1954 Ranger


Hille Manufacturing produced the Ranger pop up trailer in Anaheim, California from 1954 to 1956 and is considered the first modern pop up camping trailer. There were 200 Ranger trailers that were produced during this time before the company stopped production, most likely because of the trailers high price (a Ranger camper cost $1,500 new, about $13,000 today!) This Ranger was the first pop up trailer to be made of fiberglass and resin. Once raised to full height, the trailer is completed by inserting canvas walls.
All Ranger trailer had these specs:
• 6’ 3” inside height
• 12 feet long
• 82” wide
• rear of trailer pulls out like a drawer 39” wide
• 2 single beds with walkway down middle
• ice box, sink with hand pump
• overhead storage drawers, cabinets and kitchen supplies & utensils
• 1,000 pounds
The hand crank that raises the roof through a pully system is this trailer most remarkable feature. There are only a dozen of these trailers known to exist.