This past Sunday, the wifey, Nick and I took a drive out to Deerfield to view a "freebie" that I had gotten a call from the CL "want ad" I placed. We arrived with minimal expectations, figuring the worst that could happen is I would deliver on the promise to assist Mike in installing a new tire on the beast before they figured out a plan "B" to remove it from their private campgrounds. What I knew was that the hardside had been in the family for MANY years and had been taken care of as well as any camper that had just celebrated 44 years. Arriving and greeting Mike and Wendy and being introduced to their family's 1966 Banner Travel Trailer, I knew that THIS WAS THE ONE and plan "B" (finding another home for it) wouldn't have a chance. She was going home with us!
The camper was exactly as I pictured in my head with the exception of the extent of real wood in the interior! I can't express how delighted I am to have the "Banner" as part of our family. It needs a little work, especially a good cleaning, but for the most part this camper is PERFECT for "DaJtcha"!
At 22' long, she's got more than enough room for either family. What I like most about the camper is the storage space, there is a ton of it! (2) closests, (4) full length under-seat storage boxes, (3) soffets and more drawers than I can count all made from 100% wood, not press board or cheap-o plastic. Calling this camper a "tank" is a bit of an understatement! I was also pleased to find that the undercarriage is in excellent condition and (even though the roof is in BAD shape) it does not leak! I believe Mike's diligence to re-sealing it each year and the fact that it has several layers of highly sticky flat roof sheeting on it has kept it in such good shape. You'll notice the camper is equipped with decent sized bathroom including a sink, toilet, shower and closet! The kitchen is very nice and more than enough size to take care of the feeding frenzies that Trout Camp has been known to create. The exterior, although dirty, was repainted years ago and is in really good condition. If you're into nastalgia, you'll love the stove, it is really cool looking and it works! The pressurized water system is certainly different. In the storage locker under the bench seat for the dining area, there is stainless steel tank and an air pump. Fill the tank up from the exterior, seal the valve, turn the pump on and you've got pressurized water throughout! We don't plan on using the indoor stove, fridge or water system (due to its age), but they're present and accounted for in the event we change our minds! We also, if you can believe it, don't plan on using the indoor propane lighting! DUH!
Getting It Home
My Dad came through (again!) and allowed me to use his F250 to pull the camper the 60 miles. We took the back roads and non-highways for safety's sake. Jen escorted me by trailing me for the drive. 2 hours later and she's parked at the house getting a good scrub down (in and out).
I'd like to thank the following people:
Mike and Wendy, you two are good people!
My Dad, for the use of his truck!
My cousin Dave for getting me a good used tire for the trailer's ride home!
My Wife for her escort and helping the family with the cleaning of the Banner camper!
We plan on having the camper parked at our home until next spring. Jim and I must discuss and work on having a driveway installed at camp as there is no way that this camper will make the trek back through the woods in the trail's current condition. From a camper perspective and a tow vehicle's, it would be abusive and/or downright torturous!
