With some families trying to get in a few more weekends of camping before school starts, I thought I would share some photos of a rare 1952 Kom-Pak Sportsman teardrop trailer that I ran into at my local grocery store. Bob Sullivan of Nevada was towing around his white trailer during Hot August Nights, the classic car celebration in Reno, Nev.
Bob found the Kom-Pak languishing in a junk pile and was able to get it for free. After several months of cleaning and remodeling, he was able to bring the little trailer back to life. The fishing boat portion was recreated from the original mold.
There were reputably only 16 of these fiberglass trailers ever built and there are only about 6 of them left today. These tiny trailers were made in Medford, Ore. during the 1950s and were designed to look like the Fords of that era. The most interesting feature was a fully functional fishing boat attached to the roof of each trailer. The boat can be removed and placed in a lake for a camping/fishing trip. Both the trailer and the boat together weigh about 1,200 lbs. The back opens up and reveals a small kitchen (sometimes with a ice refrigerator and water tank). Inside Bob’s trailer is a full bed and some storage cabinets.
Photos courtesy of Harry Thomas, Bob Sullivan and Barrett Jackson
By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]
So…how do you get into it?
A quick search reveals that the door is on the front, right side for these. The images for the article above don’t really show the door very well. http://www.barrett-jackson.com/staging/carlist/items/Fullsize/Cars/82230/82230_Interior_Web.jpg
A better view is found here: http://www.woodyboater.com/communityweb/1954-kom-pak-sportsman-are-hotel-prices-getting-you-down/
Wow, I love it — you did a fantastic job restoring it back to its former glory!
there is a company that is producing fiberglass Trailerboats that look just like this Kom-Pac, they are called “American Dream Trailer Co.” and I think they may be reviving the original molds? They look very retro and I love the fins! So even though there were only about 20 Kom-Pacs ever made, you may be able to purchase one similar very soon!
Genus idea, but you’re in trouble if it rains when you’re on the lake! I’d buy one, I like the retro look of it but would have a tarp on hand to cover the camper when I used the boat.
Just in case any was wondering like myself, when the boat is removed, there is a canvas top that takes its place to keep the weather out. More pictures of a restored Kom-Pac with the boat removed: http://www.nicksteardrop.com/kompak.htm
Still, a neat idea to have a convertible trailer; you can watch the stars at night and still have some protection from bears.
That is perhaps the coolest thing I have seen that even a car could pull (?) so thanks so much for the peek into your amazing renovation. I love making something cool out of something no one wants anymore. Breathing new life into someone’s cast offs is the epitome of recycling and reusing. My motto is “reuse it or refuse it”. Feel free to share that one folks!
Sandi
That is too cute. I might try camping again in I had something like that.
That is very different and interesting. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it was make to be in the style of the Ford……that is really a little piece of history, so happy you found it and gave it new life, nice job.
JCinCT
Hi all, I just acquired a Kom-Pak very complete but in need of restoration. I live in Reno Nv. And would like to speak with Bob Sullivan who I believe also lives in Reno and also owns a Kom-Pak. If anyone knows him could you please let him know and ask if he would contact me. My email is renohamel@yahoo.com or 775-750-2400. Thanks, Mike hamel