Scott and Teresa Strizver, from Vancouver, Washington, have a passion for vintage camper trailers. Over the past five years, they have restored several trailers, bringing them back to their original charm. One of their most exciting projects was a vintage trailer they named “Marilyn,” which they transformed into a Hollywood glam masterpiece.
Discovering Marilyn
Scott and Teresa found Marilyn on Facebook Marketplace. (You can find vintage trailers For Sale on the VCT classifieds.) She wasn’t in great shape because the previous owners had removed her vintage features. They took out the original white Dixie stove and replaced the RV commode with a composting toilet. They painted the cabinets bright turquoise and swapped the countertops for thick Douglas fir.
Despite these changes, Scott and Teresa saw Marilyn’s potential and decided to restore her to her former glory. Teresa researched the previous owners’ Facebook posts to see what Marilyn looked like before the renovations.
“We knew we had to purchase her and bring back some of the vintage vibe, along with our own personal touches,” Teresa explained.
Restoration journey to Hollywood glam
The restoration began with a pink freestanding Dixie stove that Teresa purchased from a fellow camper. This stove became the heart of Marilyn’s kitchen, inspiring the trailer’s Palm Springs/Hollywood Glam theme.
Scott painted a modern retro-style fridge and sink to match the stove, and Teresa found vintage pieces to create the perfect atmosphere. They used a vintage pink starburst Formica table and a 1960s gold starburst bathroom countertop for the kitchen and bathroom.
The couple also added a pink velvet mid-century-style couch, a Sputnik chandelier, black and gold sconces, and a vintage barware collection. Marilyn was designed to feel like a time capsule from the Golden Age of Hollywood, complete with palm frond curtains and a pink flamingo wading pool filled with pink champagne.
Modern features
Scott and Teresa wanted Marilyn to have modern comforts. They installed a Bluetooth sound system in a restored 1940s TV, a smart TV in the bedroom area, and an on-demand water heater. Marilyn also has a microwave, an air fryer, and quick-release propane connections for the fire pit and BBQ grill. This one came out so nice it is featured in the Vintage Camper Trailers magazine.
Teamwork and challenges
The process wasn’t without challenges. Scott and Teresa are both strong-willed and have different ideas. “We had to remind each other to ‘stay in our lane’ to keep things moving,” Teresa laughed.
They found support from friends who provided advice and assistance. “Our friends and fellow campers were always there to lend a hand or offer advice,” Scott said. “It really does take a village.”
Marilyn’s big debut
In June 2024, Marilyn made her debut at the Glamping Gals trailer rally at Champoeg State Park. Everyone loved Marilyn and her unique charm. Scott and Teresa were thrilled to share their hard work with fellow vintage camper enthusiasts.
More vintage treasures
Scott and Teresa’s love for vintage trailers doesn’t stop with Marilyn. They also own a 1964 Fireball Friendship named “Lil Louise,” a 1966 Aladdin Sultan’s Castle called “Nashty,” a 1953 Airfloat Navigator awaiting restoration, and a 1953 KomPak Sportsman.
A journey into vintage camper culture
Scott and Teresa’s journey into vintage campers began in 2019 when Teresa found a small trailer on Facebook Marketplace while Scott was away. That trailer, “Lil Louise,” became their first project.
“We had no idea what we were doing, but we gave it a go and fell in love with vintage campers,” Teresa said. “It’s been five amazing years since we started, and we wouldn’t change a thing.”
For Scott and Teresa, restoring their Hollywood vintage trailer, Marilyn, is a lifestyle filled with creativity, friendship, and the joy of bringing old treasures back to life. They’ve made amazing memories and friendships and continue to enjoy the magic of vintage campers.
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