vintage travel trailer rally

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Vintage Travel Trailer Rally

• Location Campania Barn Lawn
• Time 9:00am - 4:00pm

Adult/Senior (18+)

Youth (11-17), child (10 and under), active military, adult two-day pass, vehicle registration, vendor registration, youth two-day pass, order summary, circle your wagons.

Make plans to display and camp overnight in your vintage travel trailer or RV on the main show fields of the Gilmore Car Museum. The rally will feature Airstreams, but all retro travel trailers and RVs 25 years or older are welcome. Whether it’s an Aero-Flight, Holiday House, Serro-Scotty, Shasta, Spartan Manor, or Winnebago, bring your RV out and enjoy the weekend. Onsite camping is also available for modern travel trailers and RVs. Those camping will be parked in a separate, designated area on the Gilmore campus, with no electric hook-ups.

Campers are encouraged to consider participating in the Corks and Crafts beer, wine, and spirits event taking place at the Gilmore on Saturday, May 13th, during the travel trailer rally.

Diner open for breakfast at 8am!

Musical Guest:

• MOJO 11am - 2pm

* If you are showing a trailer, tickets for the outdoor Corks and Crafts event , featuring beer, wine, and spirits sampling, food, and live music, will be sold separately.

* If you are a spectator, admission to the Vintage Boat & Travel Trailer Rally would allow a guest to attend the Boats At The Barns show as well, but not Corks & Crafts. The Corks & Crafts ticket would have to be purchased separately.

Participants

• $20 per trailer
• Includes admission for 2 people (driver + guest)
• Includes admission to the museum on Saturday
• Permanent restrooms are available on the grounds, but no showers
• Participant/Vendor gate opens from 8:00am ET to 12:00pm ET
• Includes admission to the museum as well as the show
• Adults / Seniors: $20
• Youth (ages 11-17): $12
• Children (10 and under): FREE
• Active Military (must present ID): FREE
• Adult two-day passes: $36
• Youth two-day passes: $20
• Free parking
• $25 per space
• Space size is approximately 20' x 20'
• Includes admission for 2 people (vendor + guest)
• Space assignments are on a first come, first serve basis
• Vendor gate open from 8:00am to 12:00pm
• Pre-registration recommended

No. Much like going to a professional sporting event, you cannot get a refund because you can no longer make it. Guests are in charge of finding a person to purchase that ticket or giving it to someone else to use.

Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable between persons.

Yes, food and/or beverages is available for purchase.

George & Sally's Blue Moon Diner in open daily.

Bringing outside food and/or beverages is prohibited.

Gilmore Car Museum relies on sales from food and beverage to stay in operation.

Smoking is prohibited inside any buildings. The designated smoking area is outside while at least 25 feet away from buildings.

Smoking marijuana is strictly prohibited on museum grounds.

Yes, we accept Visa, Discover, and Mastercard.

Yes. Pets are allowed outside on museum grounds. Pets are not permitted in any building or gallery. All pets must be on a leash at all times and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet.

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• April 7, 2024
• 2:00pm - 3:30pm

"The Wonderful World of Radiator Emblems"

• April 14, 2024

"Mascots in Motion"

• April 21, 2024

Tin Can Tourists

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21st Annual Mt. Baker Vintage Trailer Rally

September 7, 2021 @ 8:00 am – september 13, 2021 @ 5:00 pm edt.

http://www.downrivertrailers.com/mt-baker-vintage-trailer-rally.html

21th Annual Mt. Baker Vintage Trailer Rally. Washington State’s Largest Vintage Trailer Rally held every year the weekend after Labor Day at the NW Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden, WA. The Dates are Sept 7-13, 2021. This is field camping with no assigned spots. We will open registration in March. Showers, restrooms and a rv dump station are on site. Power and water is abundant and available for most everyone with extension cords and water splitters. Cost is: $35 per night plus a single rally fee of $15. (Add 3% for credit card payments). All are welcome to attend. Those trailers that aren’t Vintage or “in The Spirit of Vintage” will just be asked to park in a designated section along the perimeter.Details can be found here:  http://www.downrivertrailers.com/mt-baker-vintage-trailer-rally.html

Rene Ralston

downriver11@yahoo.com

The Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center

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Outdoor Hospitality News

For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the rv industry., pismo vintage trailer rally 2023: celebrating iconic gems on wheels at pismo coast village rv resort.

• /   May 2, 2023

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Vintage trailer enthusiasts from across the United States will be heading to California’s Pismo Beach for the Pismo Vintage Trailer Rally, which is set to take place from May 18 to 20, 2023, at the Pismo Coast Village RV Resort.

As per a release, the annual event has become a tradition for vintage trailer enthusiasts, attracting over 300 beautifully restored travel trailers from the 1930s to the 1970s. The rally celebrates the history, restoration, and preservation of these iconic gems on wheels, promoting a love for these vehicles that have become an integral part of American culture.

The Pismo Coast Village RV Resort has hosted the rally for the past 15 years, and visitors can expect to see famous trailer models like Airstream, Boles Aero, Shasta, Silver Streak, Vagabond, and Westcraft, as well as unique special edition trailers. 

Vintage vehicle enthusiasts also showcase their beautiful tow vehicles that range from Hudson, Ford, and Chevy pickups to vintage woodie station wagons, which match the color scheme of their trailers.

The highlight of the weekend is the Open House and swap meet, which takes place on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the Open House, resort guests, and the public can tour the old-time trailers for free, and vintage trailer owners organize their private activities, including a Trailer Crawl, vintage-themed bowling event, pancake breakfast, potluck, and a “Come as you are” bicycle ride around the resort.

The Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is a premier 400-site full-service resort located on the beach in Pismo Beach, California . The resort offers visitors a range of facilities and is within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and the Pismo Pier. 

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the resort serves as a great home base to visit local attractions such as Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, the Oceano Dunes, and a vast selection of wineries.

The event is open to the public, and anyone not a registered guest should park outside the resort and walk to the event. A local Boy Scout Troop will be hosting a parking area down Highway 1 across the street from the North Beach State Campground , and proceeds from parking will benefit the Boy Scout’s activities.

The Pismo Vintage Trailer Rally is an annual event that brings together vintage trailer enthusiasts across the United States to celebrate and showcase their love for these iconic gems on wheels. 

The rally is an opportunity for visitors to experience the history, restoration, and preservation of vintage trailers and to learn about their significance in American culture. Visitors to the event will have an enjoyable and memorable experience exploring the Pismo Coast Village RV Resort and the surrounding attractions.

Featured image from Pismo Coast Village .

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Trailerfest Vintage Trailer Rally 2023

Trailerfest Vintage Trailer Rally Bonelli Bluffs 1440 Camper View Rd. San Dimas, CA 91773 March 30 - April 2, 2023

Car Show & Trailer Open House Free admission -- visitors must park offsite 10 AM - 2PM

Go to vintagecampertrailers.com for information & reservations https://www.trailerfestrally.com/san-dimas-ca.html

Potluck, pancake breakfast, Pinewood Derby, cornhole, live band, activities+...

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Rallies & Events

Below you will find upcoming vintage trailer rally events. Be sure to get your registrations in as soon as possible.

Upcoming Events

Make plans NOW to come to a first-of-its-kind event celebrating vintage class A motorhomes and a Solar Eclipse! Join us as we gather to have a good time, sharing our unique vehicles and admiring the engineering of yesteryear. But make no mistake – along with fun and fellowship, there will be some compelling information to benefit all members.

Rally Highlights

A gathering of vintage rv  motorhomes.

Make plans now to come to a first-of-its-kind event... Celebrating Vintage Class A Motorhomes and a Total Solar Eclipse!

Join us as we gather to have a good time, sharing our unique vehicles and admiring the engineering of yesteryear. But make no mistake – along with fun and fellowship, there will be some compelling information to benefit all attendees.

All Included in Your Rally Fee!

No extra charges to attend events, etc.

CLICK to download the Rally Schedule.

CLICK to download the Rally Newsletter.

Six nights of camping, Wednesday through Monday night

Restrooms, showers, wifi, and FULL HOOKUPS!

Come early on Monday or Tuesday for only $40 a night and check out the town of Mineola, Texas

Morning Announcements and Door Prizes

Workshops on technical topics as RV maintenance, and basics of air conditioning, engines, brakes, etc. We are also planning on brand-specific sessions that are aimed at keeping these vintage vehicles on the road!

General workshops such as: Traveling with Pets, Bookworms and their Diet, plus crafts and more

Vendors, Vendors, Vendors... We invite vendors to participate, simply fill out the section on vendors.

Breakfast service each morning plus a full catered breakfast first morning of rally!

One Lunch/Brunch

Two Dinners

Two Ice Cream Socials

Corn Hole Baseball Tournament

Frisbee Tournament

“Free” Bingo Session with prizes!

"The Media Exchange" bring your books, tapes, etc. and pick up a new "read"

Ladies Social

"Vintage Flea Mart" a designated time to sell your wares: RV related items, arts & crafts, vintage items, etc.

“Show & Shine” open house with food offerings to purchase

Weighing of the Coaches

See the Pineblock Derby....a derby with wooden GMC Motorhomes. Click here for more info. (We do have additional derby vehicles to race....sign up when you arrive at the rally to be a driver.

NEW! ...You may win a "in the package" Hot Wheels during the morning drawings to compete in the "HOT WHEELS DERBY".

• Participate in the Sunday Worship Service Choir

PLUS THE COMPLETE SOLAR ECLIPSE!

We will keep you up-to-date via a "Vintage RV Rally" eNewsletter with additions to the schedule plus things to know!

Special Brand Clubs & Groups

Click here and check out what we have to offer.

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

A Solar Eclipse Party!

Enjoy a delicious dinner and sit back and let Marc Rub ben knock your socks off in laughter!

Marc was voted 2020 Best Actor in the award winning Indi Film "Silent Partners" and most recently is co-starring in the award winning theatre concert "Now...THAT'S FUNNY!" produced by the esteemed Fred Pugia of Perfect Impressions Entertainment, Inc.

Entertainment Sponsor: Keith & Kim Weeks

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The 20 Best RV Events and Rallies in the U.S. To Attend This Year

• Last Updated: March 7, 2024
• 14 minutes read

Did you know that hundreds of amazing RV events and rallies happen in the U.S. every year? And good news: you’re invited to all of them.

Congratulations! They include RV seminars with some of the biggest brands in the industry like, Escapees, Cruise America, Dometic, Good Sam, RV Country, and more.

They’re not all commercial though, some were established just to provide RV owners with an excuse to get together and have fun.

When I bought my first RV in early 2020, there’s one thing I didn’t expect to find—community.

That’s one of the great things that RV events and rallies provide: a chance to immerse yourself in that community.

You’ll meet people, learn about your RV at educational seminars, and discover new equipment and accessories to help make your RV life better. 

Don’t have an RV? Don’t bother going… Just kidding! Many prospective buyers attend these events and rallies to nail down which RV is right for them.

And since they often include live music, games, and other fun activities, it’s really an amazing experience for anyone.

Want to know which one to attend? Perfect! We’ve included 20 RV events and rallies we think you’ll love. Let’s get started: 

1. Hershey RV Show

Why should you go?

If you’re going to attend your first RV event why not the largest? That’s the Hershey RV Show, supposedly bigger than 33 football fields, in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The event may lack in the entertainment department when compared to the other RV events on this list, but it makes up for it everywhere else.

At no other event will you find such a massive number of RVs on display, over 1,400 actually—but who’s counting? As a buyer you can shop and compare RV prices here, better than anywhere else.

Already an owner? Booths around the event also display the latest upgrades, vacation destinations, campgrounds, accessories, and other related products. Sometimes bigger really is better. 

When? September 15-19

Where? 550 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033

How much? Kids: Free, Adults: $10 – Buy tickets HERE

For more information visit the Hershey RV show website.

2. Xscapers Annual Event

If Hershey RV Show is the astute College of RVs than Xscapers Annual Event is the crazy frat house next door. Xscapers proudly announces:

“This isn’t your Grandma’s RV rally”. Don’t be discouraged though Grandmas, you’re still invited, it’s just that, this event ain’t an event for the faint of heart.

Sure, you still get the suits and seminars during the day, but at night the event turns into an alcohol fueled music party.

Participate in one of the themed nights: 80s, tiki, and neon. Or compete in the Guacamole or Margarita Throwdown, where you pit your recipes against other attendees. This is one RV event hangover you won’t regret. 

When? January 11-19th

Where? Lake Havasu, AZ

How much? $250 and up (full rates on their website)

​You can find out more about Xscaper’s events by visiting their Events page.

3. Skooliepalooza

Where do school buses go during winter break? If they’re cool, they go to Skooliepalooza.

And fortunately, it’s an event for more than just skoolies—all recreational vehicles are invited! If you’re looking for a more intimate opportunity to meet fellow RVers this is your event.

Hosted on BLM land in Arizona Skooliepalooza still provides a lot of the same activities as other RV events.

You’ll find the seminars, potlucks, and dances, but on a much smaller scale.

If you feel like you’re just another face in the crowd at one of the other RV events on this list than consider Skooliepalooza. It feels more like a family reunion than an RV event.

When? February 1st-10th 

Where? BLM land in Quartzsite Desert

How much? FREE

You can find out more about Skooliepalooza by visiting the event’s website.

4. RVillage’s Spirit of the Road Rally

Why should you go? 

It’s always nice to have an excuse to visit Florida. Well, now you do! The Spirit of the Road Rally begins at a beautiful park in Live Oak, FL.

It features master classes with RV aficionados and guest appearances from popular, RV-life influencers.

The area features plenty of opportunities to shop, and many attendees kayak the nearby river.

Giant flaming sculptures, dubbed “Firebirds”, provide warmth and light at night. A good thing, since the event also prides itself in it’s live music performances and dancing.

Get a preview of what you’ll be experiencing in the event’s short video trailer . 

When? February 12th – 16th 

Where? Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060, USA

How much?  $39.99 and up

​You can find out more about Spirit of the Road’s event by visiting their website.

5. Alumapalooza

This event caters mostly to Airstream owners, but all RV owners are invited.

It’s split into three tents: the main tent for educational seminars, the registration tent for vendors (and uh, registration, of course), and the activities tent for yoga and small group meetings.

There’s also star-gazing, hands-on workshops, and open-air grilling.

As a new buyer, it’s an opportunity to decide if you want to purchase an Airstream. And as a current RV-er it’s your opportunity to have a good time and meet new people.

When? September 3rd – 12th  

Where? Airstream, Inc. HQ – Touring Coach Plant

How much? Starting at $515 for two people

​You can find out more about Alumapalooza by visiting their website.

6. Loners on Wheels Meet-ups

Why you should go? 

The road can be a lonely place, especially if you’re—well… alone. Fear not though, Loners on Wheels (LoW) has you covered.

LoW is an RV club with chapters in most states, and even Mexico. They cater to single men and women traveling the country in RVs and searching for friendship and community.

The club isn’t age restrictive, but caters mostly to seniors. So, if you’re a younger person expecting to find an Xscaper’s level rave with single hotties your age—stop.

You won’t. You’ll find a circle of fold-out chairs, a swapping of road-war stories, and a group of people giving a loving community to a bunch of loners. 

When? Monthly; specific dates vary by chapter 

Where? A chapter in almost every state in the U.S.

How much? 1-year Membership – $47

​You can find out more about Loners on Wheels’ events by visiting their website.

7. RVing Women Convention

It’s 2021 people. Women are empowered, and with great power, comes great RV events.

RVing Women arose in 1991 to create a community and support system for women traveling independently in RVs—they’re the only international RV club for women in existence. 

In order to join you need to be 18 years of age or older, and obviously, a woman. So, no boys allowed, sorry guys.

That doesn’t mean you need to be a solo female traveler in order to join though. Women traveling in pairs or even small groups can join too.

Every year their 2000 members hold a national convention somewhere in the United States. The location changes every year so don’t miss it! 

How much? 1-year Membership – $62

You can find out more about RVing Women events by visiting their website.

8. Quartzsite Big Tent Show

Why you should go?

The RV Hershey Show might be the largest RV show by size but, by number of attendees, The Quartzsite Big Tent Show has it beat.

An estimated one million RV-ers attend this event every year. They turn the quiet desert town of Quartzsite into a bustling RV paradise.

This is where you go to see the biggest brands in the industry like, Dometic, Battle Born, RV Country, and more, ply their trade.

You’ll find seminars teaching you how to switch to solar, where to buy an electronic lift for your wheelchair, or presentations on excellent travel destinations.

The event does not provide overnight parking, and thus, no nighttime revelry.

Instead, RV owners drive a short distance to the nearby BLM land for camping and fun independent of the event.  

When? January 22nd – 23rd 

Where? 700 S Central Blvd, Quartzsite, AZ 85346

You can find out more about Quartzsite Big Tent Show by visiting their website.

9. Escapees Escapade

This event is great because it’s for EVERYONE. Escapees has something for kids, seniors, part-timers, full-timers, solo travelers, and families!

Their seminars include representatives from big brands like Dometic, Battle Born, and RV Country, and their patented RV-ers Bootcamp teaches even the greenest of the green. 

If you’re visiting for the fun, then check out ‘Kidscapade’ which has tons of fun activities planned for kids and families, or immerse yourself in their delicious food vendors, nationally acclaimed live music, and photography contest.

Boredom dies at Escapees Escapade. Check out the event’s video trailer to get a preview.  

When? July 18th – 23rd   

Where? 3320 Yellowstone RD Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901

How much? Starts at $250

​You can find out more about Escapees Escapade by visiting their website.

10. FROG International Rally

We’re not talking about the little, amphibious fellas, we’re talking RVs.

FROG stands for Forest River Owners Group, and caters to RV owners that own Forest River RVs or one of their affiliate brands. 

Fortunately, you can own any type of RV to attend. This smaller rally, is perfect for the introverted nomad that still wants to learn about their RV and new products, while having a good time. It even includes an optional tour of the local Amish village!

When? August 15th – 21st    

Where? 17746 County Rd 34, Goshen, IN 46528

How much? TBA

​You can find out more about the FROG International Rally by visiting their website.

11. RV Buyers Bootcamp

You’ve decided to make one of the most expensive purchases of your life—an RV.

There’s so many brands and dealers it can be an intimidating market to navigate. Are you sweating yet? Well, perspire no more! Just attend RV Buyers Bootcamp.

Their quick, one-day course will teach you a number of important lessons, including: choosing your RV, the buying process, the delivery process, and tips for hitting the road. Check out their video announcement for more information. 

When? January 11th

Where? Tampa, FL

How much? $99

You can find out more about RV Buyer’s Bootcamp by visiting their website.

12. Elite Restoration Bootcamp

Many of us see an old beat-up RV, and see the opportunity to restore it to it’s former glory. Except, if you’re like me, you don’t know how.

That’s okay! Attend Vintage Trailers Elite Bootcamp. This 7-day training event teaches you how to restore a vintage RV through intensive classroom courses and hands-on demonstrations.

It’s also a great way to meet fellow restorers and RV owners. Join the vintage community today!

When? August 12th – 15th 

Where? 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister, CA 95023

How much? Starting at $219 per participant (full prices HERE)

​You can find out more about Elite Restoration Bootcamp by visiting their website.

13. Rubber Tramp Rendezvous

Bob Wells, the President of Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR), started the event to re-capture the essence of the Mountain Men Rendezvous in the 1800’s.

Mountain Men, normally rugged loners in their community, would meet once a year to reinforce a sense of community and friendship with one another.

RTR seeks that same goal. New York Times referred to the event as a Burning Man for retirees, but in recent years, the younger crowd has started showing up too.

Why Burning Man though? Well, the main message of the event is anti-consumerism and a creed of radical simplicity.

The event isn’t all anarchy though. They still provide seminars on RV life, campfire talks to welcome you into this growing and fascinating community, and even a talent show. 

When? January 18th – 27th 

Where? 21600 Hillside Drive, Parker, AZ 85344

How much? $5 Donation

​You can find out more about the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous by visiting their website.

14. Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) Convention

The FMCA Convention is similar to the Quartzsite Big Tent Show and The Hershey RV Show, in that it emphasizes educational seminars and marketing products related to RVs.

Furthermore, they provide the same live music and food vendors. So, makes this convention different?

Though, they’re technically separate from the convention itself, FMCA offers two important workshops to take before the big event: An RV Basics Academy on March 7-9th, and an RV Driving School on March 3rd-8th.

The former will teach you all the basics of RV ownership while the latter will give you a lesson in something that intimidates all new RV owners—driving one.

When? March 10th – 13th 

Where? 401 Golden Isles Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069

How much? Full Event Access & RV Camping – $225 per couple

You can find out more about the FMCA Convention by visiting their website.

15. Battle Born Get-Together

A new-comer to the RV show circuit, Battle Born Get-Together, has all the qualities of a veteran RV show with a little extra spice.

As many of you probably know, Battle Born Batteries sells Lithium RV batteries.

At the event, they give a demo on their products, facilitate a panel discussion about energy for your RV, and host a VIP dinner.

The extra spice? The event also includes concerts, a tour of their plant, as well as fishing and lake visits. 

When? September 10th – 13th  

Where? Fallon, NV

How much? $300 and up

​You can find out more about the Battle Born Get-Together by visiting their website.

16. Xscapers Alaska Cruise

Want to experience an RV event without your RV?! Though it may sound a little contradictory such an event exists!

The Xscapers Alaska Cruise offers an escape for RVers who want to immerse themselves in the RV community in a new and exciting way. 

Take a cruise up the Southern coast of Alaska with Royal Caribbean’s ‘Ovation of the Seas’. You’ll get to unwind from road life and meet new people while doing it. 

When? August 14th – 24th   

Where? Seattle, Washington 

How much? $1179.99

​You can find out more about the Xscapers Alaska Cruise by visiting their website.

17. Tampa Supershow

Florida. Known for it’s beautiful beach weather, terrifying wildlife, and the Tampa Supershow. Oh, you haven’t heard of that last one.

Well, that ends now. The Tampa Supershow is Florida’s largest RV show and it’s nationally renowned.

Like many of the other large shows on this list, the Tampa Supershow, offers educational seminars, daily entertainment, and even trams to help you get around it’s massive venue. 

Here, you’ll find the latest innovative RV products and accessories! What sets it apart from other RV shows? It’s got beautiful, year-round Florida beach weather as it’s backdrop. 

When? January 19th – 23rd 

Where? 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610

​You can find out more about the Tampa Supershow by visiting their website.

18. Vintage Camper Trailer Rallies

Vintage Camper Trailer Rallies offers three uniquely themed and fun events for vintage RV owners.

You decorate your RV to fit the theme, join the themed potluck, and enjoy live music. 

It’s an opportunity to show off your vintage RV, and even enter it into the event’s contest for a prize if you win.

If you have a newer RV (1980’s or up) you can still attend, but will be placed in a separate, but nearby, campsite.

That way, the main event can maintain it’s ‘vintage feel’. The three event themes include: Cajun, Tiki-Halloween, and Glampfest. 

When? Cajun: March 25th – 28th; Tiki: TBA; Glampfest: April 21st – May 2nd 

Where? Southern California 

How much? Varies depending on the event.

​You can find out more about the Vintage Camper Rallies by visiting their website.

19. Full-Time Families

You’ve been crazy enough to take your family on the road full-time.

You deserve a community that will help support you and offer companionship while navigating this, sometimes stressful, lifestyle. Full-Time Families is the RV club for you.

They have RV events that cater to full-time road life with a family. They have helpful seminars with subjects like, ‘How to Homeschool While RVing’, ‘Saving Money on the Road’, and more.

Parenting on the road can be hard, but it’s a little easier with an entire community at your back. 

When? Varies depending on the event

Where? Varies depending on the event 

How much? $65 per year; or $345 for a lifetime

You can find out more about the Full-Time Families by visiting their website.

20. Type ‘Best RV Events and Rallies’ into Google to Find Local Ones

You want to attend an RV event or rally without needing to cross the country to do it. No worries, we’ve got you covered on that too.

First, make sure you have your Location turned on for Google. Follow this link for helpful instructions on how to do that.

Then, go to ‘Google’, and type ‘Best RV Events and Rallies’ into the search bar. If you scroll down, you’ll see a box marked ‘events’.

​Within it will be a list of RV rallies and events in your locality, and include: the event’s location, date, and a link which will help you find tickets and more information about the event.

This is great since most of these events lack a website or major brand sponsor, and thus, are otherwise difficult to find. 

When? Varies   

Where? Varies

How much? Varies

That wraps up our favorite RV Events and Rallies. Still don’t see one that interests you?

Check out RV Clubs comprehensive calendar of events and rallies throughout the U.S. Which ones have you attended? Tell us about them by leaving a comment below!

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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• Picture this: Whitewater hosts annual Fourth of July parade
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Vintage travel trailer weekend rally held

By Chris Spangler

Talk about happy campers …

After a year apart due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers from throughout Wisconsin and Iowa gathered in the town of Hebron this past weekend for a vintage camper rally.

Held at the Clearview Lane home of Steve and Mary Mode, just east of Fort Atkinson, the weekend marked the second of what is becoming an annual event.

“Vintage” definitely was the word, as the travel trailers from the 1960s and ’70s were decorated in bright greens, oranges, seafoams and yellows, reminiscent of the decades in which they were built.

From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, the owners opened their campers to the public to tour and chat about what it took to bring the aging trailers back to life.

Shaded by the awning on their 1965 Airstream International Land Yacht, Melissa and David Sykora of Baldwin said they bought the 27-foot trailer in 2011.  

“We were looking for an Airstream because if we were going to redo a trailer, I wanted something that would retain its value,” David said.

As it turned out, they located one when they least expected it.

“We found this while driving on a back road,” Melissa recalled. “We were trying to find a trailer and came upon a house that had three sitting outside, and David said, ‘who needs three Airstreams?’ So we went and asked if they’d sell one.”

The owner did not wish to part with the Airstreams built in the 1950s, but he took the couple up on their offer to buy the 1965 model.

“We tore it down to the frame and rebuilt it how we wanted it,” David said. “We redesigned how it originally was.”

The Sykoras separated the gray and black water tank into two and increased the 40-gallon freshwater tank to 60 gallons.  

“We can go a week with fresh water from just the one tank,” David said.

David also polished the Airstream’s aluminum exterior to a mirror-like shine.  

“We did all of the work ourselves,” he said. “We did not have anything done by anybody else.”

The project took about five years to complete and the Sykoras have been attending vintage shows in the three years since.

David said he and Melissa now have caught the rehab bug.

“It’s contagious,” he said. “Now we have another one (Winnebago) that we’re trying to redo.”

Parked next door were Melissa’s sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Stuart Peterson of Oxford. Their trailer is a Hi-Lo built in 1976.  

“When we bought it, it had a couple sheets of plywood in it; the guy was going to put trains in it,” Stuart explained. “He passed away, and the grandkids didn’t want any part of it, so we took it and gutted it.

“We took it right down to the studs and brought her back to life,” he added.

Like many vintage trailer owners, the Petersons rehabbed the Hi-Lo themselves, albeit with some help from brother-in-law David.

They also have a 1977 GMC motorhome, along with a 1959 Friendship camper and 1969 Concord they bought with David and Melissa for future projects.

Meanwhile, Kent and Jenni Marquardt of Pewaukee brought their 1966 Holiday Rambler Traveler to the rally. Kent grew up on Frommader Road in the town of Hebron and was a classmate of the Modes at Fort Atkinson High School.

“We were farm kids together and graduated in 1978. I am originally a Hebronite and it is always good to come back,” Kent said.

Their 17-foot Holiday Rambler Traveler was purchased last year and its revamp was completed one month ago.

“It’s a rehab, not a restore; it was a little too far gone to restore,” Jenni pointed out.  

The entire middle section and bathroom are all original, they noted.

“We rebuilt the back and front from the ground up, basically,” Jenni said. “We didn’t have any idea of what we were doing.

“It originally had a couch that folded out in the back,” she continued. “We took that out and put a static bed in because we gained eight inches of bed space. We took out all the plumbing and propane and made it a dry camper.”

For electricity, the Marquardts use a portable solar panel and two 12-volt deep-cycle marine batteries that are hooked to a 1,000 watt inverter. The light fixtures are 12-volt LEDs.

“As long as I’ve got sun, I’ve got power,” Kent said.  

The Marquardts’ camper is named Amelia … and for good reason.

“We’re life members of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). I grew up with airplanes — I am not a pilot, just an enthusiast,” said Kent. “I’ve been going to the EAA convention for 51 years now.”

“We needed somewhere to stay, so we were thinking tents, popups. We started looking around. We found this and it was probably one of the better ones of what we were looking for … until we opened it up.”

But the camper had good bones, so the Marquardts restored what needed to be done.

“I was in the demolition business for 20 years. I don’t have the green thumb to put things back together, but I can take it out,” Kent said. “It was a work in progress to put it all back together. We painted it four days before we headed out to the EAA grounds and she put the decals on it the night before.”

The camper was named Amelia in honor of pioneer pilot Amelia Earhart, of course, and the theme continues with the interior décor and Earhart’s airplane tail number painted on an exterior louvre of a jalousie window.

Jenni noted that on hot days, Amelia actually is a lot more comfortable that some of the more modern campers because it was designed for airflow.  

“The new stuff is all air conditioning,” she said.  

Kent echoed his neighbors’ remarks about the love for vintage campers being infectious.

“No matter where you go …, you’re driving down the highway and you see something boxy that’s in the woods and you’re on the brake’, he said. “’What’s that?’ you ask.”

Hosts Steve and Mary Mode had two campers on display — a bright yellow 1961 Mallard made in West Bend and a 1967 Bighorn.

“This camper has been everywhere, from Yellowstone to Colorado to Kansas,” Steve said, pointing to the Mallard. “We dragged this over Bear Tooth Pass going into Montana. We were up above a thunderstorm and saw rain come out of a cloud below us. It was really cool.

“We drag it everywhere. It is our daily driver,” he added.

Unlike their guests, the Modes did not have to fully rehab their campers.

“It’s pretty much as was,” Steve said of the 14-foot Mallard.

They did paint the floor and exterior and redo the cushions.

“We always joke that the outside was painted chalk white, because when you touched it, it came off   on your hands,” he said. “So we cleaned it up, I took all the chrome off and then Lucky B Automotive sprayed it.”

The Bighorn is 13 feet long and nine inches narrower than the Mallard. However, it contains a bathroom.

“That’s our traveler,” Steve said. “That went out to New York last year. We camped Pennsylvania; we camped Ohio.”

He first saw the camper while selling real estate.

“I’m showing a house in Deerfield and in the barn is this camper with a for-sale sign on it that was cracked, but there was a number on it. So when I got done with the showing, I made a phone call and ended up taking the camper home.

“My wife was, like, ‘what do we need another camper for?’, but we needed it.  

“It’s all part of ‘ya gotta save another one.’”

Two months ago, they bought a 1951 Pontiac Chiefton to pull the Bighorn on their trips.

“That came from a guy from Winneconne. … It has a new engine and new transmission, so I don’t fear driving it far.

“We got lucky. That was 100-percent original,” he said of the rest of the car.

Whether on the road or at home, Steve said, vintage camper rallies are all about the people.

“Last year, many of the rallies were canceled due to COVID,” he said. “So we reached out to our dear friends and asked if they would feel comfortable camping in our backyard. Three did. They’ve become great friends.”

This year, it grew, and it appears that the last weekend of August will become the regular date for an annual vintage camper rally at Hebron.

“We’ll keep inviting more people to get together,” Steve said. “It’s a little bit different flavor than other shows we go to because it’s not a campground. It’s just fun.”

Melissa and David Sykora of Baldwin pose with their 27-foot Airstream International Land Yacht. The 1965 travel trailer was purchased in 2011 and then renovated. The Sykoras brought it to last weekend’s vintage camper rally at the Steve and Mary Mode home in the town of Hebron.

Jim Merriman of Fort Atkinson, left, tours a renovated 1965 Airstream International Land Yacht Saturday at the vintage camper rally in the town of Hebron. With him is co-owner David Sykora of Baldwin. David owns the camper with his wife, Melissa. 

Lori and Stuart Peterson relax in the shade of their 1976 Hi-Lo during the vintage camper rally in Hebron Saturday.

Stuart and Lori and Stuart Peterson of Oxford pose for a photo inside their 1976 Hi-Lo camper at a Hebron rally Saturday.

Guests list what they love about vintage campers during a rally last weekend in Hebron.

John Greene, left, and Bob Lewicki, both of Fort Atkinson, chat inside a 1965 Mallard owned by Steve and Mary Mode, who hosted the vintage camper rally last weekend at their Hebron home.

Steve and Mary Mode pull their 1967 Bighorn camper with a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain that they purchased a couple months ago.

Mary and Steve Mode pose with their two vintage campers. On the left is a 1976 Bighorn and the right, a 1961 Mallard. The Modes hosted a vintage camper rally last weekend at their town of Hebron residence, and the campers were available for public viewing Saturday afternoon. 

Kent and Jenni Marquardt of Pewaukee pose with their 1966 Holiday Rambler Traveler at the vintage camper rally in Hebron Saturday. Kent grew up on Frommader Road in the town of Hebron and was a classmate of hosts Steve and Mary (Hack) Mode at Fort Atkinson High School.

Jenni Marquardt of Pewaukee, left, shows Lori Becker of Fort Atkinson the interior of her 1966 Holiday Rambler Traveler camper at the vintage camper rally in Hebron Saturday.

Chris Spangler photos. 

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