Vintage Trailers
Vintage Trailer Restoration Projects in the High Desert
The Airstream and teardrop trailers DezResto has restored, and what went into them.
Who is behind these vintage trailer restorations?
Stephen Samojeden restores vintage trailers as personal projects alongside DezResto's High Desert home restorations. It isn't a service he generally offers to clients, but he is open to discussing possible projects. Recent projects include a 2003 Airstream 30' Sovereign, which was repaired, run as a Pioneertown Airbnb, and sold in February 2026, and a 1948 Tourette teardrop trailer, his newest acquisition.
The 2003 Airstream 30' Sovereign
DezResto found this Airstream languishing in a Riverside RV storage lot with low-speed damage. The rear quarter panels were replaced and the flooring was repaired. It was then set up as a successful Airbnb in Pioneertown before being sold to a Bay Area enthusiast in February 2026. Read the full 2003 Airstream restoration project.
The 1948 Tourette teardrop trailer
The Tourette is a rare, vintage teardrop trailer with a riveted aluminum shell built from aircraft-grade aluminum. It was manufactured by the Universal Trailer & Manufacturing Co., also known as Universal Trailers & Mfg. Corp., in Kansas City and Independence, Missouri. After World War II the company used excess aircraft manufacturing techniques, building the Tourette with the same aluminum and rivet specifications used for military airplanes.
DezResto plans upgrades that include solar, venting with integrated LED lighting, a custom interior, and modern sliding-screen door windows. See the 1948 Tourette teardrop trailer project page.
What is a teardrop trailer?
A teardrop trailer is a compact, lightweight camper with a rounded, teardrop-shaped profile, small enough to tow behind an ordinary vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Does DezResto restore vintage trailers for clients?
Not generally. Stephen restores vintage trailers as personal projects, including a 2003 Airstream 30' Sovereign and, most recently, a 1948 Tourette teardrop trailer. It isn't a service he generally offers to clients, but he is open to discussing possible projects.
What was done to the 2003 Airstream?
The Airstream had low-speed damage when it was found in a Riverside RV storage lot. Its rear quarter panels were replaced and its flooring was repaired. It was then set up as an Airbnb in Pioneertown and sold to a Bay Area enthusiast in February 2026.
What is special about the 1948 Tourette?
It is a rare teardrop trailer with a riveted aluminum shell, built by the Universal Trailer & Manufacturing Co. in Missouri using the same aluminum and rivet specifications used for military airplanes.
Can I hire DezResto to restore my trailer?
Restoring vintage trailers isn't a service Stephen generally offers to clients. The trailers shown here were his own projects, acquired and restored for himself. If you have a trailer you would like to talk about, he is open to discussing possible projects. Contact Stephen Samojeden.
More from DezResto
DezResto also restores homes and cabins. See our restored desert homes for sale in Joshua Tree and every project on the desert home restorations page. To talk about a possible trailer project, call 310-227-4805 or email Samo71@gmail.com.