Thursday, June 21, 2012
This is most likely the last of my blog entries. You can go to the very first one to see a photo album of our trailer. Other photos are available on PHOTOBUCKET and also the VINTAGE SHASTA OWNERS FORUM websites. On the Shasta site, look under the "S.O.B Trailers" thread. It stands for "some other brand' and you'll find a few Aljo owners on there. This is the only 1500X though and at least one of the threads has about 4,600 views. I've learned so much caring for this little gem on there and the passion that the vintage trailer owners share is lighthearted and self-depreciating. It's hard to be too serious when you're discussing something as fun as a travel trailer!
For what it's worth; the buyer of my little Aljo seems like a great guy. He's promised not to turn this gem into betty boop mobile or coca cola shrine. If I didn't know that he 'gets it' I've have moved on to one of the over 1,000 viewers on my Tin Can Tourist Classifieds ad. He approached me after seeing the first ad on the SOB -For Sale threads...he's in it for the right reasons. :)
Here's a few tips that I've learned on my own, as we've preserved what I really believe to be the ONLY one of this model on the road today:
...Spray and pat when you can...using the mildest product possible...don't rub if you can avoid it and for heck sakes, don't scrub...ever!
...Clorox wipes are bad, bad things. Don't even think about it. BTW, you'll do more damage cleaning your camper than at any other time. Mild is better...Murphy's Oil Soap, baking soda on an old toothbrush. Keep it simple.
...Shopping on Ebay for ALJO things that you will only see 1x...if you are lucky...nuf said there.
...Adhesive foam tape is your friend. It doesn't penetrate fragile old wood or run into bad places.
...Carry a can each; dog food, cat food. You will find a starving pet in the middle of completely abandoned campground (I promise you will) and discarded hot-dogs are not enough. By the way; Ernie (the little dog mentioned in the blog) is doing fantastic now. He was nearly dead when we found him but food as all he needed. He's been rehomed with a family who we still stay in touch with...and he's been their blessing!
...There is something noble about preserving history. You get to 'own that' with your little vintage trailer. So, when you can, solve a problem rather than replace it. It will bring you more satisfaction than staring at 'new'.
...If it's structurally important, throw too much money at it 1x an just get it done. If it's cosmetic or about comfort then realize you are allowed to spend the extra $ to insure your ride is what you need to enjoy the time you'll spend on the road. That's never more true than when it comes to comforters, clean sheets and spices for the kitchen....and marshmallow/smores roasting sticks. Don't skimp. This is your rolling hotel and your mobile home away from home. Pamper yourself by being comfortable...it's worh it.
Lastly, here is a photo that I was asked to post about a year ago and never got around to doing, showing the comforter set. It's soft and wonderful, but the stitching pattern resists smoothing...which also removes my obligation to have a 'perfectly made bed'. So in some ways, it's a winner!
(I wrote this once but didn't hit 'save'....oy...if you see it twice, that's why. LOL)
For what it's worth; the buyer of my little Aljo seems like a great guy. He's promised not to turn this gem into betty boop mobile or coca cola shrine. If I didn't know that he 'gets it' I've have moved on to one of the over 1,000 viewers on my Tin Can Tourist Classifieds ad. He approached me after seeing the first ad on the SOB -For Sale threads...he's in it for the right reasons. :)
Here's a few tips that I've learned on my own, as we've preserved what I really believe to be the ONLY one of this model on the road today:
...Spray and pat when you can...using the mildest product possible...don't rub if you can avoid it and for heck sakes, don't scrub...ever!
...Clorox wipes are bad, bad things. Don't even think about it. BTW, you'll do more damage cleaning your camper than at any other time. Mild is better...Murphy's Oil Soap, baking soda on an old toothbrush. Keep it simple.
...Shopping on Ebay for ALJO things that you will only see 1x...if you are lucky...nuf said there.
...Adhesive foam tape is your friend. It doesn't penetrate fragile old wood or run into bad places.
...Carry a can each; dog food, cat food. You will find a starving pet in the middle of completely abandoned campground (I promise you will) and discarded hot-dogs are not enough. By the way; Ernie (the little dog mentioned in the blog) is doing fantastic now. He was nearly dead when we found him but food as all he needed. He's been rehomed with a family who we still stay in touch with...and he's been their blessing!
...There is something noble about preserving history. You get to 'own that' with your little vintage trailer. So, when you can, solve a problem rather than replace it. It will bring you more satisfaction than staring at 'new'.
...If it's structurally important, throw too much money at it 1x an just get it done. If it's cosmetic or about comfort then realize you are allowed to spend the extra $ to insure your ride is what you need to enjoy the time you'll spend on the road. That's never more true than when it comes to comforters, clean sheets and spices for the kitchen....and marshmallow/smores roasting sticks. Don't skimp. This is your rolling hotel and your mobile home away from home. Pamper yourself by being comfortable...it's worh it.
Lastly, here is a photo that I was asked to post about a year ago and never got around to doing, showing the comforter set. It's soft and wonderful, but the stitching pattern resists smoothing...which also removes my obligation to have a 'perfectly made bed'. So in some ways, it's a winner!
(I wrote this once but didn't hit 'save'....oy...if you see it twice, that's why. LOL)
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