Manitoba’s St. Malo Provincial Park is set to host the Manitoba Fiberglass And Vintage Camper Rally from August 16 to August 18, bringing together nearly 70 vintage trailers from across Canada and the United States.
According to an article published by CTV News on August 12, Roland Hoffman, who organized the event, said that the rally has the “potential to become one of the largest of its kind in North America.” Hoffman expressed his hope of surpassing 100 trailers in future rallies.
“There’s close to 70 trailers. So the next couple years, I’m hoping to break that 100-trailer mark,” Hoffman explained.
The appeal of these vintage trailers lies in their “durability.” Hoffman’s own trailer, now 52 years old, still boasts its original exterior. “There’s been a couple of leaks and windows and things like that you have to fix up over the years, but as long as previous owners have taken reasonable care of it, you know the durability is great,” Hoffman added.
In addition to their durability, Hoffman explained vintage trailers are favored for their ease of towing. Unlike modern campers that often require large, expensive vehicles to tow, these smaller trailers can be easily hauled by more modest vehicles.
“You don’t need an $80,000 truck to pull these all over the place. In fact, I have a little Ford Escape SUV, and you hardly notice this thing behind it,” Hoffman noted
The creativity of vintage trailer owners is another highlight of the rally. While some enthusiasts strive to restore their trailers to their original state, others opt for personalized makeovers, transforming them into themed campers.
“I’ve seen Bolers and other vintage campers turned into rolling British pubs, with drafts and kegs inside,” Hoffman shared, adding that sports-themed trailers featuring teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens are also popular.
On Saturday, the rally will open its doors to the public with an open house trailer tour, allowing visitors to explore the variety of vintage campers on display.
St. Malo Provincial Park, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, provides a backdrop for this gathering. The park’s environment and facilities make it a destination for campers.
