From Weed Lots to Craigslist Finds: Adventures in Vintage Trailer Shopping

Part 3 of Atomic Trailer Chicks Guide to Buying A Vintage Trailer on a Budget

A beginner’s guide to spotting deals, dodging scams, and landing your dream camper.

I am captivated by the scroll work details at the window of this camper (possibly a Fireball from the 1960s).

You've done your research, made a plan, learned about the variety of trailers on the road. Now for the fun part...trailer shopping!

My 1969 Rolls Royal, found at a garage sale.

Believe it or not, the best place to find a deal on a vintage trailer is in your own neighborhood. Putting a nice note in the mailbox of a house with a neglected but cute little trailer you have been wistfully eyeing might end up getting you a exceptional deal on your next trailer. My project trailer, Trailer Tabitha, was a 14 foot Rolls Royal Capri bought from a neighbor at a garage sale. Woohoo, Cindee scores!

Some of the best gems are abandoned in weed-filled lots in the desert or rural areas. Old trailers tend to get pushed aside and forgotten, owners not having the time required to get them road-ready.

That is to your advantage! Keep your eyes open, and don’t be afraid to leave a polite note for the owner. I do not knock on doors (safety first, gals, reign in your excitement), but will chat the owner up if I encounter them outside and they don't raise any personal alarm bells. In my experience, many trailer owners enjoy talking about their trailers, even if they don't want to sell.

Craigslist can be a goldmine for vintage trailers—but proceed with caution. In places like Los Angeles, where people are savvy to the growing appeal of these campers, prices are often inflated.

Years ago, I went to see a camper listed on Craigslist for $3000. It looked decent in the photos, but when I arrived I discovered extensive water damage that had been conveniently painted over. The seller denied it, but yeah lady, I'm onto you. Get this--it also had a broken frame! Yes, folks, the frame under the camper had snapped at welds in two places. This is not a common occurrence and indicates the floor of the camper was particularly unstable. This really stressed the importance of inspecting a trailer before purchase!

Wow. I wouldn't buy that trailer for any price. Needless to say, I ran away as fast as my legs could carry me. But not before I give the seller a little lecture on how she shouldn't be selling such an unsafe camper. I couldn't help myself, it wasn't safe to tow!

That anecdote aside, you can find pretty good deals on Craigslist. It is the most time efficient way to find a trailer as it has listings in your geographical area. Two of the five trailers I have purchased over the years have been off of Craigslist.

Trailer Ginger, a 1965 Aristocrat Lo-Liner, found on Craigslist.

Facebook Marketplace is also a fantastic place to find a project trailer. If you have the cash to spend and want something already fixed up, you can find some great restored models as well. Glampers all over the country post their adorable trailers for sale here.

One downside, however, is that Facebook Marketplace ads get a LOT of lookie-loo traffic. One attractive ad might garner dozens of messages and serious buyers could potentially get lost in the shuffle. Competition can be fierce if the price and condition of the trailer are right.

There are Facebook groups strictly focused on buying and selling trailers, and many trailer groups share posts for those they have seen for sale. Unfortunately many of these groups are not local, so you will see trailer listings across the country and not necessarily close by (unless you get lucky). However, you can glean some creative ideas from these groups, as well as great advice, so they are not a complete waste of time.

Original Facebook Marketplace Ad

I highly recommend you do some trailer "stalking". Find a trailer you really like on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace that might be overpriced. Keep track of it and check back periodically. Reach out to the seller and see if they would be willing to lower their price. If it has been for sale for months, they just might consider a solid, lower offer. I got my 1966 Aristocrat Land Commander that way. It was listed for $6000 on FBM for 6 months or more. I saved the listing and checked back but they hadn't lowered the price at all. I reached out to ask if they were flexible on price. The seller stated they might lower a little but thought it was a good price. I went to see it in person anyway and offered her $5000. She took it! Trailer Mary Ann was mine!

Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine has classified ads selling vintage trailers all over the country. There are some good deals to be found, but I find that many of these listings are beautifully restored, showroom quality, one-of-a-kind trailers. These stellar campers tend to be a bit out of my price range. However, if you have the moolah and in the market for a fully restored, show-quality trailer, this would be a great place to look.

Scam Alert

When surfing the web for campers, just be aware that scams abound. I have seen listings for pristine vintage Airstreams for $5000 because "they are going through a divorce, spouse died, relative died, etc." and they "just need to get rid of it". An amazing deal, right?

Wrong. These are complete scams, trying to get your money without an inspection or meeting in person. They think you will be so anxious to get the screaming deal that you will skip the important stuff. DON'T fall for it!

Think about it--do trailer listings usually give you a personal sob story? Nope! Liars are the ones who make up the elaborate back stories. If it looks too good to be true, it is girl! 

Go get 'em ladies!

Next and most important part of the process...Part 4, Inspecting Your (prospective) Trailer.

Happy Atomic Trails!

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website, in videos, social media posts, articles, or any other materials is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not professional, legal, or engineering advice. Renovating, restoring, or modifying vintage trailers—and towing them—can involve risks, including but not limited to structural failure, electrical hazards, fire hazards, and injury. You are solely responsible for determining whether any project, modification, or safety procedure is appropriate for your specific trailer, skill level, and circumstances.

Always consult qualified professionals—such as licensed electricians, plumbers, structural engineers, certified trailer repair specialists, or certified RV inspectors—before undertaking any work on a trailer’s structure, electrical systems, plumbing, or towing setup.

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If you are not experienced in trailer restoration or repair, seek professional help before attempting any work. Safety should always be your first priority.