Let me introduce you to my 1972 Ratcliff TowLow trailer—a rolling piece of RV history that’s part time machine, part healing space, and 100% vintage magic. Born when disco was rising and gas was cheap, this telescopic wonder isn’t just a camper—it’s a head-turning legacy on wheels.
How the Ratcliff TowLow Trailer Was Born in a Hemp Mill
It all started in April 1972, in a beat-up hemp mill in Juneau, Wisconsin. Rudy and John Ratcliff left the Hi-Lo company to create a line of sleek, pop-up trailers built for real adventure. Their invention? The Ratcliff TowLow trailer—low-profile, full of function, and unlike anything else on the road.
In just a few short years, Ratcliff Industries was doing $2 million in sales—and still couldn’t meet the demand. These trailers were built for travelers who wanted compact, cool, and clever designs that could go the distance.
Why This 1972 Vintage TowLow Is So Special
These rigs were ahead of their time: easy to tow, rock-solid steel frames, and they rise up into a full-height, cozy retreat. The profile sits low at 5’4″ for towing but expands to 6’4″ inside. Some models even came with kitchens, toilets, and showers!
They were made for:
- The “I’ll never tow a tall trailer” skeptic
- Tent campers ready to upgrade
- Road warriors tired of sway and stress
If you’ve never seen a telescoping camper like this 1972 Ratcliff TowLow trailer, you’re in for a surprise. It’s built to impress and even easier to love.
What My TowLow Trailer Means to Me
Today, I tow this vintage treasure through Arizona’s most stunning landscapes. After heartbreak, grief, burnout, and a major life reset—I found freedom in this rig. I named her Phoenix, because like me, she rises.
Owning a 1972 TowLow trailer isn’t just about camping—it’s about reclaiming joy and rolling into the future on your own terms.
The Remodel of My 1972 Ratcliff TowLow Trailer Begins
This is just the beginning of Phoenix’s glow-up—and you do not want to miss it. Think glam girl magic, desert sunsets, and a transformation that turns this rig into a showstopper.
Want to See Phoenix in Action?
Check out this quick intro video to meet my rare 1972 Ratcliff TowLow trailer—the LAST of her kind! After two years of searching, I finally found my perfect vintage match. Watch the video below to see her up close and get a sneak peek of the magical remodel ahead.
🔥 Want to follow the makeover?
Catch every update right here on the blog.
📍 Follow the journey: #PhoenixTowLow
Drop a comment. Share your trailer’s name. And buckle up—because this ride’s about to rise.
by Larie Dowdy
Larie Dowdy is the Arizona State Guide for Girl Camper, creating joyful, confidence-building camping adventures under the desert sky. She also serves as Girl Camper’s Director of Social Media & Content Strategy, helping women everywhere find their way outdoors. Follow her on Facebook @LarieDowdy — the desert is calling, and she’s saving you a seat by the fire.
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