With the Del-Ray firmly anchored in the box of the GMC dually, we headed for Milford MI last Thursday for the Tin Can Tourists Spring Rally. We spent the the three days prior to that frantically cleaning, packing and getting ready, and spending all our allowance money on 6 new tires for the truck. It seemed like a big expense, but the peace of mind riding on 6 new tires, opposed to 6 ancient, weather-checked ones was worth every penny. On the plus side, I’ll never have to buy tires for the truck again!
At any rate, the truck and camper were a hit once we got there, much to my surprise. We had a line of people to see it Thursday and Friday, received many complements and what we think is a pretty serious offer to buy the camper. All in all it was a successful trip, if you don’t count the the roof vent over the bed leaking (of course, it had to be over the bed…) during a torrential downpour on Saturday. It’s cozy and comfortable for two people, although accommodating the six it’s capable of sleeping wouldn’t be nearly as much fun in the rain…
We answered a ton a questions about it, and I’ve compiled the top ten answers to those questions here, so you don’t have to ask:
10. About 2500 lbs., empty. We think.
9. Yes, it rides very nice with the camper in the back.
8. No, it doesn’t seem tippy at all.
7. We don’t know, but it’s older than 1967 according to the “Expo ’67” sticker in the rear window of the camper.
6. Elkhart Indiana.
5. Yes, that is 21,000 original miles on the truck.
4. We’ve had the truck since 1982.
3. Yes, it’s comfortable, and yes, the fridge works.
2. 7.9 mpg.
1. 7.9 mpg.
We had a great time, and happily, gas is cheap right now, although it’s only 110 miles from our house to Milford. The Del-Ray attracts a lot of attention, and the whole rig is, I must admit, eye catching in a really funky, kitchey sort of way. We had lots of people relate stories of traveling with their grandparents or aunts and uncles as kids, riding in the bunk looking out the panoramic windows. It’s rewarding to be complimented, and kind of fun to be reminded you don’t have to break the bank to have fun with vintage campers and funky old trucks.
Camp on!
Cool McCool's Garage 
Sooooo Absolutely Cool.
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Glad the Delray’s debut was a success!
Camper looks great! I found your blog through a Google search for Del Rey’s- I’m searching for a project. I’m located in Battle Creek, MI and from what I can gather it looks like you’re in MI as well. Curious if you happen to be planning to take the Del Rey to Gilmore’s Red Barn Spectacular? Would love to see it in person. Thanks!
As a matter of fact the Gilmore is in our backyard! We won’t be there this year, but we’ll be at Relix Riot two weeks later. Thanks for looking, there’ll more Del-Ray adventures this summer!