Camping Research Archives

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The Airstream-Jeep Rabbit Hole

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, videos • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Some of you may have seen an image of a CJ-2A setup to pull an Airstream trailer that has gone around Facebook. Unfortunately, there was no history attached to that image. So, that’ got me hunting for more information. Below is my quick education on the Airstream history. I’m sure some of. you folks know more, so correct me if need be.

I was able to find a few more images of that CJ-2A and trailer, which has led me to believe that Airstream founder Wally Byam used that jeep, probably purchased in Europe, to pull his trailer around Europe during Wally’s first trip in 1948, which he used to scout various countries for future caravans. However, I have so far been unable to find anyone explicitly saying that Wally did that. But, the jeep is a CJ-2A, so the timeline fits. The top looks similar to other European tops of the late 1940s, and in Europe I suspect there weren’t many vehicle options at that time. Here are the pics I found, the first being the one circulating on Facebook:

wally-byam-airstream-cj2a

Wally Byam sitting in one of his early trailers. A Cj-2A with a European style top appears to be the pull-rig. I believe this would be 1948.

This photo, clearly in Europe, was posted on this site taken in Turkey, from the 1948 trip:

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And this photo posted on this site. I assume this is in Europe, but cannot confirm it:

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As the Airstream trailer business grew, Wally began encouraging traveling, leading some international caravans himself.

In 1951, he led a trip into Mexico and Central America, using what looks to be an early Jeep Wagon.

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I found this example of a wagon pulling a trailer, but can’t determine when or where this occurred.

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Eventually, Wally assembled the first around-the-world Airstream caravan that travelled over the course of 1963-1964 30,000 miles through thirty countries with 104 people in 40 Airstream trailers. Here’s a video about one family’s take on the event.

According to the video’s summary, Journalist Mac Smith was hired to document the trip and brought along his wife Jackie and their three children, Lorie, Judy, and Scott. Mac would go on to write an account of the Around the World Caravan in his 1966 book, Thank You, Marco Polo: The Story of the First Around-the-World Trailer Caravan [which appears to be out of print].”

So, as you can see, I kind of fell down a rabbit hole of Airstream history.

 
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“Wanna See Something Cool” Video of FC-170 Camper

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, videos This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Thanks to Geoff for pointing this out to us: Kits Great Western Outdoor Adventure Tours. Now, how do I get ahold of one of those brochures? That’s a great bit of history and would make a great Dispatcher Magazine article.

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Chuck Prater’s Camper and Dump Bed Prototypes

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Originally posted February 20, 2021:

Charles “Chuck” Prater’s (1928-1913) jeep camper has been discussed in the past, but pics of his prototypes are less well known. Chuck must have been a curious kind of guy, because when he was an employee at the circulation department of the Palm Beach Post in Florida he invented an automatic paper bagging machine.

How he got involved with jeeps isn’t well documented, but in the 1960s he developed a unique camper setup that allowed a camper to be ‘hitched’ to the back of a CJ-5. He showed off his prototype to the Palm Beach Post in July of 1968:

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July 07, 1968, Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach, Florida.

From the CJ5camper.com website we have this additional photo of the prototype, year unknown. You’ll note that the camper in the pic above seems to lack the blue color added to the pic below, so this may have been taken after the Palm Beach Post photo?:

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The Palm Beach reported a few months later on September 25, 1968, that Kaiser-Jeep agreed to manufactured Chuck’s camper idea:

1968-09-25-west-palm-beach-post-jeep-camper-accepted

For reasons unknown at this point, Chuck waited almost two years later (August 24, 1970) to file his patent (approved August 15, 1972). The patent included several illustrations. Below is one of them.
1499078752660894799-03684048At some point after he filed his patent, Waldron Motors presented Chuck with camper #1. Curiously, the caption indicates he patented the idea, then sold it. However, the information above suggests he sold the idea, then patented it?:

first_commercially_producted_cj5_camper_artical_1

This newspaper clipping was posted to thegentlemanracer.com’s site.

Being the inventor he was, Chuck didn’t stop inventing after the development of the camper. He expanded on  his basic camper invention with a similar dump trailer idea. This article comes from the cj5camper.com site and is undated:

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I searched but could not find a patent or another other information about the dump trailer.

According to his brother-in-law Sam Williams (see his comment in this post), Chuck built another camper that fit the CJ-7, one which Sam owns.

 

 
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1954? Truck and Camper Durango, CO $5000

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Unusual, Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Mike shared this unusual camper. The shape of it reminds me of the late 1940s Book mobiles (or see below post). The box on this truck appears a little taller than the book mobile boxes, so this truck and the book mobiles may be unrelated.

The truck is listed as a 1954, but the grille suggests it is earlier. It’s unclear whether the camper on back is original to the truck (special order for example) or whether someone added the camper later. That said, the interior faux wood and carpet screams 60s or 70s to me. The “Jeep” radio would have also been added at a later date. Note the Warn hubs are IH branded hubs.

The jeep sports a “Rednor & Raine” Jeep sticker from Trenton, NJ, which as of 1965, was a jeep only dealer.  This also has a Princeton Theological Seminary parking permit, which is still an active institution.

https://westslope.craigslist.org/cto/d/durango-1954-jeep-willys-purpose-built/7659761315.html

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Continue reading

 
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1965 Diamant Family Trip through the US

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: This article was originally published April 11, 2015:

In 1965 Brits R.M.E. Diamant, his wife, and three children completed a five month drive around the United States in a Jeep Wagoneer Camper. Mr. Diamant intended to publish stories of their adventure in travel magazines in the UK and the US, but his article in the 1966 Jeep News was the only one I found.

I’ve created this rough map of their journey based on the places mentioned in the article.

1965-diamant-trip-map

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CJ-5-Camper-like Campers for Trucks

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The CJ-5 Camper, with its own axle, always seems a pretty odd and unique build. But, Blaine found some other camper designs, with their own axle, that make the CJ-5 look practical.

https://www.coastresorts.com/boards/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29713156/print/true.cfm

Here’s one example:

camper-truck-cj5-like

 

 
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October 1952 Motor Trend Cover and Article

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Magazine, Wood bodies • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

As I was packing, I pulled this issue of Motor Trend aside. When I leafed through it, I realized there was a jeep-related article I missed. So, here the “Unique Cars for Sportsmen” by Jim Earp. All the vehicles herein are interesting. The first page has a pic at the bottom of Vic Hickey’s famous jeep.

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Image of Jeepster Commando w/ Camper on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This image seems to show a Jeepster Commando version of the CJ-5-camper concept. It’s unclear to me whether this was a prototype design or someone’s custom creation. Anyone ever seen other pics of this?

For this eBay auction, this image has been applied to a metal sign.

View all the information on eBay

jeepster-commando-camper

“Vintage Jeep With Camper Extension New Metal Sign: Toledo, Ohio

Suitable for framing or hanging, has pre drilled holes. A nice piece of 20th century history.
Great coloration in the sign.
The sign measures 9″ x 12″
Watermark will not appear on your purchased sign.

This sign is also available in 12″ x 16″ size for $29.88
Please message if you are interested in the larger size.
This sign has a high quality baked on gloss finish, and is made in America

Sign is crafted of aircraft grade quality aluminum.”

 
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CJ-5 Camper Frame Dayton, OR

• CATEGORIES: Camping, CJ5, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Brian bought this frame and now has it for resale. Contact him for the price

http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/1969-cj5-camper-information-needed.139340/#post-1526103

THIS INFO ABOUT THE FRAME IS FROM A March 16, 2018, ad:

“THIS IS A FRAME FROM A 1970 JEEP CJ5 CAMPER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I BOUGHT THE JEEP & CAMPER IN 1970 NEW IN SO. CALIF.

WE MADE A MOVE TO OREGON IN 1990 & I DISMANTLED THE CAMPER BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING BADLY & MY THOUGHT WAS TO BUILD A NEW CAMPER ON THE FRAME. I NEVER GOT TO IT. I SOLD THE JEEP A FEW YEARS AGO & NO NEED FOR THIS FRAME.

THE CAMPER WAS MADE BY EL DORADO CAMPERS IN RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA. THEY MADE CAMPERS FOR PICKUP TRUCKS & THIS WAS EQUAVALENT TO AN 8 FOOT PICK UP CAMPER.”

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Camper before it was dismantled:

cj5-camper-chassis-dayton-or3

 
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Jeeps Pulling Airstream Trailers

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Thanks to Blaine for spotting some of these jeep-pulling-airstream trailer images. That led me to search for some more. I think my favorite might just be the post from Kaiser Willys, as a wagon owner named Richard Carr pulled his airstream down to Baja, Mexico, for a six month vacation in 2010 and was still there as of 2015. I guess he found his spot in the world!

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These were some of Blaine’s finds:

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This one is from the CJ-2A page via Photobucket:

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Continue reading

 
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1957 FC-150 Fallbrook, CA **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: Camping, FC150-FC170-M677 • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Apparently this new ad is a scam. The FC now lives in Missouri.

(06/05/2017) Great little camper.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/d/jeep-1957-willys-fc-150-truck/6723468196.html

“All original, no rust, 38 thousand original miles. Body is straight. All the upholstery is original. Just removed from barn, where it was stored since 1973. Had gas tank cleaned and sealed. F- head 4 cylinder motor. New Carb, water pump, fuel pump, Distributer, hoses, belts, plugs, wires, Radiator. New Brakes and wheel cylinders. New tires. Has original Camper that was on the truck for most of it’s life. Bed is perfect. Runs and drives. Clean Title.”

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Caravan Camper Shell Olema, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Parts • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $525.

Dan spotted this rare camper shell.

“Willys Jeep Pick Up Aluminum Camper Shell. I had it on my 1957 Willys Jeep Pick Up.
Standard Willys Jeep trucks had the same cabs and beds from about 1948 to 1962 or so. It would fit these years.
Made by ” Caravan Co, Reno Nevada” Has a steel rack with rollers for a canoe. Strong build.
Needs 1 flat glass side window. Some rust on the top roof vent. Small dings etc. as seen. NO BIG DENTS.
Good original condition. Would polish out or can take CAMO PAINT.
Some photos of it on the truck are black before it was cleaned. Photos off of the truck are as it is today.
Changed the look of the truck a lot. Don’t see many of them out there…”

willys-camper-shell01 willys-camper-shell0 willys-camper-shell1 willys-camper-shell2

 
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Wagon and Matching Trailer

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Willys Wagons This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

How about this beautiful combo! The wagon and trailer were featured on a Facebook group post.

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wagon-camper-8 wagon-camper-7 IMG_1321 IMG_1320

 
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Niel’s Wagoneer & Airstream

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Niel shared these two pics of his 1970 Wagoneer (purchased off of eWillys) towing his 1968 Airstream. What a cool combo!

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Rebuilt CJ-5 Camper

• CATEGORIES: Builds, Camping, CJ-6, CJ5, videos This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: There’s another post on the CJ-5 camper and a CJ-5 dump trailer here.

Steve shared this video of Seth’s CJ-5 Camper that’s been updated with some modern, practical touches. You can see more pics of CJ-5 campers at Jeremy’s website: http://www.cj5camper.com/photos.php

This is what it looked like prior to its rebuild:

cj5-camper-before

And more pics from 2011: Continue reading

 
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Camping in New York’s Outback

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Gary’s out camping with his wife and 1948 CJ-2A in the Shwangunk Mountains of New York. The platform and tent all fit in the jeep. Looks like a great summer getaway!

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1962 Wagoneer Motorhome Lamar, CO **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Camping This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Seth noted that was for sale back in 2012. He also reports it sold, though the Craigslist ad is still up and listing it at $3000.

Blaine forwarded this rare Wagoneer motorhome.

“Engine Runs and is 230 cu inch 6 Cylinder… 3 Speed Tranny, 4 Wheel Drive, Drive Train Good Condition, can use little repair around the doors, Floor is medium to good condition..
Needs Clutch Slave Cylinder and Master Cylinder… Plumbing and Heating Needs Work….”

1962-gladiator-mobile-home-lamar-co1 1962-gladiator-mobile-home-lamar-co2 1962-gladiator-mobile-home-lamar-co3 1962-gladiator-mobile-home-lamar-co4

 
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1946 CJ-2A Colorado Springs, CO $5000

• CATEGORIES: Camping • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Price bumped to $5000.

(02/17/2015) Has an interesting paint job.

“Rare, earliest civilian version of the WWII Willys jeep. Complete, motor spins. Ready to restore or drive with a little bit of work.”

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4964329215.html

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Vintage Jeep Camping Photos from 1959

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Over at Kustomrama.com I found the below photo taken by Marvin Patchen. Marvin took a variety of older photos that have landed on the pages of FourWheeler and JP Magazines (or perhaps just online).

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Frank M. James CJ-2A. Photo taken by Marvin Patchen.

Last year Verne Simons published three articles at Four Wheeler.com with jeep camping photos. The photographer for some of these was Marvin Patchen. Apparently some were also published in a 1959 Motor Life Magazine article (I believe it was April 1959 — I will know for sure soon). There are some great photos. Click on the links below to see them.

Photos from the first two links were taken during a Chuckwalla Jeep Club Trip from Hemet to Borrego Springs.

Part 1: http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1403-vintage-expedition-trailer-camping-part-1-march-2014-vault/ (Eric Rickman photos)

Part 2: http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1404-camping-part-2-april-2014-vintage-vault Marvin Patchen photos)

In an article titled “Old-School Camping Extravaganza” from September 2014, Verne shares some more photos.  http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1409-old-school-camping-extravaganza-vintage-vault/

 

 
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Anyone Recognize this Camper / Canopy?

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, trailer This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

We are hoping someone recognizes the type of camper on this Willys Truck. It looks like it was built for Willys trucks it fits so well. Below the color photos are a couple of black and white photos showing a similar but slightly different example.

camper-canopy-truck1 camper-canopy-truck2 camper-canopy-truck3

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Continue reading

 
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Truck Chassis with Motorhome Body

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Old News Articles • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The April 1956 Willys News contains the story below about a Willys Truck that was transformed, using a purpose-built body, into a motor home.

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1948 Willys Overland “Stordor” Bodied Van

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a rare look at a Willys Overland Chassis with a StorDor body (see late 1940s brochure at bottom). What’s unusual with this van is that at some point it was turned into a motor home. While this former laundry van’s current fate is unknown, Larry, the former owner, has shared some information about it. He writes:

I had an old van registered as a Willys Housecar from 1948. Body was on a 2T frame and was modified with a Chevy inline six. Boy do I miss her…I had to leave her in shambles ten years ago

I was told that an old man in Moorpark, Ca. had custom built the interior and as seen on the exterior, the most probable “Bakery” in blue and with imagination, “To your door” showed up on the driver’s side through the house paint that is flaking off, suggesting that she was once a bakery delivery van. The previous owner had received it as a joke some time before I got it in 1980. I don’t know if it even exists anymore. She was dependable but scary with the feeling of tipping ever present like the willies you’d get in a CB or MB of, say, 1940’s circa. 

On another note, I had a friend who had a 1947 Ford van similar to this Willys I owned and it had a grill in the bell shape as mine was.

You can view all the photos of Larry’s old Van here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lrgvanman/sets/72157604163626267/

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You can just make out the “Willys Overland” signature on the speedometer.

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Willys 6×6 Truck and Camper

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bob forwarded these photos of a Monster Willys Truck and Camper. These photos were part of a 2010 post at: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-51159.html. The vehicle was spotted at Government Camp, Oregon.

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1974 CJ-5 w/ Popup Camper in Colorado **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Camping, CJ5 • TAGS: , , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8295

DP spotted this unusual CJ-5 with a custom built popup camper.

“1974 Jeep CJ5 with a custom pop up camper shell built by Phoenix pop up in Denver.
The Jeep has recently been painted and is in very good condition, it has a 232 inline 6 cylinder, 3 speed manual transmission and locking front Warn hubs and it rides on 35″ tires. The chassis wiring has all been completely redone as well as the upholstery.
The camper shell sleeps 2, it has storage for all of your gear and is set up for propane and self contained water. If you are interested in the camper let me know and we can discuss a price.
This is a fun Mountain vehicle but could also be used for hunting.”

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6 1950 Flatfender Camper Negatives on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Old Images, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Anyone know the history behind this wild rig? This auction ends soon.

“This auction is for SIX original,vintage c.1950 B/W film photo negatives showing trailer Jeep.The negative was converted to positive to see the image.Enlarged at a scan for better viewing.As shown at a scans.Please see DETAILED scans for condition”

View all the information on ebay

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