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Go Play Gear: Grand Junction man builds campers with vintage appeal

Brittany Markert
bmarkert@gjfreepress.com
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Getty Images/iStockphoto | iStockphoto

GO&SHOP

WHAT: Vintage Overland

WHEN: Shop daily

WHERE: Online

COST: $8,500-$12,500

INFO: http://www.vintageoverland.com

Britton Purser has a constant case of wanderlust — the need to find adventure beyond the road. To make his travels more comfortable in Colorado’s constantly changing elements, he got crafty — by creating a tear-drop shaped camper from UV aluminum for personal use.

“I don’t want people to change their habits of how they stay outdoors,” Purser said. “I just want them to be comfortable.”

After positive feedback from friends and family, Purser took it one step further — founding a business called Vintage Overland.



Currently, Purser has three models of caravans available for purchase ranging from $8,500-$12,500 depending on size — The Tuco (4-by-8 feet), The Great Escape (4-by-8 feet, featuring a rear hatch) and The T.E. Lawrence (5-by-8 feet, featuring queen-size bed).

Camper names pay homage to classic movies like “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” and “Indiana Jones.”



Each trailer weighs around 500-600 pounds, so hooking up to a hitch is easily done by a single person. Features include LED lighting and solar panels, plus roof-rack mounts for carrying bikes, kayaks or even a roof tent.

Orders are currently being taken — wait times extend approximately six to eight weeks. Each trailer is built to order.

A designer by trade, Purser has an eye for detail. Plus, as a Grand Valley native, he grew up loving Colorado’s outdoors and vintage looks.

According to Vintage Overland’s website, the company’s affection for vintage appeal was influenced by an old military surplus store in Grand Junction that Purser loved as a kid.

“I grew up in Collbran chasing cows on a Honda and ended up designing pieces for places like Nordstrom,” he explained.

Vintage Overland products are Colorado sourced as well — the frame is built by a bike-frame welder in Denver, metal is from All Metals Welding and Fabrication in Grand Junction, and other parts come from Grand Junction’s Springworks.

“The Vintage Overland caravan is one of those magical things that is bigger on the inside than the outside,” said Dave Grossman, a Grand Junction resident who recently tested a caravan. “With lots of room to organize and store all your gear, it leaves plenty of room for cozy nights in a beautiful cocoon.”

Grossman added that the small size is easy to maneuver between city or backcountry.

“I’m madly in love with the Vintage Overland caravan,” he said.

Want to see one in person? Purser will have a booth at Fruita’s Fat Tire Bike Festival, Grand Junction’s MOG Fest, and the Grand Junction Off-Road Epic. For more information, visit http://www.vintageoverland.com.


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