old travel trailers for free near me

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9 Tips to Get Motorhomes or Old Travel Trailers for Free

• October 11, 2019 /
• RVing 101 /
• By James V. /

Everyone likes a good deal, e specially when that good deal does not cost them a lot of money. The phrase ‘if it is too good to be true then it probably isn’t’, does not apply when you can get an RV for free. These free deals can be and are true.

One of the best ways to get a free RV or motorhome is to ask a friend. Sometimes friends give away their older RVs because they need the space, do not want the storage hassle or for other personal reasons, like a divorce give a way by an angry ex-wife.

To find out the different ways you can get an RV for free just continue to read our article. It explores the issue and sets you on the right path to tracking down your free RV. Getting an RV for free is not a bad thing as long as you do it right.

Tip 1 : Make sure you let friends, family, and co-workers know you are looking for an RV. They may know someone you don’t who is looking to unload theirs as quickly as they can.

Tip 2 : Another place to try is your local RV dealer or repair shop. They may have been in contact with an RV owner who does not want to make the necessary repairs and will get rid of the rig without any money changing hands.

How to Find Free Motorhomes on Craigslist

Craigslist is an old and tried method of getting a lot of items, products, and services for reasonable prices. You can find an RV for free on Craigslist in their free section. All you have to do is a daily scan of their free section or RV section and you should be able to come across a free rig, eventually.

The problem with scouring Craigslist though is that you need to be quick. Not only do you need to beat other people who have the same quest, you need to beat the people who run the list.

It has been known that the people in charge will flag and remove free RV ads. Why they do it is unknown. One probable reason is that they may be thinking it is some sort of scam.

There are a lot of reasons why these ads disappear so a daily run through of Craigslist is probably the best way you are going to find a free RV.

Tip 3: check the classified sections of your local newspaper and the nearby towns. You never know when someone has tired of their RV life or wants to make an upgrade. The classifieds are easy to go through and you should find a good RV for nothing in them.

Other Ways to Find Free RVs Near Me

To find a free RV near you, there must be someone willing to part with it for no cash in return. That may take some time to do and patience is something that is needed for your search.

Besides checking with your friends, co-workers or family members you can try local classified papers that sell for very cheap and have no news in them. These newspapers are strictly made to sell items including RVs.

You can check the local laundromats, supermarkets and post office bulletin boards as some people do not have the money to advertise their free RV and look for cost-free alternatives.

Another way to find free RVs near you would be to do an internet search or a Facebook search. People post their vehicles on these outlets as they reach more people.

Also, the different RV forums may have some leads for you and some have message boards that may include postings for free RVs. Once you put your mind to it, there are a lot of different ways to find a free RV near you

Tip 4 : You can place an ad stating that you will remove old RVs from someones’ property for no cost to you or them. The only thing about this is that some you remove may not be in fixable or livable condition.

Are Free Motorhomes Worth The Trouble

Yes, and no. If you like tinkering on older vehicles including RVs then a free one may be just the ticket to make a little extra money. You can fix it up and resell it at a cheaper but profit-driven price.

They can also be worth it if you are homeless and need a place to stay until you get your life back together. There are endless possibilities that make getting a free RV worth it. There are also endless possibilities that make it not worth your time and trouble.

With older RVs you may not be able to get the parts you need to fix it up. Or there just may be far too much damage to the frame. The money and time needed to rectify that issue won’t be worth it in the long run and you could get a used RV for the same cost or less.

Or the RV has just too much mold and mildew behind the walls. Removing both would be too time-consuming and you may ruin a wall section or appliance, etc. Just trying to get to the mold and other contaminants.

Then determining if the free RV is worth it or not is ultimately up to you. This is an issue that may split the husband and wife with both taking opposing sides. It is best to have your spouse support you before you take the project on and bring the old RV to your home.

Some things to consider also will be storing the RV. Do you have the space in your yard or driveway? Are you allowed to store your RV on your property? How ugly is it? And other questions you need to answer before taking the plunge.

Tip 5 : or you can place an ad in different locations saying you are looking for a free but livable RV. You do not have to accept bad RVs because you made it clear that the unit has to be livable.

Old Travel Trailers For Free

Looking for a free older travel trailer is the same as looking for a free RV. You have the same sources and resources to use and you will still have to use a little patience as you may be told about some really bad ones before you find that pearl.

There are lots of places you can go look and an RV dealer may be one good place to go. They may have taken an old travel trailer in on trade but can’t resell it. They may let you take it off your hands for nothing.

Like the old saying goes, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. There is no harm in asking people either. Dealers and private owners may want to just get the old thing off their property. It looks ugly and neighbors may be complaining.

Plus, you may have to be willing to travel a little distance to retrieve those old travel trailers. They may not all be in your neighborhood but in a town or city a few miles away.

The key is to know where to look and who to ask. There is always a free travel trailer somewhere in the country at some point in time.

Tip 6 : There is an old saying’ you get what you pay for’. When you are paying nothing for an RV you may get the worst of the worst. Be careful of those RVs that come from hurricane areas. They may be filled with mold and other harmful contaminants.

How to Drive an RV For Free

One of the best ways to drive an RV for free is to get a job driving new models across the country to their new homes. There is a high demand for these transportation drivers and you can make a fairly good salary if you are careful.

Here are some benefits of becoming a transport driver:

• Your schedule is flexible - you can drive when you want or customize your driving schedule around your normal on.
• You can work for a variety of employers - you are not tied down to just one RV company. If one company doesn’t a rig ready to go another may.
• ​ You do not have to drive fast - normally the company gives you lots of time t get the RV to its destination. This allows you to go slow and see the country as you drive.
• ​ It is a good way to earn a second income - help prepare for the future and get your bills paid off faster by driving as a second job. It certainly beats selling for multi-level marketing companies.
• ​ Make it a family affair - some companies may allow you to bring your wife along with you as well as your kids. This gives them a break from normal life and introduces them to a new way to travel.
• ​ It's a great job - for those who like to travel.
• It's for spontaneous people as well - transporting an RV can be done on a whim when you feel like getting out of the house for a while.

Here are some of the negatives that come with driving an RV for a relocation company:

• You have to get yourself to the company and back home again on your own. The company doesn’t pay for these parts of your employment.
• You cannot change the driving window. These are set in stone and cannot be changed. You have to complete the task before that window expires.
• ​You have to pay your personal expenses including food and other necessities.
• ​You need a good driving record and possibly a commercial driver’s license and experience.
• Each company comes with its own set of negatives.

Tip 7: You can always enter a contest if you want to get an RV for free. Of course, this may take several entries and a little extra money to do but in the long run, you may beat the odds and bring the grand prize home.

RV Relocation from Chicago

There are companies in Chicago, Illinois is the RV capital of the world, that need people to help them relocate their RVs. The pay is set and you may have to pay some of your own expenses but the opportunity to see the country can beat that negative with ease.

There are also rental companies that are looking for people to drive their RVs back to another location. They trade a lower rental fee in lieu of payment and you can drive the RV from Chicago to LA in no time.

What creates this need is a glut of one-way rentals that have left the final destination outlet overstocked and other outlets understocked. You can get some great deals driving one Way RV rentals back to their point of origin.

Tip 8 : expand your search to include RV forums, online RV companies and more. Use the internet to your full advantage to get that elusive free RV. Also, keep an open mind and look at other states that are far from home.

RV Relocation From Phoenix

Phoenix is the same as Chicago. There are many rental and other companies, like dealers, who need someone to drive an RV to their new home across the state or the country.

All you need to do is get on your computer and do a little research. There are tons of companies that are looking for people to take advantage of their cheap offers to get an RV back to its starting point.

It may take a little time to find the right company to go with but that time is well spent when you get to save money on your RV expenses.

Tip 9 : You can also make some trades for your RV. These trades can be antiques or other items of value that makes sure you do not spend a lot of money out of pocket.

How to Get a Cheap RV Tips

Just about everything we have said up to this point applies to this category. You can talk to friends, co-workers and family members to see if they have or know of someone who has a cheap RV for sale.

Or you can use Craigslist, Facebook and other social media outlets, and even RV forums to find that once in a lifetime RV deal you can’t pass up. On top of that, you can talk to dealers who have taken in older RVs and want to get rid of as quickly as possible.

Then since RVs are alike a traditional house except they have wheels, you can do some creative haggling and make nice trades for a cheap RV. You may have a spare vehicle you do not need. You can make the offer and hope the seller likes your creativity.

There are lots of possibilities to get a great RV for a cheap cost. All it will take is a little brainstorming on your part to get the right idea that should work for you.

Are Free RVs Junk?

This is a good question to ask yourself before you start your search for a free RV. Some people will get rid of junk passing it off as a livable unit and even disguising the bad sections to make it look better than it should or does.

When you start your search, you have to be prepared to face this reality. There are a lot of junk RVs out there whose owners would love to get rid of as quickly as they can and they are not all honest or ethical.

But, and it is a big but, you will find a lot of good RVs among the junk. They may need a few repairs and some engine fine-tuning but they are out there waiting for you to take them home.

You just have to be patient and know which ones you can fix and which ones you need to pass by.

What to Look For in a Free RV

Before you start your search for a free RV, you need to make up your mind about the purpose of your search. If it is for personal use, then you need to know what to look for when you come across free RVs.

If you have to put a lot of money into refurbishing the rig, then you are defeating the purpose of your search. Here are some things to look for when trying to find a decent free RV:

• 1. Engine - does it turn over or start when you turn the key in the ignition. If you hear a clicking noise then the only problem may be the battery or generator. You may not want to rebuild or replace the engine as that will take a lot of money if you can get parts.
• 2. Parts availability - you may want to strike some older models off your list because parts just cannot be found for them. Free is a good deal until you learn you can’t use the RV for anything but a paperweight.
• ​ 3. Licensing - you should talk to your local DMV and see how much a temporary registration and driving permit will cost. That is if the RV is drivable. Or if it isn't checked into the cost of towing or hauling the RV from its home to yours.
• ​ 4. Hidden expenses - we have just mentioned 2 hidden expenses that come from picking up a free RV. You will need to do some research to find more hidden costs to make sure the free RV doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg.
• ​ 5. Appliances - what kind of shape are they in? Do they still work or will you need to repair them as well? Parts for the appliance may be hard to get if the RV is too old. You can replace them if you remodel the interior.
• ​ 6. Remodeling costs - is the RV in good enough shape and is it worth the expense of remodeling. You can change the floor plan to fit your specific needs but again, is it worth it or will it cause a divorce?
• ​ 7. Holding tanks - what kind of shape are they in? Will they still work or will you have to make some parts repair or replacement? Holding tanks are vital to an RV and you need these in top shape if you want to use the vehicle.
• ​ 8. Tires - can you still drive on them or do you need to replace them before you leave the location of the RV? Tires are not necessarily cheap when it comes to RVs.
• 9. Purpose - a free RV may be worth it if you want to turn it into a recording studio for your son’s band or a guest house for your mother in law. But still, it needs to be in fairly good shape for those activities.

Some Final Words

People like free stuff. It makes them feel good, and it helps them keep their finances under control. With the expense of a new RV looking for a free one will make someone feel really special, as long as they get the one they want.

To find these little gems, there are lots of avenues you can use to track them down. Some are free, just ask people, and others may cost you the price of an ad. It will depend on you which avenue you choose to use.

Don’t forget that the internet can save you a lot of time and money if you look in the right places. All you have to do to guide your search is to know exactly why you want the RV in the first place.

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Old Camper RVs for sale

1-15 of 964

1999 Winnebago Eurovan Camper RIALTA 22HD

Scotia, New York

Make Winnebago Eurovan Camper

Model RIALTA 22HD

Category Class B

Posted Over 1 Month

Bought it from the original owner, it was used for travel only. They never used the stove, oven, microwave or fridge---still had the original propane in the tank two yrs ago when I bought it. Too short inside for me, I'm over 6' tall; gonna miss it as it gets high teens for gas mileage. Drives like a car! Current NY registration and inspection. Typical sun fade and decal cracks, no leaks, class III hitch, generator, great tire tread. What I did to it since I bought it: Complete tune up, fluid changes, took original manufacturers stickers off the stove and lit it. Took cardboard packaging out of oven and lit it. Cleaned gas nozzle for refrigerator and turned it on. New shocks in rear, new skylight ( old one was hazy), replaced a few light bulbs, overhauled generator (ran terrible from no use)--it currently has 11 hrs on it. Other than that, we just drive it when we can!

Vintage very old travel trailer

Pahrump, Nevada

18 foot long travel pull trailer for sale. very old and unique! has a sink, a shower, several cabinets, vintage roll out windows, an oven and a real old gas heater. so old cannot find age or maker of the camper. has been in our family for over 20 years. no title. can be pulled behind almost anything car or truck. 18 foot long and 7 foot wide. perfect for a restoration job. no one has a travel trailer like this. be the first $500.00 and take it! please call: 775 - 751 - 9313 775 - 513 - 0307

Vintage Travel Trailer Camper Canned Ham (antique old retro tear drop trailor)

Salt Lake City, Utah

Make Rancho

Model 12' Deluxe

This might be the coolest most unique vintage trailer ever built. And as far as I can tell, this is the ONLY one of this model that was ever built by Rancho Trailers. Rancho's were built here in Utah from the 50's to the 80's. TRAILER IS IN SHOW ROOM CONDITION. There are hundreds of man hours in this meticulous restoration. She's all sealed up, shiny and ready for another 57 years. We call her 'El Ray Gun' because she looks like she's from Mars... You say "You want a Shasta with wings"? This IS a wing... There are too many items to list that have been done to this jewel but here's a small list: All new automotive grade, catalyzed urethane on the exterior. All exterior windows and fixtures were removed and re sealed before re assembly. Most of the skin was replaced. Any rotted wood was replaced All new automotive grade catalyzed urethane paint New drip rail and putty tape New copper gas lines. New interior oil base paint. New upholstery and curtains. New VCT checker board tile floor. New lights Radiant heater Electric fridge New style propane tank New tires and wheels New wiring New roof vent Dimensions: Length 12' Width 78'' Height 96'' Int height 72'' Bed 44 x 78'' Booth 39 x 78'' See more pictures here... http://VelcroStrip.com/57rancho Please call me with your questions 801-487-3675 Todd / http://VelcroStrip.com If you need shipping help try uShip.com My zip code is 84106 Salt Lake City, Utah I will sell to international buyers with bank wire transfer (US funds) and a 3 week hold before item is released. I will also help with shipping. Item is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end auction early in the event of sale. The Armageddon Machine - Live for months in the wilderness... 75 Rancho El Rae $7500 Other Items For Your Consideration See My WebSite VelcroStrip.com Call Me With Your Offers 801-487-3675 See more pictures here... http://VelcroStrip.com/57rancho

1971 Camper

Stanton, Missouri

1971 Project Camper--Bought this as a project just never got around to it and I'm tired if looking at it. It is a good solid old trailer with a lot of potential just don't have the time, it does have a weak spot in the floor due to a small leak in the roof but it is only right in the front as you can see by the picture of the ceiling nothing to. major just needs TLC. I DO HAVE THE TITLE TO IT. It's ready to be hooked up and moved the tires are good on it. It has a working ac and fridge in it also has toilet and sink inside of it NO shower. This is being sold 1st come 1st serve I will not hold for anyone I need it gone ASAP!! $1000 CASH Please call 618-315-2927 Located in Staunton

VERY NICE 1976 DODGE EXTRA LONG HIGH TOP CAMPER VAN 360. USE YOUR TAX REFUND !

San Diego, California

Make DODGE EXTRA LONG HIGH TOP CAMPER VAN

HI, UP FOR SALE HERE IS A VERY NICE VINTAGE EXTRA LONG HIGH TOP DODGE CAMPER VAN WITH A THREE BURNER STOVE, DUAL SINK, PRESSURIZED TANK, FRONT OVERHEAD STORAGE. REAR CAN EITHER CONVERT TO FOUR BUNK BEDS, ONE EXTRA LARGE BED OR A LARGE DINNING TABLE AREA. JUST ORDERED A BRAND NEW CLASS THREE TOW BAR FOR IT. RUNS GREAT. SENIOR CITIZEN OWNED. ODOMETER READS "09144". ITS VERY GOOD SOUNDING & LOOKING 360 MOTOR AND ITS VERY NICE CONDITION HAS MADE ME THINK IT HAS 9K+ MILES BUT MOST LIKELY IT HAS 109K. WILL CONSIDER AN ULTRA LOW MILEAGE 34' BLUE ON BLUE HMC CLASS A MOTORHOME TRADE OR ?. ANY FORM OF PAYMENT INCLUDING PAY PAL MUST COMPLETLY CLEAR BEFORE PICK UP OR SHIPPING. IF YOU DONT HAVE PAY PAL AND WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE, PLEASE CONTACT ME. PLEASE STUDY PICTURES CAREFULLY AS THIS VINTAGE 39 NINE YEAR OLD CAMPER VAN IS SOLD AS IS WHERE IS WITH NO EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. LOCAL CASH PICK UP IS WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED. 619-5184258 THANK YOU.

Custom Teardrop Trailer Camper (5.5x8-ft) - Towable by ANYTHING!

Holts Summit, Missouri

Make CUSTOM

Model Teardrop Camper

*This camper was purchased during a former Buy-It-Now eBay listing. Unfortunately, the buyer was struck by a severe (and expensive) medical condition, and we mutually agreed to terminate the sale in his best financial interests.* BACKGROUND STORY: I considered purchasing a 35-foot travel trailer once. "It's $35,000," they said. I gasped. "You get 8-9 mpg," they said. My knees unhinged. Once they said, "Insurance is about $1,500 a year," I had to be mopped off the floor. In that 35-foot travel trailer, that Mother Nature mausoleum, I wouldn't be able to explore any city boulevards, spiral up any parking garage or boondock in any dispersed campground. All those daring dirt mountain roads, those squiggly gray lines in my Rand-McNally atlas, would be denied to me. SALES PITCH: So I built this. I built it for you. It's a 5.5x8-ft teardrop camper. · It's never been used. · You can tow it with a Camry. (I'm not kidding. It weighs less than 1,000 pounds.) And you can roll it as easily as a Wal-Mart shopping cart (ish). · Both the front door and rear hatch lid lock, so your stuff stays safe. · And you can camp anywhere – in a state park 30-amp campsite, an abandoned lakeshore or a Wal-Mart parking lot. Most importantly, it's a helluva good bargain, and it gets you outdoors without leaving you defenseless. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: If rain pours down like artillery fire, you can take refuge inside the insulated 5'4'' X 6'2'' cabin. Crawl onto your full-size bed and enjoy the thunderstorm through an 18x24 glass window. If it's hot outside, turn on the cabin cooling fan. Or close the outdoor shutters, drop the vinyl blinds, and we'll leave the two of you alone, you rascals! That's right – two. This extra-wide model has all the amenities for a couple: a double bed, storage shelving, clothes closet, makeup mirror with fold-down table, key hooks, and even a chalkboard. You can write each other romantic messages. Or compose Honey-Do lists. Your choice. This camper is outfitted with a 105-AH 12-volt deep-cycle battery that powers the ceiling light, cabin cooling fan, galley light, and two 12-volt cigarette lighter outlets. You can charge all your electronics (smartphone, computer, GPS, etc.) and even have a movie marathon. If you prefer developed campgrounds, then you can plug into campsite electricity, which will automatically charge your battery and activate a surge-protected powerstrip with four 120-volt receptacles and two USB ports. Alright, alright! I won't keep dragging you down this narrative sales pitch. Just one more thing: This clamshell teardrop camper has a full-size kitchen with: · Wash basin (no running water) · Custom cabinetry · Semi-insulated sliding cooler compartment (insulated on three sides - open on the fourth) · Towel rack · Storage hooks · Kitchen knife set (shown in pictures) · Mini cutting board · Ceiling light Thanks to the overhanging hatch lid, you can even cook in a drizzle. FEATURE OPTIONS When I say "options," that means I have some recommendations on what you should add yourself. I wouldn't charge you to "install" a propane stove, for instance. Just lay down a foam mat underneath and place it on the countertop! · 2-burner propane stove (I recommend 10,000 BTU per burner) · Full-size bed (choices: air bed, all-cotton futon, 4-inch upholstery foam mattress, or down mattress topper) · 12-volt thermoelectric cooler. You can plug it into the powerstrip once you're connected to 120-volt electricity, or purchase a small 300-watt inverter and charge it from the 12-volt battery. CONSTRUCTION FAQ: This is my FIRST teardrop camper (that's right, I'm a virgin). I've included some factoids for geeks like me who want to know how everything is made. 1. Is it waterproof? Yes ... but bring a bath towel, just in case. · Underside: elastic rubberized foundation coating · Walls: spar urethane, exterior siding stain, housewrap · Roof: aluminum flashing exterior, exterior siding stain, housewrap · All joints sealed with clear roofing sealant, window white/door silicone, and/or aluminum piping tape. The door is protected by a 3/4-inch exterior plywood cover that, as shown in the pictures, transforms into an awning. *IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE NOTES* In order to keep this trailer waterproof, some maintenance will be required. 1. This roof is protected in part by an exterior fashioned from overlapping aluminum flashing. It is not .032 aluminum siding! You MUST periodically check and possibly re-tape the roof seams with aluminum tape. 2. The hatch lid hinge (living plastic) is not waterproof in itself. So I've covered it with a Reflectix baffle attached using PL Premium exterior construction adhesive and aluminum tape. Again, you MUST periodically check and possibly re-tape the baffle to ensure a waterproof joint. 2. Can I drive off-road with this? Can I speed at 80 mph? First of all, you should never endanger other people's lives by speeding, you clay-brained guts, you knotty-pated fool! * Answer One: Haul Master, the manufacturer of the underlying trailer 4x8 trailer with 12-inch tires, recommends a maximum speed of 55 mph. For what it's worth, most trailer manufacturers say that to cover their legal rumps. Answer Two: I will allow you, dear driver, to brave the occasional gravel street or paved dirt byway. But if you take my precious camper on a washboard road or 4x4 trail and break it, then know that I have a very particular set of skills. I will look for you, I will find you, and I will [not be nice to] you.** *William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 1. **Liam Neeson, "Taken" (2008) 3. Will the camper "sweat" in the morning like my old aluminum camper or canvas pop-up? No. Thanks to radiant polyisocyanurate insulation in the roof and walls, and carpet square insulation on the floor, this camper will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There's also a cabin cooling fan to circulate fresh air. It's protected by window screening and an all-weather roof vent. 4. How are the walls constructed? The walls are a "sandwich" of 1/4-inch Baltic Birch plywood, housewrap, radiant insulation (R-4.4), and 5-mm lauan plywood. The interior is primed and then coated with three coats of latex paint. ***If you have ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, send me an e-mail! Just ask my family – I have a bad habit of tracking down unsuspecting people and yammering about my camper project. I'm more than happy to have fresh meat.*** CONTACT INFORMATION: Call, text or e-mail. My name is Andy. This thing was a labor of love, guys, and I hope it ferries some lucky soul on the next Great American Road Trip. I built it to the best of my ability, and I hope it lasts for decades to come. Cash only. Title in hand. As-is/where-is. Best offers accepted.

14’ “ CANNED HAM " CAMPER / TRAVEL TRAILER / TINY HOUSE ! IN NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans, Louisiana

Make FLEET WING

Model 14’ CAMPER

Category Campers

For sale #1 1972 Fleet Wing Travel Trailer / Camper . ( located in New Orleans La. Zip 70115 ) Tiny House on wheels ! Lots of fun ! Over all ready to go . Ad your own bed and cabinets to make her yours ! White with Red stripe .14’ from 2” ball to rear bumper . The cabin outside is about 11’ long x 7’ wide . Inside about 5’ 8” at tallest point . Not sure of weight but should be able to be towed with a midsize SUV or Truck . Needs 13” tires if you plan to leave town . There is rust on frame near rear bumper but we just towed her about 25 miles no problem. Frame looks solid in front and around the leaf springs . Has some dents and dings but looks pretty good for a 43 year old camper Very clean ! Just painted inside and comes with a vintage 2 burner propane stove plus 20 lb. tank . Cold AC unit . Also includes 2” ball plus stabilizer thingamajobs ? As far as we know all lights work but may need new bulbs. Need some wood trim inside . Comes with tables chair and air mattress . ( Sale does not include the little “ props " .) She is for sale locally as well . If you want to take a look please let me know and we can set up an appointment . Thanks ! Keith

2015 Custom Capri Camper

Buhl, Idaho

This camper was built in February and used this summer. Not even a year old. Very light weight and very sharp looking. Easy to load and unload. Upgraded cedar tongue and groove interior and copper sink. Surround sound inside and out, flat screen, 3 full size beds, USB ports, and lots more. You will not find a better looking truck bed camper anywhere.

Palamino Pop-Up Camper

Orland Hills, Illinois

Great buy on a family camper. Sleeps 5.  New tires with paper work to prove when they were purchased. Wheel bearings packed this year (2015). No leaks in canvass. New propane tank. Yes, it's old. 1980 but it doesn't show its age. Cook stove works well. All zippers work, etc New water tank no leaks in water system. Must see! Light enough to pull with a mini-van or car.

Viking pop-up camper

Stratford, Connecticut

Make Viking

Model 175SD

1995 Viking pop-up in good condition. Needs some TLC. Light weight 990 lb and can be tow by any passenger car. I used 2001 Subaru Legacy 4 cyl. without any problem. Lift system was fixed 2 years ago for $900. Two-years old tires with 150 miles on them and two spare wheels. No water leak or damage inside. Camper has current valid registration. Please e-mail me if you need more information.

pick up camper

Ashley, Michigan

8 ft pickup camper for a half ton new rubber roof every thing works old but good

camper for sale

Newport, Vermont

1969 camper in great condition, 2bd, one has 3 bunks, big deck n awning one year old, if interested please call 802-334-9194 or send me a message on facebook

SLIDE-IN TRUCK CAMPER

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Make UNKOWN

for sale today is my 1970's style slide in TRUCK CAMPER. NOTICE: YOU NEED AND 8 FOOT BED A 2500/F-250 TRUCK OR GREATER. WITH A TRAILER ELECTRIC PLUG. I bought it last year and it was in pretty bad shape, but I fixed it all up.! SEE PICS NEW STUFF: 3-LAYER TAR ROOF. NO LEAKS! ELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR with FULL SIZE FREEZER new PERGO FLOORING new FOAM MATTRESS for sleeper new 2 TONE PAINT JOB new WATER LINE TO KITCHEN SINK new COUCH CUSHIONS AND CURTAINS STUFF YOU GET FOR FREE WITH YOUR PURCHASE: 4 RACHET STYLE 5000LB RATED CAR TIE DOWNS FOR SECURING TO TRUCK 2 CUSTOM BUILT STEEL HORSES FOR STOWING CAMPER WITHOUT TRUCK UNDER IT 12 VOLT COMMERCIAL TRUCK BATTERY AND 300 WATT INVERTER DUAL WHEEL EXENTIONS FOR THE FRONT 2 LEGS EVERYTHING in this camper works as it should; gas furnace, gas stove, electric air conditioner, NEW electric fridge n freezer, water faucet and sink/drain, exterior brake, turn and marker lights, window and vent cranks. I took the porta-potty out because it was gross. I'm using that room for grill and fishing pole storage, if you want a potty you'll have to buy a new one. Much to my surprise, a replacement gas refrigerator costs more than the camper is worth,($2800!!) so I put an electric fridge with a freezer in there, its dorm size and works good, keeps the burgers cold and the ice cream frozen. I have a 12 volt truck battery and a 300 watt inverter installed so you can run the fridge in TRANSIT/overnight. When you get shore power at the campground, just bring your battery charger to top of the battery. the fridge will run 16 hours on a fully charged battery. a little rigged up, yes, but functional. I guess you could run a 12v isolated line from your truck battery to the inverter, but I didn't get that far. as I described elsewhere in this posting, I kinda jacked up the trim getting the old fridge out, but I put it back solid and its not to bad if your not Martha Stewart. (the cabinets are so well built I literally had to bust it apart with a giant crowbar to get the old fridge out. lots of cussing and sweat that day!) My truck is an F-250 with 10 ply radial singles. it hauls this camper just fine. see pics. that being said, a dual-wheel truck would be best, as this thing is old and it weighs 4000 lbs. my truck weighs 6300 lbs empty(its a diesel) and I got on the CAT scale at the truckstop with camper and it was 10500 lbs. ill show you the ticket. so this isn't your newer, 1700 lb plastic n fiber lightweight..... ALL WOOD AND STEEL CONSTRUCTION. this thing is in really great shape for its age now that I have fixed it all up! im regretfully selling because we're moving and I wont have a place to put it, and I don't want to pay for storage. im just going to sell it to you and you can enjoy it for years to come. OH btw the steel horses WONT FIT IN THE CAMPER. you'll have to make two trips, or bring a smaller truck with a friend. I COULD deliver the horses to you if your within 100 miles of Pittsburgh AND you throw me and extra $60. prepare to come on a Saturday or Sunday,as I want to be here when you load it for the first time. there are no turn-buckle tie downs, that's why im giving you the 4 car straps. takes about 40 min to back under, crank up legs and tie down. fun fun FUN. ITS A GREAT LITTLE CAMPER IF YOU TOW A BOAT OR AN ATV TRAILER, OR HUNTING. ITS PERFECT! HURRY, I MAY CHANGE MY MIND AND GO ON A NICE LITTLE CAMPING TRIP MYSELF!! PAYPAL PREFERRED. OR ,CASH ONLY ON PICK-UP. CASH ONLY, NO CHECKS. STOP AT BANK ON WAY HERE. THANKS FOR LOOKING, HAPPY BIDDING CAMPERS!

pick up and camper

Waldorf, Maryland

nice 2004 diesel 4 door gold color leather int nice automatic trans fully loaded all options 2 wheel drive has towing package 22 mpg camper is like new never camped in year 2012 very light 1000 lbs has sink water fantastic fan has stove camper is palimno 600 series outback no ac fan works nice has 3 way fridge will sell seperate 13,000 for truck 5,000 for like new camper located in waldorf maryland call 301 418 5979 perfer phone calls im 74 yrs old

Pop up camper

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Make Palomino

Model Mustang SC

Category Pop Up Campers

The canvas on this camper is about three years old. 2 LP tanks, roof AC , Thermostat controlled furnace, water heater, toilet, shower, 3 burner gas stove can be used outside, Queen / full size beds sleeping for 6, screw down stabilizing jacks (4), gas / electric refrigerator, water holding tank w/12 volt pump or can use water hose, awning, spare tire w/mount, more pictures are ready for viewing just send me your email. everything is in working order. smoke free environment other then Bar BQ or campfire, electric brakes. Purchased last year turns out not so easy for someone in late 60's to put up and down. shipping at your expense. to tow you will need class 1 hitch 2" hitch ball. camper wt.2720 Lbs. Payment at time of pick up.

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How To Get A Free RV

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Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here .

Updated April 1, 2024

If you thought owning an RV was out of reach, let me assure you there are several legit ways to get a free RV. And it’s easier than you think. In fact, two of the methods in this article will show you how you can get a free RV in great condition.

So, I’m sure you are asking yourself all sorts of questions but mostly – How Can I Get a Free RV? So, we came up with six totally legit ways to help you figure out How To Get A Free RV:

• Relocate an RV for an RV Rental Company
• Use Facebook 
• Use Craigslist
• Look Through RV Classifieds
• Canvass Your Community for RVs No Longer In Use

In this article, we will go through the details of each of these methods for finding a free RV.

Are All Free RVs Junk?

This is the first question that crosses my mind when I think about a free RV. Surely, they must be full of mold, rodents, and god knows what else.

Well, surprisingly, this is not always the case. Yes, there are plenty of old abandoned RVs that are in horrible condition and probably not worth the time and effort to try to repair them.

But there are also lots of RVs that are not in use but are in good enough condition to be repaired or remodeled. You may need to haul them from where you find them but it might be worth it for a free RV that you can bring back to life.

And if you are a DIY kind of person, why not at least get the RV for free before you tear it apart and renovate it. You might even be able to get some of your RV remodeling materials free too and we will cover that a little further down in the article.

So, let’s dive into each of the six best ways to find a free RV.

6 Great Ways to Get a Free RV!

1. relocate rvs for an rv rental company.

Every year, thousands of people rent RVs. Some rent round trip, which just means they rent and return to the same location. But thousands of people also rent an RV for a one-way trip. This is especially true if they are traveling a long distance. 

For example, someone may want to rent an RV for a week or two to travel from New York to Florida. In this case, they might choose to fly home so they don’t use up their valuable vacation time doubling back on their road trip.

So, how does the RV Rental company get the RV back to the starting location? They can spend lots of money and tow or truck the RV back or they can load it on a train and ship it back.

Or they can hire a driver and pay for all of their expenses while they drive the RV back to its point of origin. (And then they have to pay to get the driver back to his or her point of origin). The point is that all of these methods of returning the RV to the original rental location cost the RV rental company a lot of money.

So, RV Rental companies allow individuals to drive RVs back to their point of origin. In exchange, the driver gets to use the RV to camp or sightsee for the duration of the trip. Drivers are usually expected to drive 2-3 hours a day, leaving plenty of time for recreating. 

This is a great way to use an RV in perfect working condition for free. And, even though you don’t get to keep the RV you can do this as often as you like! It’s a great way to get a free RV and hit the road! Thrifty Nomads wrote a really great article on this subject. It’s definitely worth a read if you want to get more info.

One of the best ways to relocate RVs is through a company called Transfercar . They match drivers to RVs that need to be transferred for big RV Rental Companies like Jucy, Apollo, and El Monte. Check out the video below from Transfercar.

2. Use Facebook to Find a Free RV

Facebook has two awesome ways that you can find a free RV. The first is through a Facebook group called  FREE/CHEAP Campers and Mobile Homes .

It’s amazing to me that there is a Facebook group for free RVs but there is! So, join the group and check it regularly and you might just find what you are looking for. There are free RVs and cheap RVs for sale within the group. You can read the posts to find a free or really cheap RV.

The second way to use Facebook to find a free, or really cheap, RV is through Facebook Marketplace. We actually found an RV on Facebook Marketplace.

Plenty of inexpensive RVs are listed, and a free one is listed every now and then. So, check often and be ready to go look at it as soon as you see one on Marketplace.

3. Use Craigslist to Find a Free RV

There are some very good strategies for using Craigslist to find a free RV. You can search for someone giving away an RV, or you can place an ad stating that you are looking for a free RV. Let’s dive into these two options a bit deeper.

Searching Craigslist

You can search your local Craigslist ads for free RVs. But if you are willing to travel further, you might want to search Nationwide. If you want to search nationwide on Craigslist, just use these two links.  site:craigslist.org/zip/motorhome  or site:craigslist.org/zip/rv .

Place an Ad on Craigslist

You can also use Craigslist to place an ad stating that you are looking for a free RV and you will remove it from the owner’s property. Many owners don’t have the money to pay for someone to remove their RV from their property so you could be solving this problem for them.

Another good strategy is to trade a skill or service for the RV. Technically, it’s not free this way, but no money is leaving your pocket, so it’s pretty free.

A Strategy To Get Free Remodeling Materials on Craigslist

Once you find a free RV, you will almost certainly need to renovate it, so use Craigslist to find free or very cheap building products such as insulation, flooring, countertops, plumbing supplies, electrical supplies and more!

4. Search RV Classifieds

I have been on RV classifieds many times, and I have seen RVs advertised for free. They are usually in need of some work, but again, they are available for the taking.

Some specific RV Classifieds are RVTrader.com and RVT.com, but these aren’t the best sites to find free RVs. Some better sites are Classifiedads.com, pennysaverusa.com, oodle.com, rvsfsbo.com or your local newspaper classifieds. It takes some time and effort to find free RVs in these classifieds, but if you are patient and persistent, you can find them.

5. Canvass Your Community

I can’t tell you how many RVs I have seen just sitting unused in someone’s yard. You can just tell by looking at them that they aren’t being used. They usually have flat tires and grass that is two feet tall around them. And they look old and in a state of disrepair.

When you find an RV like this, just knock on the owner’s door and let them know you are looking for an RV to renovate. Ask them if they want to get rid of their RV in exchange for you getting it off their property.

Many RVs are sitting on people’s property because the owners don’t know how to get rid of them or don’t have the money to tow them away. This could be a golden opportunity for you to get an RV for free! So, keep your eyes open because your free RV could be sitting right around the corner!

6. Win an RV

The final way you can get a free RV is to win one in a contest. It’s highly unlikely that you will win but think about it. Every year millions of people enter HGTV’s contest to win a free house.

Maybe you can get lucky and win an RV! Companies like UltraContest  and Sweepstakes Advantage scour the internet for RV contests so you can easily enter to win an RV. Also, big companies like Airstream and KOA hold contests occasionally and give away free RVs. And don’t forget to check your local RV Dealerships for contests and giveaways too!

Related Questions

1. what is the best type of rv to find for free.

Before finding a free RV you should decide which type of RV you want. Your choices are the kind you drive or the type that you tow. Examples RVs you drive are Class A, B, and C. Some examples of the kind you tow are travel trailers, 5th wheels or popup campers.

For more information about which type of RV is the best for you, check out our article called  Class C RV vs 5th Wheel – Which is Better and Why? This article covers the pros and cons for drivable versus towable RVs. Another great article to learn more about owning an RV is  The Pros and Cons of Owning an RV .

2. Where Can I Park My RV While I Remodel It?

You should definitely consider this before you find a free RV to renovate. Most folks plan to park the RV on their property or in their driveway but there are quite a few things to take into consideration first.

For example, there may be local ordinances or Homeowners Association rules about where you can, and can not, park an RV. Or your neighbors may have an objection. This issue comes up so often that I wrote an article about it called Can I Park an RV in My Driveway?   Check it out for lots of info on this topic.

3. Can I Find and Convert a School Bus Into an RV?

Another option that has become very popular is converting school buses into RVs, also known as skoolies. And yes, you can find school buses for free that you can convert into an RV too! I recommend a couple of really good resources on Amazon for converting school buses.

They are  Bus Conversion Floor Plans by Ben Rosander ,  Select and Convert Your Bus into a Motorhome on a Shoestring by Ben Rosander , and  How to Build Low Cost Motorhomes by Louis C McClure . You can learn a lot from all three of these books.

Final Thoughts About How to Get a Free RV

There are many ways to find a free RV or school bus with some persistence and perseverance. And although finding a free RV is not for everyone, at least those who want to find a free RV or school bus have plenty of good options available.

Do you know of any other ways to find a free RV? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading this article and if you would like to email me directly, please visit our  Contact Page  and send an email.

Learn More:

– How to Find the Best Deal on a Travel Trailer – Where Can I Store My RV for Free? 10 Solutions – Is Airstream Classifieds Really Free? How to Buy or Sell Your RV Using Airstream Classifieds – 25 Best Places to Buy an RV

To see a list of all of our articles check out the Blog Archive !

Mike Scarpignato – Bio

Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.

Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.

We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.

We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.

7 thoughts on “How To Get A Free RV”

Hi, I just recently acquired a free rv. It needs a little bit of work and repair but hey, it was free! the roof is okay and floors are without holes so its doable. I had been looking for a tear drop Shasta but gave up on that idea…..well, maybe not totally. The one I found will be fun renovating nevertheless😎

Tamela Jackson, Texas

Have an Itasca 1978. Broke the key . Having trouble finding another key. Might need hauled. Free to anyone looking. Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Hi Lucy Could you give a brief description of the camper and condition. Pictures would be appreciated.

Excellent and helpful thank you! Jesus is the way amen.

Glad you liiked the article! Thanks! Mike

Wow it really works

I was reading news clip of how to go about in getting an RV…We have 3 children that have disabilities an have been thinking it would b a nice an relaxing way of traveling…if u have any tips or advice we would appreciate them…thank you…

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Where and How to Find Vintage Travel Trailers For Sale

Trying to find vintage travel trailers for sale? In this article, we’ll show you our 12 favorite websites that have vintage travel trailers for sale   and an arsenal of free tools that will help you search for your favorite vintage trailers. 

You don’t have to look on eBay or Craigslist every day, you don’t have to travel through every campground in your state, and you certainly don’t have to hire an agent (though that’s an option if you have the money).

To find vintage travel trailers for sale you just have to know where to look online and how to use a few free tools that will make your search a bit easier.

Best Websites to Find Vintage Travel Trailers for Sale

Craigslist and eBay are musts for anyone searching for a vintage trailer but there are several other vintage travel trailer sites that you’ll want to bookmark as well.

TinCan Tourists

TinCan Tourists is a vintage trailer fan’s heaven. The club began in 1919 so it was cool before trailers had a chance to even become vintage.

You don’t have to be a member to list a travel trailer for sale but members have their listings featured on the front page.

Little Vintage Trailer

Little Vintage Trailer has been one of the best online resources for vintage travel trailer lovers for years. It’s also one of the cutest sites online (I may be partial). I love everything about this site!

Sisters on the Fly

The Sisters on the Fly are the coolest ladies to ever hit the road! This group of women vintage travel trailer owners started in 1999 and have grown to over 10,000 members that all know how to have fun. They meet several times a year and their site is full of great articles and has listings section.

Vintage Campers

Vintage Campers is the go-to site for vintage travel trailer fans. They have a cool magazine and their site is the most thorough resources I’ve found for travel trailers.

Airstream Classifieds

Airstream Classified is another brand-specific site but there’s a reason there are so many: Airstream is the most popular travel trailer in American history. They are iconic!

Airstream For Sale

Airstreamforsale.com is a good resource if you are looking for an Airstream but not so much if you have your heart set on a Spartan. Still, it’s a good site that can help you learn about the iconic brand.

Spartan Trailer 

Spartans are my second favorite travel trailer brand. Maybe I’m attracted to aluminum on a weird psychological level? This is a small site but you can find vintage Spartans for sale which is always awesome.

Tin Inn Travel Trailers

I don’t know much about Tin Inn but the owner appears to have a ton of experience restoring travel trailers. There are a few trailers for sale and I suspect that if you had a specific model in mind this lady would be able to find it.

You may recognize Flyte Camp because they have their own TV show. I’m a big fan and since you are looking to buy a vintage travel trailer you will be, too! I’m gonna go ahead an warn you, they ain’t cheap but you can be guaranteed that if they’ve restored a trailer they did it right. This amazing Holiday House is available for sale on their site right now. I’ll let you click to see the price. Just be warned it’s a one-of-a-kind collector’s piece. Oh, if only…

You can find beauties like this at Vintage Camper Trailers .

I’m hesitant to include eBay on this list because vintage travel trailer listings are often scams. You have to be very careful with these listings. 

My rule is that if it costs more than $200 you should only use eBay as a tool to start the buying process but never finish it. You should never bid on an item like a vintage travel trailer without seeing it in person. Your eBay searches should only be for local listings unless you really are willing to travel to get the trailer you want.

Common eBay Scams

One common scam is to list a really awesome trailer at a dirt cheap price while the seller always has a sob story like they are in the military but can’t store their prized possession so they have to get rid of it fast. All you need to do is pay them a storage/holding/delivery fee and then they’ll meet you tomorrow. Click here to read about the top 10 scams on eBay. 

Using Advanced Search on eBay

eBay is a popular site for a reason. They have an easy to use interface with a powerful search engine that can help buyers look for exactly what they want.

The advanced search function on eBay is easy but tends to pull up irrelevant listings. I searched for vintage travel trailers within 100 miles of my zip code but was shown stickers, lamps, and postcards. You can refine your searches with their exclusion/inclusion tool and the results are more relevant. Read 7 tips to help you search eBay. 

Saved Searches and Watch Lists

Saved searches , also called followed searches, can help you find vintage travel trailers for sale before everyone else. You just enter your criteria and they will email you when a new listing meets your settings. You can save up to 100 searches.

A watch list is another helpful tool to find vintage travel trailers for sale. This is helpful for things that you look for a lot (say you collect vintage mobile home magazines). eBay will email you when a new listing is found or when an auction you’re interested in is about to close.

Stuff Alert

Stuff Alert is an outside service that may be helpful to you. They continuously crawl eBay for whatever it is you are looking for and will email you when a listing is found. It’s a good tool to use for local searches because in many cases the early bird gets the worm (well, it used to be like that but I think the vintage travel trailer trend has died down quite a bit since 2015).

Facebook Marketplace is a Great Place to Find Vintage Travel Trailers for Sale

I think I may be addicted to Facebook Marketplace . It’s so easy to see a listing and communicate with the seller in real time. I found a brand new doggie door that goes into a sliding door for $40. It was $140 at Walmart. All it took was a quick text (and Facebook even writes that out for you) and meeting them at the agreed place.

The marketplace has a great search tool. You can choose the category and distance area and use keywords such as ‘1965 Airstream Safari’ to pull up all the listings. Here’s an Airstream I found that is just down the road from me.

Related:  This Vintage Airstream Remodel is so Cool

Facebook Groups

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of Facebook groups dedicated to vintage travel trailers of all makes and models. Within these many groups are people buying and selling vintage trailers. Some of the groups that appeared when I searched ‘find vintage travel trailers for sale:’

How to Search Craigslist Like a Pro

You can find just about anything on Craigslist.  It’s the original online marketplace but I have a feeling Facebook Marketplace will be taking over the top slot in no time. Until then, it’s a must visit to find vintage travel trailers for sale.  We use Craigslist here a lot to  find great Craigslist mobile homes for sale.

Craigslist is a site that is simple, yet a bit intimidating at the same time so here’s a quick tutorial on how to use Craigslist.

Go to Craigslist at  http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites  and you will see a page that looks like this:

Click on the US link on the top left or click on a purple dot that is close to your home. Personally, I like to click on the US link – it just seems easier for me to read the states than look on a map.

If you click on a purple dot you will see the map zoom in to the dot you clicked and then see more purple dots like this:

If you click on the US link, the page will change to a listing of states and their cities. Like this:

Find your state and then the city closest to you and click on it. You will then be forwarded to a page that looks like this:

Scroll down to the ‘for sale’ section and click on the rvs + campers:

Clicking on rvs + campers will take you to a page with all kinds of listings! Some will be from dealerships and some from individuals but you can use filters to block out the listing you don’t want. You can also change how the listings appear.

To see listings by owners only, simply click on the ‘by owner’ section, you can also block out any listings that don’t have an image.

Another great feature is how the listings appear. Personally, I like the gallery view best because the images are larger and I can quickly find any listing that catches my eye. Just click on the list, thumb, gallery, or map to see which one you like best.

You’ll have a whole screen of listings. If you like one just email or give them a call! Be careful though, never go to a listing by yourself and always meet at a public place. Here are 18 things every Craigslist user should know. 

Search Tempest

Search Tempest is a great tool for Craigslist, Amazon, and eBay. They describe themselves as a classified ad search engine. You type in what you are looking for and where you are looking and it takes you to each site automatically. You can also have it email you listings based on keywords which are super handy.

See 5 more Craigslist helpers here.

IFTTT is one of the most powerful tools ever made for the internet. They describe themselves as a way to connect apps, services, and sites together. It is powerful so you will definitely want to use it to find vintage travel trailers for sale.

You’ll also want to use IFTTT to do other neat things like creating a Google spreadsheet of all your online purchases as you receive the receipts or add songs to your Spotify when you like a Youtube video or automatically backup your Facebook photos to Google Drive. There are applets for everything! You can search through all of them here after creating a free account . It’s free to use but there are paid plans.

IFTTT for Online Shopping

Using IFTTT to find vintage travel trailers for sale is pretty easy. You’ll need to connect your craigslist, ebay, and

This applet sends you a daily email of all the Craigslist listings that match your search terms 

This applet goes a step further. You add a search criteria URL and it sends you an email, a push notification, and logs the listing into a Google spreadsheet. You just have to connect the various accounts to IFTTT.

This applet gives you a daily email digest with eBay listings that match your search.

You should be able to find vintage travel trailers for sale with all these tools and tips. Ebay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups, and all the awesome vintage trailer sites online are great places to start your search but you should never buy a trailer without inspecting it in person. If it’s a good distance away from you then please consider hiring a camper expert or even a mechanic to inspect it for you.

We’ve written about buying used mobile homes here and it’s the same concept for vintage travel trailers. We also have an entire section of resources and state guides for buying mobile homes here. 

Once you find your vintage trailer you’ll probably want to check out these 9 awesome vintage travel trailer campgrounds. 

As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living!

Vintage travel trailers specs and info

Top Vintage Trailer Sites & Resources 1

The following sites are great resources of information about vintage travel trailers as well as photos, tips, parts and accessories. Check them out!

Tin Can Tourists

Home of the Tin Can Tourists of America, a trailer camping organization founded in 1919. Their site has a lot of information on vintage trailers, as well as a classifieds section listing trailers for sale, and an extensive Pinterest page .

Little Vintage Trailer

Vintage trailer owner and enthusiast Kelle Arvay’s site features articles about vintage trailers, accessories, camping and glamping. The site is frequently updated with photos, product reviews, how to’s, events, and vintage travel trailers for sale. As their tagline states, it’s all about “happiness on wheels.”

Canned Ham Trailers

If you are looking for videos of vintage trailer restorations then Canned Ham Trailers is for you.  Their site has loads of informative videos featuring trailer restorations by mobiltec , “Helping you do it yourself.”

Vintage Camper Trailers

Vintage Camper Trailers is a bi-monthly printed magazine with an issue available for viewing online as well as information on vintage trailer rallies. Trailerites Unite!

Vintage Caravans

Australia’s Touring Heritage. Vintage Caravans is an Australian travel trailer website with an active forum community and plenty of vintage trailer restorations and images.

Vintage Trailer Supply

Shopping for parts or accessories? Try the Vintage Trailer Supply. Their site has a large assortment of vintage travel trailer parts and accessories to choose from.

Last but not least, eBay has an extensive section of vintage travel trailers for sale as well as parts and accessories. If you are looking for a vintage trailer for sale, give eBay a visit. Be sure to know what to look for when buying a vintage travel trailer!

If you know of or have a site that you feel should be included in this list, then please feel free to let us know .

One comment on “ Top Vintage Trailer Sites & Resources ”

Looking for a 14″ 4 hole with a circle in middle of 8 1/2″ in diameter. 9 1/2″ from hole to hole. Have three and cannot find a fourth!! Help! Dan in SW Minnesota

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Vintage Travel Trailers and RVs for Sale

Vintage Campers are best for those seeking RV adventures in fun, old school and stylish RV bodies. Whether you are looking for Vintage Travel Trailers, Vintage Motorhomes, or even a Vintage Bus or Skoolie, RVT has a great selection of new and used Vintage Campers for sale across the US and Canada. Find the best Vintage RV for you from our dealers and private sellers below.

1977 Barth Brochure

• Odometer: 97

1978 Mci MC-5C Challenger

• Odometer: 75000
• Detroit Diesel 6V71 Engine

1978 Airstream International Ambassador 28

1977 GMC Palm Beach

• Odometer: 68234

1978 Unik ROULETTE

1953 Silver Streak Clipper

1977 Mercury Cougar XR7

• Odometer: 71849

1959 Ford Panel Truck

• Odometer: 1

1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk

• Odometer: 63509

1970 Airstream Trade Wind 25

1964 MCI MC5

• Odometer: 100000

1970 Ford 350

• Odometer: 3500
• Ford Engine

1974 FMC 2900R

• Odometer: 91286
• Cummins Engine

1959 Easy Travler 16

1979 Ford Econoline Camper 460

• Odometer: 110904

1976 Heartland Prowler

1968 Airstream Caravel

1970 Federal Trailer Co Century 28

1979 Airstream Excella 28

• Odometer: 11607
• Chevrolet 454 7.4L V8 Engine
• GVWR: 12900

1971 Dodge 3500 AVCO Grand Lodge

• Odometer: 91743
• Dodge 413-3 Engine

1978 Airstream Excella 500

1965 Volkswagen Eurovan 21 Window Split Screen

• Odometer: 5000

1971 Volkswagen TYPE II BAY WINDOW BUS

1972 Eagle Bus Silver Eagle 40

• Odometer: 76000
• Detroit Diesel 8V72 Engine

1978 Newell DIESEL PUSHER

• Odometer: 134677
• Cummins 555 Engine

1958 Ford Vanette

• Ford V8 Engine

1968 Airstream Overlander 26

1966 Airstream Overlander

1966 ford f100 f100.

1979 Airstream 23

• Odometer: 72000
• Chevrolet Engine

1957 Airstream Caravanner

1953 ohhome tugboat.

1957 Volkswagen Beetle VOLKSWAGEN

1968 Sunnybrook Mobile

1966 GMC 4107

• Odometer: 130000
• Detroit Diesel Engine
• GVWR: 38000

1973 GMc 4905

• Odometer: 350000
• Detroit Diesel 8V71 Engine

1976 Airstream Excella 500 31'

• Odometer: 61345
• 454 Chevy Engine

1976 Airstream Argosy 26 Twin

1965 Airstream Ambassador 28

1973 GMc 26

• Odometer: 76017
• General Motors 455 V8 Engine
• GVWR: 11200

1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

1972 Airstream Land Yacht 27\' Overlander Twin

1975 Airstream Argosy

1976 Airstream Overlander

1957 Ford FAIRLANE 500 SKYLINER

1970 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 2wd BLAZER

1950 Boles Aero 17

1968 Silver Streak 28

1974 GMc 4905A

• Odometer: 170000

1971 Newell Newell Coach 30

• Odometer: 125000
• Ford 391 Engine

1959 Yellowstone RV Canyon Trail 14

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Classic and vintage travel trailers — are they right for you?

Last week’s article explored small, modern travel trailers just right for couples or small families.

Many of you into tent or trailer camping have also spotted a good share of vintage and classic travel trailers on the road and in campgrounds. Today’s article offers insights into buying and rebuilding classic trailers, particularly those dating to the early 1970s and older. I target those years due to both sleek, streamlined shapes, and, they were often built of better materials than late 1970s to 1980s trailers.

ICYMI: Enjoy more comfort on your next road trip with these travel trailers

Classic trailers are increasingly popular, vintage rallies have proliferated across the West and the U.S. and pent-up demand due to the pandemic makes them especially desirable. When purchased wisely, a vintage trailer allows the owner to enjoy them for a number of years, and, if sold years later, likely recoup the price paid, or even more.

The cool classics also make you the talk of most campgrounds, allow entry into classic trailer rallies and you bask in the glory of enjoying a recycled product! Prices for a “fixer” vintage trailer can range from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending upon work to be done. The downside can be overly-extensive rebuilding expense and a huge time investment.

As an example, eight years ago, I found what I thought was a real deal on our small ‘64 Scotty Sportsman in Southern California, at only $900. I initially thought it had water damage only in the rear and needed only a simple partial rebuild and new paint. But, after discovering hidden dry rot necessitating a total rebuild, I invested about 450 hours and $5,500 into the trailer rebuild. Fortunately, I had help from two handy friends and my spouse; I would shop harder for a fully reconditioned classic if I were to do it again!

If searching for a vintage trailer, put up a daily search for “vintage trailer” on your local Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and classified newspaper pages. Be prepared for some serious inspection; take a friend who knows woodworking and trailers for your look-see. Peer into all hidden corners and underneath the trailer with flashlight – you’re looking for any signs of water damage, either at base of the walls, the floor, around the interior windows and roof seams.

A handy rule: “whatever water damage you can find, multiply by 10”! Be forewarned; more than a few “trailer reconditioners” are good at papering/painting over structural challenges, so look diligently.

Here’s a sampling of small classics we’ve seen in recent years, offering quality, collectability and proper “coolness quotient”. Popular in the west are Aristocrat, Airstream, Boler, Little Caesar, Kenskill, Lawton, Mobile Glide, Scotty, Shasta and Starcraft trailers. They range in size from 13 to 25 feet in length and several, like Scotty and Aristocrat Lo-liners, can fit into a standard garage, negating the need to pay for storage. A good reconditioned trailer will cost from $8,000 to over $25,000 depending upon make and model. Bought wisely and well cared for, one can recoup the investment years later, perhaps even seeing some appreciation in value.

Serro Scotty trailers 

Our 1958 Serro Scotty teardrop: Manufactured in 1958 and '59, this one is a very accurate reproduction/rebuild. We found it listed on eBay by a West Virginia owner who started with a Scotty axle and hubcaps, and rebuilt the balance with all new materials. We've three times crossed the U.S. and made many trips in the western states and Canada with this little trailer. It’s small size and mere 850 pounds mean we tow it with a four-cylinder auto and achieve 28 MPG towing, the envy of owners or huge trailers and fifth-wheels.

Scotty Sportsman

Our 1964 Scotty Sportsman offers a lot packed into its 13 foot (including the tongue) size: dinette seating for four, small interior kitchen with two burner stove, sink, a center wardrobe closet and cozy bed for two in the rear (at only 47 inches in width, really cozy)! Made in the '60s to the '80s, Scotties maintain a national following and we have enjoyed several annual tours with the national organization.

‘57 Corvette 

I met the owner of this lovely 1957 Corvette trailer, purchased for $600 and a two-years labor-of-love rebuild. He extended the frame, re-zinced the windows and put about $7,000 into the rebuild, including a beautiful blue and white paint job. It sold recently for over $12,000.

‘55 Little Caesar

‘55 Little Caesar, weighing just 1400 pounds. The owners from Shingle Springs noted “we paid only a few hundred dollars, invested $4000 and considerable time in the rehab, from the frame-up, but we loved the result and get lots of compliments.”

For more information: Web sites offer insights into buying or rebuilding, including Tin Can Tourists, tincantourists.com; Airstream, airstreamclassifieds.com; Serro Scotty, nationalserroscotty.org; Shasta, vintageshasta.net. Pick a classic and find an owner’s group! To purchase slightly used or vintage trailers, regularly scan Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and newspaper classified pages.

Contact Tim at  [email protected] . Happy travels in your world!