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Last Updated on February 16, 2025 by Jeremy
Restoring the Past, One Part at a Time
So, you’ve finally done it. You’re now the proud owner of a vintage RV—whether it’s a classic Airstream, Winnebago, Shasta, or even a VW camper van. But as charming as these beauties are, they don’t exactly roll off the lot in perfect condition. Finding the right vintage RV parts isn’t just a shopping trip; it’s a treasure hunt.
In 2025, the demand for vintage trailer restorations is higher than ever. The nostalgia of the good ol’ days, combined with the craftsmanship of pre-mass-production models, makes these rigs worth preserving. But where do you find parts that fit, function, and keep that authentic retro look?
Let’s dive into the most sought-after vintage RV parts and where you can track them down.
1. Vintage RV Awnings – A Blast from the Past
Last summer, I had the pleasure of helping a fellow camper wrestle their vintage awning back into place. The metal arm had a slight bend—just enough to require a deep breath and a few prayers before we managed to get it back into storage.
Had that minor bend turned into a full break, finding a replacement awning wouldn’t have been a simple Amazon search. Vintage awnings—especially pole-and-rope models—are rare and pricey. Depending on size and material, a new one will run you anywhere from $380 to over $1,000.
But if you’re restoring a vintage trailer, authenticity is worth the cost. Nothing kills the aesthetic of a ‘60s or ‘70s trailer faster than a modern, factory-grade awning.
👉 Where to Find:
- Vintage Trailer Supply (Best selection of reproduction awnings)
- Marti’s Awnings (Specializes in handcrafted vintage trailer awnings)
- Etsy & eBay (Occasionally, original fabric awnings pop up here)
2. Vintage Trailer Wheels, Rims & Hubcaps
Nothing screams “period-correct” like vintage-style rims and hubcaps. While modern trailer wheels are designed for function over form, vintage RV enthusiasts know that a good set of hubcaps is a game-changer.
Whether you’re hunting for 4, 5, or 6-bolt rims in 13” to 16” sizes, you’re not alone. These parts are some of the most commonly searched-for vintage trailer accessories—and for good reason.
💰 Price Check (2025)
- Hubcaps: $20-$80 per piece
- Rims: $90-$500 per rim
- Tires: $140-$500 per tire
A small price to pay for the Back to the Future aesthetic. After all, a vintage trailer should look like it belongs in a classic road trip film, right?
👉 Where to Find:
- Hemet Valley RV (Specializes in classic RV exterior parts)
- Moon Equipment Co. (Great for retro hubcaps and chrome details)
- Vintage Trailer Supply (Best selection of RV tires, rims and hubcabs)
3. Interior & Exterior Lighting – Setting the Mood
Lighting is an often-overlooked detail when restoring a vintage RV. Modern LED lights might be more energy-efficient, but they just don’t have the same warm, inviting glow as vintage fixtures.
Fortunately, reproduction vintage lighting is more affordable than most vintage parts. Whether you’re after wall sconces, dome lights, switch plates, or toggle switches, you can find authentic-looking replacements without draining your restoration budget.
💡 Cost Breakdown (2025)
- Sconce & Dome Lights: $10-$70
- Toggle Switches & Plates: $5-$30
- Globe Light Covers: $15-$50
👉 Where to Find:
- Vintage Trailer Supply (Best for retro-style lighting)
- Classic Trailer Lighting Co. (Handcrafted and custom options)
- RV Salvage Yards (Original fixtures, but limited supply)
4. Front Window Rock Guards – Protecting Your Investment
If you’ve ever driven a vintage RV down a gravel road, you know the fear of windshield damage is real. Vintage Airstreams, Shastas, and other classic trailers have large, curved front windows—beautiful, but vulnerable.
A front window rock guard is your best line of defense. These aren’t cheap, but neither is replacing an original window from the 1960s.
💰 Price Check (2025)
- Starting at $400+
If you’ve got a classic VW camper van, you can skip this step—the front windshield is protected by sheer nostalgia alone (or so we like to believe).
👉 Where to Find:
- Vintage Trailer Supply (Best selection of reproduction rock guards)
- Local RV Restoration Shops (Some can custom-make them for your model)
- RV Salvage Yards (If you’re lucky enough to find an intact one)
Where to Buy Vintage RV Trailer Parts in 2025
Now that you know what to look for, let’s talk about where to find these rare parts. Unlike modern RV components, vintage parts aren’t stocked in every dealership or big-box store.
If you need replacement parts for your classic Airstream, Winnebago, or Shasta, these sites are the best places to start:
🏆 Top Websites for Vintage RV Parts
- Vintage Trailer Supply – The go-to one-stop shop for all things vintage RV.
- Hemet Valley RV – Specializes in exterior paneling, trim, and custom windows.
- Etsy & eBay – Occasionally, sellers list original vintage parts in good condition.
- Local RV Salvage Yards – Ideal for hard-to-find original pieces.
If you can’t find what you need online, attending vintage trailer rallies and swap meets can also lead to some hidden gems.
Final Thoughts
Restoring a vintage RV is part passion project, part detective work. Finding the right awnings, wheels, lights, and rock guards isn’t just about function—it’s about preserving history.
If you’re deep in the process of fixing up a classic RV, I’d love to hear about it!
📩 Send me a photo of your vintage trailer at jeremy@everythingrvsandmore.com, and I might just feature your rig in an upcoming post!
Cheers, and happy restoring!
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