected]
c.941-302-2415
Tentative Schedule
Day One Saturday June 22 – Arrive Hayesville Ohio – arrive time NOON to ONE PM.
The Ashland County West Holmes Career Center 1783 State Route 60, Ashland Ohio 44805
Day Two Sunday June 23 – Arrive Van Wert Ohio – Approximately 132 miles
Van Wert Fairgrounds – 1055 South Washington Street – Denis W. Ellinger [email protected]
Day Three Monday June 24– Arrive RV Heritage Museum Elkhart Indiana- Approximately 115 miles
RV Museum 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart, IN 46514 – 574.293.2344 – www.rvmhhalloffame.org
Day Four Tuesday June 25 Arrive St. Charles/Geneva, Illinois – Approximately 169 Miles
Kane County Fairgrounds – Randell Road and Route 38 (Lincoln Hwy) St. Charles/Geneva, IL 60174 – 630.584.6926 - www.kanecountyfair.com
Day Five Wednesday June 26 Arrive Oxford, Iowa – Approximately 217 Miles
Sleepy Hollow Campground 3340 Blackhawk Ave. Oxford, IA I-80 Exit #230
Stopping Point Lincoln Highway Association National Headquarters 136 North Elm Franklin Grove, Illinois 61031–
[email protected]
Day Six Thursday June 27 Arrive Boone Iowa – Approximately 136 Miles
Boone County Fairgrounds – 1601 Industrial Park , Boone, IA 50036 - 515-432-5899
Located on Route 20 and Fairgrounds Road
Day Seven Friday June 28 Arrive Blair/ Arlington Nebraska – Approximately 156 Miles
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Washington County Fairgrounds – 23656 US Hwy 30 – Arlington, Nebraska – Arlington is located 15 miles west of Blair right off the Lincoln
Highway
Day Eight Saturday June 29 Arrive Grand Island/Donipan – Approximately 136 Miles
Grand Island KOA I80 Exit 318 – 904 S. Bend – Donipan, NE 68832 – 402-886-2249
The KOA is approximately 12 miles from Grand Island
Day Nine Sunday June 30 Arrive Kearney Nebraska – Approximately 42 miles
Buffalo County Fairgrounds – 3807 Avenue N – Kearney Nebraska 68847 – 308.236.1201
Monday through Thursday, July 1st – 4th Centennial Celebration Car Show and Lincoln Highway Association Conference
Port Crescent State Park – Vintage Weekend – July 25-28, 2013 - John Truitt host –
registration material will be available in 2013
Bell River Windsor, Ontario – Vintage Boats and Trailers – Hosts Rick Myer – More information
to follow.
Event: 2013 Port Sanilac Antique Boat Show & Vintage Festival
"Celebrating (a time when leisure time was filled) Craftsmanship and Design"
Dates:
August 9-11 (For TCT Folks)
Location:
Downtown Port Sanilac, Michigan
Details to follow in Spring Newsletter – John Truitt, TCT Host
Oakland Grove – Holly Michigan, Hosted by Cullen Tate - August 22-25, 2013
Registration information to follow in future editions of Tin Can Tales
Name of event: Watts Up-By the Bay
Brief description of event: Join us in an action packed weekend at Willard Bay State Park, Willard,
Utah. Come Boat, swim, water-ski, hike, watch for nesting eagles, explore Willard Peak, or fish all this
only 8 miles north of Ogden, Utah. Camp under tall cottonwood trees that frame the night sky. We
are going to wow you with a swap meet, meet and greet, open house, catered dinner, unplugged
music jam, and lots more. Newly renovated restroom with hot showers. Come meet the friendly
people of Utah and experience the beauty of the land.
Date: September 12-15, 2013
Location: Willard Bay State Park , South Marina http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/willard-bay/video
Number of units allowed at event: up to 48 with hook ups and some double parking, plus lots of dry
camping space
Registration procedure: TCT membership required. The rally, camping fee and new TCT
membership: For full hook ups $105.00 (less $25.00 if current TCT member) or dry camping -no
hook-up, but full restroom access for $ 75.00. Registration form and more details with PayPal will be
online or contact your TCT Northwest Regional Rep- Watt Mungall. Email him at
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[email protected], or call him for more info @ 1-435-723-6775.
Contact person: For more information contact Watt @ [email protected] or call 1-435-7236775
TCTNE - 2013 Tin Can Tourists North East Rally
Brief Description of Event: 6th Annual Northeast Rally at Sampson State Park on Seneca Lake near
Ovid NY. Rally fee includes campsite for (3) nights, (3) continental breakfasts, pizza and wine
Thursday dinner, Thursday night PowerPoint presentation, Friday night is member-inspired
chili/mac&cheese/soup cook-off, Friday night live music, Saturday Open House to public, Saturday
catered dinner, and Saturday night vintage film noir movie with trailers and trailer park (not "Long
Long..."). No RV Concours judging…just a good time.
Date: September 12, 13, 14
Location: Sampson State Park, 6096 Rt. 96A, Romulus NY
Number of Units: 53 campsites (electric only, water available in loop or fill near office)
Registration Procedure and Fees: To Be Announced
Volunteers Needed to Make This Successful
Special TCT Broadcast to be released later in December
Contact: Hunt Jones ([email protected]) using TCTNE as Subject
Fall Gathering – Camp Dearborn, Milford Michigan – September 26-29, 2013.
Registration forms in summer (June) newsletter.
Additional Information – [email protected]
Fall into Vintage 2013 dates are announced! This rally will always take place the last
weekend of September and will coincide with the TCT National Camping weekend. Left than half the
sites are available so book soon to secure your spot.
Festival of Lights in Charleston SC will be our first expansion rally into the low country. Wayne
Coleson will be heading up the preparations for this James Island event, November 7-10 2013. Sites
must be reserved 12 months in advance and we currently have a list of 20 trailers with prereserved
spots. If you would like to join us, please contact Wayne at [email protected] or Kim at
[email protected] so that Wayne can reserve the correct amount of spots.
We'd like to find someone who would be willing to host a Georgia Rally in June 2013. Any GA
members out there interested in Hosting a rally?
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Way Down the Road
Koreshan Unity Settlement Gathering November, October 31 to November 3.
Estero State Park, Estero, Florida
Florida Winter Celebration – Alachua Conservation Trust - Prairie Creek Lodge
http://alachuaconservationtrust.org/
http://alachuaconservationtrust.org/index.php?/alachua/archives/prairie-creek-lodge
January 23, 2014 and departing Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014. Open House Saturday the 25 th of January
Bob and Tish Kilpatrick TCT Hosts, with the help of Larry Perry
Ivor Kincaide Land Manager
Alachua Conservation Trust
12 W. University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
Ontario Caravan in the works
Got a passport and don't know what to do with it? Why not begin planning to travel the longest
highway in the world, Yonge Street in beautiful Ontario? At 1,638 K or 1,178 m, (depending on your
odometer), Guiness, (not the good stuff), proclaimed it the "Longest Street in the World!" in their
book.
Tentative dates are sometime in 2014, July or August. Bring some sunscreen, OFF and be raring to
go on the, "TCT-Black Fly Caravan". Your Eastern Canadian Rep. and the Filaults on beginning to get
excited in our first steps to organize this Canadian Caravan! Contact me if interested.
Rick Myer - [email protected]
June 2013 to May 2014 Calendar
Theme and submission not available at press time.
Calendars will be available at the 16th Annual Gathering and by mail after the Gathering.
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We Get Letters & Emails
Why Host a Rally
Was it only April 2011? Just 19 Months ago I posted a statement on Facebook that essentially changed my
life. I stated "Why are there no Rallies in the South?" (NC, SC, GA). Terry Bone replied, "Kim, why don't you
do one and I'll guide you". It all began with that comment and response. Four rally's later, we have grown an
amazing group of people from different walks of life with a love of all things vintage. Our core group of folks
decided in April 2012 that we'd start a Facebook page to communicate about our finds, projects and meetups. That page has now grown to over 70 people and is quite active.
For those of you who, like me, can't travel 8-12 hours to get to a rally, don't be afraid to jump in feet first and
start one in your area. Looking back, I know my success is because of the fantastic group of folks who came to
that first rally and have supported the process of building a great group. It takes a team to get the word out but
it only took one person (and my husband) to start the ball rolling. We were lucky to find an amazing private
campground that was willing to team with us to do the first rally. We learned a lot together and each rally gets
better and better. Since I feel that these are "our" rallies, the Sunday morning after each rally (before everyone
goes home) we chat about what we want to do at the next one. Everyone gives input and we decide as a group
what the plan is. In 2013, we will have 2 rallies in NC and one in Charleston, SC. We are hopeful that we will
get a volunteer to host a GA rally as well.
Do we just rally? No, we have become friends. It makes sense that people with similar interests and
hobbies would become more than just acquaintances who met at a rally. TCT is different because we are
inclusive. We accept everyone no matter what make or model trailer they have and we make them feel
welcome. That is far different than any of the other manufacturer specific groups. For those of you who haven't
attended a rally, I would encourage you to do so. If you don't have one close and are considering hosting one,
contact me and I'll give you some pointers.
As I sat at my campground on Thursday and Friday drinking iced tea out of my grandfather’s favorite glass I
watched as various vintage trailers pulled into the campground. It was always our dream to one day sell out a
rally but we didn't think it would be this soon. We met lots of really awesome people and have only 9
remaining spots for the April Rally and the September 2013 Rally is half sold out already. I can't explain the
feeling of excitement to watch 37 different, unique vintage trailers slowly drive into the entrance...all because I
took the plunge and hoped we'd have success!
-Kim Hoke
(c) 864-285-1228
1969 Avion Argonaut 25A
TCT State Representative - NC, SC, GA
www.TinCanTourists.com
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Submissions Wanted
If you have something that you think might be of interest to TCT members. Please submit it
for possible inclusion in future newsletters. Stories about restoration projects, trips,
recollections, etc. would be of interest.
Magnetic sign measures 11 ½ inches – One for $20 Two
for $35. Shipping and handling $10. Mail check made payable to Forrest Bone, 4 High Street,
Bradenton, Florida 34208
Limited size availability. $20 each includes
shipping. If unable to fill because of demand, I will send you check back. Mail a check made
payable to Forrest Bone, 4 High Street, Bradenton, Florida 34208
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