I have been studying numerous threads here on the forum regarding the history of the Boler, particularly the Boler American of the early 70's. I have also studied photos of numerous Bolers and Boler Americans in comparison to mine.
From what I have learned here (and correct me if I am wrong) is Evelands (Scamp) in Baccus MN started making
fiberglass trailers in 1971 (Boler American?) after signing a contract in July 1971 either with Boler or Eleanor International. Tri-Fab began in May 1971 but contracted in September 1971 to build Boler American but finished their first production run of the
Love Bug in September 1972 (did they make both brands at or during the same time?). Century Mfg. in Aurora Nebraska made a 1970
Eco Featherlite 13' but supposedly made Boler American as well. I understand that Eleanor International bought the production rights to the Boler American in late 1971 and Boler American were made in 1972 and ended in 1972 spawning off
Scamp,
Love Bug and
Eco by the 3 respective plants. There is mention of molds being shipped in December 1971 to Eleanor, but based on what I have learned I am wondering if Boler contracted with any of the 3 plants to produce Bolers in the US before Eleanor International AKA "Boler American" came into play. Roy in TO quote from some newspaper articles in 1969-1971 that Boler was franchising with plants in the US, this was before Eleanor registered in KS and mentions of a plant producing in Los Angeles in April 1971.
Based on these serial numbers out of the Century Mfg plant in Aurora NE and from forum notes here on Boler Americans there is some confusion as to when production actually started in the US and serial numbers which are out of order with respect to the dates.
1971 #1057 (Matt G)
1971 #11XX (Johnny M)
1972 #1036
1972 #1069
1972 #1102
1973 #1105
• Also my paper work/bill of sale states mine as a 1971 and the previous owners tag history shows it as a 1971 as well.
• All emblems had been removed when we purchased it, but the plate on the tongue/frame looks identical to the Boler American plates pictured here but without the Boler American logo on it.
• It also had the original Ingersol Rub R Ride
axle when we bought it and so I wonder if this
axle was used both in the US and Canadian plants???
• The
fiberglass molding of the
tail lights on ours are identical to the one Matt G owned pictured on here (except ours is upgraded to led's/lenses).
• Also, when I was fiberglassing over all the rivet holes in our unit we had rivet holes in the same positions under the
windows as where the Boler American emblems were placed, whereas the Canadian Bolers appear to have emblems above the
windows.
I am pretty sure that ours is indeed a Boler American but I welcome any input on what I have gathered from the various threads here and from others on this site.