This 1960 Spartan Carousel recently took the Vintage Camper Trailers’ social media pages by storm. It captivated thousands of admirers who liked and commented on the photos. Dan Reiser built the unique trailer with a challenge—balancing the restoration of mid-century charm with the necessary upgrades for modern functionality.
Restoration
At the heart of this restoration was a commitment to preserving the Carousel’s distinctive mid-century features. The iconic dome skylight, circular ceiling disk with its Sputnik light fixture, and circular kitchen design were painstakingly revived to highlight the trailer’s original charm. The full wall of windows at the front of the trailer sets it apart from others and adds to its uniqueness.
The process
Undertaking this ambitious project meant dismantling the entire interior, effectively transforming the Spartan into an aluminum canvas. A comprehensive rebuild, including replacing the entire electrical system, plumbing, and installing an on-demand water heater was next. Additionally, the cabinets were meticulously refinished, insulation and birch paneling were replaced, and new flooring graced the interior.
A very rare trailer
The Spartan Carousel holds a special place among vintage trailer enthusiasts. It is the Holy Grail of Spartans, measuring 10 by 50 feet and weighing 12,400 lbs. However, moving such treasures is a task best left to professionals due to their considerable width.
History and art
The attraction to the Spartan Carousel extends beyond its historical significance to become a functional work of art. Complete with new 12,000 BTU mini-splits; this vintage gem is an example of the fusion of history and modern comforts.
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##RVT1154
Have you ever seen the small vintage trailer community just outside of Watkins Glen State Park in New York? I think one of these trailers—or at least, something similar—is in the group. Very cool!
This thing is cool! But where in the world do you put something like this?
Often used as guest houses.
No photos of the bath or bedrooms? I suppose a trailer park would be a good place to park it.
Our blog posts our plucked from the pages of our magazine. The original articles have more photos and details ut are edited for space here. This one also happens to be on our classified ads where there are more photos. https://classifieds.vintagecampertrailers.com/classified/1960-spartan-carousel-listing-2167.aspx
Seems that’s less of a “camper” and more along the lines of a single-wide mobile home. Not a lot of standard vehicles that most people would own that are capable of towing a 12,000 pound trailer. Still an interesting piece of history, though.
Due to its size, this Spartan won’t be making many road trips. (I think it’s 10x50ish.)
Todays RV manufactures can’t build anything like this anymore.
Thank you, Paul! 🙂 What a beautiful RV! 🙂 The finished product is quite impressive. Given the exterior dimensions, it seems that it most often tended to stay in one location most of the year. Thanks again for sharing this fascinating RV! 🙂 Safe travels! 🙂
Neal, you are correct. This is a mobile home, not a camper as such. When my wife and I were married 55 years ago, we started with a 10 ft.x 51 ft. mobile home on a leased private lot and 3 years later purchased a new 12 ft x 60 ft mobile home and put it on our own property.
Thank you, Gary! 🙂 Safe travels! 🙂
Many mid-century trailers did not have holding tanks or 12v systems, and many did not even have bathrooms. They were designed to be lived in and plugged into electricity and sewer if they had a toilet. We have a 28′ 1955 Spartan Manor that has been retrofitted with 12v, holding, and freshwater tanks for off-grid camping. Due to its size, this Spartan won’t be making a lot of road trips. (I think it’s 10x50ish.)
Thank you, Paul! 🙂 Safe travels! 🙂