She Finally Gave Up The Ghost

[gypsmjim]

When the boys were little we camped in a tent. Then, in 1986 we upgraded to a 22 year old RV trailer. We were in heaven. Mom & Dad slept on the convertible couch. One son used the converted dinette and the other slept in the bunk in the overcab.

I've been anal about maintenance. Especially the roof. And of course all the utilities were and are still functional. She even got thru the Spring storm of 2018, when a tree fell on her roof. Only a dent, and she was back in operation again once the tree was cut down..

When we bought the new Jayco, with all the amenities, we moved her up the hill a little. Now, she was our guesthouse, for other family members on holiday gatherings. Still usable and comfortable, even after 57 years of service.

Sadly, this Winter took its toll. The roof sagged a bit and the corners took in a lot of water. Mold and mildew has taken its toll.

I must say they built them MUCH better back in the day. Of course, being on a permanent location and not bouncing on the highway certainly has added to her longevity.

I just hope our Jayco lasts even half as long.

[Midnightmoon]

That is an incredible run.

[bluztoo]

Wonderful post. My father had a 1922 converted Yellow Coach bus we used as a camper, purchased in 1964. I remember the day it went to the scrap yard. Thanks for sharing your memories!

[Woodworker]

What a story, what a history. I'd say you got the good out of that one

[Bugzilla46310]

My first camper was a 1965 Frolic. Very similar design with the cabover. I sold that one about 25 years ago. I would say you got your money’s worth and a ton of memories out of yours!

[gypsmjim]

What I forgot to say, was that we bought the 22 year old trailer 46 years ago for only $900 delivered. With property taxes and RV insurance our private campsite cost about $150 a year. When Foremost decided to have a minimum $60 yearly insurance I was really mad....LOL.

[Jacjayco]

Nice story and pics. I hope you have some good spare parts that can live on in someone's dream rehab!
My first rv was a 1968 Shasta 15 ft. Bought it in 73. No frills, no bath facilities but it was in very good shape. Kept it looking good for several years. When we traded up to a 19ft. Terry, it sold,to the first person that looked at it for asking price.

[JFlightRisk]

I love those old trailers, and your wonderful memories. You gave her a great life, but unfortunately nothing lasts forever. We all can only enjoy what we have and hope we can come close to the long time you enjoyed her.

[wiscampsin]

Great story. I highly doubt any camper built now will be around in 22 years.

[DocBrown]

Wow, that's a lot of memories.

My dad has a '77 Jayco 22' travel trailer. He bought it in the mid-90s from someone who had on a seasonal site. I helped him redo the brakes in 2020, including magnets and wiring. Most everything is original, but the fridge no longer works on propane. It's in great condition considering it's age. He only uses it once or twice a season new and he's been considering giving it up.

[Marcm157]

The older the better applies to many things - This is an outstanding story!!

[gypsmjim]

Originally Posted by Jacjayco

Nice story and pics. I hope you have some good spare parts that can live on in someone's dream rehab!
My first rv was a 1968 Shasta 15 ft. Bought it in 73. No frills, no bath facilities but it was in very good shape. Kept it looking good for several years. When we traded up to a 19ft. Terry, it sold,to the first person that looked at it for asking price.

My wife wants to get rid of it. I say its going to be too much work getting it turned around and down the driveway. I'm happy to just leave it in place. I certainly don't want to have to fix ruts in the driveway... again.

But if anyone wants spare parts, and is willing to fix what they damage, I'll let her go for free.

[gypsmjim]

Originally Posted by wiscampsin

Great story. I highly doubt any camper built now will be around in 22 years.

Our Jayco MUST last 22 years. By then I just hope I'm still lasting....LOL. I certainly don't want to have to go thru another purchase, set up, warranty, etc.

Since the old one lasted 57 years, is 22 too much to ask from a 2015 Jayco??

[us71na]

I think you got your moneys worth.

[jim44646]

From what I'm seeing your lucky for it to last untill it's paid off.

[kblast523]

Originally Posted by jim44646

From what I'm seeing your lucky for it to last untill it's paid off.

My first camper was a 2012 Jayflight SLX 18RB. It was built well enough to last 22+ years. We since bought a 2002 FR Cherokee 5r for rental property, it has been stationary since arrival. Had to replace refrigerator guts before I could rent it out, apparently I'm fairly good at it because eight years later, still working fine. Had to replace A/C, the old Dometic unit was not keeping up, upgraded to a 15k Advent and it can't keep up either. Coated roof and now have it under carport and the air still struggles. Solid old trailer (glad I blocked it up before skirting) so I traded Jayco for a bigger, new FR Salem Cruise Lite. Quality was apparently not in the Buffet family business requirements, only owned it 23 months and let CW have it in trade. That brings us to April 2018 and my JayFeather 23RL. Not perfect, not junk, fairly well assembled but has it's issues. In the spirit of continuous improvement, have upgraded microwave to convection, tvs to Visio, added inline on board sediment filter, additional LED tail lamps, key-less entry, aluminum entry steps, MaxxAire fan and cover, will be finishing install of compartment lighting soon. Wet bolts will follow. Addition of tank heaters before end of summer, but first I have to replace the tv antenna my shed knocked off... and I used 100% of COVID stimulus to pay toward the loan....I'm under $5,000 balance now! Yup, it'll pay off before I have to junk it.

[Girtski]

Very similar design and ours was teal and white. My uncle Al had a Rollite. Those were quite unique. Popup with all hard aluminum sides. They were fun days. Glad you could get so much use from yours.

[jimmoore13]

RIP fine little RV!

[Onyrlef]

I know it sounds like a cliche but they just built some things better in those days. I'm always impressed when I see what our grandfather's built in the 30's as part of the CCC, they were paid $30.00 a month and were required to send $25.00 home to their families. Most of what they did is still standing.