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Friday, May 24, 2013

Inside My Surprise Free Trailer (1961 Aloha Compact)






She doesn't have a name yet, but this is the free trailer I brought home after accepting it sight unseen in an offer from a friend of a friend. I didn't even know the make or year when I set out to go pick it up...the ultimate surprise package.

The trailer turned out to be a 1961 Aloha compact, last registered in 1999 and parked ever since. I had a split second to peek inside before my benefactor had her hooked up to my truck and was wishing me a safe trip home.


Twenty-five miles later, the trailer was in my driveway. Inside the wood-lined door--right where you'd need them--were a homemade, carpeted trailer step and a set of homemade wheel chocks.


The kitchen is in the front, with a sink, brown stovetop and oven, and a rose-beige countertop with tiny gold flecks.


The little sink is enameled cast iron. How about those two faucets? One for water from a tank behind the wall, one for hose-input.


The icebox, plus three roomy cabinets, are on the street-side wall. Note the magazine rack and original coppertone reading light. (I took this photo during one of the cleanup rounds.)


The gaucho/pull-out bed is across the rear. The original upholstery in brown/orange plaid was intact (though ultimately too dusty to be kept). The trailer came with two tables that attach at the walls to make a tabletop the width of the gaucho.

There was a bunk over the bed at one point; note the wooden brackets.


The interior is lined with sheets of birch. I'm not sure when Aloha made the change over to paneling, but it wasn't long after this trailer was made. The light fixture runs on propane.


Here you can see the little built-in nightstand at the left side of the door. Handy!


I spent the rest of my first day with the trailer working on her initial exterior cleanup. She had about 15 years' worth of barn dust and lichen growth to get rid of.


The trailer turned out to have a tiny flag bracket on a front J-rail. So I got her a flag after she was 'de-barned,' and she seems to fly it rather proudly--as if to say, 'Hello, I'm back!'

Next: Transformed by decor.

13 comments:

  1. Name her "Little Sweety". She looks like a real sweet find. For a freebie, she is in remarkable condition. What a lucky find. Hope you enjoy her and thanks for posting your pics. Can't wait to see the finished product.

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  2. She is a beauty!!! Very fortunate that you are bringing her back to life!!! Congratulations!!

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  3. or you could name her "freedom" both for the free price and that she is now free from the barn to once again come to life! In great condition from what I can see. Enjoy.

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  4. I love her story. "Pledge" might be a great name.

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  5. She is in such good shape. I also have an Aloha, a little bigger by about 2 feet. There was a small trailer similiar to this parked for sale in my small town last Sunday, it sold in about 24 hours...before I even had a chance to look at it. The price must have been very low. My best wishes for your journey.

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  6. What a sweet little thing. looks to be in pretty good condition too. Can't wait to see how you make her shine even more.

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  7. Congratulations! It looks so awesome!

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  8. What a wonderful treasure! Can't wait to see her progression, you certainly have a wonderful friend to gift her to you! Just adorable. :)

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  9. I love your story and am looking forward to seeing the transformation as you glam her up. She is certainly in pretty good condition. You'll think of a good name that will stick as you get to know her better.

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  10. I love your story and am looking forward to seeing the transformation as you glam her up. She is certainly in pretty good condition. You'll think of a good name that will stick as you get to know her better.

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  11. My name for her would be American Pie....and glam her with the american flag theme....It is such a great story of very giving man, and for some reason he thought she needed to fly a flag proudly.....Or Miss America....because she is a little beauty......
    Or Liberty for the Home and the Brave....

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  12. WOWY!!!
    I am tongue tied!!!
    FABULOUS GIVING GIFT!!
    A FB friend!!

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  13. Wonderful! She's a treasure, and free to boot--unbelievable. Enjoy her! Can't wait to see what you do with her.
    Cheers,
    Adrienne

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