Steel, Eggs, and Canned Hams: The 3 Flavors of Vintage Trailers
- Cindee Pazuros
- Aug 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Part 2 of Atomic Trailer Chicks Guide to Buying A Vintage Trailer
How to tell your Spartans from your Shastas (and why “rare” isn’t always a good thing).
Before you start shopping for your vintage trailer, you should become familiar with the various types of trailers on the road. I categorize vintage trailers into three basic types according to what they are made of: steel-framed trailers, fiberglass trailers, and wood-framed trailers (AKA "canned ham" trailers).
Steel-Framed Trailers
Some of the most sought-after and expensive vintage trailers are built on steel chassis with aluminum shells. Unlike wood-framed trailers, these don’t suffer from wood rot — a huge plus for long-term durability. The most famous examples are Airstream, Spartan, Silver Streak, and Vagabond.
These trailers are easy to identify by their shiny, riveted aluminum skins, usually left unpainted for that iconic polished look. Airstreams, in particular, are known for their aircraft-style monocoque construction, where the aluminum shell itself provides structural integrity.
Spartans, originally manufactured by an aircraft company after World War II, are especially prized for their craftsmanship and art deco-inspired interiors.
All that quality comes at a price. Even unrestored examples can fetch $20,000–$30,000 or more, depending on age, rarity, and condition.
A fully restored Spartan Manor, for example, might sell in the $60,000–$70,000 range. These trailers are true investment pieces — beautiful, durable, and timeless, but rarely cheap. I lust after a Spartan Manor but just can't handle the $65,000 price tag (a recently viewed listing).
Fiberglass Trailers
Fiberglass trailer production began in the late 1960s, with Boler leading the way. Boler debuted their lightweight fiberglass campers in 1968 in Canada, and by the early 1970s, Scamp in Minnesota was producing a very similar design that quickly gained popularity in the U.S.
These trailers are easy to spot — their smooth, rounded “egg” shape makes them instantly recognizable.
Fiberglass is an excellent trailer material: it’s lightweight, strong, resistant to dents, and naturally insulating. These campers are simple to tow behind smaller vehicles, which adds to their appeal. It’s no wonder they’ve built a devoted following over the years — fiberglass trailer rallies and owner groups are famously enthusiastic about their “egg campers.”
While fiberglass trailers generally cost more than wood-framed models, they are still more affordable than high-end aluminum classics like Airstreams or Spartans. They also tend to require less structural repair, making them a good choice if you want something durable and lower-maintenance.
Personally, I think steel-framed and fiberglass trailers all look the same (don't shoot me). I prefer the wood-framed variety.
Wood-Framed Trailers - "Canned Hams"
Wood-framed trailers are called that because....(drumroll here)... their structural frames are made of wood covered in aluminum siding — the “skin” of the trailer. These are the classic “canned ham” campers, named for their rounded, ham-like profile. They became wildly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, when thousands were mass-produced to meet America’s growing love for road travel.
Among the best-known names is Shasta, whose winged models are icons of the era. Their interiors often featured warm, honey-colored paneling, and today they remain some of the most collectible vintage trailers. Be prepared to pay a premium, though — restored Shastas can run $4,000–$5,000 more than comparable brands simply due to their popularity.
Another strong contender is Aristocrat. These trailers, sometimes squarer in profile than the traditional canned ham, were influenced by aircraft manufacturing techniques, making them especially durable. Many refer to them as "toasters" because of their more boxy shapes. My trailer Ginger (pictured left) barely needed any renovation even 60 years later. I really like these trailers, even though they aren't the rounded canned-ham shape.
The Aristocrat Lo-Liner was even designed with special rims so it could fit inside a standard garage — a clever and unique mid-century feature!
Other wood-framed favorites include Cardinal, Aljoa/Aljo, Road Runner, Traveleze, Kenskill, Oasis, Yellowstone, and many more. Cardinals are known for their charming “tail fin” styling, though many survivors are in rough shape today. Unfortunately, I have not seen too many in decent shape. I have been looking for one for years and most I have seen were literally splitting at the sides.
Wood-framed trailers are often easier to repair than fiberglass or steel models, since anyone with basic carpentry skills can replace rotted framing or paneling. They are also lighter to tow than many steel-bodied classics.
For DIY renovators, they can be an excellent starting point — offering affordability, availability, and lots of personality.
"Rare" Trailers
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen ads boasting a “rare trailer” — it always makes me laugh. Sometimes “rare” really just means the trailer was so poorly built that hardly any survived!
Take my recent project, a Rolls Royal Capri. Technically, it’s rare — I can’t find another one like it online, and I’ve looked everywhere. But as I’ve discovered, the reason may be less about uniqueness and more about flimsy construction. The subfloor was made of particleboard (a popular but terrible choice in the 1950s–70s), and the interior panels were MDF — basically glorified cardboard. Add a little water damage, and it all disintegrates into sawdust. No wonder so few of these trailers are still around!
On the other hand, there are truly rare gems that collectors dream about. One of my personal obsessions is the Holiday House, a sleek, space-age trailer built in very limited numbers — only about 200 rolled off the line in the late 1950s and early 60s. With its futuristic design and scarcity, it’s one of the few trailers where “rare” really does mean valuable. (The brand even made a comeback in 2017 with steel-framed reproductions.)
So here’s my take: if you’re shopping for a trailer and someone calls it “rare,” don’t automatically assume it’s a treasure. Ask yourself — is it rare because it’s special and well-designed, or because most of them fell apart decades ago? There’s a big difference.
There were dozens of trailer manufacturers in the atomic era, in shapes and sizes for all tastes. Trailers with second stories, trailers with "butts", trailers with "pompadours" (pictured right)...you get the picture.
Bottom line is; pick something you love and go for it. There is a trailer out there for everyone.
Make sure you love it though because it will either take your time, your money, or both. If you aren't totally in love with it, you won't follow through, and it will sit... until it becomes someone else's project.
Next up...Part 3, Finding Your Ultimate Trailer. Happy Atomic Trails!
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