1949 Kampmaster Restoration Slideshow
1949 Kamp Master Teardrop
History of Manufacturer:
Manufactured by King'S Trailer Company in Torrance, California. The Kamp Master is featured in Pg. 39 of Douglas Heister's Teardrops and Tiny Trailers book. There is also one in the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Indiana.
Its a unique teardrop because the rear hatch is massive and opens to form a full height camping trailer. Once deployed the hatch openings are enclosed with canvas that clip on. Fully loaded it sold for $875 in 1949.
It has a couch that folds down and comfortably sleeps 2. An exterior tent can be added attached to the hatch to add room for another 2 campers.
The Kamp Master design was picked up in the April 1953 issue of Popular Science who featured an article on making a home made version called the Wild Goose.
Where did I find her and what work did we do:
She was found in California in all original condition but in bad shape. She was a complete frame off restoration. The steel frame was reinforced for safety. New axle was installed as the prior one was broken in transport. Almost all the wood has rot or termite damage so it was replaced. The couch survived and was reupholstered. Ice box and range are also original.
Modifications:
Spare Tire Carrier under unit. Additional small cabinet added to hold battery and inverter. Fold out table over sink added. My unit did not come with the cupboards on the hatch as that was an option so we added them. Magazine rack and shelf added by the bed.
Coolest and Worst Design Features:
Specs of my Kamp Master:
History of Manufacturer:
Manufactured by King'S Trailer Company in Torrance, California. The Kamp Master is featured in Pg. 39 of Douglas Heister's Teardrops and Tiny Trailers book. There is also one in the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Indiana.
Its a unique teardrop because the rear hatch is massive and opens to form a full height camping trailer. Once deployed the hatch openings are enclosed with canvas that clip on. Fully loaded it sold for $875 in 1949.
It has a couch that folds down and comfortably sleeps 2. An exterior tent can be added attached to the hatch to add room for another 2 campers.
The Kamp Master design was picked up in the April 1953 issue of Popular Science who featured an article on making a home made version called the Wild Goose.
Where did I find her and what work did we do:
She was found in California in all original condition but in bad shape. She was a complete frame off restoration. The steel frame was reinforced for safety. New axle was installed as the prior one was broken in transport. Almost all the wood has rot or termite damage so it was replaced. The couch survived and was reupholstered. Ice box and range are also original.
Modifications:
Spare Tire Carrier under unit. Additional small cabinet added to hold battery and inverter. Fold out table over sink added. My unit did not come with the cupboards on the hatch as that was an option so we added them. Magazine rack and shelf added by the bed.
Coolest and Worst Design Features:
- The hatch is what makes this just so cool. Its massive in weight though. I did not want to change the look by adding stabilizers but i may have to.
- Built in stabilizers on bottom of unit come out so separate stabilizers are not needed.
- Dining table also serves as cabinet door and comes out and allows two to eat comfortably.
Specs of my Kamp Master:
- Year: 1949
- VIN: KM28149
- Weight: 840 lbs with 94lb tongue load.
- Dimensions Closed: Height - 5ft. Width - 6ft, 4 in. Length- 10.10 ft.
- Dimensions Open: Height- 6ft , 4 in.
- Sleeping Capacity: Sleeps 2. Optional outside tent that attaches to lid sleeps another 2
- Heating: None
- Refrigerator: 50 lbs capacity Ice Box
- Range: Original 2 burner butane stove
- Water: Portable water carrier
- Bathroom/Shower: None
- Power: 110/12v
- Brakes: None
- Tire Size: 6.00 x15
Before
After
Manufacturer Literature