The original Boler was made between 1968 to 1979.
Although the original Boler is not available 13′ fiberglass trailers live on today, under different names and companies. Their direct descendants still operating are: Scamp (Backus Minnesota), Trillium (Sterling RV in Winfield, Alabama,) and Casita (Rice, Texas) are all all well knows versions.
Read the full Boler History
Prices for the Boler have been steadily increasing, current prices across the country range form $3,500 to $8,000 with no indication of the work or repairs required. If you are interested in buying a Boler please use my Boler Buyer Guide to identify potential problems and repairs required.
Although the original Boler is not available 13′ fiberglass trailers live on today, under different names and companies. Their direct descendants still operating are: Scamp (Backus Minnesota), Trillium (Sterling RV in Winfield, Alabama,) and Casita (Rice, Texas) are all all well knows versions.
New companies continue to enter the market with innovative designs including: Happier Camper, The Nest, Armadillo
Don’t be drawn into believing that a Boler only weighs 900 or 1000 lbs, this was the weight advertised which is the dry weight of the base version and excluded all options, propane tanks, water, etc. In the real world expect a standard Boler to weigh between 1400-1600 lbs or more reasonably packed and ready for camping.
The answer is maybe, in short your tow vehicle should have a MINIMUM tow capacity of 2200 lbs and a hitch weight capacity of 220 lbs. Don’t believe salesmen, friends or internet forums. The only accurate information will be in your vehicle owner manual and by actually taking the trailer to a scale to weigh it.
This is NOT a subjective decision, it is based on specifications and actual data:
1) what is the “real weight” of your trailer not the advertised weight? I can guarantee the actual weight will be at least 400-600 lbs higher than the advertised weight.
2) Each vehicle has a specific tow rating which identifies both the maximum trailer weight and the tongue weight. These specifications are based on many factors which include the design and construction of the body and the hitch mounted, axle & axle bearing capacity, transmission strength and cooling, engine power and cooling, brake size and cooling, engine, tire rating and capacity, etc. The tow capacity of your vehicle is contained in the Owner Manual
3) What if you do go ahead and tow over capacity? First and foremost is safety, your safety, the safety of your family and the safety of those on the road, overloading is one of the primary causes of accidents on the road. Insurance on you vehicle and trailer can be void. Vehicle warranty void, It is illegal so fines can be imposed and your vehicle impounded in some jurisdictions. Personal liability may result in lawsuits even if you are not at fault because it could be considered a contributing factor.
In general NO, with the exception of the fabric and cushions. A Boler is made of fiberglass, the only wood are the cupboard doors, so essentially a Boler is like a fiberglass boat. Prolonged exposure to water can result in mold or mildew forming on the fiberglass or insulation but these can both be cleaned with cleaners and some elbow grease with no long term effects.
YES, most of the parts used on a Boler are common items available at RV parts departments or other suppliers. If original parts are not available there are substitute replacements or creative options. Check out my Boler Parts page if you are looking for something, if you cannot find it ask me, I probably know a source or a solution
Yes, yes and yes, anything on a Boler can be repaired, the body is fiberglass similar to a boat or a Corvette, the frame is steel and can be repaired or replaced.
The original Boler was built in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada, through the years it was manufactured in Grand Prairie Alberta, Wichita Kansas, Peace River Alberta, Earlton Ontario, Calgary Alberta, and Winfield British Columbia.
Read the full Boler History
There are a number of reasons that cause the Boler door to not close at the bottom and not fit properly. Read all about Door Hinges & Adjustments in the Boler Care & Maintenance section
The actual color is colored gel coat over the base fiberglass and not paint, they came in green/white, yellow/white, blue/white, red/white, grey/white, brown/white, and finally white/white.
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Barbara Sigurdson
The frame on my 73boler is good what’s the best way to fix the sag in the door?
Ian
Hello Barbara
There are a number of items that effect the Boler door.
The step you need to take to align the door are in the Boler Care and Maintenance section Door Hinges & Adjustments
Colin Bird
It would be nice to have some info on the 17′ version, like the one I have, and this is my second one. The weight of the 17′ is closer to 2800 lbs laden, and has electric brakes standard. The towing vehicle should be capable of towing 3500 lbs. There are some concerns with the 17′ that has the raised centre section that is supported by the closet/bathroom on the kerbside and wrought iron supports either side of the stove/sink counter-top. Often these supports are removed, and this can lead to sagging of the roof at that side. There are basically two versions of the 17′, either rear or side gaucho, and either version can have either a toilet, or toilet/shower. Obviously, there are other items of interest regarding the 17′ version.
Ian
Hi Colin
Although many items are similar between the 13′ and 17′ (or any fiberglass trailer for that matter) my expertise is with the 13′. All the info on this site I can personally speak to in detail. Although I am familiar with the 17′ Boler I definitely do not have the indepth knowledge or experience to comfortably write about them in the detail I can about the 13′.
Jan Mitchell
How much did Bolers cost originally?
Ian
The first ad for a boler appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press, July 19, 1968, $1495, but several months later the price jumper to $1695
Damien
What can I replace the ensolite with?
Ian
First do everything you can to preserve the ensolite, replacement is not easy and the options do not provide any advantages. Using household cleaners will usually restore it, if badly stained it can be painted (follow my directions). If you have to replace the ensolite here is my article on the topic. http://www.boler.ca/2017/05/18/replacing-ensolite-wall-covering/
Lisa
Am thinking of purchasing a 17’ that dose not have the original exterior door. Are Boler doors standard? Could I eventually find one from a 13’ and put it on a 17’?
Ian
The doors on a 13′ and 17′ are different and not interchangeable.