The trailer and car pictured here is owned by Don and Carol Mayton. The trailer was restored in 1993-94 by Don Mayton and Dean Tryon.

Friends
Restoring an old car or vintage trailer entails much of the same challenges. First of all you need good friends and a supportive wife. In my case, it was Dean Tryon which, without his skills in woodworking. the trailer would never have been done. Also the contacts I was able to make with those having Bowlus travel trailers allowed the research to go smoothly.

Before

New Skills
Learning new skills is so rewarding when doing a project like this. In the case of the trailer, it was woodworking; making laminated wood bows and aircraft style rivets. The unique shape at the rear created a real challenge to fit the paneling inside where the walls curve in all directions. In the case of aluminum and riveting restoration, I was able to find a person who restores and builds airplanes. He showed me how to rivet (aircraft style) and hammer-form aluminum.

Research
Researching this trailer and its builder was truly fascinating. Little did I know that the originator this trailer was famed aviator-glider builder Hawley Bowlus, who was a personal friend of Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh learned how to fly in gliders built by Bowlus.

Hard Work
Bottom line; it still takes lots of hard, tedious work.

Results
With a hobby, you develop new skills, work with friends, make new contacts so that others can enjoy the results. Why not take on the next challenge? My wife and I thoroughly enjoy the frustrations and fun of the hobby.

Interior, looking aft.

A NEW DESIGN for LIVING
Designed by W. Hawley Bowlus

W. Hawley Bolus, a nationally known pilot, aeronautical designer and builder. In l927 he personally supervised the construction of "The Spirit of St. Louis" and in 1932 designed and constructed the famous "Albatross Sailplane" which holds both distance and altitudes for the US.

With THE BOWLUS ROAD CHIEF one may go to a different place each weekend if desired, stopping wherever fancy dictates and never having to worry about securing comfortable accommodations or good food. It furnishes an ideal way to travel and enjoy the out of doors.

THE BOWLUS ROAD CHIEF is light in weight yet very strong, a point which those who have had experience with trailers will appreciate. It can be pulled easily with a small car. Passengers find it rides more comfortably than the car. The ball and socket hitch makes connecting or disconnecting only a moment's work.

FEATURES: Streamline body, all metal frame and complete outside coverings thorough insulation against heat and cold; safety glass windows; dust proof; two separate sleeping compartments with inner spring mattresses for four persons; ample storage space; electricity (110 and 6 volt); telephone to car; all metal kitchen; refrigerator and Coleman stove; 18 gal water tank, Houdaille shock absorbers; puncture-proof tubes, ball and socket hitch.

Specifications
. . . . . Length = 18' 3"
. . . . . Width = 6'
. . . . . Height = 7' 3"
. . . . . Weight = 1100 pounds approx.
Equipment
. . . . . Coleman 2 burner gasoline stove
. . . . . Stainless steel sink
. . . . . Ice box - 25# capacity
. . . . . Water tank - 12 gal. aluminum
. . . . . Curtains
. . . . . Kapok filled leather cushions
. . . . . Double strength glass windows
. . . . . Safety glass opt.
. . . . . Tires -16x600, 4 ply standard

1936 Buick Roadmaster
. . . . . Model 81 - Four Door Sedan

Engine:
. . . . . 320 cu. in. straight 8 OHV
Carburetor:
. . . . . Automatic, carburetor choke
Wheel base:
. . . . . 131"
Color:
. . . . . Green-Trouville-Blue
. . . . . (original color)
Suspension:
. . . . . Knee action
Brakes:
. . . . . Hydraulic 4 wheel
. . . . . (1st year for Buick)
Body:
. . . . . 'Turretop'
. . . . . Body by Fisher
. . . . . Dual Sidemounts
Accessories:
. . . . . Radio (factory)
. . . . . Heater (factory)
. . . . . Mirrors
. . . . . Fan (factory)
. . . . . Roof rack
Restored:
. . . . . 1987 by Don Mayton &
. . . . . son Phil Mayton