Good Stuff!

 

This page has been created for Shasta Trailer owners 

 

In April of 2005 we purchased our 1963 Shasta.  Resources such as online manuals, wing and magazine patterns, along with Shasta specs, etc., were not available.    Making these materials available has been my focus. 

Many thanks to those Shasta owners who have shared information/documents, along with a special thank you to Andrew for his time spent making the Shasta patterns. 

 

  Also see:

•  Restoration Resources  Information for your restoration needs.  Wings, Paint, Siding, Etc.
• My Shasta Compact Page 
• My Shasta Discussion YahooGroup and Download Area:  For all your Shasta documentation needs, such as model ads, specs and manuals.  To Join:

Click to join Classicshastas   Other Links:

•  Shasta Product stores:  Wally has two online stores with great Shasta products:
• http://www.zazzle.com/vintagetrailers
• http://www.cafepress.com/vintagetrailers/

 

American Vintage RV:

The premier online magazine for the classic camping enthusiast: 

      ***My newest hobby.  If you have a trailer photo you would like me to work on, feel free to send them to me and I'll give it a whirl.  I enjoy the practice and if it turns out something fun for your trailer, that's great too.  LINK      

As requested, this is my attempt at some Shasta History/Information:

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Click here:  "The Shasta Story" 

 

Another article by Shasta Industries:

n 1941, when Californian Robert Gray built the first Shasta house trailer to be used as mobile military housing, he had no idea his homes on wheels would play a major role in establishing a billion dollar industry. Or that the little trailers would spark wanderlust in Americans that would carry them across the miles and into the next century. Shasta was, and remains, an important player in the ultimate American Dream the freedom and desire to roam, explore, and enjoy well-earned leisure time with the people we love. In the 1950s and 60s, the toaster-on-wheels look of the original Shasta trailer was the most recognizable shape on the road. There were other RV brands, but only Shasta was distinguished by those wings that signified flight and freedom. Through the 1960s and 70s, RVs became bigger and better with more amenities, Americas burgeoning highway system evolved into interstates, and the wanderlust grew ever stronger. In the 80s and 90s RVs continued to evolve into safer, more sophisticated homes away from home with more features and greater comfort. Today, 60 years and three generations of Shasta owners later, Americans have the desire to travel like never before. Motivated by the rediscovery of our families and renewal of ourselves, we still respond to the call of the road. In terms of product, the company has come a long way from toasters on wheels. Todays Shastas have sleek profiles and amenities like slideouts that were unimaginable a generation ago. Yet it is the memorable image of the little trailer with wings that brings each of us something no other manufacturer has to offer nostalgia. The original Shasta logo, which has become an integral part of the company's current advertising campaign, reminds people of Shasta?s heritage of freedom, flight and family. In 1977, Wings RV Club was founded as a means for Shasta owners to share camping experiences. Since then, the club has grown dramatically to include members across the country. Rallies have been held in many states and trips have been sponsored throughout North America. Over the years, some families have owned as many as eight Shasta products which were enjoyed by three, or even four generations of RV travelers. It is this loyal nucleus of owners who keep Shastas corner of the American dream alive and growing. As the industry's longest continuous producer of recreational vehicles, Shasta has manufactured hundreds of thousands of RVs. The Elkhart, Indiana-based company produces mini motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels in three state-of-the art manufacturing facilities totaling 150,000 square feet. Shasta has earned its success in the best possible way through experience. The company?s respected name prevails in today?s fast-moving RV industry because of that experience combined with a strong, service-oriented dealer network and a loyal, repeat-customer base. Shasta is proud of its longevity. The company's goal is to continue to listen, to create and to improve its ability to satisfy Americas wanderlust.  The "Shasta Wings RV Club" was founded in 1977.  Chapters were available in Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.  Gatherings were held throughout the United States, all year round.  Some States had more than one Chapter.  A past "Wing" member told me that each Chapter's title required the word "wing" or a likeness.  Chapters were quite creative!:  "Wing Dings, Western Buckeye Wings, Wings and Wheels, Wing Knutz, Fort Wingers, Cajun Wings, Indy Wings and Florida Flamingos.  In the year 2000, the "Wings RV Club Tour Schedule" was as follows: 1.  Snowbird Rally 2000, January 23-29, at Lake Oklawaha, Fort McCoy Florida 2.  International Rally, August 7-11, in Amboy Illinois 3.  Thunder Bay and Beyond, August 13-25, Ontario, Manitoba & Saskatchewan 4.  Country Charm, October 20-26, Renfro Valley, KY and Pigeon Forge, TN The Shasta group merged into the Coachmen Caravan RV group around 2000/2001.  Here is a old "Wings" newsletter:  Click Recently a past member of "Wing Knutz" sent me a 1998 copy of their newsletter.  This was a Michigan Chapter of "Wings".  1st page    2nd page     This chapter is actually still in existence, along with several other of the old wing chapters, but now part of the Coachman Caravan Camping Club. A few more Shasta articles: Click

    Though I am far from an expert on these trailers, I have seen a need for a good historical account of the Shasta.  In the meantime, I have put together this small overview to perhaps help to identify your model, or just as a quick information review.  This information is to the best of my knowledge:

Though Shasta Industries came into being about 1941, under the name of "Cozy Cruiser" we will start here about 1952, when they became "Shasta".  The earliest Shasta Model I have seen documented is the Shasta 1400, the main identifier being a window in the door.  Early Shastas were made in Van Nuys, CA.  

Among some of the early models, through 1957, was the "1600", a precursor to the Airflyte, which was very "canned ham" shape and looked like a slightly larger 1500.   Also found in 1958, an "1800", which looked like a stretched out 1500 and included a toilet/shower.  The "more common" earliest Shasta Model that most of us are familiar with is the early 1500 model. Canned ham shape and minus wings. (Mid-late 50s) I believe these early models were all 6 ˝’ wide.

In 1958 the Airflyte was released. The 16' "Airflyte" was considered a big deal at the time.  Over 50 improvements, more windows and sleeker design.  Also found the same year, the 19' Deluxe, which had a toilet & shower and is 8' wide. These models came with "wings", made from wood and aluminum. Wooden screen doors are a good clue you have a model prior to 1960.  Also, pay close attention to window detail... this can also help in identification.

What year is it? A few clues to look for are by 1960; wooden wings are replaced with all aluminum ones. You also see the "scalloped" edging on the cupboards at this time, and aluminum screen doors instead of wooden ones. After 1963 you begin to see changes once again. Scalloped cupboard edges begin to disappear, canvas bunks are replaced with wooden folding ones and of course the curved exterior shapes make way for the "box" shapes. By 1965 birch interiors are replaced with paneling and outside the Z stripe makes way for the Slanted Slash; curved trailer exteriors are gone. Keep in mind that these changes take place a bit gradually, so some details tend to overlap.

Finding your vin number.  The vin number is typically found stamped on the curbside of the tongue.  Look for a number with the first character being a letter.

Tires:  A 1963 Shasta 1500 had 6.50x15, four ply tires.   Early Shasta Compacts had 6.50x13" tires (air pressure, 24 pounds).  1961 Shasta Airflyte had 6.70x15" tires, white sidewalls standard. 

How much did they cost back then?  A 1958 16' Airflyte cost $1095.  By 1961 the cost had risen to $1250.  A 1963 Shasta 1500 went for about $1195.  Shasta's were very popular due to the fact they were considered low priced, yet offered luxury and quality.  Construction:  3" channel steel, floor framing of 2" studding, insulated and covered.  Sidewall construction of 1x4s, with 1" fiberglass insulation, walls and ceiling.  Outside .032 gauge aluminum skin.

Early 60’s Airflytes can easily be confused with other models, such as the early 63-64? Model 1500, which is less "canned ham" shaped from its early version. Airflytes were 7’ wide x 16' long, while the 1500 was 6 ˝’ wide x 15' long. The Airflyte also has a more elongated "teardrop" profile.

Beginning about 1962, we see new models, such as the Compact, Astrodome and 16SC.  I have seen Compacts mentioned in literature as early as 1960.  The Astrodome was produced for only a short time, likely 1962-1964. The Astrodome and 16SC had the same exact floorplan, with the exception of the "cabover" bed. The "Astroflyte" was also a cabover model with the same floorplan as the Airflyte. The Astrodome had a toilet, the Astroflyte did not.

The Airflytes, SC and SCS (self-contained with shower) can also easily be confused from the exterior since they are all 16 footers. The Airflyte does not come with a toilet. The SC came with a toilet. The SCS model came with both a toilet and shower (standard furnace also) and has the door further back on the side of the trailer. Airflytes had a bed across the back. The SC models had a bed across one side. The SCS model appears to have had the stove and sink along the back wall of trailer.

In 1965-66, we see the SCS again, in the "box" shape.  This model is now called the "Continental" and still has the door to the rear side.  It is also completely "self-contained" with both toilet and shower.  Weight, 2370 lbs-274 hitch weight/approx 7'wide by 16' in length.  In 1965 the Airflyte is still in existence with the "toaster" shape. 

In 1969, the Airflyte is still mentioned in Spec sheets.

Early Shasta Pictorials:   http://community.webshots.com/user/willowcb

By 1968, we see new Shasta models available, such as the Lowflyte, Starflyte, and Stratoflyte.  The "side slash" is replaced by a straight line of colored strip.  Many of these models now have the metal model name plate, underneath the metal Shasta emblem.  One observation a Shasta owner noted is that the colored strip rides below the door handle on the Lowflyte, above on other models, like the 1400 or 1500.  Wings are still on most all models produced, but have became smaller as the years have passed.  Beginning about 1973, Shasta trailers begin to take on a more "updated" look again, with browns, orange and gold trims.  In 1976, Coachman buys out Shasta, but carries on the name until about 2004.  From 2004 to 2009, we see no Shasta production until the "New Shasta Airflyte", a new version of the vintage Airflyte is released.

    Folks often contact me asking for more info on the later 70s/early 80s models.  A huge selection of models and floorplans become available, of which a few are named here.  In 1979 we see the Shasta Daisy, in the 1500 and 1700 models, all the way up to large park models. 

 

In 1980, we have the Shasta Freedoms in 18'-23', the Ultras, 14'-18', along with fifth wheels.

 Freedom              Ultra

  1982 the Friendship models 14' - 20' , Roadmaster Motorhomes, along with tent trailers being offered. 

 

Some 1984 models being offered are the Regency, Shasta, and Revere series.  There is little information out there on the mid-70s through 1984 models.  . 

1984 Shasta Manual, Ads and Materials.   I am often asked for later Shasta materials.  This manual is a really informative one with lots of information for anyone with a trailer, such as towing tips, camping tips, trailer care, etc.  This same generic Shasta manual came with most Shastas beginning possibly around 1978.  You will also find LOTS of ads from about the mid 70s though the later 80s.  Many thanks to Juergen for supplying much needed materials.  You will also find early motorhome manuals available.  These later models are fast becoming "older", had wings, (through approx. 1984) and the distinctive look/colors of that era.  You will find these Shasta materials here at our Shasta discussion sub-group for Models from the mid-70s through 1989.  Quote:  "The Vintage Airstream Club considers twenty-five years from the model year to be a vintage coach".  Yes, these model years are fast becoming "Vintage" also.  Please join the sub-group for Shasta trailers, Mid-70s through 1989:

Click to join Classicshastastwo  

Click to join Classicshastas3

 

Other "Vintage" Shasta Resources: