I may have mentioned here before that I bought a Spartan trailer. Here’s an update. Several friends have asked.
Back story first. I started researching trailers online last summer, when I realized I wanted the flexibility of not having a monthly mortgage payment. The ability to downsize on stuff, outright own my home, and have it be portable made trailers an irresistible option to explore.
I like vintage trailers because they’re stylish, less expensive than new, often made better, and recycled. It didn’t take long for me to learn that Spartan trailers were the cream of the vintage crop.
Spartans were mostly made in the 1950s by a Tulsa company that had manufactured aircraft during World War II. Richest-man-in-the-world J. Paul Getty owned the company, and they made top-of-the-line trailers.
I discovered an online community of Spartan lovers. I’ve been lurking on their list for months, taking in what I can.
I kept my eye on the large Spartans. It’s going to be my primary home, and I didn’t want to feel like a sardine. That’s okay for camping, but with needing a huge truck to pull them and gas prices being what they are, I’m probably not going to be hauling mine to campgrounds. (Unless I get a smaller one just for camping!)
I learned that leases in trailer parks are usually month to month, so if I want to move, I have more freedom than an apartment dweller. Plus, rent is very inexpensive and usually includes some utilities.
The biggest Spartans made were 10′ x 50′. A few even had two bedrooms; some people even added a washer/dryer.
Hmm, I thought to myself. This could work.
I kept my eye on several big Spartans for sale while I downsized on possessions and put my house on the market, hoping one would still be available when my house sold.
When the money came through, only one of the big ‘uns remained available.
The Spartan Carousel.
It’s a rare model with a skylight, round kitchen, and awesome vintage light fixture! It has a lot of windows and built-in storage. It needs some repairs and updating.
I can see myself enjoying living there and having a couple of guests over! That suits me perfectly.
I bought it sight unseen from a man who’s been selling vintage trailers for years. Nothing I’ve seen or heard has led me to believe he’s anything less than reputable. He loves these old trailers and refurbishes them. He put lots of photos and information online. So far he’s been an excellent person to do business with.
Right now I am awaiting a new title. A transport company will haul it from Washington state to Austin, where it will go into a quiet, clean, spacious, private trailer park in far south Austin.
I’ll hook it up to utilities and have someone handy check it out with me — plumbing, wiring, LP gas, etc., and we’ll fix what needs fixing and update what needs updating. Then I’ll move in.
I’ve never lived in a trailer before, but this one seems like a great start. If I don’t like it, I will have learned something and can do something else.
I will join a new community to learn from and share with. I’ve already heard from a man who wanted the seller to connect him to me. He collects Spartans and would love to take photos when it’s ready for that. He might be interested when I’m ready to sell.
A trailer like this needs a name. Something besides Spartan Carousel.
One suggestion I’ve gotten is Atomic Ranch. What do you think?