Best vintage retro campers travel trailers

Vintage campers have always been popular, but more and more travelers nowadays decide to go old-school. The traditional aesthetic of a vintage camper is unmatched. They offer wonderful interior designs that take you back to the good old days. 

burro trailer

As the world evolved, today we see vintage campers that kept their retro vibe. However, they are equipped with modern equipment featuring the latest technology. These trailers’ incredibly strong structure and high-reliability advantage since they can function well after restorations. 

Summary

When we tested out some vintage retro campers, RVs, & travel trailers, it became clear that the best vintage retro camper was the Airstream. A great small vintage camper is the Dub Box USA Dinky Dub and we designated the VW Retro RV to be the best vintage RV.

In the following article, we go through the following categories:

Table of Contents

We are going to show you the best vintage retro campers, RVs & travel trailers you can buy on today’s market. But first, let’s learn about the camper classes.

Camper Classes

Class A – the biggest on the road

Class A RVs are the largest mobile homes available which resemble enormous mansions on wheels. They can be basic or loaded with opulent features such as large-sized beds, washing machines, or entire entertainment systems. 

Class B – modified vans for living life off the grid

These vehicles are also known as camper vans and are a mid-sized choice smaller than the A-class RVs. They are compact and efficient with luxurious features like eating spaces and increased sleeping capacities. While these camper vans are not as spacious as class A or C models, they have other advantages such as off-road capabilities or good fuel economy. 

Class C – the middle option

The sleeping space in class C is frequently above the cab, with a second room in the back. Slide-outs might be present, which will increase the interior space when stationary. Most of the time, these campers have a separate, fully equipped bathroom.

These trailers come in various sizes with lengths and weigh varying across lots of models. These mobile homes need to be towed since they don’t feature an engine like the classes presented above. The smaller ones can be moved around with the help of any competent vehicle. The large-sized ones are heavier and require powerful trucks to tow them. 

5th wheel trailer – the largest you can buy

These are the biggest travel trailers available on the market, with the distinctive feature represented by the front of the trailer, which crosses the truck bed. These travel trailers come with all amenities and living space of class A RVs while featuring the slide-outs on class C RVs. 

These portable campers collapse into themselves for simpler transport and storage. When stationary, they extend and almost double in size. As a good alternative to tents, they include 2 sleeping areas on opposite sides. It does so while keeping the central space for living and dining. While these trailers are compact and efficient, they are not made for superior comfort. 

If you are wondering which vintage camper brands are the best, we got you covered! Below, we will review some of the most popular ones:

Brands to consider

Airstream

airstream

This famous company is well-known worldwide. Most camping enthusiasts have heard this name at least once since they are on the road. Their trailers are made of aluminum, hence the long lifespan and high durability. That’s how they survived the test of time. With increased interest from old-school campers, these trailers are continuously getting restored. 

Scotty

scotty trailer

These vintage campers have a unique look, and their design is typical of the 1960s. Although their models look astonishing, the quality might vary, especially after a long time. That’s why finding a fully functional Scotty vintage trailer will be a hard but not impossible task.

Spartan

Just like the Airstream model, Spartan ones are also built with a lot of aluminum. That makes them highly durable and resistant to all sorts of conditions. It proves to be a good choice for someone who values reliability. Their iconic design features large front windows. The exterior is highly reflective, making this trailer shiny. 

Riverside

Some of the most popular travel trailers with a great retro touch are the Riverside RV vintage models. These compact trailers have strong and durable exteriors, which allowed them to survive the test of time. Smooth curved lines and nostalgic interiors will easily convince travelers interested in retro mobile homes.

Usually, their trailers can be towed with an SUV equipped with such mechanisms. Almost all versions have a checkerboard flooring pattern that gives you the sense of a retro American diner. The exterior paint will be the finishing touch to their trailer’s looks, mostly red or orange. 

There is no extreme weather condition able to bother the Riverside vintage travel trailers. Since they are made of high-quality materials, this trailer will keep you safe inside whenever the skies turn grey. 

Riverside Retro 135

The Retro 135 made by Riverside is the best option for a family or small groups. You will get to experience superior comfort in the seating area in addition to your royal bed in the front of the trailer. A private bathroom with both a shower and a toilet is included, which is quite impressive for a vintage trailer.

While the design is old-school, the equipment is brand new and modern. A surround sound system will broadcast music into the trailer and around it to create an enjoyable ambiance. Although it wouldn’t fit the retro vibe, a supplemental HDTV can be installed if you don’t want to miss your favorite programs. 

Pros

  • Very lightweight construction
  • Good experience of driving and towing
  • It has an outside shower
  • A comfortable Murphy Bed
  • Affordable
  • The floorplan on this model is great

Cons

  • The customer service and professional service is not too great

Riverside Retro 171DRD

The other vintage model from Riverside is the Retro 171DRD. It features all the newest amenities inside while still keeping the classic look. 

A kitchen is installed in this trailer. It features a stove that can be either electric or gas-powered, depending on your choice. Plenty of space is available for you to prepare consistent dinners and a performant refrigerator to store the leftovers. 

The dining area is situated in a corner where you and your partner will eat or work. This dinette can be converted into a sleeping space if you are hosting overnight guests. 

The shower is located directly across the hallway from the restroom and will be useful after a long day of exploration. The sink and the toilet have their own private entrance, making this type of bathroom a dry one. 

SpecificationsDescription
Sleeps3
Width 8 ft
Length 21 ft 8 in
Height 9 ft 10 in
Freshwater capacity 39 gallons
Backwater capacity 39 gallons

Riverside Whitewater 150

The Whitewater 150 combines retro appearance and design with contemporary amenities and features, a modern tribute to the past. This trailer has a length of 14.9 feet and a weight of fewer than 2,000 pounds, making it the perfect lightweight retro choice. 

Despite its reduced size, many amenities and options are available in the 6.3 feet high interior. It has a roomy and spacious feel to it. This trailer’s primary sleeping space is in the back and has a bed that can easily fit two adults with some extra room left. Overhead storage compartments are situated above this bed, making storing your items for the trip easier. 

A modest but fully functioning wet bathroom is located in the middle of the camper. It features only a toilet and a shower, with the sink being present in the kitchen area. While this bathroom’s facilities are basic, they are still functional and will be essential for your trip.

In front, there is a dining area that can accommodate 4 hungry people. There is enough space for everyone to move around. It can also be converted into a single bed accommodating one adult or 2 well-behaved little children. 

If you are pleased with all the retro campers you see on the market, let us present 4 more below. 

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