Introducing Argosy

Camping has never been our thing, but we are hoping to change that. Being in the great outdoors in Yellowstone this summer has left us wanting to do more. Watching our kids enjoy themselves in the nature was priceless. We decided getting a travel trailer would make things easier and help us get out.

Brother-in-law, Bryan, found an ebay listing in Sacramento for a 1978 20 foot Argosy. We knew we could trust him when he said it looks to be in good shape. He owns the exact same model himself and is very knowledgeable about vintage trailers. Scott finalized the purchase on ebay after he talked to the owner on the phone, and he and Bryan set off to go get it that weekend. 17 hours each way, but they came back in two and a half days. Bryan kindly drove his car because ours doesn't have a towing package yet (Totota said they are releasing their 2011 towing package in a few weeks). The trailer is in great condition, and all the appliances work. The dinette and sofa bed are missing because it was used as an office at one point, but the sale price reflected that and we got a good deal. The previous owner had big plans for restoring it, but he got tired and bought a RV instead.

We drove over to Seattle last weekend to purchase some furniture from a guy who is restoring a 34 foot Airstream. He was getting rid of everything inside since he is going to put in all new furniture. We got the dinette and couch bed that we will refinish and reupholster. We also bought three over head bins that we will use the tambour door mechanism of. Ours is missing that completely. We are excited that we don't have to have those pieces made from scratch. The guy's oven was deeper and newer, so we got that as well.

This is the state of our garage right now. What you see closest to you is the kitchen cabinet. We bought birch contact paper to cover it. The two pieces on the right and the pillows in the back make the dinette. We spray painted the frame and tambour doors last night, and it is looking nice and fresh. The upholstery fabric samples have been ordered, and we will have the dinette and bed reupholstered as soon as we finalize the fabric choice.

Here is Scott painting late into the night. Two coats of primer and two coats of Benjamin Moore "Old Prairie". Scott is facing the kitchen where there will be a sink, fridge, stove, oven, and over head storage. Behind him will be a sofa bed. The camera is standing where there will be a dinette that converts to more sleeping area. There is a three piece bathroom in the back with a shower, toilet, and sink. The tall wood paneling you see on the right is a wardrobe, which will also be covered in birch contact paper.