In the video below we join Kevin and Kelly aka The Awkward Tourists for a tour of the unusual tiny vintage camper they bought, a 1983 Ashford travel trailer.
The video begins with the couple going to pick up the vintage trailer they had bought a week earlier. As they love refurbishing projects, Kelly was as giddy as an excited child on the ride over, envisioning all the things they planned to do to the tiny camper.
As they were looking for a small camper that could be towed with almost any car, the vintage 1983 Ashford travel trailer fit the bill. The trailer is lightweight—they can push it around manually.
The large awning is a nice feature and one I didn’t expect on a small vintage trailer like this.
Not only is the trailer small, it’s short, with a half-door leading inside. The couple named their new-to-them camper “Frodo” because they say it looks like a little Hobbit camper.
Inside is basic, with the bed taking up nearly the entire interior. This is a step up from tent camping, but it’s not luxury.
The entire back of the trailer opens up to reveal an outdoor kitchen, much like you would have in a teardrop trailer. Kevin says the kitchen was not original but rather a modification the previous owner made. It includes a 2-burner cooktop and a 12-volt RV fridge (not in the video, but there is space and connections for it). The previous owner also installed some rooftop solar. The controller hides in a cabinet in the kitchen area.
Currently, there is no sink in the trailer, but Kevin suspects there once was as there is a water hookup line. Something he intends to explore during the upcoming restoration.
As excited as they were to start making the 1983 Ashford travel trailer their own, this couple did something very smart before beginning. It’s something I always advise ANYONE contemplating an RV makeover. That is, they took it out and used it. Until you actually have camped in an RV, you are not going to discover all its nuances and you won’t really know what you do and don’t like, and what you will and will not want to change.
In the video, you will travel along to a national forest campground about an hour out of Los Angeles. The first task was dinner, and the stove did light and perform. Kelly shares some good tips on how to doctor up boxed mac and cheese mix. They also have a unique take on s’mores using Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Then it was time for bed, which, as I said, takes up most of the camper.
These two are super excited about the 1983 Ashford travel trailer. While this rig does not have enough amenities for me personally (i.e., no toilet, no shower, and not enough of a kitchen), all of that can be remedied. And I am guessing this trailer cost them a lot less than the equivalent of something new that is likely not as well-made. In so many RVing buying experiences these days, vintage makes a lot more practical sense than new.
The next morning, Kevin declared their first night in the vintage camper was some of the best camping sleep he’s ever gotten.
It wasn’t all roses: There was a voltage issue with the electrical when Kevin tried to plug in the coffee pot. But taking the vintage camper on a test run was because they wanted to discover potential shortcomings necessary for repairs.
They also discovered a small rip in the awning that will need repair. However, the large awning on the tiny trailer does provide a lot of shaded living space. But it might be more suited to Frodo and other little people.
Not only have I never seen one of these vintage campers before, the only thing I could find on the internet was one similar to the one in the video (without solar) that was posted for sale three years ago in Long Beach, California, on OfferUp for a mere $800! It might even be the same trailer; who knows?
What do you think of this very basic vintage camper? Leave your comments below.
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Rent one of those stubby little U-Haul trailers, throw in an air mattress, a Colman white gas stove, a container of water, and a flashlight or two, and you’re good to go.
Thank you, Cheri. I can imagine a time in my life, many, many years ago, when I would have been happy with such a camper. Perhaps I was even younger then than this couple appears. However, in my dotage I prefer far more creature comforts and inside space than this camper affords. Still it was an interesting and entertaining video (at least that’s my expectation when I have/make time to watch it). Thank you for seeking, finding, and sharing the video! Safe travels! 🙂
Oh my gosh! To be young and excited. Reminds me when Gail and I got our first 12 foot very used trailer. It never went anywhere.. It just sat at her brother’s over on the beach and it was our weekend getaway. Memories that I needed today.
Enjoyable tour but as I’m owned by 4 cats not a doable camper 4 us