Desert Book - Desert Magazine of the Southwest

YEARS ago a trailer
was a rare sight on the desert;
today it is not uncommon to see
one parked under a palo verde tree
in the remotest retreat, miles from the
nearest paved road. On a recent trip
across the Mojave Desert from Baker
to Tonopah by way of Shoshone, I met
60 cars along the way—and 35 of
them were pulling trailers!
This unprecedented growth in the
popularity of the travel trailer reflects
a significant trend in the recreation
habits of Southwesterners: outdoor diversion
more and more is becoming a
family affair. The trailer provides the
conveniences needed for the kids, the
wife, grandma and grandpa—and offers
a margin of safety against the
danger of a breakdown far from help.
Low Cost
Our travel trailer allows us to enjoy
week ends and extended holidays
at a minimum of cost, and our trailer
can go almost anyplace a standard car
is able to take us. There are other
considerations. We have salvaged
more than one desert week end by
waiting out a brief and sudden storm
in the comfort of our trailer. We are
just as comfortable parked in the unprotected
heart of a dry lake as we
are in a snug cove. Making camp after
nightfall presents no problems—there
is no need to gather firewood, haul
water cans and food boxes from the
car, and lay out the sleeping bags.
A travel trailer should not be confused
with a mobile home which is a
permanent family dwelling. Travel
units are 27 feet in length or less.
Currently the most popular size with
trailerists is the 15-footer, with the
Trailers Meet the Desert...
By DAVID F. LYON
17-footer a close second. Average
price range for these models is from
$850 up to $1200.
Travel trailers—even the small ones
—offer much more than is at once
apparent. They come completely
equipped, including ice box (usually
a choice or regular ice, butane or electric),
stove (often with oven), dining
nook, and lights (butane or electric).
Small as the 15-foot size appears, several
makes can sleep as many as six
adults.
Most companies build models with
bathroom facilities, although in some
trailers this is considered extra equipment.
Floor plans are varied—a good
point to remember when shopping for
a trailer. Check the models at several
lots before you make a final decision.
Basic information on all phases of
trailers and trailering is given by all
reputable dealers.
There's only one way to learn how
to tow your trailer—and that's by getting
out on the highway and towing it.
While dealers are happy to offer advice
and preliminary instruction, it
Drive anywhere in the Southwest
and you see them—in the
cities, in the remotest desert
campgrounds, in the most elegant
resorts, at raw construction
sites, on paved highways
and rough back-country trails—
trailers! Here is a report on the
advantages and enjoyments
that come from owning travel
trailers and mobile homes.
takes practice to develop the extra
motoring skill demanded by trailering.
Towing a trailer is not dangerous.
On the contrary, the average trailerist
has a better-than-average safe driving
record. Some motorists think of trailerists
as traffic congestors, but the law
in many states stipulates that the trailerist
limit his speed to 45 m.p.h. Most
trailerists conform to an unwritten
code of driving courtesy, and, wherever
possible, move over to let fast traveling
traffic pass by. Unfortunately,
there is a small element among trailerists
who do not show this consideration
to other motorists.
Hitch Requirements
Only extra equipment the beginning
trailerist needs is a good hitch. This
either can be attached to the car's
frame or bumper. There are certain
regulations laid down by the various
states regarding the hitch. In California,
for instance, a travel trailer
weighing over 1500 pounds, unladen,
must have auxiliary brakes and an
electric breakaway device which insures
a quick stop for a trailer disengaged
from the towing vehicle. Happily,
the hazard of the trailer breaking
away from the car is extremely slight.
Thousands of Westerners have found
that by forming or joining a trailer
club, they can derive even more enjoyment
from their trailering activities.
Club functions usually take place on
week ends when members gather at
pre-determined recreation areas to enjoy
hearty programs of fun and relaxation.
Featured around a cheery campfire
at these gatherings are community
singing, story sessions and pot-luck
dinners. Growing numbers of gem
and mineral hobbyists own trailers,
16 DESERT MAGAZINE