Whereas I used to be planning my sixth Cross nation roadtrip, happening the i40 many of the approach, I found a free RV Museum on route 66 in Amarillo Texas. Should you’re a historical past lover like myself, discovering a RV Museum is one thing you don’t come throughout on a regular basis, however is certainly price a cease if you could find one! I at all times get pleasure from touring completely different RV’s and campers, testing completely different format & designs. It’s very thrilling if they’re uncommon classic campers you don’t see on a regular basis. I knew I needed to test it out!
The Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum was began by Father Jack and Son Trent. They’ve a ardour for accumulating and restoring classic RVs, campers, bikes and memorabilia. For the final 25 years, they’ve collected a novel show of campers that go way back to the 1930’s all the best way as much as the 1970’s.
Once I first walked into the museum, I felt like I used to be strolling by a time capsule. The distinctive assortment of RV’s blew me away! You may inform with most of those older campers, the standard and the eye to element is unmatched when in comparison with at present’s RV’s.
The World’s First Winnebago Itasca
One in all Winnebago’s oldest RV’s, the world’s first Itasca has a contented dwelling within the Traveland RV Museum. This lovely RV was inbuilt 1975. It’s first dwelling was in Winnebago’s welcome middle for over 20 years.
This Itsca was barely pushed, with solely 6,000 miles on its odometer. The motorhome comes absolutely geared up with roof A/C, L.P Furnace, Generator, Gasoline/Electrical Fridge and water heater. This shocked me, it just about has all the pieces my newer 2016 RV has.
You may inform when you stroll inside, this RV’s pristine situation. This was one in every of my favourite campers to tour due to its intelligent format and a focus to element. Once you stroll inside, you’re greeted by a sunflower yellow shag carpet that superbly compliments the floral blue upholstery that adorns the seat covers. Once I sat within the driver’s seat, I immediately felt relaxed, the leather-based & cloth design made for a snug seat and appears nice as nicely.
Within the cab space, there are two fold out sofas that flip into beds and a dinette. The kitchen’s absolutely geared up with a full oven, deep sink and convection microwave. In the direction of the again is a full lavatory, the bathe has a small deep tub when you needed to take a pleasant mini bubble bathtub. And the closet house was sufficiently big for a pleasant dimension wardrobe.
The World’s Oldest Airstream
Should you ever puzzled what the primary Airstream appears like, look no additional than this museum. This 1935 Torpedo Airstream was owned by one household, the Holman Household for 81 years. Due to how previous this airstream is, we couldn’t step inside, however from the home windows, you may see the craftsmanship that was put into the primary airstream. Once I peeked inside from the window, it jogged my memory of a ship home boat. This airstream was decked out from ground to ceiling in lovely chestnut wooden. It was a fairly easy format, however had a component of class to it that’s unmatched. From the skin, I really like the “1935” engraving with the celebs, it’s undoubtedly a one in every of a sort camper you’ll by no means quickly neglect.
Uncommon Struggle Trailers & Bikes
Some of the attention-grabbing trailers I got here throughout was the 1941 Westcraft Trailer and 1936 Alma that was parked subsequent to a 1942 Harley Davidson WLA.
First, the 1936 Alma’s story is so distinctive! This classic trailer was present in a barn 20 miles from the Alma manufacturing unit! This lovely trailer is all unique and has not been restored, however was used throughout WW2. Strolling inside, you may inform it didn’t want any restoration, it’s in pristine situation! What I cherished most about this unrestored trailer was the wooden craftsmanship and the wonderful furnace that’s nestled subsequent to the kitchen. Subsequent to the trailer is the well-known 1942 Harley Davidson WLA, also referred to as the “motorbike that gained the battle”, these had been the bikes utilized in WW2. This Harley Davidson WLA is correctly geared up and restored to its unique situation.
Lastly, the 1941 Westcraft Trailer is uncommon due to its trolly roof, of which only a few exist. Once you stroll inside, you may see how the trolley roof offers the trailer a wider “prepare passenger automobile” really feel. The Westcraft was made in Los Angeles. Westcraft made high of the road trailers from the 1940’s and 1950’s. This particular trailer was owned by a WW2 Protection Employee.
What I cherished most about this trailer was the dwelling house, it jogged my memory of strolling right into a Gentleman’s Research. You’re greeted by two luxurious leather-based seats, a beautiful vintage radio that has an essential a part of historical past resting on its high shelf: {A photograph} of the battleship Sigourney utilized in WW1 & WW2 and was signed by 17 United States Presidents.
Taking a visit to this historic RV Museum left me impressed with it’s consideration to element and craftsmanship. The Sisemore household did an incredible job displaying and preserving this distinctive a part of historical past. Should you’re on the route 66 street journey and occur to cease by Amarillo Texas, this place is certainly price a cease!
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