"She’s Ugly, She’s Vintage, and I’m Obsessed: The Trailer Bar Chronicles"

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fall in love with something old, ugly, and slightly dysfunctional, let me introduce you to my 1971 vintage Alpine travel trailer. She’s a beauty in her own way—if by “beauty” you mean “needs a lot of work.” But I’m head over heels for her, and I’m determined to turn her into the mobile bar of my dreams. 

This DIY project has been equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. My hands are covered in cuts, my clothes are permanently speckled with paint, and I’m pretty sure I’ve inhaled enough sawdust to build a second trailer. But every detail—from gutting the interior to cutting out service windows—has been a labor of love. Well, love and a little bit of swearing. 

Choosing colors and designs has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve been to the paint store more times than I can count, standing in front of the color swatches like I’m deciding the fate of the universe. The outside color? Let’s just say I’ve changed my mind approximately 47 times in the last week. At this rate, the trailer might just end up tie-dye.  

But here’s the real MVP of this project: my stepdad. This man is a saint, a genius, and a glutton for punishment. He’s been working side by side with me (and alone for countless hours) to bring this vision to life. His dedication and attention to detail are nothing short of heroic. For example, he pointed out that without his foresight, my bartenders would need arms like Mr. Fantastic to reach everything. (Note to self: add “thank you for saving us from hiring octopuses” to his Birthday card.) 

Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. He’s banged his head on the trailer door so hard he drew blood and nearly knocked himself out. I felt terrible, but also… kind of impressed? It’s like he’s giving his blood, sweat, and tears to this project—literally.  

Working with him has been one of the best parts of this journey. Our relationship has grown stronger as we collaborate on every detail, even if he’s sitting on the floor of the trailer because he’s too tall to stand comfortably.

We’ve gutted the trailer, cut out half of one wall for service windows, and are now in the rebuilding stage. I’m in charge of painting and prep work, which is 90% prep and 10% me questioning my life choices. But every brushstroke brings me closer to seeing this dream come to life. 

Now, the big question: what should I name her? She’s a she, I’ve decided. She’s got personality, grit, and a whole lot of potential. I’m open to suggestions, so hit me with your best ideas. Bonus points if it’s something clever, vintage, or cocktail-related. 

This project has been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Well, maybe for a nap. Or a massage. But you get the idea. Stay tuned for more updates, and if you’ve got any trailer name ideas, drop them in the comments. I’m all ears—and covered in paint. 

Cheers,

Cindy