i've got a '59 Traveler that i've just started the shell-off restoration on (i posted the first day's progress under '59 Globe trotter). anyway, we're hoping to have the shell back on the frame in a month-ish, so i need to get the game plan together. i was going to put it back to the original layout, with the bathroom in the back street-side corner. it seems to be relatively open. the last thing i want to do is cut up the interior space with too many cabinets, however i have been trying to figure out if a rear bed option would work, similar to the 61 globetrotter vintage vacations did here:
these guys did a bang-up job on that trotter, but i believe the 61 trotter is a foot longer and has differing window arrangements that would make this layout impossible for my '59. i'd like to keep the shower, but something may have to give in that 1 foot less space, i'm afraid.
any other '59s out there with altered floor plans?
i think that's the original layout of mine as well. i may go back to that, but make the cabinet where the fridge is more of a countertop to open things up. what is the area above the fridge? the pantry? that's about the only sketch i can think of that doesn't get too crowded. thanks for the QTVR!
hi all, have found a 1952 byam traveler in original shape. all things function, but was wondering about the possibilities of adding trailer brakes and holding tanks, as there are none. is it cost prohibitive? would have to be sent out, as am not mechanically able. beautiful trailer, but need it to function thanks, dieterdog
i would think that would be a pretty time consuming overhaul. i'm updating mine from just a black tank to a grey and black set up, and it takes plenty of fabrication, especially in your case if it doesn't already have a toilet. if you're trailer is close to original, i would think you would be better off restoring it back that way, and finding a different camper that has the toilet/plumbing you need. water adds significant weight, which you would have to modify the frame for as well. just my thoughts.
Trailer brakes would be the easiest and least intrusive addition; have the old axle replaced with a brand new axle that comes with electric brakes.
A potable water tank could be added somewhere out of sight or hidden. Or you could fill a 5 gallon plastic jug with drinking water and store it under the kitchen sink. Drop a small hose in it from either a hand pump or a 12 volt pump (but then you'd need a 12 volt battery, etc.) to get the water to the countertop.
I didn't think this early a trailer came with a toilet. Is there one there? If not, consider using a porta-pottie that could be stored in the closet or otherwise hidden from view. If a toilet is there, then adding a black water holding tank would depend a lot on the toilet location and how much support would be available for the black water weight. The chassis frame may, or may not, have to be strengthened to handle the extra weight, depending on tank location and capacity.
Instead of a grey water tank, how about just placing a 5 gallon plastic jug under the kitchen drain downstream of the sink trap? An alternative would be to use an exterior 'blue boy" water tank at the kitchen sink exterior drain.
It would be far more difficult to add a 12 volt electrical system. Propane appliances (hot water heater, furnace, refrigerator) would require some thoughtful work, as would other conveniences we take for granted today.
If the trailer is great original condition, and you are not excited about adopting yourself to the trailer, then you might consider passing it along to someone who would use it as originally built and look for a slightly newer trailer with more modern conveniences for yourself.
Good luck with your decision and the trailer. Please keep us posted. Pictures would be enjoyed.
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Fred Coldwell, WBCCI #1510, AIR #2675
Denver, Colorado - WBCCI Unit 24
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