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DanB · 06-30-2010, 04:11 PM

Although I'm FAR from ready, this past weekend at the Bash an owner told me he took a first place with his trailer in I think sarasota?

His trailer was restored like a vintage boat, really nice!

Are these events out there? I sure would like to visit one.

Frank's Trailer Works · 06-30-2010, 04:26 PM

I think he won people choice. It was at the first Vintage Trailer Jam. Some like to compete in these concourse de elegans style judging, some like to show off their hard work, some hate the whole concept. I will not state where I fall.

Jim & Susan · 06-30-2010, 05:14 PM

Is there a category for "most number of YEARS to restore"? I'd win that one hands down.

Jim

safari62 · 06-30-2010, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

I think he won people choice. It was at the first Vintage Trailer Jam. Some like to compete in these concourse de elegans style judging, some like to show off their hard work, some hate the whole concept. I will not state where I fall.

The "peoples Choice" contest was the second year at the VT Jam. First place was a canned ham with matching vintage tow car. How unfair!

The first year the pros were the judges. I won't say who won "Best of Show"

but I read someone was upset that the old ford wagon with the front cut off should have won. I think if there was a category for "Weirdest idea for a Camper" if would have won for sure.

Of course all of these kinds of contests are subjective, but the WBCCI (remember them?) has a detailed points form that keeps judging as level as it can be.

Having won "BOS" at the first Jam and knowing the people that were doing the judging made it that much more meaningful for us. Now I know how Sally Fields feels!

If you are not into being judged that's OK. But what happens when one of your restorations is selected when a client enters in one of these fun competitions? Maybe you will feel different about it then.

But to each his own. Some like customized trailers, or trailers that look like a boat inside, and some love the weirdest thing that shows up....that being the rear end wagon. Did I mention how strange that was!

And then there are the canned hams with the matching vintage car. Do NOT try to compete with them!

DanB · 06-30-2010, 07:43 PM

Kinda funny, I'm sitting here watching "Best of Show" right now on TV Guide!

safari62 · 07-01-2010, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanB

Kinda funny, I'm sitting here watching "Best of Show" right now on TV Guide!

Hi Dan
Yes, I have been waiting a few years to use that photo just in case anyone cared enough to talk about this subject.

I think the movie sums up their prespective on beauty contests and to the extent the owners of said dog, trailer, classic car or kitty cat will go to compete. Guilty as charged. I have heard pride and vanity are a sin so I expect there is a trailer park waiting in hell for me. Or is it here now already on earth?

That chopped off Ford wagon camper was pretty cool having looked at the photo again ).....considering it had a boat top too. But rarity does not top the many Airstreams that were in attendence. And we all know they ARE the best travelling contraptions out there...right?

DanB · 07-01-2010, 06:46 AM

Now we could have some fun here.....

For those that have seen the movie "Best in Show", what character do you most resemble?

Frank's Trailer Works · 07-01-2010, 06:48 AM

As I have stated more than a few dozen times, here and in public, even said it at the BASH twice this weekend, since seeing Gary's 62 at the 2009 VTJ, it is a VERY FINE restoration. He should be extremely proud of the job he did. It is one of the finest trailers you will set foot in. Not trying to turn my nose brown, not trying to butter your toast on both side, I honestly feel that way. You should be very proud.
I however just use my Anna. She is no show piece, she is our second home. We use her hard, put her up wet often, and my soon to be 4 year old works hard at testing the strength and durability of every single square inch of her. I am however dropping her off next week to be professionally polished. I just do not have it in me to spend all that time making that part happen. Perhaps when she returns, I will have a totally different feeling about her.

Now Gary, how about you share some of those photos of that half truck half trailer you like so much. Any other trailers you like would be great too.

safari62 · 07-01-2010, 07:26 AM

Hi Frank

Sure I can share a few photos of the Ford wagon "ShowBoat". It sure was purty.

You certainly do use your trailer. I saw it coming up Rob's road at a brisk pace. No cobwebs on Anna!

Many people think our "Sylvia" is a show girl and used lighty. I would estimate 80K miles since we put her back in service. Florida to California, Washington State, PEI Canada and back to the great State of Maine. Wash, polish. Repeat. I still can not believe how well she holds up to all the use.

Now if I had kids, pets or multiple trailer projects... keeping the Safari in show off condition would be more then I could manage. Trust me when I say it is the only indulgence I take such good care of.

I fully understand farming out the polishing job. As they say, they don't call it a j o b for nothing! I always tell those who ask that I would not have polished the trailer had it not been in such poor shape from neglect in the first place. But maybe that's a lie.

the ford/boat.

ventport · 07-01-2010, 08:51 AM

That Ford wagon trailer may indeed have been made from a Ford wagon, but there was a camping trailer made and sold in the mid 50's with a boat on top that looked like a 54 Ford and used 54 Ford taillights. Here is a link with more info on this one and the manufactured ones: davintosh » It’s Five O-Clock Somewhere!

Frank's Trailer Works · 07-01-2010, 10:22 AM

oh, the Kom -Pak... That was my pick for sure. That was a fiberglass body and was totally restored from the rubber up by that then 13 year old boy in the upper left corner. His father has built many hot rods over the years and the son would help dad. The boy did the whole thing 100% by himself. I thought just that alone was worth praise. I often tell people about that trailer. The truck is something odd that was hot rodded by the father. I think it is a studebaker, but not sure.

Impressive milage there. Hope to have that many under the belt soon. Towing is my favorite part. Yes, I was hauling butt back. We were 40 minutes down the road when I remembered my fathers two coolers in Rob's garage. The drive once we had said coolers was 8.5 more hours. Usually we do it in 5.

wmarsha · 07-01-2010, 10:42 AM

moderncoop.com - Home
ol' bill

safari62 · 07-01-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmarsha

moderncoop.com - Home
ol' bill

Nice....a canned ham with a slide out!

safari62 · 07-01-2010, 06:24 PM

Mistral Blue was kind enough to inform me that there was also a Peoples choice category at the first VT Jam and the nautical themed interior Airstream did indeed win FIRST PLACE. Unfortunately I have forgotten his name. He even had a gas fired fireplace. lots of work. I think he won the next year also.

There was also a prize for the "trailer with the most potential" which went the Erica Puck, the little german one with the pop top.

Frank's Trailer Works · 07-01-2010, 06:28 PM

The nautical themed trailer was at the Bash also. I stood in there for a good while and chatted. Due to major short term memory loss, I cannot pull their names up. Nice as heck folks though...

Jim & Susan · 07-01-2010, 06:50 PM

If I EVER finish the Overlander, I want to build one of these: Teardrop Plans.com

Number one child just found out she's going to have twins just before Christmas (our first TWO grandbabies), maybe by the time they are old enough to appreciate camping, the Teardrop will be be finished.

The babies will stay in the Overlander with Susan and I. The daughter and son-in-law can stay in the Teardrop.

Jim