The DualCraft Chalet – The First A-Frame Trailer
When I investigated the perfect trailer for myself I did quite a bit of research on A-Frame trailers. They’re made by quite a few manufacturers right now and they are quite ingenious in how they pop up so easily. You can read about what I said about them here:
My problem with the A-Frame trailers is that they are so UGLY when they are all folded up and going down the road. I know I shouldn’t care about that because they are lightweight and easy to tow, but, honestly, I do. Part of the reason I’m attracted to having a trailer is having a cute dollhouse that I can personalize and decorate.
Well, now that I’ve actually OWNED a cute dollhouse trailer that attracted every onlooker in the RV park, I’m happy to live in anonymity. So, those A-frame trailers look pretty swank to me now.
I was surprised to learn, however, that these aren’t the first A-frame trailers to hit the market. Before Aliner, Chalet and Rockwood, there were the DualCraft Chalet trailers.
I learned of their existence from this pin on Pinterest: Pinterest / 1966 Dualcraft Tent trailer
Then I found Erin & Lisa Beckwell’s 1973 DualCraft Chalet posted on Good Old RVs.
Other than these two examples, I can’t find out any more information on these trailers. They’re not even listed in the Nada Guides. Fortunately, Erin and Lisa posted a BUNCH of photos of their trailer, so we can see how they were.
The first thing I noticed is that unlike the modern A-Frame trailers, the DualCraft does not fold down. It’s a normal travel trailer, like a Shasta or an Airstream. There’s no “Presto-Foldo” factor. Update 02-06-13: I’ve just learned that this is NOT true. They DO fold up. Commenter, Al Massey, corrected me and was gracious enough to provide pictures and memories of his own DualCraft Chalet.
Like the modern A-frame trailers, however, the floor plan of the DualCraft consists of a table on one side that converts to a bed.
The other side has a full-time bed.
Between them are the living essentials like a stove and storage.
I particularly like how Erin and Lisa decorated their DualCraft with the bright colors.
It looks like a comfortable place to retreat after a long day hiking and swimming in lakes.
It was such a happy surprise to find the DualCraft Trailer online and know that A-Frame trailers have been around in some form or another for as long as I’ve been alive.
i borrowed one of these trailers and they do fold down , we liked the style so much sourced same style out in alberta ,we located one built in edmonton that folds up it is insulated ,has a propane grity furnace and propane fridge i installed , we have taken across canada and into bc many times ,we’ve had it for about 12 years. best unit ever! it’s our “swiss chalet” (wife is swiss)
Comment by AL MASSEY — February 6, 2013 @ 8:46 pm
Al,
I would LOVE to see any pictures you might have of it. I absolutely love these trailers and I’d like to see how yours folds down!
Best, Laura Moncur
Comment by Laura Moncur — February 7, 2013 @ 6:58 am
I was excited when I found this site. We have a 39’ park model trailer on a seasonal lake lot that we spend most of our holidays at, but every year we go to a reunion and sleep in a tent. A couple of years ago I saw a Dual Craft on Kijiji in Calgary and I have been thinking about it ever since. Last month I saw another listed on Kijiji in Edmonton so I wasted no time traveling from Saskatoon to purchase it. I’m a sucker for anything Vintage so this 1968 is the perfect restoration project for me. It’s in rough shape but to be expected or the year. My husband initially thought I was crazy but is starting to coming around, we have even talked about other trips we could take in our little Chalet.
Comment by Barb — September 13, 2013 @ 9:33 am
Hi! I have a 1965 DualCraft Chalet, the earliest one I’ve seen to date! If you know of an earlier one, I’d love to hear from you! Mine will be restored, reprinted this spring and used! Nice to see yours Al!
Comment by Bruce Elrick — January 23, 2014 @ 8:31 pm
Hi I have a 1966 Dual Craft, I plan on restoring. Does anyone have any information on these trailers?
Comment by Albert — March 1, 2014 @ 8:18 pm
I believe these trailers were manufactured in a sleepy little town called Eckville, Alberta. Last time I ever stopped there was +\~ 1980. They had moved onto slide in pickup campers and toppers by then.
Comment by Gary — June 9, 2014 @ 6:35 pm
`I have one of these little trailers also It is so cute and easy to move where you want it by hand Spent many rainy days inside playing cards Very comfortably
Comment by michelle — July 3, 2014 @ 3:40 am
Thanks for the input. Maybe we can share pictures.
Comment by Albert — July 28, 2014 @ 8:42 pm