Bob is a 1958 Hiawatha camper. These campers, although vintage, are every bit usable. We go camping in Bob frequently and have done so since 2007. Bob's exterior is painted to look like a cheeseburger, including the sesame seed bun top. The interior is decorated with a McDonald's theme.
Bob was actually bought on-line, via auction. When first brought home he had a propane stove and heater, a water storage tank and an ice box (the kind you actually had to have blocks of ice to cool). He also had water damage on the back wall, under the window. Considering Bob's age we decided to remove all of the propane systems, the water tank and up date the camper. Bob now has an apartment size fridge, a microwave and with a hose hook-up, running water. Cooking is done with electric or outside on a grill.
From this (July 2007)
To this (Oct '07)
With the heater and rear wall removed
Pick up day
Green Bay, WI
and a BEARS FAN
The Bears were division champs
that year.
After removing the interior paneling that was water damaged, in order to replace it, I found that the 2x2 supports from the window down across the whole back of the camper were also rotten. If that wasn't enough, I found a section of floor had to be replaced too.
To the left is the door. Water had also damaged the wooden framing, which required rebuilding the entire thing.
To the right is the front cabinetry. Most of it was actually saved and reinstalled. A new counter top and interior shelving were the main changes.
This is what the interior looks like now.
Julia designed and decorated the camper, inside and out. It all started when she found McDonald's printed material and she decided it could be used for curtains!
Our first vintage camper rally
Buffalo Lake Campground
Montello, Wisconsin
June 2008
All of the exterior bodywork and painting was done by our son, Norm III
The drawers are angled to prevent falling out when travelling.
With the table removed the bench pulls out into a bed. The perfect size for two people.
For all of our friends that ask "What are you going to do now that you can't do balloons?" Here is the answer; We are going camping!
Morning Coffee
A Vintage Camper Rally is a gathering of people that own and use their "vintage" campers. Depending on the rally, vintage is any camper 25 years old and older. Some groups start at 30 years old and some have no restrictions on the age of your camper. Rallies include all types and sizes of campers, from "canned hams" (like Bob), dual axle monsters that are nearly 30' long, pop-ups and "tear drops" to one-wheeled campers. We even have VW bus campers occassionally. Everyone is welcome.
