Would you believe it if I told you that Ted Turner once had a 45′ Elkhart Traveler fifth wheel trailer custom made for himself? How about if the current owner wanted to modify it into a helipad?
DoItYourselfRV reader, Dirk, recently told us of his plans to create a one-of-a-kind DIY RV from a rather remarkable camper,
I have a goal to convert a 45′ fifth wheel travel trailer, once owned by Ted Turner, into a combination living quarters and toy hauler. This includes helicopter hauling. I want to be able to lower the walls to make a large platform and the 2 slideouts that exist will be used for the landing platform for the helicopter.
The trailer was originally built to spec for the Mouth of the South, Ted Turner.
Here’s what Dirk had to say about how he acquired the rig, and why he’s sure it was made for the media magnate himself,
I purchased this from a dealer in Oklahoma City. It has been pulled across the country 4 times and has spent the last 8 years sitting in the back yard in the heart of Illinois.
I did not do a title search to confirm who the original owner was, but we suspected it was Ted Turner of CNN because the door handle had Turner on it, It was originally titled in Florida, it was custom built, and when we started the remodel we discovered the cabinetry had the name Ted Turner written inside of it.
We later was told by an ex-employee of Elkhart Traveler that we met at an RV show that he was involved in the sale and building process of this particular trailer and in fact it was purchased by Ted Turner.
Dirk is also entertaining offers for the unique rig. As he says, he’d “hate to scrap it”. If this looks like the camper of your dreams (or you’re just a huge Ted Turner fan) let Dirk know of your interest.
Wow, where wouldn’t you go in a 45′ fifth wheel trailer?
This trailer has two opposing hydraulic slide-outs that make the living area the size of a small apartment. Hydraulic slide-outs were not common in the year this was made and the lights on the outside were just getting to be seen on the higher end RVs.
Gently remodeled interior.
Here’s some more details on the gargantuan RV,
It has apartment size washer and dryer and shower. The bathroom has porcelain toilet and is plumbed for water softener and filter. The holding tanks are heated for winter temps. It even has a separate ice maker.
The original cabinets were Cherrywood and mostly still are.
The front area was lowered to accommodate standing in the bedroom which has a queen size bed base, mattress not included, and modified to open for storage.
The front stabilizers are electric with manual available in an emergency. It houses two heavy duty marine batteries, but those need replaced.
You can get in touch with Dirk through his website.
