Greetings!

[Vulforge]

Hi, new member in Kansas City, Missouri. I have been camping and building things my whole life. I am planning to build a 5x10 but to test the water I just bought a vintage teardrop I am restoring. I would love any info anyone might have. The internet has failed me.
The trailer seems to be factory built but has an Iowa assigned number Instead of a VIN. I can't find a manufacturer tag or any pictures that match. It is licensed as a 1947 Tag. Tag a Long? Tag-A-Long? Very small. The box is only 44" wide. Only one door on the driver side. Window on the passenger side. The top is sheathed in painted steel over 1/8" ply and the sides are 1/4" Masonite over 1/2" ply. Fenders are deco style steel with bullet signals.
It is water damaged so I am currently cutting out the rot and rebuilding in kind. I plan to use 1/4" ply instead of the Masonite and a hurricane hinge instead of the leaky piano hinge.
Any help or information would be appreciated.
TIA
Russell Criswell

[QueticoBill]

Cool find! Welcome.

[mary and bob]

The use of 17 digit VIN numbers started in 1980. Before then it was whatever the vehicle manufacturer wanted to use, although cars used a standard method beginning in 1954. I've had my local NY Motor Vehicle assign a number for a home made trailer, and I convinced them to use numbers that I found on the tongue of a 1946 Modernistic teardrop that we bought and restored 16 years ago. I've seen a similar, but not exact, teardrop like yours. Back in that time period there were plans available to build your own, so maybe that is what you have. What does it have for an axle and suspension.

[Vulforge]

Straight axle with leaf springs and 4 bolt (not stud) hubs.

[tony.latham]

She's certainly a classic!

Tony

[Vulforge]

Well, thank you! Your book is by my bedside. I recently read through it to further my understanding. It was useful for that and will be more so when I build my 5x10. My plan for that one is to cool it with a 12v sleeper unit AC. Hoping to be able to get 3 nights out of a battery charge. Have you seen this done?
The 1947 I plan to restore with just a few updates. Hopefully keep all the good and correct the bad. That is how I have rehabbed a dozen early 20th century homes.