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Vail Lake Vintage Trailer Rally & Hot Rod Show

Hot, Hot, Hot

July 13 – 16, 2006

Review

There’ll be a hot time in the ol’ camp tonite . . . Hot time (as in c-o-o-l), hot temperature, hot topics, hot trailers, hot rods – all this and more were enjoyed with an enthusiastic group of trailerites.  Many were experienced vintage campers and many were first timers.  All were welcomed and embraced by each other and by our exuberant, hard working, tireless host, organizer, and sponsor, Dayton Taylor of Vintage Trailer Crazy. 

The vintage trailers began arriving Thursday morning.  On Friday morning, trailerites were given the opportunity to participate in a small swap meet which consisted of small trailer parts and vintage camping equipment.  In the evening, Lisa Archer presented the DVD, Mobile Mansions, by Doug Keister.  (You can log onto his website to purchase the book or DVD). 

It’s hard to say exactly how many vintage trailers showed since the (up to) 111˚ weather kept a few folks away and caused a couple trailers to leave early.  Some folks decided to come just for the day.  A number of hot rods from the Axledragger’s Car Club braved the heat, also, to align themselves in the grass around the village for their sparkling display on Saturday during the public open house.

Due to some last minute glitches, the public was let in a little at a time; but it was a continuous flow.  They were amazed at all the different types of trailers and enjoyed the diversity of range from completely original to updated vintage trailers with all the modern conveniences.  Many trailerites brought vintage/classic tow vehicles which extended the interest of those who came for the car show.

The swimming pool was full the whole time with campers seeking to beat the heat.  The kiddies did not let the heat beat them.  They rode their bicycles, swung on the tree swings behind a few of the campsites, miniature golfed, went swimming, and fished.  The fishing was an extra fee but well worth it.  A 9 lb. catfish was caught as were many 1 ½ - 3 lb. bass by a few of our group’s avid fishermen of all ages.

Vendors set up shop and booths in the village area on Saturday during the public open house which was from 12:00 noon – 5:00 PM .  There was also a mobile set up for a Red Cross Blood Drive .  The Skratch Daddy band played in the outdoor village area during this time.  In the evening, there was Live Blues music by DA & The Hitmen.  A group of Young Marines (youth) kept watch over the host trailer area and helped in the camp’s store.  Hay rides were available to campers pulled by a John Deere tractor.  A hot air balloon was inflated for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it just as dusk settled.  Many activities were simultaneously goin’ on for those who chose to participate. 

Thank goodness for the showers for those who did not have them in their trailers; it was a good way to cool down.  After seeing one of the campsites using a water mister, many made the trip to local stores in Temecula to purchase them.

This was a wonderful weekend to spend with family and friends and to make new vintage trailer acquaintances which is a “hot” way to spend some quality time. All this makes the hot, hot, hot – cool, cool, cool.

As always, happy trailering!

[If your trailer/tow vehicle has not been included in the User Gallery pictures for any particular rally/outing, please email me a picture; and I will include it.  Please make sure you identify your trailer make & year, and which rally you attended so that I can include it in the proper event.]