RESORT PREVIEW
fridge front, and outside graphics all carry that “Happy Days” theme. Here, I think Gulf Stream is on to something. This look is certainly meant to evoke nostalgia—however these images have and continue to be used in pop culture of all kinds— so folks of every age react to them. You didn’t have to live through the ‘50s to be smitten. Frankly it’s better if you didn’t; nostalgia is more about the heart than the head after all. Alright, so the fun factor certainly overshadows the fact that this is a very conventional trailer. A single axle, one-box design can be considered a light-weight. It has a GVWR of 4,133 pounds so it can be towed by a variety of vehicles, minivans, even the new Honda Ridgeline. At 22 feet 11 inches long, it uses a spread-out-the-sleepers design, with a large bedroom in the front and the fold-down booth dinette across the full width of the trailer at the back. Toilet, shower, refrigerator, and stove are set amidships right over the single axle. This centralizes the weight and it shows in how stable it feels going down the road. That fold-down dinette table will sleep two and the bed in front is a queen- size with an aisle on both sides and soft door for privacy. A second privacy mode in this central hall design works with the toilet door left open to block the hallway to the kitchen/ dinette area. With that door open the toilet, sink, vanity and shower across the hallway become part of the bedroom space with its built-in wardrobes. Lots of room and privacy for anyone’s morning or nightly routine. In fact, I noted right away that the size of the shower and the separate toilet enclosure in this unit is very modern to say the least and a good example of Gulf Stream’s product tagline—“technology of the 21st century.” A true ‘50s trailer design put much less emphasis on bathroom size. Having thought about that last phrase a bit I looked around for what else buyers can enjoy in this 2016 travel trailer that they never would have in 1956. Think about it; we often wax poetic about the “good old days”—but consider what you’d have never found in a trailer of this size in the ‘50s (or ‘60s and even ‘70s). For instance: air conditioning, thermostatically controlled propane heating, microwave oven, LED lighting (inside and out), powered awning, lightweight design incorporating aluminum and high-strength steel, radial tires, undercoating, powder-coated frame, powered tongue jack, checker plate stone guard, polyurethane battery and LP gas tank cover, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, flat screen TVs, prewired cable and satellite hookups, double sinks, AM/FM/ CD radio, large capacity 3-way refrigerator/freezer, 30AMP (or greater) shore power hookup, seamless, smooth exterior surfaces. That’s just a partial list as I looked around and through the unit. This is what you have to love about modern nostalgia—all the aahhh moments without the bother of last century technology. Overall the trailer shows good balance, space-wise. The design gives the kitchen area just enough importance to
make it compact and usable. It features a twin-burner stove, deep double sink with gooseneck faucet, a powered range hood and sufficient cupboard and drawer space. The flooring is hard-wearing vinyl in a dark wood board motif. There is no carpet and that’s good in a small trailer—much easier to keep things tidy without it. The rear dinette also gets some love with enough space for four “real” people to sit at— when this doubles as a bed it’s also bigger than some. As for storage, there is a single pass-thru at the front and a few other inside spots—but it’s not a lot. Outside hookups, fill nozzles and dump values are well positioned and clearly marked. In many ways if this trailer wasn’t being called “Vintage” it would simply be a well-built, decent, small trailer that suits a small family or a couple with friends who visit occasionally. Here is where Gulf Stream’s idea will pay dividends. Say you’re looking for a decent smaller trailer, the Cruiser is that. Now why not have a trailer that is fun too! It has this sense of whimsy with its cute design motifs—after all camping is supposed to be fun, so why not? On the road the unit tows easily—feeling light overall. My tow vehicle for this test was a 2016 Ram R/T pickup. It’s a regular cab, short bed 2WD truck that in some ways is also displaying a nostalgic look—yet with all the modern automotive conveniences including a 5.7L Hemi V8 with an eight-speed transmission. To set off the powerful stance of the truck, Ramhas put 22-inch factory chrome wheels on the truck. This model also has the Ramboxes built into its flanks, these offer easily accessed lockable storage. A factory tonneau cover also creates lots of storage for the stuff that won’t fit in the trailer. Towing with this rig was effortless—another reason why I mention that many less powerful vehicles will also manage the Vintage Cruiser competently. A fun trailer hooked to a very eye-catching fun truck. Some days I love my job.
RESORT TYPE Deluxe LOCATION Greenfield Center, New York SEASON May 15-October 15 WEBSITE saratogaescape.com
Saratoga Escape Lodges and RV Resort A quarter-century of family pride
For more than 25 years, Saratoga Escape Lodges and RV Resort in Greenfield Center, New York, has been in the capable and caring hands of owner Shauna Shepard’s family. She’s continuing that tradition byworking alongside daughter Shasta, park manager, and son Ray Shepard III, sales associate. All this adds up to a great experience when you pull your rig into the beautiful grounds of the resort. "We are in such an amazing area," says Shepard. “The resort is just miles from the famous Saratoga Race Track, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and fantastic shopping and restaurants downtown on Broadway. We are a short 20 minutes to beautiful Lake George, named ‘The Queen of the American Lakes.’ This spectacular lake, set at the base of the Adirondack Mountains, is more than 32 miles long and boasts over 170 islands in its pristine water. There are boat cruises hourly in the south basin, or for those craving a quieter experience, there are paddleboard, kayak, and
boat rentals as well as gorgeous lakeside restaurants. The Adirondack Mountains have inspired generations to hike, river and lake fish, boat, paddle, ski, raft and play outdoors in nature.” But you don’t have to leave the resort to find great amenities. The resort boasts a pool, miniature golf, aqua playground, ice cream parlor, store, and walking trails. There’s also a 15-acre private spring-fed lake with beach area, fishing, paddle boards, canoes, and paddleboats. You can also take horseback riding lessons at nearby Lookingback Farm. With future plans to extend their season year-round, winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and ice skating. If you travel without your RV, rent one of the beautiful cabins or a large Adirondack home. RV sites include your choice of waterfront or standard hook-up sites, and pull throughs.
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