1940's KAMPMASTER TEARDROP TRAILER

[fireflyr]

My dad bought a used Kampmaster teardrop trailer in 1966 to use as a camp kitchen on 4 acres he had on the Navarro River in Northern California. It was destroyed in a flood in 1968 and he threw the pieces over the bank (they used to do that) and locked the frame to a Pepperwood. Fast forward 44 years and I've decided to rebuild it with some plans available online (April 1953 Popular Mechanics: Wild Goose TD Trailer) and the slides / photos my parents are trying to dig out of the family archives.

This is an example:

[URL="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/fireflyr_photos/trailer/teardrop_kampmaster.jpg"][/URL]

The frame has been through at least 4 more floods over the years and is in pretty bad shape. The black liscense plate with 1968 registration is in decent shape and the one piece of aluminum (the hinge for the rear step) is going to be re-used. The wheels may be salvageable but the axle is in pretty sad shape. It's an interesting design and I think I can fab up something similar. Here's some pics of what's left:

Where it sat for 44 years
[URL="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/fireflyr_photos/Wild%20Goose/wg4.jpg"][/URL]

[URL="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/fireflyr_photos/Wild%20Goose/photo.jpg"][/URL]

[URL="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/fireflyr_photos/Wild%20Goose/wg.jpg"][/URL]

[URL="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/fireflyr_photos/Wild%20Goose/wg3.jpg"][/URL]

[URL="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/fireflyr_photos/Wild%20Goose/wg5.jpg"][/URL]

[URL="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/fireflyr_photos/Wild%20Goose/wg2.jpg"][/URL]

It's going to be a slow process and I'll most likely have to fab a new frame. Ours had aluminum skin so that will have to be sourced and the interior will be kept fairly stock, with the addition of a small fridge rather than the icebox.

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

This is one great score, the black plate alone is worth the price, Source a real good sandblaster and you may be able to salvage a lot of the frame. Rusted thru obviously no, but have fun with it anyway.

 

[fireflyr]

You may be right about the frame. I'm going to ask my dad where he dumped the aluminum. It may have some usable parts.

And it may also be covered with 44 years of silt.

 

[titanpat57]

That would be such a bad ass project to do....

How about just duplicating the frame and build it out of newer materials, maybe a bit more stout for some stiffer conditions, like some off road, to be pulled by that sweet 40 of yours (matching of course )

That could be a really awesome build!!

 

[prado t]

Nice build project! I have a question , Is the box on the tow vehicle tweeked ?

 

[PAToyota]

I've always had a fondness for the little teardrop trailers. That's the first one I've seen with the "pop-up" portion in the back like that, though. I'm familiar with the ones with the rear hatch that exposes the kitchenette. But not with the door and screening.

Pretty cool!

 

[fireflyr]

Nice build project! I have a question , Is the box on the tow vehicle tweeked ?

The box on the Dodge is fine, the left rear tire is on a piece of wood so it looks catywompus. As for the tailgate, you'll have to ask the wife unit about that mod.

I like the fact that you can walk into the trailer. It seemed pretty large when we had it, although I was only 6 or 7.

 

[Koffer]

That things bad ass , looks like a great and fun project

 

[Dilys95]

This is one great score.

 

[jcbailey]

Kampmaster for Sale

I built a replica of a 1950 Kampmaster and have it for sale. If anyone is interested in owning one. Email me at jcbailey@gorge.net and I will send you some photos. I am taking it into town this week to have the canvas/netting and awning done. Asking $14,000.

Jim Bailey

 

[se2000]

I think you would be ahead of the game by using the few good parts and building a new one from scratch. That way you could resize it to fit you and your needs. It may be cheaper in the long run. You could keep the plate and registration number.