Barn Find, original front kitchen aluminum teardrop

[deanc5]

Hi everyone, I just picked up this trailer and wanted to know if anyone could help identify it or provide any info on the brand. It was found in Alberta, a couple of hours west of Edmonton. It is completely original except for the boat rack and extended tongue which look like they were mods done many decades ago. The body is in pretty good condition and is completely aluminum. There are a couple of damaged panels but the trim and subframe are still intact so repairs should not be too difficult. Actually the whole unit is built like a tank. No idea of the year or manufacturer except what is shown in the pics.

Loading up at the farm.




Unloaded. There is no front window but there is a flip up hatch that can give access to the kitchen area. I couldn't get pics of the hatch open because the hinge is seized.




Without wheel well openings, the only way to get the rims off as far as I can tell is to undo one leaf spring bolt on each side and drop the axle down.


Except for the one repair panel, the sides and rear of the trailer are in near perfect condition. The skin should polish up to a mirror finish.




There are mounting points and old cloth wiring on the bumper for lights and licence plate.








The door is in perfect condition and closes tightly with a healthy thud.






Galley area with original Coleman stove still there.










There is a beefy bulkhead between the galley and bedroom area which adds lateral stability.


I could not find any identifying marks on the trailer other than what remains of the two stickers.

[Yak]

Sweet!! Good luck

[Woodbutcher]

Very cool find. Good luck getting her back on the road.

[2bits]

I'm no expert but it looks like a really inspired and well built home built! As you are most likely aware, these were often the subject of popular mechanics articles and this seems to be a great construct from those ideas. I love the build outs on the sides. I haven't seen then hardly at all on modern home builts, they seem to stick to 4 wide standard and 5 wide nominal but 6 wide is to me optimal (If you have a full size car or truck that is)

[pchast]

Nice find. interesting construction...

No numbers stamped or welded onto the frame
anywhere underneath?

[deanc5]

I didn't see any numbers on the frame. Ill look again closer tomorrow.
I suppose it could be a home built, but there is a partial brand name sticker on the front hatch.
Anyway, I want to add some different windows. Replace the two side windows with ones that open and have screens, and add two more about 14"x8" further back, that also open with screens. Any ideas on where I can find windows that might suit this trailer?
Of course new interior paneling and floors are required, but I think Ill add insulation as well.

Thanks

[Recon26]

What are the dimensions ot the TD?

[deanc5]

The outside dimensions of the body alone are 108" x 69" x 48".

[Recon26]

Thanks

[robfisher]

Very nice find. Looks like a great project.

I see where El Rancho Trailer Sales was involved in a lawsuit in 1972. I would guess their sticker is on the trailer because they took in in as a trade and resold it. I don't think they had anything to do with the manufacture of the trailer. Wasn't there an airplane manufacturing plant in Edmonton at one time. I say that because the riveting look professional.

Good luck with your project. If I find any other leads I'll let you know.

Rob

[wagondude]

That image on the front hatch looks to me like it might be the remains of a Doctor Who decal. I couldn't find a match, but if you look at the link, I think you will see it too.

http://www.squarepigdecals.com/shop/doc ... l-sticker/

Nice find, though. It will be sweet to see it restored and back on the road.

[robfisher]

That image on the front hatch looks to me like it might be the remains of a Doctor Who decal. I couldn't find a match, but if you look at the link, I think you will see it too.

http://www.squarepigdecals.com/shop/doc ... l-sticker/

Nice find, though. It will be sweet to see it restored and back on the road.

Very interesting thought that could explain the color scheme. The unfaded blue on the inside seems to be the same as that of an English Police box. I can imagine the faded outside was once the same hue.

To borrow a line from Episode 1, An Unearthly Child, " But it's so big in here, yet it's so small from outside."

[Vedette]

Great Find!!
Most of the older TD's I have seen have been 4' wides, with wheels on the outside. This one is very unique?
And, the front access kitchen is also very cool..........with the tongue extension and standing platform?? Someone was thinking!
By the way.....WELCOME to the Forum.
We have a Tear Jerkers Chapter here in B.C. and I was just talking to Todd (Tear Jerkers Founder) about the possibility of an Alberta Chapter.
Food for thought
Good Luck with the restoration of your Great Trailer.
Sorry I can't be of help with your question.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[angib]

That looks great! The extended tongue makes me wonder how it has been done, as folks can tend to be optimistic with 'structural engineering by eye'. It would be worth tipping up the front as far as it can go and seeing how far back the strengthening for the extended tongue goes - my (rough) rule of thumb is that the strengthening should go as far behind the front of the body as the tongue is in front - just adding length in front of an existing tongue weakens it a lot.

[rebapuck]

I think vintage Hehr windows would look good. Check RV junk yards and VW sites.