SOLD FOR $6300
This is a Vintage and classic Canadian made travel camper. Similar to scamp, Burro, trillium, etc. Has a lot of upgrades, but also some issues. I will openly list all of both. Sorry to see it go, its such a compact unique piece that always turns heads, but I am going to be traveling a lot for work and partly living out of my camper, so I need to upgrade to something with a bathroom. But, we used this for off-grid camping, and for that it was always great. Sleeps 4 comfortably. Fit myself, my wife, and our 2 LARGE dogs without issue. Its useable as-is (just had it out for 4 days over Labor Day), but could use some minor repairs and some TLC. I know that properly restored these can resell for $12,000-23,000, in the hands of the right DIY’er, this could be a fun project, but one that is ready to drive into the woods the day you pick it up, as well.
The Boler Dreamer is a small but efficient camper, only 13' in length, but is tall enough that I (at 5'10/5'11) can stand upright with shoes on without hitting my head. It has a Dinette that seats 4 and converts into a ~Full Bed, as well as a bench/couch that converts into twin-ish bunk beds. Even the top bunk will adequately support a Large Adult (I have a 6’4/300lb Friend who has slept on it). There is also a sink (see below), 2 burner propane Stove, and a fridge designed to run on 110AC, 12vDC, or propane, although I admittedly have never tried the propane function of it. There is a surprising amount of storage space, including under seat storage, overhead cabinets, and a closet/wardrobe that allows hanging of clothes. No bathroom or Air conditioning, but I have done a LOT of improvements and customizations to modernize it, see below.
The Boler has a listed weight of 1050lbs, making it light enough to tow behind a car (I once saw someone towing one with a Camry!), and I can easily move this by hand around my driveway. It uses a 1 7/8” Ball, and a 7 Pin Round Plug.
I will be camping (not in this camper) from the 17th through the 22nd, and will have no cell signal, but will respond to any and all questions as soon as I return, amply before the auction ends.
Also, I am willing to deliver to PA, OH, NJ, DE, MD, NY, CT, RI and MA for $1/Mile (from Allentown, PA). plus Tolls. Beyond that, the buyer is responsible for coordinating any pickup or Transport.
Upgrades:
1. On board battery system. The Boler was originally designed to be powered off the Host Vehicle’s electric system using a 12v DC connector built into the 7-Pin Round tow plug, and that still works. I installed an on-board battery, with an AC smart charger that automatically charges and Tends the battery whenever the camper is connected to shore power (plugged in, via standard 110 Plug). I also have a cutoff switch so that the battery won’t be connected to the system when the camper is connected to the host vehicle (as this can drain both batteries when host vehicle isn’t running).
2. Dimmable LED Lights. The camper still has the original square incandescent 12v lights, as well as the 110v Fluorescent galley Light, but I installed 5 dimmable LED lights, each which can be individually turned on and off. There are four around the Dinette/Main Bed, and one at the Couch/Bunk Beds. I also installed a central LED light with a convenient switch at the entry door, to easily illuminate the entire trailer upon entry.
3. Ceiling Vent Fan. The Boler originally just had a vent at the top. I installed a 12vDC fan to aid in keeping it cool. One nice feature of the Boler is that all the windows open in a Louvered style, so you can have the windows completely open even during heavy rain.
4. 12vDC Television, with directional antenna. I installed a TV on a Swing arm that allows it to be viewed from the Dinette or pulled out closer to the Couch. It can also point down to watch TV while laying in bed when the dinette is converted to a Bed and can even swing around to point out the rear window, which combined with the fold down directional antenna, is perfect when you’re camping and still want to catch the game or race being broadcasted. There is also a convenient 110 outlet for hooking up a gaming system or Blu-ray player, if you have shore power. I also included a Cable hookup on the left side to plug into a cable system or for connecting a portable Satellite receiver
5. Radio/Stereo system. Again, powered 12vDC off either the on-board battery or the host vehicle, I have installed a mobile stereo with 2 sets of speakers... Put the fade to full 'Rear' and it will play outside from weatherproof speakers to enjoy outside the camper at camp. Move it to Front and it's just through inside speakers, om either side of the TV. And there is an audio cable from the TV to the stereo, to play the TV through the speakers, including the outdoor speakers, when you have the TV turned for viewing outside.
6. 12vDC outlets - Finally, as part of the electrical system upgrade I have 2 additional car-Jack style 12dvc outlets in the galley, which I use USB plugs in for charging phones and headlamps. I also use the 12vdc for some additional camp accessories like a fan, a small vacuum, etc.
7. New Furnace/heater. The Boler did come with a heating unit, but it had stopped working in mine. It took some retrofitting, but I got a newer unit put in that now also has a thermostat control. I have camped in this thing when it was negative 8 degrees out and been quite comfortable. To give the furnace more run time (although I’ve never run out), I also upgraded the front Propane tray to hold a second tank. Although I more often used the second tank for an outdoor shower (see below).
8. Outdoor shower setup. I installed a 12vDC plug on the left side of the camper, along with a clothes hanging hook and towel rack. Great for an outdoor shower. I have a 12vdc shower pump with shower head* that I would use with water headed off a Propane burner* for a Hot shower.
9. Built in adjustable awning supports. Originally the awning used loose poles that just rested in the ground and were either easily knocked out or relied on guy lines precariously all around the entry. I installed flagpole holders that allow those poles for the awning to be secured to the camper itself without any use of lines, making for a faster and cleaner setup. It is also adjustable for angle and length, so the awning can be set for shade or rain.
10. Torch Holder. I installed a second set of pole holders higher up that I used for tiki torches. There is a 12vdc exterior flood light by the door but using citronella oil it became a way to illuminate the outside of the camper without attracting insects or using the battery life. I also have a makeshift storage area to hold the Torches upright for transport.
11. New upholstery and curtains. A few years back I had all the cushions reupholstered with a comfortable but durable (and machine or hose washable) Fabric. There is also all new curtains, including a curtain for the small stove burner vent window. And every window has TWO curtains, a set of Blackout curtains, as well sheer curtains to provide some privacy, but allow in light and breeze. Although, some of the poles may need to be replaced and new mounts for the door window curtain may be preferred. The left side dinette bench cushion does have a SMALL (1/4" inch) hole or burn mark in it (see pictures). The discoloration look in the pictures of the dinette bed is just shadows from taking the pictures in the camper where lighting isn't ideal. They are not soiled or stained.
Also, for an aesthetic improvement, I repainted most interior surfaces from the 1970s dull yellow and put in a hardwood-looking laminate floor.
12. Added front stabilizers and rear stabilizer mounts. The Boler Was originally designed to just sit on the wheels and the hitch or front jack. That was too wobbly for my liking. I added two retractable stabilizers on the from A-Frame of the tongue. And welded a mount on the back for new retractable stabilizers. One has stopped working but is cheaply replaced. However, I've found it easier to just use two small jack stands* on the back instead.
13. New screens and tint- all of the windows have new screens installed - upgraded to the a pet proof screening from the original steel screens. And the windows have a UV tint on them for privacy and sun deflection. Although, it is peeling off the door window (see pictures)
14. Spare carrier and hitch. The spare tire for this camper was originally mounted directly to the fiberglass, but that had already given way before I bought it, and the previous owner was just storing it under the table (which for him was just always kept in bed mode). I like having the table, so I put a spare holder on the back bumper, offset so that it could also accommodate a 2" receiver hitch (for accessories, NOT dual towing). But, it's perfect for a bike rack
15. New Table. The originally table was replaced with one that tapers for easy movement in and out of the Dinette, and then we built a spacer piece that locks in and extends the Bed width with additional support below the portions of the mattress which previously would overhang the table. Although the finish on the table has already worn in some areas and could use a fresh paint of poly to restore it to brilliance.
16. New Lock, with Deadbolt. A few years ago someone tried breaking in my camper overnight and broke the handle off in their attempts. I couldn’t find the original style replacement, so I upgraded to a newer style with a secondary deadbolt lock. Unfortunately, it only engages when the camper is on stabilizers, requiring a pad lock for keeping the door closed in transit, however this can be remedied by swapping the space behind the striker plate. The one I used it just barely too short.
Now, for full disclosure….the issues:
There are some leaks, particularly around the rear windows. The side windows drip slightly around the framing and could use some caulking or new weather stripping. The rear window also has a bad seal somewhere and runs water into the lower storage, making that compartment musty
The Rivets holding the cabinets up and the latches/hinges on the cabinet doors are slowly giving way. I have already replaced a few with screws/Bolts, but they really need to be rivetted for the job to look proper.
The water tank is Gone. I it was already cracked when I bought it and I ultimately removed what was left. Ive never cared enough to research if it is something where a replacement is obtainable. The water tank just services the sink via a hand pump, but the sink still works properly when hooked up to a water source.
The Spray paint job I put around the spacer panel for the new furnace exhaust needs to be reapplied. (see Pictures)
The conduit I ran for the antenna cable is falling down and needs to be reattached with a better form of adhesive. (See Pictures)
The OEM latches on the cabinets don’t hold in transit as well. This is partly due to the above mentioned loose rivets. I have been using Baby cabinet locks, which actually work GREAT.
The Door Doesn’t sit properly. It functions well enough, opens and closes, but there is a visually observable misalignment when closed. (see Pictures)
There is a small shelf under the rear window that rests nicely while camping, but falls off in transit. It just needs to be screwed back in.
The metal areas around the stove and on the exhaust hood have some surface rusting that doesn't effect use but is aesthetic.
*The asterick’ed items are not included, but any of the these items mentioned can be negotiated as part of the sale. And I have a box of extra camping gear I'll sell CHEAP if the winning bidder wants any.
