Embracing the Open Road: Our Family’s Epic Oregon Adventure in a Restored 1957 Dalton Vintage Trailer
Join us as we embark on an unforgettable family road trip through the stunning Northeastern corner of Oregon. Our trusty companion for this adventure? None other than our beloved 1957 Dalton vintage trailer. We’re setting out to explore the picturesque John Day Valley, trek through the majestic Wallowa Mountains, and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Hell’s Canyon. This journey isn’t just about the destinations; it’s about the unique experience of traveling in a piece of history, creating lasting memories with our children, and rediscovering the diverse beauty of our home state, all from the cozy confines of our restored vintage home-on-wheels.
Our family is buzzing with excitement, preparing for a week-long camping excursion across different, enchanting spots in Oregon’s rugged northeast. At the heart of our travel plans is our charming vintage trailer. We discovered this hidden gem back in 2004, and since then, it has been a labor of love, a continuous project of fixing up, restoring, and personalizing. This little trailer isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a cherished member of our family, eagerly awaiting every opportunity to hit the road and explore new horizons with us.
The Discovery: How Our Vintage Dalton Trailer Found Us
Our journey with this particular trailer began nearly two decades ago, almost serendipitously, just as we were transitioning from our old city neighborhood. Our family has always held a deep appreciation for all things vintage – the inherent quality, the rich history embedded in each item, and the timeless style simply resonate with us. This fascination extends particularly to vintage travel trailers. For years, I would pore over books dedicated to these rolling relics, dreaming of the day we might own one and embark on our own nostalgic adventures.
Then, one ordinary day, a “for sale” sign caught our eye as we drove to the grocery store. It was attached to a trailer, nestled quietly, awaiting a new owner. While it’s not uncommon to spot old trailers slowly succumbing to the elements in fields across the countryside, finding one actually listed for sale felt like a rare opportunity. We decided to take a closer look that very evening. Our initial reaction, however, was a firm “no.” We were in the midst of moving, the trailer seemed far too small for our family, its exterior was painted a truly dreadful shade of red, and the interior was adorned with rather unappealing carpeting and cushion covers. Most critically, it wouldn’t comfortably sleep our entire family of four.
Yet, something kept drawing us back. As we continued to drive past, the “for sale” sign remained, an insistent beacon. Perhaps, we mused, this little trailer was meant for us after all? Despite its flaws, it possessed an undeniable character. The interior, though featuring non-original walls, was entirely crafted from wood, exuding a warmth and charm that spoke to our vintage-loving souls. Recognizing the rarity of such an opportunity, we decided to make a lower offer, fully acknowledging its compact size. To our surprise and delight, the owner accepted!
Suddenly, we were the proud owners of our very own vintage trailer! Of course, the excitement quickly turned to a realistic understanding: this gem needed a significant amount of interior work and, without a doubt, a brand-new paint job to truly bring out its potential. It was the beginning of a wonderful renovation journey.
Our newly acquired treasure is a 1957 Dalton trailer, a classic from an era known for its distinctive design and robust construction. A closer inspection of the exterior in the accompanying picture reveals the faint, yet telling, marks left by a paint roller – a testament to the previous owner’s rather unconventional choice of applying house paint directly to the trailer’s shell! While transforming the exterior hasn’t been our top priority amidst all the interior renovations, we have a clear vision for its future look: a pristine white body with elegant silver trim, complemented by a striking red stripe, reminiscent of some of the most iconic vintage trailers we’ve admired. This classic aesthetic will perfectly capture the spirit of its era.
Measuring approximately 12 feet in length, this cozy trailer is designed to comfortably sleep three people. For our family of four, we’ve found an ingenious solution that works perfectly: our kids absolutely love the adventure of sleeping in a small pup tent pitched just outside the trailer when we go camping. This setup gives them their own space while keeping everyone close and connected to nature. It’s a wonderful blend of vintage charm and practical family camping that makes our trips truly special.
The Dalton Vintage Trailer: A Labor of Love and Interior Transformation
The summer we acquired our Dalton, we wasted no time diving into a series of interior remodeling projects. Our goal was to transform its dated and somewhat neglected inside into a cozy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space that reflected our love for vintage design and practical living. Every task, from the smallest detail to the larger overhauls, was approached with enthusiasm and a vision for its renewed purpose.
One of the first significant changes involved the upholstery. I meticulously recovered all the cushions, choosing fabrics that not only offered comfort but also brought a fresh, clean look to the seating areas. To complement this, I crafted charming new curtains using reproduction bark cloth – a textile that perfectly captures the mid-century modern aesthetic we adore. And for an extra touch of personalized charm, I sewed several throw pillows from a treasured piece of genuine vintage bark cloth I had been saving, adding layers of texture and nostalgia.
The flooring was another major undertaking. We decided to replace the old, unsightly carpeting with a durable and stylish Marmoleum remnant we sourced. This choice not only improved the trailer’s appearance but also offered a much more practical and easy-to-clean surface, ideal for camping adventures. We also added new molding throughout the interior, a subtle but impactful detail that significantly elevated the overall finish and cohesiveness of the space. Of course, amidst all these transformations, one of the most fundamental and satisfying tasks was a thorough, deep clean. The amount of grime and dust accumulated over the decades was significant, but tackling it brought a fresh sense of renewal and a clean slate for our new vintage abode.
Despite its modest dimensions, our Dalton trailer surprises us every time with how easily it accommodates all our needs for week-long excursions. It’s a testament to thoughtful design and clever storage solutions. The space beneath the seats, for instance, is ingeniously utilized to store essential camping gear such as our compact camp stove, a reliable lantern, and a collapsible water carrier. These items, usually bulky, tuck away neatly, demonstrating that even a small space can be highly functional with a bit of planning.
A Compact Kitchen for Culinary Adventures
The sink area, though compact, is remarkably efficient and perfectly suited for all our camping and food preparation requirements. It’s a game-changer compared to our previous tent camping experiences, where we’d constantly haul around numerous bins for cooking supplies. The previous owners had removed the original stove and oven, which would have occupied the space on the right side of the sink. While we might consider replacing them one day, for now, this area serves as incredibly valuable extra storage space, which we utilize for dry goods, dishes, and other kitchen essentials. We simply rely on our portable camp stove for cooking, which offers flexibility and keeps the interior free of cooking odors.
Maximizing Space: The Smart Closet Solution
One of the most satisfying transformations within the trailer involved the closet. When we first acquired it, the closet was an open space, lacking a door. We meticulously sourced matching plywood and then stained and finished it to perfectly blend with the existing wooden interior. To complete the look, I added matching hardware that I had salvaged, giving the door an authentic vintage feel. A much-needed mirror was also incorporated into the door, a small detail that makes a big difference in both functionality and making the space feel larger. This closet makeover is truly one of the elements I believe turned out best in our entire renovation project, showcasing how careful attention to detail can yield impressive results.
I also particularly appreciate the ingenious addition of towel racks on the side of the closet. This simple feature is a brilliant example of maximizing vertical space in a small environment, providing a convenient spot for towels and other necessities without cluttering precious counter space.
To further enhance the trailer’s functionality for our family, we took the clever step of adding shelves inside the closet, a modification that I absolutely adore! Each family member now has their own dedicated shelf, complete with a small basket for organizing personal items like socks, underwear, and toiletries. This system has proven incredibly effective, allowing us to pack enough clothes for a week-long trip without any hassle. The need for bulky suitcases has been completely eliminated, streamlining our packing process and making travel so much more convenient. Moreover, the bottom section of this well-organized cabinet offers ample space to store our four rolled-up sleeping bags, a compact broom, an extra lantern, and our small propane tanks, demonstrating the remarkable capacity of this seemingly small closet.
Cozy Nights and Practical Storage: The Convertible Bed
At the heart of our trailer’s living area is the versatile couch, which effortlessly folds out into a comfortable double bed. While it’s undeniably “cozy,” especially with two adults, it provides a wonderfully snug and intimate sleeping space. We’ve found that the compact size only adds to the charm and encourages closer family bonding during our trips. Beyond its sleeping function, this area cleverly conceals even more storage underneath, perfectly accommodating our camp chairs and a supply of firewood. It’s truly amazing how every inch of this small trailer has been optimized to serve multiple purposes, making our family camping adventures both comfortable and incredibly efficient.
Using our Dalton trailer for family trips has been an absolute joy and a source of countless cherished memories. I am consistently amazed by how spacious and accommodating it feels on the inside, especially when its modest exterior suggests otherwise. This feeling of roominess, combined with the unique charm of vintage travel, makes every journey an extraordinary experience.
And now, with our beloved Dalton meticulously prepared and our spirits high, we are off on another grand adventure!
Our Northeastern Oregon Road Trip: An Adventure Awaits!
This time, our compass points towards the captivating Northeast corner of Oregon, a region renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical tapestry. Our itinerary includes explorations of the ancient landscapes of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, where we’ll delve into millions of years of geological history and uncover fascinating paleontological wonders. We’ll then journey into the majestic Wallowa Mountains, often dubbed “Little Switzerland” for its dramatic peaks and pristine alpine lakes, offering incredible opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature’s grandeur. Finally, our route will take us to the awe-inspiring Hell’s Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, promising breathtaking vistas and a sense of untamed wilderness.
We are incredibly excited to share this diverse and enriching road trip experience with our children. We believe they will be captivated by the incredible variety of landscapes, ecosystems, and historical sites our state has to offer – from arid fossil beds to lush mountain ranges and colossal canyons. And, of course, the experience is made all the more special by traveling in our distinctive 1957 Dalton vintage trailer, turning every mile into an engaging lesson and every stop into an unforgettable family memory. This journey embodies everything we love about travel: discovery, connection, and the timeless appeal of the open road.
Curious to see more of this interesting and beautiful part of Oregon through our eyes? We’ve documented our adventures in detail. Check out the links below to dive deeper into our experiences at each incredible destination:
- Discover the ancient wonders of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
- Retrace history with An Oregon Cottage on the historic Oregon Trail
- Experience the sheer grandeur of Our Hell’s Canyon Visit
- Explore the charm of Joseph and the serene Wallowa Lake State Park Campground