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Aspen Classic (Trailmaster) and Others

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The following information is from the Trailmaster Website at :
 http://www.trailmasterinc.com/aspclassic/alphist.html

Aspen Classic -- "... a brief history" 

 
Topbunk While vacationing in Portugal in the '70's, Mr. Dal Allison of Systems Sports Inc. met an older gentleman who was hand-building and selling a collapsible tent designed to mount on an automobile's roof rack; and during this same time period, Trailmaster Inc. was manufacturing and marketing it's first motorcycle trailer on a national basis. 

In the early '80's, Gary Cooper of Trailmaster met Allison and began assisting him in marketing his new product idea that he brought back from Portugal - Dal named it the "Topbunk", but after nearly two years of sales efforts, it became apparent that the camping public in the U.S. just wasn't ready to accept the concept of climbing to their auto's roof for a night's sleep.
In 1984, Cooper suggested mounting Dal's Topbunk to a small trailer body. Cooper named it the Bunkhouse and began targeting sales to the motorcycle market. Many changes were implemented in the camper over the following years. 

In 1999, Cooper teamed-up with Nuko Industries (manufacturer of Aspen campers), to introduce the Aspen Classic. This camper now includes a host of all new features and options. A few of these items included:

  • RTM Fiberglass Body (Resin Transfer Molding) for the ultimate in strength, precision tolerances and surface finish - both inside and out. And, hand lay-up, chopped fiberglass.

  • Enlarged Front Living Room-- nearly 6 ft. sq. with 'pan-rolled' floor (all seams turned 3" up off the wet ground!)

  • Basement Level added to cargo body (utilizing space between main frame & highway).

  • Larger Screened Windows for maximum 'breeze-flow!' Dual-zipped with single piece 'V-Peak' design for the most versatile use.

 Aspen Classic Camper

  • Window Canopies created for all sides (no ground stakes or guidelines required).

  • Forward vertical wall incorporates 2"(w) x 6'(h) runner strips along outward vertical seams for a precision fit of the (optional) 81 sq. ft. Clubhouse.

  • 81 sq. ft. Add-A-Room developed in 'square' format for the most effective use of interior ground space.

  • Spring-Loaded Rear Roof Bow for proper water shed over rear zippered window (kicks back wall on 'outward' pitch).

  • New screen room and smaller Add-A-Room.

  • Telescopic 'Bed-To-Ground' Supports to maintain level sleeping surface.

  • Straight-Line Main Frame for maximum strength (no cuts or 'steps' in tongue).

  • All telescopic tent bows located INSIDE the tent for ease of one person set-up, and superior performance in strong side winds.

  • Internal aluminum 'arched' roof struts that simply 'snap' into place-- which joins all tent bows into a 'rigid' frame construction.

  • 12" wheels, impressive 9" turn signals, 2-way locking cargo bay and suspension upgrade (to accept electric brakes) ...all stock features - just to name a few!

Aspen ® - Engineering Excellence
800-398-9090
 
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    Following are several postings from the GWRRA Historical Archives - relating more of the starting history of the Trailmaster Company.
    This is an answer to the "Bunkhouse vs  Trailmaster" - who was first and who "copied the other" - given as copied from :
     http://archive1.gwrra.org/discus4/messages/3751/36246.html?1070241247
     

    Posted by Gary Cooper

    Posted on:
    Monday, November 3, 2003 - 4:43 pm:

    In reference to Alain Dery's comments of October 24th 2003..
    Generally, we do not respond to comments on this site because it simply is not professional to involve ourselves in competitive shopping between prospective customers and the competition. However, because your comments were very specific and directed personally (to the guy who owns the company), I must respond.

    1) B&F Specialties (current mfr of Bunkhouse) had nothing to do with motorcycles and was not in the motorcycle market until I met them in 1982 and helped them develop their first MC cargo trailer.

    2) The Bunkhouse was created in 1984 when I suggested to B&F that there would be sales by putting a folding topbunk unit on the lower portion of a cargo trailer. I named it the Bunkhouse and it was introduced at the Chicago Motorcycle Show in 1985. The folding topbunk unit was designed by Systems Sports and information about this item can be found on Trailmaster's website (www.trailmasterinc.com).

    3) The Aspen series was developed after B&F Specialties began trying to sell their business in 1996/1997. Trailmaster sold every Bunkhouse in the U.S. from 1985 - 1997.

    4) The list of features and differences between the Aspen series and the Bunkhouse were created only after spending many years on the road with Bunkhouse and knowing the changes that were needed.

    5) Note: I, nor anyone at Trailmaster has ever been an employee of B&F Specialties. Trailmaster Inc has always been an independent contractor providing design, sales and marketing services to the MC market. Trailmaster built its first MC trailer in 1965 - went national in 1974 - and has introduced several new trailers since (Bunkhouse just one of them). No design was ever "STOLEN" - however, many changes and improvements were made in the Aspen line.

    6) P.S. the web is a great tool - but you can't believe everything that you read. It is upsetting when individuals with good intentions put out information that they believe to be correct - when in fact it is false.

    If anyone would like more information on this issue, please call me at 1-800-398-9090.

     
     


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