This 1965 Ford F-250 With a Mitchell & Sons Camper Is a Charming Retro Travel Companion

Modern RVs come in countless forms, from fiberglass trailers to elaborate conversions, making it increasingly difficult for an older setup to stand apart. This 1965 Ford F-250, paired with a period-correct Mitchell & Sons Camper, manages to do exactly that through its distinctive character, nostalgic appeal, and unmistakably American styling.

The combination of a classic pickup and a vintage slide-in camper does more than create an unusual RV. It recalls an earlier era of road trips while offering a glimpse into how people once traveled with considerably simpler equipment. Both the truck and camper are presented in excellent condition following extensive refurbishment by their current owner.

The setup consists of a 1965 Ford F250 3/4-ton heavy-duty pickup and a Mitchell & Sons “Fishing Hut Delux” slide-in camper. Built in 1976, the camper was designed to fit into the bed of a truck like the Ford.

The current owner acquired the Ford in 2014 and the camper in 2018. Although the two were not together for very long, they look remarkably well matched, thanks to their coordinated colors, complementary styling, and compatible proportions.

Before the truck and camper were paired, the Ford F250’s Styleside body was removed from the frame and repainted. It now wears a factory-style combination of Caribbean Turquoise and Wimbledon White, giving the pickup the appearance of a carefully preserved period vehicle.

The camper underwent its own extensive round of repairs and improvements. The work included electrical repairs, new insulation, flooring, upholstery, seals, and additional storage.

Under the hood, the F250 is powered by an overhauled 352ci V8 that was originally rated at 208 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. Rebuilt in 2014, the engine now uses an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and electronic ignition.

Power is sent through a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission to a Dana 60 limited-slip rear axle. A transmission cooler was also installed during the updates.

The truck retains its original four-wheel drum brakes, although a dual-reservoir master cylinder was added. It rides on 16-inch steel wheels fitted with Michelin LTX tires.

Other exterior details include a chrome front bumper, camper mirrors, a receiver hitch, and a toolbox mounted beside the bed.

Inside, the F250 received a period-appropriate refresh while retaining its vintage character. The bench seat was retrimmed in turquoise and cream vinyl and features a debossed Ford logo in the center.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel, center console, AM/FM radio, and three-point seatbelts round out the cabin.

The dashboard follows the same two-tone color combination as the exterior. Its instrumentation includes a 100-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges monitoring amperage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The oil-pressure gauge is inoperative.

For anyone drawn to vintage travel, however, the camper mounted behind the cab is the most distinctive part of the package.

Mitchell & Sons was an early American RV manufacturer that began producing pickup campers in Colorado in the late 1950s. The company remained in the RV business until 1980, when it shifted to manufacturing modular buildings.

The Fishing Hut Delux paired with this Ford was manufactured in October 1976. It was thoroughly restored in 2018 and 2019, receiving structural and electrical repairs along with numerous interior improvements, including new insulation and additional storage.

The camper is compact and designed for two travelers, so its interior focuses on the basics rather than an abundance of amenities. Two face-to-face bench seats convert into a queen-size bed, while a small kitchen and wooden cabinetry provide the essentials for simple road trips.

Wood covers the interior walls and ceiling, giving the camper a warm, welcoming character despite its small footprint. The kitchen includes a two-burner propane stove, a sink with running water, and a Coleman cooler. Storage compartments provide space for travel essentials.

A Hydro Flame propane heater, overhead lighting, a ventilation fan, and a 12-volt electrical system add to the camper’s functionality. A portable toilet housed in a cabinet beneath the sink provides another convenience.

The result is an unusual RV that combines a classic American pickup with a practical vintage slide-in camper. The 1965 Ford F-250 Custom Camper Special offers a distinctly different approach to travel than the increasingly sophisticated RVs found today.

The truck and camper are now being offered for sale out of Tucson, Arizona. The sale includes literature for both the pickup and camper, along with a complete list of upgrades and improvements carried out by the current owner.

The truck’s odometer shows 78,000 miles (125,528 km), with approximately 6,000 miles (9,656 km) added during the past ten years. With one day remaining in the auction, bidding currently stands at $15,000.