Tim and Margie Suddard are experts in classic cars. They publish Grassroots Motorsports and Classic Motorsports magazines. Their latest project took a different path—a 1961 Shasta 16SC vintage trailer.
Falling in love with vintage camping
At first, Tim wasn’t keen on the idea. Margie suggested restoring a vintage trailer, and Tim exclaimed, “Hell no!” But after renting one, they fell in love with the charm of vintage camping. The Shasta trailer, with its iconic wings and natural wood interior, was too good to resist.
They found their 16SC model online in Ohio. The siding was in good shape, and the price was a reasonable $1,800. After a road trip to get the trailer, including a stop to grease the bearings and put on new wheels, it sat for a year before they started the restoration.
Modernizing the vintage Shasta trailer
With their son Tom’s help, they modernized the trailer. They installed a 4000-watt inverter, solar panels, and a modern refrigerator. They added personal touches, like a 1956 Chevy hood ornament as the refrigerator door handle, and they replaced 60 percent of the interior wood. By giving up eight inches of counter space in the kitchen, they managed to add a shower. They installed a pre-made shower pan and waterproof siding to create a wet bath.
Keeping the vintage charm
Small details, like a gas lamp converted to electricity and a gas outlet for outdoor grilling, kept the trailer’s charm while making it more usable. They raised the beds to fit water tanks and extra storage. Boomerang Formica from Home Depot added a retro look to the interior. One of the toughest tasks was reconfiguring the septic system to fit the low trailer. They added two valves to connect the grey and black water tanks within the frame rails.
A cozy and comfortable retreat
Despite the challenges, the Suddards find their vintage Shasta trailer cozy and comfortable. Whether camping at a car show or off the grid in Zephyrhills, Florida, with the Tin Can Tourists, their Shasta trailer goes the distance. The trailer was named the Shastah Disastah, a nod to its condition when they got it and to Tim’s late dad, a proud “Swamp Yankee” and RV camping enthusiast.
A unique camping experience
The Suddards’ 1961 Shasta 16SC shows that with some creativity and hard work, a vintage trailer can become a modern-day retreat. It blends nostalgia with modern comforts for a unique camping experience.
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Very nice trailer. I did not see any mention of the beautiful tow vehicle at all. Is that an Edsel?
Hi, Stinger. I Googled it (What in the world did we do before Google?!🤔) and it looks to be a 1959 Edsel Villager. Very nice! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Ahhh! My folks’ third trailer, pulled with a ’56 Plymouth Savoy.
Thank you, Paul! 🙂 It is beautiful, inside and out! 🙂 Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
No, I did not like the oversight. How could you ignore the beautiful matching Edsel, 1968? And who ever noticed back in the 60s that Edsel put ED on the passenger door(Zoom in) and SEL on the fender? Wonder how the drivers side was presented?
Yes, I enjoyed the article.