Model T Travel Trailer (circa 1912 – 1920 possibly)

1912 Ford Other Description

Model T Travel Trailer (circa 1912 - 1920 possibly)

For your consideration is a vintage travel trailer, possibly built I teens or early 1920”s. The trailer is in its original non-restored condition and remains untouched from the day it was constructed. The quality of the build is amazing for its day. The person who constructed this trailer was definitely a master at design, engineering and a true visionary. The trailer includes sliding windows (down into walls) with copper weather stripping, dry sink, storage cabinets, vanity with mirror, fold down tables and fold down beds, (1) double with (1) single above. An ingenious heater, constructed with a (2) burner stove assembly controlled inside the trailer by a small propane/oil type tank. The interior walls of the trailer were wallpapered when the trailer was constructed, as you can see the continuous seams and pieces still intact behind the cabinets. The exterior is made of lightweight plywood with a solid 2x floor decking. The roof is constructed with 1 ½" spaced wood batts and had a vinyl type material (cobra pattern) applied to it much like the cars from the teens and 20's. The Model T Chassis looks to be from around 1912 and has a tow bar attached to the front axle. There is also a hand brake to apply when the trailer is detached. The trailer has Model T wood spoke wheels with "Solid" rubber tires which have holes around the complete radius for a softer ride.

I have had this trailer in my collection of classic cars and motorcycles and have done quite a bit of research on its history without any definite conclusion. I purchased the trailer in Paramount, CA, (suburb of Los Angeles), from the widow of an avid collector who had a large collection of antiques, cars, etc. She explained that her husband knew the history of the trailer, but all she could recall was that her husband had purchased it locally and that it had always remained in the LA area. The trailer was probably built for someone very wealthy, as there were very few people of this era that could afford such an elaborate travel trailer.

Throughout my research I had found that there were a couple of travel trailer builders in the Los Angeles area during this era. One of those builders was a man named Wally Byam. Wally had constructed a trailer for himself in his backyard. As he and his wife traveled with their trailer, he began to have people ask if he would build one for them. He continued building one of a kind trailers in his back yard, until the neighbors got upset, and eventually opened up a business in the LA area called "Airstream”. Could this be one of his early hand built trailers?

Thank you for viewing.

On Aug-27-17 at 09:26:05 PDT, seller added the following information:

Note: Outside dimensions: Length: 12' 0" w/o tongue, tongue 2' 0", Width: 5' 4", Height: 7' 8"