What did I buy?

[reo-ron]

Anyone have an original Benroy rebuild in there profile pics or build journal?
Ron

[grant whipp]

Hey, Ron!

Benroys were built from 1953 to mid-'55, when they were purchased by King Richard Trailer, who made them until about '59 ... then the Caliva Bros. took over and produced them as Scad-a-bouts until the late '60s. The differences between Benroy and King Richard were subtle for the first couple of years (consisting mostly of the style of aluminum skins used and appliances in the galley), but the original profile & layout never changed until they became Scad-a-bouts (when all kinds of less-than-subtle changes were made). All have been 4x8 in size. If you do a search for Benroy history, you'll find a pretty concise account put together by Larry Sorensen of Outback Teardrop fame.

Only about 490 Benroys were ever made ... we still don't know how many King Richard models were built (records seem to be non-existant), and Scad-a-bouts seem to outnumber both Benroy & KR combined (again, records seem to be non-existant). ALL Benroys had smooth aluminum skins throughout and had red accent paint, as did the first year-or-so KRs, but KR added the "mesa"-style side-skins and later roof-skins and different paint patterns. Scad-a-bout mad a few subtle changes in the basic profile, but the most noticeable differences were the change from 15" wheels to 13" (and then 12", along with the smaller fenders), the different door shapes over the years, and some models only had the half-sized galley lids (Scad-a-bouts are also the only ones of this "style" to offer only one entry door, on the right side).

Hopefully that helps a bit! Good Luck on the re-construct ... ...! As always ...

CHEERS!

[reo-ron]

Ok, after work today I went out with my trusty wire brush and tape measure and have a couple of updates. The full SN# is TD582-56.( could this be built Feb 58?) It has a spring mounted dropped axle with 15 inch old wheels that look like early 50's Ford wheels. I believe the bolt pattern is 4 1/2 inch 5 holes. The frame is 2" angle and the squared off portion is 47" wide X 82" long overall total frame length is 118". It looks like all the Benroy pics I can find - same alum galley,tilt up table,porcelain sink, hatch prop connection, windows, water filler,electric inlet and interior construction. BUT it only has one door!! The skin is smooth and all the aluminum extrusion look the same. Inside of the side skin is marked "CLAD 24ST 3 ANA ALCOA" and the top piece is Kaiser 61S-W 0.40". I leaning to King Richard anybody verify????
Thanks for your help and knowledge, Ron

[reo-ron]

Updated info- I received my full scale profile drawing of an original Benroy from Grant. Today I took the original right side aluminum skin and compared it to the drawing. We have a match! After research and discussions with a couple knowledgeable folks, I have decided this is most likely a 1956 King Richard. At least that' s my story and I'm sticking to it! I'll try to get some pics.
Ron