In January of this year, our obsession with camper life really took hold. We bit the bullet and bought our first vintage camper– the 1980 Triple E and over the winter and spring, we renovated it. We fell in love with our little camper and took it on some wonderful and unforgettable adventures around Alberta. We were so proud of our work and over the summer we decided we might be open to another project. We listed our Triple E on Marketplace and a lady came by to view it and we can understand why she fell in love too. She bought it from us and we almost didn’t let go, but we did, reluctantly. We knew we couldn’t wait too long without a camper, so we got on the hunt right away.
It didn’t take us long to find another new-to-us gem right within our own community. I had previously been opposed to owning a tent trailer, especially a 40-year-old tent trailer, but after really considering the perks and seeing the excellent condition of the one we were considering, I caved. So my friends, without further adieu, here is our latest home on wheels: the 1980 Bonair tent trailer.
It’s a pop-up camera with lots of retro charm. It epitomizes the 80s with beige/brown/tan/orange EVERYTHING. There are charming flower-shaped handles on the cabinets and plaid cushions. The canvas has been patched in a few places but overall super sturdy. The floor is solid with no soft spots, but the roof is a different story– it’s clear there have been some leaks so we have some work to do there. It has plenty of natural light and I love how the windows zip open and shut. The frame is solid too. It’s much lighter to tow which saves us some money on gas compared to the Triple E, but it’s not quite as simple to set up. We think this little camper has lots of potential.
Consider this our official log of before pictures:
When you enter the door on the side, you’ll find a small but spacious living area: two beds on either end that can comfortably sleep two adults each, an (overly) large table with bench seating on either side, some cabinets, a furnace, an awkwardly low counter, and an awkwardly placed mini-fridge. Needless to say, we have big plans to rearrange, remodel, and revamp this little trailer. And like we did before, we’ll take you along for the adventure. Suggestions are welcome. See ya soon!
Great article. Will follow the reno with interet. Best of luck!
Hey! Wondering what size the beds are? Thinking double…
One question. We have one of these and unsure what the zippers are for on the exterior of the windows on the main side.
It’s for add a room, I am looking to find any pictures of one in use or source one myself actually for an 89.
We’ve been trying to find pictures and have had no luck… if you find one please let me know
Hey! This looks great! Did you guys have a service manual or anything like that?
I’m looking for one just like this for myself. My father owned the Bonair trailer mfg in Quebec Canada.
Nice rig!!
Hello I’m new to the pop up gang , I’m wondering what the two wires in the little secret compartment beside where the fridge goes are for? They have weird jumper cable type things on the ends. I’m not sure what they are for? Also what is the best thing to use for patches because I have a Hugh hole over the one corner above one of the bunks. Thank you.