How to Restore a Trillium Camper

Trillium Trailers were first manufactured in the 1970s.

First produced in the 1970s, Trillium Trailers are small fiberglass travel trailers that were easily identified with an emblem of a Trillium flower on the outside of the camper. Restoring vintage campers is giving once old and discarded campers like the Trillium Trailers a new life. When done correctly, you not only gain an updated functional camper, you will have also increased the value of the trailer. Your restoration project will be determined by how much work needs to be done. A full restoration project requires you to strip the Trillium Trailer right to the bare walls.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Carpeting
• Sand paper
• Electrical wiring
• Mildew and dry rot cleaner
• Wood varnish
• Stainless steel polishing compound
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Remove everything you can from the interior of the trailer. The furnishings, the appliances, curtains and carpet should all be taken out. Do not throw out the curtains or carpet as you will use these as templates for cutting new material.

2. Remove any electrical fixtures and wall panels from the inside of the trailer. With the wall panels removed inspect the insulation and interior of the trailer looking for evidence of dry rot or mildew. If any is discovered, treat the sections using an appropriate cleaner. Allow the walls to dry thoroughly.

3. Upgrade the wiring to today's standards by disconnecting the wire from the outlets and following it back to the main fuse box. Connect the new wire and run it back to the electrical outlets. Repeat this for all the fixtures inside the trailer.

4. Search the Internet or attend swap meets and look for replacement appliances or furnishings for the Trillium Trailer. If you are unable to locate replacement appliances or furnishings, refinish the ones you previously removed. Strip the varnish and finish from the wood fixtures, sand the wood to its original condition and apply a new varnish to the sanded wood. Use stainless steel polishing compound on the metal fixtures and appliances.

5. Purchase new material and carpeting for the interior of the Trillium Trailer. Use the old carpet and curtains as templates for cutting the new material to match the same interior dimensions of the trailer.

6. Re-install the wall panelling, carpet, curtains, appliances and furnishings to finish your restoration project. When completed your restored Trillium camper will be ready to be used for the season.

References

• Trillium Trailers: Classic design proves timeless
• Boston.com: Vintage Trailers Are Getting New Mileage
• RVersCorner: Touch Up Hints