Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Tracing the Mobile Scout History

From documents I've found, we know that Mobile Scout Manufacturing Corp. was building Mobile Scout campers in various lengths and configurations from the late 50's through the 60's. Camper building back in that day was a bit different from manufacturing today; given the variety of interiors and structural details, they appear to have been built with whatever resources were on hand -- the framing in ours, which we exposed when we took the skin of and the interior out in order to replace some rot -- was clearly whatever wood they had around, some clearly recycled. I've never been able to pinpoint how many of these vintage models were produced.

A postcard does suggest that they were booming; an ad-postcard for Mobile Scout Manfacturing Corp notes their Arlington, Texas address and the opening of a new plant in Pennsylvania (circa mid 60's?).

The old logo is confirmed in a bumper sticker that is for Mobile Scout Manufacturing Corp in Arlington, Texas. Ads in vintage camping magazines show a variety of lengths and configurations.

The trail goes somewhat cold, until SunnyBrook RV starts making travel trailers in 1992 under the SunnyBrook and Mobile RV names. A Google Image Search also finds some 90's campers that have the vintage Mobile Scout logo with "by SunnyBrook" beneath it.

I've not been able to ID what happened or when. Letters to SunnyBrook seeking someone in the business office who might be a vintage camper buff have so far been unfruitful. Finding someone in Arlington, TX who is from the era gets increasingly less likely by the day.

If you have any history information, please get in touch with me. I'd love to find out more.

20 comments:

  1. The quality of information that you are providing is simply marvelous.the framing in ours, which we exposed when we took the skin of and the interior out in order to replace some rot -- was clearly whatever wood they had around, thanks
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  2. Would anyone know what size tires and wheels does a 1963 mobile scout vintage camper take?

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  3. Would anyone know what size tires and wheels does a 1963 mobile scout vintage camper take?

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    1. D78-15, or in today's world ,08/08/ 2020, ST205/75/D15 or ST205/75/R15.

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  4. Can anyone tell me what size wheels and tires a 1963 mobile scout takes?

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  5. Hi. My 1956 Mobile Scout takes 15in 5 lug nut trailer tires.

    This is what is on my tire rims.

    ST 205 75 D15
    Replaces F78 - 15ST

    Good luck!
    A Fox in Texas

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  6. I just acquired a 1978 Mobile Scout Vaquero 248CV and am going nuts trying to get any info on it! I can't even find any photos online of it. Hoping to track down someone who has a manual with specs and schematics.

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    1. Did you have any luck finding a manual? I just got 76/77 GMC vaquero and I can't find anything either. It's my first RV so I don't really know how a lot of the stuff works so an owners manual would be really helpful.

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  7. we want to see pictures. also see how much they are worth

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  8. Would anyone have a source to find window replacement gaskets for the jalousie windows of our '63 mobile scout or any idea as to who the window manufacturer might be? I don't think it is Hehr.

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  9. I have a 1977 mobile scout 23' vaquero. My boys restored in in 2012. However, we can't find the vin number anywhere inside or out. Does anyone know where it might be?

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    1. I have a 76/77 GMC vaquero and my vin is on the driver door and since it was made by mobile scout and vaquero it has 2 vins. I have read that the campers have it on the trailer near where you would hook up to your vehicle. Hope you find it soon

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  10. I have a 1977 mobile scout vaquero 23' trailer. We need to register in Nevada, but can't find the VIN number anywhere, inside or out. Anyone know where it might be????

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    1. My friend it is on the tongue facing the trailer on the right hand side by the jack

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  11. I am wondering about the size of the stickers you have listed on this blog? Also I am wondering if anyone knows where I can find the 1967 Mobile Scout porch light fixture?

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  12. Stickers are medium sized -- I'll measure tonight and get those added to the description.

    As for looking for a specific year and model accessory -- good luck. They are rare, and you'll need to repeatedly look in auctions (in person, online) and also antique shops.

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  13. Does anyone know how to interpret the VIN to determine manufacture date?

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  14. I just purchased a 1975 Mobile Scout Vaquero and finding information about them, especially the Vaquero has been extremely hard. Fortunately at least I know the VIN to mine.

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  15. I have some pictures Ill upload as soon as I figure out how

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Don't forget, if you have a Mobile Scout, let me know! Send me some pics of your little camper.