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Last Updated on October 21, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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12 Cool Brand New Retro Campers: Vintage Appeal
Most people will probably find that retro RVs look cool. And indeed, these days, anything from a couple of decades back is going to be an eye-catcher.
However, in our opinion, there is more to retro RVs than mere looks. For us, they are a reminder of the long, long path that RVs have passed in order to become what they are today.
Even a 10 years old RV is going to lag behind modern units in terms of comfort and efficiency, let alone RVs that are 20, 30, or even half a century old. But without them, without their downsides which needed a solution, we wouldn’t have what we have today.
To allow us to get acquainted with the old era (and for some to actually relive it), many RV manufacturers offer classic lines that pay homage to their predecessors. Looking vintage from outside, these RVs provide you with everything a modern RV has on the inside. Such RVs are the topic of today’s material – meet 12 retro campers that are actually new!
12 Vintage RVs That Are Actually New
Riverside Retro Travel Trailer
Riverside’s Retro travel trailers may not seem particularly retro by their design. There are many modern travel trailers that have the same body shape, and it doesn’t look the most vintage in the world. However, the body shape of this RV was actually been quite common in the 60s and 70s.
The body shape may not appear to be retro, but this RV’s color scheme and wheels do attach a strong retro vibe to it. This retro feel has been preserved inside as well thanks to the checkered flooring paired with the wood paneling and furniture.
Aside from functionality and the retro vibe, what is remarkable about the Retro line is that there are many floorplans to choose from it. They range from 13 feet 8 inches to 31 feet in length, so people can get either lightweight and compactness or comfort from the Retro line. And, in spite of giving a classical vibe, all the Retro floorplans are no less equipped than any other comparable modern travel trailer.
The smaller floorplans obviously only have the most basic amenities like some sleeping and kitchen space, while the larger models start to gradually add up things like sofas, dinettes, bathrooms, entertainment centers, or whatnot.
Of course, there is more room in the larger floorplans as well, albeit at the cost of increased weight and price. But Retro travel trailers don’t get that heavy – up to 5,675 pounds on average in the longest model, which is a surprisingly low number for a 31-foot travel trailer.
Scamp Travel Trailers
Scamp Travel Trailers are a popular choice among campers who value convenience, comfort, and durability in their travel trailers. Renowned for their top-tier construction, these trailers are recognized as some of the best-quality RVs on the market. They are built to last, featuring a solid fiberglass construction that is lightweight, yet sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.
The interior of Scamp travel trailers is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality. It boasts comfortable sleeping arrangements, a functional kitchen area, and a convenient dining area. Depending on the model, these trailers can comfortably sleep up to six people.
The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances like a stove, sink, and refrigerator, making meal preparation a breeze even while on the road. With plenty of storage compartments available, campers can keep their belongings organized and easily accessible.
Beyond their practical design, Scamp travel trailers also prioritize comfort and style. The interiors are tastefully furnished and well-ventilated, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for campers. Various customization options are available as well, allowing owners to add personal touches to their trailers.
Safety is another key aspect of Scamp travel trailers. They feature reliable braking systems, sturdy construction materials, and well-designed layouts to ensure the safety of their users. Each trailer undergoes rigorous inspection and testing to ensure it meets high safety standards before it leaves the factory.
In summary, Scamp travel trailers stand out for their superior quality, practical design, and safety features. Whether you’re an experienced camper or a newbie at outdoor adventures, these trailers offer the convenience, comfort, and reliability you need for an enjoyable and worry-free camping experience.
Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser
The Gulf Stream Vintage Travel Trailer is a top-of-the-line camper that combines the timeless charm of vintage trailers with modern comforts and conveniences. The exterior of the Gulf Stream Vintage Trailers is designed to evoke the classic look of yesteryear’s campers, with a distinctive shape, retro-style wheels, and bright, nostalgic colors. The trailer’s aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by its polished aluminum front and rear ends, which not only add to its visual appeal but also provide additional durability.
Stepping inside the Gulf Stream Vintage Travel Trailer, one is immediately struck by its best-quality interiors that manage to blend retro charm with contemporary comfort. The interiors are spacious and beautifully designed, featuring birch wood paneling, checkered flooring, and vintage-styled appliances. Despite its nostalgic feel, the trailer is equipped with all modern amenities such as a full-size refrigerator, microwave oven, cooktop, and a comfortable bed that can accommodate up to four people.
In terms of performance, the Gulf Stream Vintage Travel Trailer does not disappoint. It is designed for easy towing, with a lightweight construction that makes it perfect for even small SUVs to handle. Its compact size does not compromise on storage space as it features ample cabinetry and closet space for all your camping needs.
Moreover, the trailer is built to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring you a comfortable stay regardless of the outdoor environment.
The Gulf Stream Vintage Trailer offers the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern functionality making it a top choice for campers looking for the best quality travel trailers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, these trailers promise to provide a comfortable and memorable camping experience.
Happier Camper HC-1 Travel Trailer
The Happier Camper HC-1 travel trailer really doesn’t look that remarkable from the outside. It just looks like a generic travel trailer somewhere from the 1960s. But when you look inside, you realize that this is the most unique RV on our list.
The HC-1 offers “ultimate flexibility”, as Happier Camper writes, to its owners. The interior of this travel trailer has a modular design, which allows you to adapt it to your current needs. Need a dining area? The corresponding Happier Camper Adaptiv blocks would allow you to have it. Need just a large sleeping area? Again, it is easy to achieve with the Adaptive blocks.
As a small downside, you need to purchase some of the Adaptiv blocks yourself, which can add up to your costs quite significantly. Plus, you will have to assemble and disassemble the interior every time you need a change. On the other hand, you are basically getting multiple small travel trailers in a hull of one!
The HC-1 camper also is a very lightweight travel trailer, which is going to interest those people whose vehicles don’t have a high towing capacity. This travel trailer weighs just 1,100 pounds when empty. With add-ons and packages, it weighs 1,200 to 1,800 pounds on average, which is lighter than the vast majority of other RVs on this list.
With a length of only 13 feet, this travel trailer is also very compact. It can’t boast the freedom of movement of larger RVs, but what larger RVs can’t boast, on the other hand, is the modularity of the HC-1 camper. And for some people, the flexibility of the HC-1 camper is going to be worth more than the comfort of a longer travel trailer.
Airstream Sport Travel Trailer
Airstream doesn’t produce the cheapest RVs out there. Their high-end travel trailers, for example, cost as much as cheap class A motorhomes, so Airstream RVs definitely aren’t for those who are on a tight budget. Check our article on why Airstreams are so expensive for more information.
However, in terms of luxury, no cheaper RVs can compare with what Airstream has to offer.
When it comes to the design of the Sport travel trailer line, it is quite confusing. On one hand, you have a shape that definitely looks retro. Furthermore, the design of Airstream RVs is actually indeed retro since it has been used by Airstream since at least the 60s.
On the other hand, the Sport travel trailer’s material and color choice make it appear sleek, and sleek with retro is quite a weird combination. The metallic color gives a little bit of a raw appearance to this travel trailer as well.
So at first glance, you are getting a wide gamut of emotions and contradicting associations. This doesn’t make the Sport travel trailer look bad – on the contrary, we think that it is quite an eye-catcher.
Airstream travel trailers traditionally have a luxury vibe in them embodied in material choice. This vibe can be sensed in this travel trailer as well. Some people may argue that it doesn’t make the price tag of Airstream RVs worth it, but there will be people out there who will adore what they have to offer.
The Sport travel trailer line has two floorplans, which allows us to again pinpoint the key differences between them. Let’s begin with the larger 22FB floor plan.
Measuring 21 feet 8 inches in length, the 22FB floorplan offers better comfort for an extra $10k on top of the cheaper floorplan’s price tag. The most remarkable feature in this floorplan is the roomy bathroom that occupies the entire width of the RV’s rear. This bathroom definitely isn’t the biggest on the market, but it sure does have plenty of wiggle room to offer.
In the living area, there is likewise plenty of room for movement. The kitchen area also boasts 2 sinks, a larger 4.2 cubic feet refrigerator, a 2-burner cooktop, and a convection microwave oven.
The 16 feet 4-inch long 16RB floorplan offers basically the same amenities as its larger counterpart but in a more compact package. The kitchen area has only one sink and a smaller refrigerator, and the bathroom isn’t the same roomy one as in the 22FB. However, the 16RB floorplan still has the 4 sleeping spots that the 22FB had.
And not to extend our overview too much, we’ll say in conclusion that the Airstream Sport travel trailer line seems to be made for those who are looking for luxury in a smaller package.
Airstream International Signature Travel Trailer
Airstream has applied its traditional design approach to the International Signature travel trailer line. It’s got the exact same appearance as the Sport series, but in a bigger size.
And, needless to say, bigger size means more comfort indoors. The shortest floorplan in this series – the 23CB – is 23 feet long, so even the most minimalist package is going to have a lot of comfort to offer. And the 30 feet 11-inch models are the peak of comfort in this line.
There are 12 floorplans in the International Signature series. However, since the set of amenities offered by them is generally the same, it’s pretty easy to draw parallels and pinpoint differences between them.
Long story short, the main thing that differs between the floorplans in the International Signature line is the amount of free room and comfort you are getting inside. The price and storage requirements of the floorplans obviously go up the higher up the size you go, but those can be considered mere side effects of the increased comfort.
What stays unchanged in all the floorplans though is the number of sleeping spots. The models in this entire line have 6 sleeping spots. This definitely isn’t the most on the market, but that’s the most you are going to get from the RVs on this list.
You could again say that the International Signature line is overpriced and that you can get a comparable amount of comfort from a travel trailer that costs half the price. And you’d be right. However, we again assert that the classical Airstream design and luxury are key in these travel trailers.
Most people won’t even need what the International Signature offers, but since Airstream is making these models, there definitely are people out there who are ready to pay the money.
Airstream Classic Travel Trailer
The Classic series is the priciest among the Airstream travel trailer models. It perhaps is the most expensive travel trailer line on the market, costing $150-160k.
The pricing of the Classic trailers may be completely unreasonable, and only a few people may actually go and get themselves an Airstream Classic RV. However, we nonetheless decided to include it in our list due to the wow effect it produces. The Classic travel trailer line really awakened the RV geeks in us.
From the outside, the Classic travel trailers are no different than their smaller Airstream counterparts. They still have that metallic body shape that gives a strong retro vibe. On the inside though, things are way different.
There are 4 floorplans in the Classic line – two 31-foot 3-inch floorplans and two 33-foot floorplans. There are many similarities between these floorplans, but the longer ones really have something to drop your jaw.
The 33-foot Classic floorplans have a truly enormous bathroom in the rear. It probably wouldn’t be a stretch to say that this is one of the biggest, if not the biggest bathrooms in any RV. Heck, it is even bigger than bathrooms in smaller residences! Aside from that, it even has a heated floor.
The 31 feet 3-inch floorplans have a more traditional RV bathroom. Instead, they have a roomier seating area in the front end of the RV.
Aside from the bathrooms, what also differs between the long and short floorplans is their entertainment area. The entertainment areas in the 33-foot RVs are equipped with 60-inch TVs, while the smaller floorplans can’t boast such a thing.
One crucial thing we didn’t mention is how luxurious the interior of the Classic travel trailers is. To put it short, the Classic travel trailer is a Maybach of travel trailers. Aside from that, the plentitude of wooden elements in it adds a little bit of a retro vibe to the inside.
In the end, no matter how ridiculous the Classic travel trailers may be, they are really a spectacle on the RV market.
Egg Camper Travel Trailer
If you’ve been into RVing for some time, then you’ve probably heard a word or two about the Egg Camper. While this travel trailer is no longer in production, it still remains a relevant model, and you may even be able to get one for yourself.
The Egg Camper arguably doesn’t look as retro as some other RVs on our list. We’d say that it is somewhere from the 70s or 80s, while there have been models on our list with a 60s vibe. Not everyone will like the latter, so the looks of the Egg Camper are perfectly alright.
To justify its name, this travel trailer has an egg-yoke yellow canopy, which also makes this travel trailer look cute.
Inside, this travel trailer is similar to other travel trailers of comparable size. However, the Egg Camper’s interior looks very plain and simple. To soften the frankly quite boring white color scheme, the Egg Camper has a couple of wooden elements in it. Doors, hatches, tabletops, and the like are made from wood to add a little more variety to the interior.
At a glance, the set of amenities in the Egg Camper is very similar to that of any travel trailer regardless of size. You have a bathroom, a kitchen, a dining area, and some sleeping space, just like in monsters like the Airstream Classic. Of course, the scale of things is much smaller in this travel trailer.
Lastly, measuring 17 feet in length, this is quite a compact travel trailer, so it won’t be providing its occupants with too much free room. On the other hand, with a weight of 2,000 pounds, it’s a more suitable choice for owners of less powerful towing vehicles.
Oliver Legacy Elite II Camper Trailer
Yet another retro-looking travel trailer on our list that is marketed as luxurious! The Legacy Elite II camper trailer by Oliver doesn’t cost nearly as much as Airstream RVs of comparable size, but it still isn’t exactly a cheap RV.
On the outside, the Oliver Legacy Elite II camper trailer catches the eye with the already familiar retro design. What differs in this RV from most other RVs is the fiberglass hull. A rather pricey material, fiberglass is lighter and stronger than many metals used in RV construction.
On the inside, Oliver boasts a “luxurious interior with plenty of space” for its occupants. The Legacy Elite II camper trailer seems to be not as posh as Airstream RVs, but it definitely is far ahead of regular travel trailers.
Oliver offers 2 floorplans for the Legacy Elite II camper trailer. They are identical except for sleeping space arrangement – one floorplan has a full-size rear bed, while the other has a twin bed.
Both floorplans feature a roomy bathroom that occupies the entire width of the camper’s front, just like it was in the longer floorplan of the Airstream Sport travel trailer. The bathroom in the Legacy Elite II RV is a full bathroom with a sink, shower, toilet, and even a linen closet. What’s even better is that it has plenty of wiggle room inside.
Not only the bathroom is well-equipped in the Oliver Legacy Elite II camper trailer – it has got a wide gamut of appliances in the kitchen, an entertainment area with a 24-inch flat-screen TV and 4 speakers by default, and many other things to make your ride more fun and, more importantly, safer.
A thing that Oliver also boasts is that they sell their RVs directly to the buyer without any dealers in between. Those who’d like to work directly with manufacturers will most likely appreciate this approach.
Timberleaf Pika Travel Trailer
The Pika travel trailer by Timberleaf features a classic teardrop design, which has been and still is quite popular in smaller RVs. But in spite of its compact size, the Pika has a couple of features to boast nonetheless. In particular, the most remarkable thing in this travel trailer is its kitchen.
Timberleaf has decided to place the kitchen outdoors under the RV’s trunk. On one hand, this allows for more room inside, and on the other, you essentially get an outdoor kitchen in this travel trailer.
The kitchen in the Pika travel trailer has ample countertop room in, which is quite impressive for its size. As Timberleaf writes, this travel trailer has a 21 x 54-inch main countertop and a 10-inch deep upper countertop. The countertop room is arguably overkill for the RV’s size, though it, on the other hand, will allow for more convenience while cooking.
In terms of appliances, the kitchen isn’t that equipped by default – it just comes with a Dometic 35-liter refrigerator. So unless you will be bringing a portable cooktop with you, the stock Pika travel trailer probably won’t be good for longer trips.
Speaking of cooktops, Timberleaf has equipped the kitchen area with a couple of outlets to allow for appliance connection. There also are 4 USB ports in the kitchen’s electric panel, so you could, for example, listen to your favorite music from a laptop while preparing food.
Inside, the Pika travel trailer is essentially a bedroom. It has a 54 x 75-inch mattress with two sleeping spots, most importantly. Right above the head end of the mattress is a skylight – a nice addition that makes this RV feel more open, as well as allows the occupants to enjoy the night sky.
In terms of storage, the Pika RV is pretty nice as well. It has several mesh pockets scattered around, as well as a full-width cabinet above the bed’s foot end.
The Pika teardrop RV is also very lightweight when empty – it weighs just 970 pounds, which makes it the lightest RV on our list. Aside from that, it is just 11 feet 10 inches long, which makes it the most compact RV on the list as well. So those who have very limited towing and storage capacities will probably appreciate the lightness of the Pika.
Timberleaf Classic Teardrop Travel Trailer
The Timberleaf Classic Teardrop travel trailer is essentially a bigger Pika. This RV improves drastically on the main feature of the Pika trailer – the kitchen.
The kitchen area in the Classic Teardrop travel trailer is, first of all, noticeably roomier than in the Pika. It still has 2 countertops, but they are deeper and wider, allowing for more convenience while cooking.
Furthermore, the lower countertop is equipped with a sink and faucet, things that were absent in the Pika RV. Plus, Timberleaf offers an optional portable stove and a custom-made cooler to those who want to be able to make food without having to buy additional equipment.
Since the Classic Teardrop is larger than the Pika, it has more space inside. This allowed Timberleaf to equip it with a larger 57 x 80-inch bed, which is a little bigger than what the Pika has.
Otherwise, we’d say that the interiors of the two Timberleaf campers are very similar. The Classic Teardrop doesn’t have mesh pockets, but it does have the same window layout that the Pika has, as well as a storage cabin in the rear.
The Classic Teardrop travel trailer isn’t that big, but it definitely isn’t as compact and lightweight as the Pika. The Classic Teardrop measures 15 feet in length and weighs 1,400 pounds when empty, so it still is a very compact and lightweight RV.
All in all, the Timberleaf Classic Teardrop retains the character of Pika. Not only that, it makes it better and more comfortable for travel.
Airstream Bambi Sport 16
The Airstream Bambi 16RB Travel Trailer is a remarkable camper that combines the charm of Airstream’s rich history with modern amenities and features. It is renowned for its quality and is the epitome of a compact, efficient, and luxurious travel trailer.
The sleek, silver bullet exterior is made from a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure that not only provides a timeless appeal but also ensures durability and lower towing weight. The overall length of the travel trailer is 15 feet 11 inches, making it perfect for those seeking a camper that is easy to maneuver and park.
Inside the Airstream Bambi 16RB Travel Trailer, you will find a well-thought-out layout designed to maximize space and functionality. The front of the camper houses a dedicated bed with a Tuft & Needle adaptive foam mattress, ensuring restful sleep after a day of adventure. Adjacent to the bed, there’s a dinette that can be converted into an additional sleeping space if needed.
The interior décor is tastefully done, featuring handcrafted Italian Lite-Ply laminated cabinetry, seamless vinyl flooring, and ultra leather seating that speaks to the quality of the camper.
The rear part of the Airstream Bambi 16RB Travel Trailer features a fully equipped kitchenette and a wet bath. The kitchenette comes with a two-burner gas stove, a microwave, a stainless steel sink, and a refrigerator. The wet bath, although compact, comes complete with a toilet, shower, and sink.
The trailer also boasts panoramic windows that offer incredible views of your surroundings while letting in plenty of natural light.
Airstream has not compromised on technology and safety in the Bambi 16RB Travel Trailer. It comes equipped with an A/C, furnace, and water heater for comfort in varying climates. There’s also an onboard monitor for systems like batteries, freshwater tanks, and propane levels.
In terms of safety, the trailer has a 4-manual stabilizer jack, a steel entry step, and a city water inlet with a water pressure regulator.
The Airstream Bambi 16RB Travel Trailer, with its quality construction, thoughtful design, and impressive features, is a camper that offers the freedom to explore without compromising on comfort and style. Whether you are a seasoned camper or new to the world of travel trailers, the Bambi 16RB is designed to make every journey unforgettable.
Wrapping Up
The 12 Cool Brand New Retro Campers: Vintage Appeal is a remarkable collection that blends the charm of the bygone era with the conveniences of modern technology. Filled with nostalgia, these campers are designed to provide a comfortable and unique travel experience. They are meticulously crafted to recreate the vintage aesthetic while incorporating advanced features, making them perfect for both retro enthusiasts and contemporary explorers.
The design elements in these campers recall the golden age of camping, from the color palettes to the interior décor, every aspect radiates vintage appeal. Yet, beneath this old-school exterior lies a plethora of modern amenities such as solar power systems, energy-efficient appliances, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. This marriage of past and present ensures that while users enjoy the vintage aesthetic, they do not have to compromise on comfort or functionality.
In conclusion, the 12 Cool Brand New Retro Campers: Vintage Appeal are more than just vehicles; they are time capsules on wheels. They offer an incredible opportunity to relive the charm of yesteryears without sacrificing any luxury or convenience of the present. Whether you’re an ardent retro-lover or a modern traveler looking for a unique experience, these campers offer an unparalleled blend of style, nostalgia, and innovation.
If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in our other travel trailer or teardrop camper articles.
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