This 1938 travel trailer is older than all but a few RVtravel.com readers, and probably in better condition. It’s a real beauty that will likely attract a lot of attention wherever it appears. It’s so well preserved that you might think it was parked in a garage through the years—some travel stickers in a front window suggest otherwise.
The video tour near the bottom of this article is by the folks at Flyte Camp, a vintage trailer restoration company. It offers a fascinating look at one of the earliest examples of travel trailers. Keep in mind that this RV has been around for nearly nine decades.
The video begins by introducing the trailer as a rare survivor from the late 1930s. At that time, travel trailers were still a novelty, used primarily by adventurous travelers rather than the mainstream RV crowd we see today. What immediately stands out is how compact the unit is compared to modern RVs, yet how efficiently the space is used.
The exterior of the vintage travel trailer reflects the styling of the era, with a simple, streamlined shape and durable metal construction. Unlike today’s flashy graphics and slide-outs, this trailer emphasizes practicality. The host points out that despite its age, the structure remains solid, which speaks to the craftsmanship of the time.
Inside the 1938 Travelo
Inside, the tour reveals a surprisingly livable layout, not a whole lot different than present trailers. It includes a small dinette area that converts into a sleeping space, an idea still common today. This dual-purpose furniture shows that even in 1938, designers were thinking about maximizing limited space. The cabinetry is made of Douglas fir, giving the interior a warm, classic feel that contrasts with the lighter, synthetic materials of today.
The classic RV is heated with a woodburning stove—an idea long gone which is good considering how the smoke would clog up today’s often-crowded RV parks. The stove can do double duty as a strovetop.
Kitchen includes the basics
One of the most interesting aspects of the trailer is its kitchen. Though basic by today’s standards, it includes essential features such as a compact stove and storage for cooking supplies. The host notes how everything is arranged efficiently, allowing travelers to prepare simple meals on the road. There is no modern plumbing system or 12-volt electrical system.
Storage throughout the trailer is another highlight. Small compartments and cabinets are tucked into nearly every available space.
Convertible sleeping space
The sleeping area, created from the converted dinette, is functional. The host emphasizes that while comfort standards have evolved, the basic concept of a convertible sleeping space has remained largely unchanged for decades. It’s a reminder that many “modern” RV features actually have deep roots in early designs like this one.
Throughout the video, the host expresses admiration for how well-preserved the trailer is. Much of it (but not all) appears to be original, including fixtures and finishes. This preservation allows viewers to see what RV travel looked like nearly 90 years ago.
The video also touches on how travel itself was different in the 1930s. Roads were less developed, and long-distance travel required more planning and self-reliance. Owning a trailer like this represented freedom and adventure, much as RVing does today but with fewer conveniences and more challenges.
In the end, the tour serves as both a history lesson and a reminder of how RV design has evolved. It shows that many core ideas including efficient use of space, multifunctional furniture, and the desire for mobility have remained consistent. The 1938 Travelo may be basic, but, when you think about it, it’s not as dramatically different from today as most products, automotive or otherwise, from its time.
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