Apeco "Small World", a time traveler from the 1970's! - Fiberglass RV
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Old 10-12-2020, 07:27 AM   #1
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Name: Shredne
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Connecticut
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Apeco "Small World", a time traveler from the 1970's!

Hello World!
I'm the proud new owner of a rare survivor from the 1970's. It's so rare that there isn't even a category listed under Manufacturers!
Briefly, the Apeco company was originally a photographic equipment manufacturer. The name is an acronym for American Photographic Equipment Co.of Evanston, Illinois. So naturally, they decided to go into the RV trailer business! The trailers were manufactured in White Pidgeon, MI.
They didn't last long, but I believe their design was quite innovative. I'm told that the owner of the company was an avid boater and his idea was to use two fiberglass boat hulls to form the trailer. That may explain the unusual shape.
This trailer was gifted to me by the original owners, Barb and Wayne. They kept meticulous records and I am very excited to be starting this renovation process.
Information on these trailers is very hard to come by. If anyone has any ideas or information to share, it will be greatly appreciated. I will be sharing photos of my process as it goes along.
See you on the road, Bronze!
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Old 10-12-2020, 08:09 AM   #2
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Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
Washington
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You have a very interesting project there. I've never seen an Apco. The unusual front window. Rock chips would be a concern to me. Replacing it would not be fun. A canvas cover that fastens over the window, like the ones you see on yachts would be one possibility.
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Old 10-12-2020, 08:45 AM   #3
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Name: Phil
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Nice looking boat, errrr rv.
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Old 10-12-2020, 09:28 AM   #4
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Arizona
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It seems to share some design elements with the Lil Snoozy. Given the Apeco’s rarity, hard to say if there was any direct inspiration or just two marine minds following similar channels.
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Old 10-12-2020, 06:20 PM   #5
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Oregon
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Best of luck with the renovations. Quite a unique design~! Curious to see what the insides looks like layout wise.
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Old 10-17-2020, 07:30 PM   #6
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Beginning if the renovation

Here's what it looks like after undergoing a basic restoration of the exterior and undercarriage at V&V Bros. RV and Trailer repair in Redwood City, CA.
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Old 10-18-2020, 09:46 AM   #7
tua
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Utah
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Apeco

WOW! What a gem you have! You are so fortunate to be the historian preserver!
Thank you SO much for sharing and look forward to seeing the reno process!

I'm no help never seeing one before but like all other molded fiberglass trailers I imagine it would have the same basic maintenance needs.

It sort of reminded me of another old molded fiberglass trailer I saw once with the big front windows.

And yes do please give us the inside peek we are all wanting to see!
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Old 10-21-2020, 10:47 AM   #8
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Where's the rock shield for that massive front window? I'd be scared to tow that
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Old 10-21-2020, 10:56 AM   #9
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Name: Karl
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Interior Pics

YES! Please post interior pics . Luv to see inside!
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Old 10-21-2020, 11:09 AM   #10
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Virginia
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More new information keeps showing up here to inspire us! Like many others her, I had never even heard of an Apeco camper, and I’m fascinated by the unusual shape and the big front window. Noting that it is made in thee pieces, the window wouldn’t be impossible to replace, but I’d hate to have to try to duplicate one of the curved side pieces. Add my name to those suggesting a really good rock shield ASAP.

CONGRATULATIONS and please post more pix (esp. interior layout.) Inquisitive minds want to know!

Froggie
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Old 10-22-2020, 07:39 AM   #11
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Name: Lori
Trailer: 2009 Spirit Deluxe
Texas
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Love the huge front window! Does it open ? Would like to see interior space
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Old 10-22-2020, 10:11 AM   #12
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Name: Peggi
Trailer: 1977 Trillium 1300
Florida
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Thaat is sooooo cool! I can't wait to see more pictures.
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Old 10-24-2020, 08:05 AM   #13
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Name: Linda
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Ontario
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Super cool!
Does it have another door that opens at the back to walk into the add-on tent room? (If not, it seems odd to have the tent room there).
Can't wait to see more of this one.
Thanks for sharing!
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Old 10-26-2020, 06:02 AM   #14
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Trailer: 1979 Boler B1300
New Hampshire
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I vaguely recall that the entire back opened down but I may be having a senior moment!
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