I have a story to share with you all about the last 48 hours of my life. So it goes something like this…
It was 12:45 am (yes, I was up way past my bedtime) when I saw an ad for a vintage trailer that someone was selling and it read as follows:
“1963 camper. Has been partially remodeled when there was a family illness. Now we must sale. New carpet. New partial ceiling. New floor and carpet. Sleeps ,4-6.brand new tires. Needs cushion covers and curtains. Inbox me if interested. Located in Indiana.”
While I wasn’t even in the market for another trailer, this one intrigued me and the ad had no pictures. So being curious I contacted the seller and she sent me this picture. Of course, it’s a night shot and the trailer is far away so I asked if she could send more and she said she would the next morning. I’m thinking to myself as I look at this picture;
1. It’s ADORABLE!
2. It’s small! {Measured it when I got home and it’s only 12 ft long including overhead bunk area)
3. It has that cute little bump out.
Turns out this is a 1963 Layton.
So the next morning I receive more photos and as suspected the trailer needs work. But nothing I can’t handle. If any of you follow my Tiny Lake House blog you already know I’ve been working on the interior of a tiny house all summer. So I’ve picked up more skills and have confidence I can tackle this little peanut of a trailer {remind me that I said that if I start complaining while working on it}.
So after I received these pictures below I quickly threw the following in the car and off I went.
1. 3 different ball hitches
2. Temporary lights
3. Flash light
4. Wire
5. Change of clothes
6. Battery operated lantern
7. Luggable Loo
8. Sheets, blankets and pillow
9. Bungy cords
10. Snacks
I arrived yesterday evening and the sellers husband helped to get the lights all hooked up so I could be on my way. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any running lights and not sure why. Everything worked on the temporary lights {the lights on the trailer didn’t work} so I couldn’t drive at night time. Which was fine with me as I’m not really keen on doing that anyway with a trailer I’m not familiar with towing.
So I decided to pull it down the road to Walmart and get a safety chain. While I was there I was talking to a friend on the phone and they suggested I stay in the Walmart parking lot for the night. This is a first for me, as I haven’t boondocked in a parking lot before. I parked under one of the bright lights, set up the bed, the luggable loo and the battery lantern, pulled out a magazine and settled in. I felt very safe there. There was a few semi-trucks parked in the lot as well and of course Walmart was open 24 hours. At first it was hard to go to sleep as you could hear cars with driving in or teenagers thumping their music. Who shops at that time of night anyway?
Now before you decide to stay overnight at a Walmart, make sure they allow it. As not all of them may allow overnight parking.
I woke up at the crack of dawn to a Walmart sunrise.
So I brushed my teeth and hair, slapped on some deoderant and off I went. The little trailer towed great!
I had to stop for gas and while I was doing that I checked the wheels to make sure they weren’t hot. Although the seller did check to make sure they were greased while I was there picking it up. You just never know. Anyway, I noticed I was missing a lugnut on one of the wheels so I stopped at Autozone where a nice gentleman found me the correct size and put it on for me.
While checking in with the Mr. he suggested that I stop at a antique mall and see if there is anything needed for my business as I could write off part of the trip if so. How in the world is a girl suppose to argue with being told to stop at a antique mall AND to buy something?? Not this girl! So I stopped at the Markle Antique Mall. Great mall and BIG! I found a vintage aqua fan and a couple thermoses.
The was about 600 miles round trip so it took about 5 hours to get home. Not counting the stops I made. I was happy to see the Ohio state line as that meant I only had around 100 miles to go!
Made it home safe and sound. Jelly Bean {the one in the carport} is checking out the trailer.} I need to move Jelly Bean to our other carport so I can work on the Layton here near the garage.
I think it’s pretty cute! It’s 12 long and 7 feet wide. It’s a little wider than my 55 Bellwood; Jellybean. It makes it feel very roomy inside. It could sleep 4-5. My husband saw it when we got home and said he loved it! Now, understand that he never says that about trailers. I think he loves that I only paid $300 for it. Oh and he did go on to say that he loves that we could all sleep in it as the Bellwood really only sleeps 3 comfortably, 4 if one is a small child.
WARNING: The following pictures are “BEFORE” pictures. You have to look at these photos with creative vision. The interior will need work no doubt about that. I won’t know just how much until I start tearing out the paneling. The floor feels solid. It doesn’t have a stove or faucet for the sink but I’m not sure if I’ll even replace the stove. I never use mine in the Bellwood as we cook outside, but we’ll see. Just know that this trailer eventually is going to be so sweet on the inside when I get done with it. Those bags in the overhead bunk are foam.
I can’t stand carpet in trailers. So that will be ripped up and tile put down. That A/C will go as well. Hopefully, I can find a replacement window. The paneling will be replaced with new birch and I’ll rebuild any framing as necessary…even if that means I have to take it down to the bare frame. I’m just going to take my time and do a little at a time. I may also re-skin this trailer. Not sure yet about that. I need to get the gunk, silicone and paint off and see what I have first. The skin is actually in good shape as far as being straight and lacking dents. So who knows, I may be able to just strip it and re-paint it. Did you know there is no roof vent in this trailer? Odd isn’t it but doesn’t look like it ever had one as I looked on the roof and there is no evidence of a patched vent hole or anything that I could see. Believe it or not that doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, I actually like that idea in a way. No roof vent to worry about leaking 
So there you have it. This proves you can find $300 {project} trailers. You just have to keep looking and be in the right place at the right time and be willing to do the work on restoring them. Also if you need a place to pull over for the night the Walmart Super Centers that are open 24 hours are a good option. Make sure they are in a good area of town. Use common sense of course. Also Flying J’s gas stations may be another option. It saved me the cost of a hotel or campground fee.
Stay tuned for progress updates on this trailer.