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Vintage RV: Restored 1971 Layton Travel Trailer

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

A 24ft 1971 Layton Trailer. The 70’s don’t seem that long ago yet a quick Google search for a Vintage RV from Layton in this era yields surprisingly little results. This shows not only how vintage this travel trailer is but also that it’s a rare RV as well. Speaking of search, I found out a little about the history of Layton. Layton happened to get its origins in Elkhart , IN in 1951 and was started by a guy named Julius Decio. They began as a mobile home manufacturer and moved on to RV’s as a diversification tool for their business. They are still involved in both manufactured housing and RV’s to this very day. But, I digress.

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Photo Credit

Vintage RV: Restored 1971 Layton Travel Trailer Photos:

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It turns out this 1971 Layton vintage RV was for sale in 2011 for the small sum of $3800 which we think is a incredible value given the work that has been put into this travel trailer. We are talking not only aesthetics, but this Layton also has a working heater. For a vintage RV that’s now 42 years old to have that plus two fully functioning RV sinks with hot and cold water is a feat of its own.

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As you can see from the photos the exterior and interior were painstakingly restored into like new condition. I am no vintage RV guru, but much of the interior seems to be original. The fridge certainly has some age if its not. The appliances and fixtures look age appropriate as well. The air conditioner however has been updated. We wont hold that against as air conditioning was just coming into the mainstream when this restored vintage RV was rolling off the line. The toilet and bathroom fixtures have been replaced which are expected given the age. Of course the roof must have been sealed who knows how many times over the years.

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Photo Credit

The Layton vintage RV is a work of art in its own right and features a kitchen dinette that breaks down and a pull down bed above the king bed in the back of the trailer. Its incredible to look at the features of this vintage RV and compare it to the more modern versions. Not much has really changed. With the exception of a more space friendly floor plan today’s RV’s are built on the same idea as these vintage RV units that are more than 40 years old.

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At $3800, they had my money. It’s a shame we are only finding out about it now. Every time I lay eyes on a vintage RV it reminds me of the reason there is so much enjoyment derived from RV’ing. Just like when I was a kid and could have stumbled into this 1971 Layton with the same type of glare that I have right now. Its about family, fun, and freedom for me, how about you?

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7 thoughts on “Vintage RV: Restored 1971 Layton Travel Trailer”

  1. Is it just a Layton that is a rare find? I just bought a 1975 Komfort 21foot. It is in superb condition and I was thinking about remodeling it, but after reading this, if it is worth something, I might just restore it. I am not an RV expert, in fact this is my first travel trailer and I bought it from a friend for a really good deal. Did I just make a find?

  2. I just purchased a 1977 Layton 2250, which is a 20 ‘ trailer, but with hitch is classified by Skyline to be a 22’ trailer. It is entirely in original shape. Upholstery is thread bare, original foam, and showing it’s age for sure. I purchased it for $3,500 which was excessive, but in Canada this is a rare find. Also it was on it’s second owner first 17 years, 2nd 20 years. The bones are good, needs a good cleaning, a new air conditioner (removed and air vent installed instead), I’m starting with the upholstery and will take it from there.

  3. I restored this RV and reluctantly sold it after only one camping trip in it. The current owner is in Loomis CA.

    I loved the floor plan and searched high and low for it. Found it in a strange little town south of Clovis. It had dark grey/brown paneling, ‘Raiders’ flags nailed over the windows, a badly damaged bathroom ceiling and FILTHY.

    The bathroom ceiling was repaired by pros along with the new toilet. The rest which was cosmetic was done by little ol’ pregnant me. I remember well the three coats of that yellow and white to cover the dark paneling…The original floor and wall paper in the bathroom are probably my favorite parts about this trailer.

    I do wish I could have kept it for a guest room/house as this trailer really is BIG to haul around camping.

    If people really like this, it’s simple to do . Get a good trailer with good bones, not too much damage and go for it. Know a good local RV repair shop because you might need guidance on things – and at times just hand over certain jobs to the pros. But do have an eye out for certain vintage characteristics – you don’t want to destroy history. The cabinets were so he worn in this one that painting over it was its last chance. I wouldn’t dream of painting most interiors. I shudder when I see perfect original cabinets yanked out and replaced with modern Hime Depot trash. There’s a difference between restore and revive.

    I’m glad to see this so many people are enjoying the pics of this labor of love:) Happy restorations:)

  4. We have a layton 24 foot too. We are almost done restoring it. I guess these guys are rare …can you send me a picture? Would love to see it. And I can send you one of ours! We start our own layton trailer club! I’m also part of tin can tourist its a fun group too.

  5. We just bought a very solid 1971 Layton trailer (24′). Very excited! Buying a new LP fridge for it, but everything works with a bit of cleaning (unused for 2 years). Have to replace the roof vents and repair roof from when LP fridge removed 2 years ago, but it’s a steal at $500. Totally solid.

    Wish there was a Layton trailer club….not much info seems to be available on them.

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