Visit our Popular Forums

timclem21 · 12-02-2011, 11:11 AM

Hello Everyone,

First time poster. I would like any and all help you can give me in identifying this camper. My friend has a cabin in southern Ohio where we ride 4 wheelers and came across this camper sitting in a field. Would love to rescue and fix it up. I looked around on the outside and couldn't find any markings/numbers. Your thoughts?

Thanks for your assistance!

Tim

dwightdi · 12-02-2011, 11:15 AM

Spartan Early 50'. Originally had really nice birch interiors and apartment size appliances.

BIGED52 · 12-02-2011, 11:44 AM

Should have the model ID badge mounted on the skin just to the right of the main entry door. Would likely say Spartanette, Manor, Mansion or another model name. Since it only has one axle it is probably a Spartanette. What is the length from rear bumper to tow ball? Ed

timclem21 · 12-03-2011, 08:41 AM

Thanks for the response. Its approximately 24' long.

Questions:

1. Whats it worth in this condition?
2. Are there parts available?
3. Is this a desirable make/model?
4. If reconditioned, what would something like this go for?
5. Am I crazy for thinking of fixing this up?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Tim

**Stefrobrts** · 12-03-2011, 09:26 AM

Well, I'd think the first problem is that it's not yours.

BIGED52 · 12-03-2011, 09:14 PM

First things first... 1) See if you can locate the owner!
2) See if they want to sell/or give it away to get it off their property!
3) See if they have a title for it! (Very Important) If you are wanting to Register and license it in your name!
4) Ask how long it has been sitting in the field! Also look to see if it can be easily pulled out from the field to a street/road!

I can tell you that I was looking at a 1953 31' Royal Mansion about a month ago and the owner wanted $2500. to $3000. as it sat and it has all the windows intact. Still as all original appliances in it as well. It also has very rotten floors where windows were left open for years. I have yet to make a counter offer on it. If I were to make an offer on your find I would start at a low amount... Say $500. and let them tell you what they think it is worth and why. Then you can always up your offer if you feel it is worth any higher amount more to you. These old trailers are really only worth what the new buyer is willing to pay for them. Just keep in mind the real value is what you are willing to spend on it to make it good for your needs. You may never get a profit out of a Vintage rebuild unless you find the right buyer. So you must be willing to work on it for your own use and spend what you can afford. What it takes for you to feel safe that it will serve your camping needs for the future. I think the exterior appears in good condition without any major damage and if the frame is solid that with work on your part it could be a great restoration. It is always worth thinking it over! Good luck on your hunt to find the owner. Hope you can rescue this old trailer and bring it back to life. Happy Trails, Ed

timclem21 · 12-04-2011, 11:50 AM

Ed,

Thank you for the well educated, thought out response, wish I could say the same for the other...I love old things and hate to see the camper going to waste in a field. I wouldn't fix-up the camper for my use, but to sell and hopefully make a few bucks.

My biggest concern is finding parts (especially the windows).

Thanks again for the response.

Regards,

Tim

oh2bcarefree · 12-04-2011, 12:58 PM

What a project...

To find out details about restoration and for parts you would need to contact Dan Piper at www.vintagecampers.com in Peru, Indiana. I just stopped by there a couple weeks ago. He's your man. Here are some photos from his collection. He also sells parts. Spartans are his passion I think

.

Not a quick project or a cheap project. Good Luck!!

Tina

easyride · 12-04-2011, 02:09 PM

1 very important thing to look at, is the frame where it comes out of front of the trailer,
they just love to rust away right there.Spartan Manor gets my vote. Dave

Eric H · 12-10-2011, 03:42 PM

It's a Spartan Manor for sure, 25'. Looks like my 1946 Spartan. These are by far my favorite vintage trailers.
I would guess that the frame is beyond repair if has been sitting on the ground like that...hard to know. Regardless the frame will need work, new axle, anything steel basically....

This blog will give you a good idea of what you would be getting yourself into. A lot of work for sure, but I think well worth it.

Home - 1946 Spartan Manor Renovation Project

Here's my Spartan:

timclem21 · 12-11-2011, 08:57 AM

Thanks everyone for your responses - very much appreciated!

streamquest · 12-11-2011, 10:55 PM

Hi Tim,

I've been around the block with a '49 Mansion that was in similar condition.

I would highly recommend that you DO NOT get involved with this project if you ever intend to recover what you will invest in materials and time spent (counting your time at about $1/hour). I have closely watched prices on these trailers for the last couple of years, and would virtually guarantee you that you could not turn a profit on it. Get past the fascination of the "discovery" and sense of nostalgia, and consider the scope of the undertaking. The little missing bits and pieces (lenses, trims, housings, etc.) will cost you at least $50-$100 each when you can find them. The missing front windows will cost A LOT more than that to replace properly, and we're still not talking about other assorted glass, interior woodwork, wiring, appliances, hardware, floor replacement, etc, etc, etc.) It is like opening Pandora's Box, but with more surprises.

If you go ahead with it, do it only for the love of the game and the pleasure that you will derive from the experience. Personally, I can't seem to get enough of it!

Charly.