Product Description
SOLD #073160002023 C.S.
Note* In the photos all 3 front windows are missing but we have since installed old windows to keep the rain and weather out of the trailer.
EXTERIOR
The exterior of this vintage Spartan is very original, very intact and very complete. It is built like an airplane with riveted construction for long life and durability.It has aircraft grade aluminum which can be polished up to a mirror like shine. It still has both of the original aluminum wheel skirts which are in good condition.
Frame and A-frame. Frame has a lot of surface rust but the main frame rails appear to solid in most areas. Some of the outriggers and cross members have some severe rust and should be replaced.There are several frame cross members that are bent. It looks like the trailer was drug over a stump or something. I don't believe these frame issues will prevent the trailer from being towed as we towed this trailer approximately 200 miles with not issues, but plan on doing some work to the frame of this trailer during the restoration.
Dents scratches and damage. The worst damage on this trailer is on the passenger side rear of the trailer. The bottom panel will need to be removed and straightened out with a English wheel and the rub rail will need replaced. Other than this, the exterior skin is in very good condition with only very minor dings and flaws.
Entry doors . Has both of the original aluminum entry doors with the cool porthole style windows. The glass on the front window is cracked. Both doors are in good condition with only very minor flaws. Both doors have the original Safety Lock brand locks but both handles are broken. No keys. Both door still have the original interior vinyl covers which are in fair shape. They may be able to be cleaned up and reused or use the old ones for a pattern if you want new ones. Doors will need new gaskets.
Screen doors. Has the original wood screen doors which are in fair to poor condition.
Entry steps. Both steps and brackets are missing from this trailer.
Front hoist. No.
Hitch coupler. Yes. Has a newer coupler with a 2 inch ball.
Roof and Vents. Roof is dirty but I do not see any apparent damage. All of the original aluminum roof vents are there.
Exterior lights. Has two of the four original KD 540 marker lights with glass lenses and stainless steel bezels. One glass lens looks fine, the other one appears fine but looks like it has internal cracks. Has the original KD 520 tail lights with glass lenses and chrome bezels. Has a newer license plate light and bracket. Original lights are untested but temporary tow lights have been added in the rear so that the trailer can be towed home safely.
Underbelly. The original enclosed underbelly was an Insulation board type material which is pretty much all gone.
Windows. Has all four of the original slider windows which are complete with all hardware and screens . There are no cracks or chips in these windows. The rear quarter windows are the non-opening type and both windows have holes in them. Has the original Marvel brand steel window in the rear which has some surface rust but still appears to be in decent condition. Usually these windows are shot. The glass does have a crack in it. All three of the front plexiglass windows are needing replaced. We do have these windows available for sale which are made from UV stabilized polycarbonate. Our shop can install these windows for an additional charge or you can do it yourselves. All windows will need new seals.
INTERIOR
The interior of this vintage Spartan is mostly original but in pretty rough condition and very dirty. There are several wall and ceiling panels which are water stained, damaged or missing. The floor is in bad shape and will need to be replaced.
Cabinet and closet doors. Most are there and range from fair to poor condition.
Catches. Yes, has original hardware.
Countertops. Yes, has the original aluminum countertops which are in fair condition.
Floor. Floor is in bad condition and will need replaced.
Floor covering. Has carpet which is in poor condition.
Table. No. But there is plenty of room for a freestanding table.
Unit sleeps. Room for up to four persons to sleep.
Walls. Has the original birch paneling on walls and ceiling. Most, if not all will need to be replaced.
RUNNING GEAR
Has been updated from the original. I pulled the grease caps before I towed it and there was adequate grease in them so I did not repack them. I tow the trailer approximately 200 miles with no issues.
Axles and springs. Has a newer axle with newer leaf springs and new brake assemblies but brakes have not been tested.
Dry Weight. 3700 pounds.
Hitch ball height. Approximately 18 inches.
Safety chains. Yes.
Hitch weight. Approx. 475#
Hitch ball size. 2 inch.
Hubcaps. No.
Spare tire. No.
Tire condition. Has 2 brand new 7:00-15LT 10 ply bias tires mounted on new silver mod rims with six on 5 1/2 inch bolt circle.
FURNISHINGS
Bed mattress. Still has what I believe is the original bed base which is 48” x 72”.
Couch gaucho . Yes, still has what I believe is the original click clack couch. Upholstery is shot and will need reupholstered.
Curtains. No.
ELECTRICAL
Has the original electrical system with two automatic reset circuit breakers. I connected power and most of the lights and outlets were in working condition. Entire electrical system should be checked by a certified expert before use.
110 V lights. Yes. Has all of the original light fixtures ,most are in good shape but a couple will need work.
12 volt lights. No.
Brakes. Yes, has electric brakes. We did not test the brakes since it is a newer axle.
Plug for exterior lights. Yes. A newer seven way plug has been added.
Porch light. Yes. Has the original bell type porch light.
RV battery. No.
LP SYSTEM
Has most of the original LP system intact. This has the very cool and very rare pancake type LP tanks. I doubt if these can be recertified but they are definitely very cool. Entire LP system and appliances should be checked by a certified expert before use.
Furnace. No.
Gas bottles. Yes. Has the original Pancake type LP tanks. They have some surface rust and some pitting but otherwise are in good condition.
Gas lights. No.
Gas regulator. No.
Range oven. Yes. Has the original A.B. brand 20 inch freestanding stove with oven which is untested. Refrigerator. No.
Water heater. No.
PLUMBING
Has the original plumbing which is very simple since there was no water heater. Plumbing system and all appliances should be checked by certified expert before use.
Freshwater tank. No.
Kitchen sink. Yes. Has the original kitchen sink which is an aluminum 2 bowl sink which still has the original faucet. Also has a very cool original aluminum drain board that sits on top of the stove when not in use.
Lavatory. Yes. Has the original aluminum lavatory or shaving sink in the rear with the original faucet.
Holding tanks. No
Shower. No
Toilet. No
Water intake valve. Yes
SPECIAL
This vintage Spartan is unrestored but would be a great candidate for a complete restoration. It has a very nice exterior shell and is mostly original. Yes, it will take a lot of work, but you will have a super cool trailer when done. This trailer is small and light enough that it can be towed by most SUVs.
Owners manual. Yes. Has the original guide which is five sheets printed on legal size paper.
Owners paperwork. Yes, has most , if not all of the original paperwork that came with the trailer. It has a 1948 Spartan Manor specifications sheet. It has information sheets on the Safety Lock as well as some other items. It even has the original bill of sale from Detroit Trailer Depot dated June 19, 1947.
MISC.
These original Spartan Manors are getting harder and harder to find. You will be hard pressed to find a vintage trailer built better than a Spartan. They were an aircraft company that started building house trailers after World War II.
This trailer does not come with any optional equipment or hitch parts. If you are interested in this trailer please check out our Terms & Conditions Page. If this trailer does not suit your needs, please check out all other vintage campers we have at our Trailers For Sale Page.
If you have any other questions or interest please contact Dan at 765-473-8088.
