Desert Book - Desert Magazine of the Southwest

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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
Kitchen of this 20-foot trailer is equipped with double sink, cabinets, refrigerator, range and oven, hot and cold water. Each trailer space at this Tucson park provides ample private yard space and attractive landscaping. 16-foot Airstream "Bubble" offers all-riveted, all-aluminum construction. This one is popular lightweight travel trailer. MARCH, 1959 17 .
Page 2 and 3: . . . some of the best of the West
Page 4 and 5: DISCOVERING FABLE VALLEY BY NELL MU
Page 6 and 7: large dwelling room and two smaller
Page 8 and 9: IS •Z VI0WWB^SilSl& B/7/ Thompson
Page 10 and 11: He Paints Pictures You Can Understa
Page 12 and 13: district"—the ancient city's famo
Page 14 and 15: family settled in Tucson where late
Page 18 and 19: ... trailers have created a new way
Page 20 and 21: purchase our own reference books fo
Page 22 and 23: ON DESERT TRAILS WITH A NATURALIST
Page 24 and 25: For Boys With Problems ... Ralph an
Page 26 and 27: Quiz If you have an eager mind—ea
Page 28 and 29: you will want to own THESE OUTSTAND
Page 30 and 31: SOUTHWEST HEWS BRIEFS Canyon Park P
Page 32 and 33: THE DESERT TRflOING POST Classified
Page 34 and 35: KENT FROST JEEP TRIPS Into the Famo
Page 36 and 37: Earl Napier holds 20-pound jasper.
Page 38 and 39: CAPTIVE TURQUOISE EARRINGS Genuine
Page 40 and 41: FINEST MOONSTONES COME FROM CEYLON
Page 42 and 43: EVENING I read in the January issue
Page 44: Photo of the Month On The "Never fe

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