These comments, and the blogs that are referenced, were moved from a much older site that I started in the mid-2000s. Some of the information is out of date, but there are also mods and information that may be interesting and useful to owners of newer and different A-frame models. Find details of A-frame mods on these blogs: ➤2004 Classic  ➤2007 LXE  ➤2009 Alite

The 1950s

Lynn grew up in a tent-camping family in upstate New York. In 1959, her dad rigged a canvas-covered utility trailer for a family trip to Newfoundland, Canada. Lynn and her sister slept in the trailer while their parents tented.

Forrest grew up on an Iowa farm. His family didn't camp, but they did travel. Their arrangements for a 1952 road trip to Idaho were economical, to say the least: 4 adults and 5 kids (ages 5-12) in a 2-door 1951 Ford!

1965 - The Apache

In preparation for a family trip to California, Lynn's parents bought a new Apache Golden Eagle tent pop-up trailer. It had a protective fiberglass shell that closed over the folded canvas. When opened, this shell made 2 very handy exterior storage shelves under the extended beds. In 1982, we adopted the Apache and used it with our two children for trips to the southwest US (1984) and Canada's Maritime provinces (1986), as well as the annual summer trips to the Eastern Shore at Chincoteague VA. As the kids grew up, we used it less and less, so in 1985 we passed it on to another young family. As far as we know, t's still in use after 40 years - not bad!

2004 - Our First Aliner, the 2004 Classic

Anticipating retirement and wanting to camp with grandchildren, we purchased our new 2004 Aliner from Oldtown Camper Sales (no longer in business) in Winston-Salem NC. We were lucky to find one on the lot with most of the features on our wish list. It was a DL model, now called the Classic, with rear gaucho sofa (slide-out plywood) and front bed/dinette. It came equipped with the galley package (including 3-way fridge/freezer and I/O stove), sink, gas furnace, AC, pull-out step, battery, large rear bubble window, two front bubble windows and two opening roof vents. In November 2004, the dealer added a Fantastic Fan and electric brakes. It was quite a step up from the Apache and we loved it. This blog has details about the Classic: Aliner Mods - 2004 Classic

2008 - Lynn's Tiny House (2009 Alite)

At the May 2008 Aliner Owners Club North American Rally in Clermont FL, Lynn was smitten with the smallest Aliner product, the Alite. Weighing only 500 lbs, it struck her as the perfect getaway after her June retirement. She placed an order with Kerola's Camper Store in northwest Pennsylvania, and we picked up the camper in mid-July. As manufactured, the full 58" x 76" interior of the Alite can convert to a bed for two, essentially a "tent on wheels". However, Lynn had no intention of sharing this space and immediately began personalizing her retreat. It was also time for a new vehicle, so we traded our 1996 Camry for a 2009 Corolla. The wisdom of our choice was confirmed when her first towing trip, to Mt. Pleasant SC, yielded an amazing 37 mpg! This blog has details about the Alite: Alite Mods

2009 - Our 2007 LXE

After 5 years with our 2004 Aliner Classic, using various sleeping arrangements, we settled on a twin-bed configuration that suited us best, even though it meant making up one of the beds each night. In the fall of 2009, we unexpectedly found a used 2007 LXE with permanent twin beds, a model that's no longer made, and it was too good an opportunity to pass up. The grandsons were getting old enough for a tent, so we no longer needed the flexibility the Classic provided. We sold the beloved Classic, kept the memories, and began settling into the LXE. This blog has details about our LXE:
Aliner Mods - 2007 LXE