We got a '66 Mallard Drake!

[JD Ryan]

Hi, all, this is my first post. We finally went for it, and got us a 1966 Mallard Drake. It's about 14 feet, and in pretty decent shape. The frame is solid, there's a small section of wall I need to replace from some window leakage, some window seals that need to be replaced, as well as a small section of floor, but other than that, it's totally campworthy. It's got a very roomy interior, sleeps 5, the heater, stove, wiring, and gas are all good.  I need some window cranks, though, as they're almost all missing. What's making them hard to find is instead of a spline on them, it's a roughly 3/16" square where it fits to the operator, so if anyone knows where I can get some, please lemme know.

Anyways, I can't seem to find ANYTHING about this trailer. I don't even know how much it weighs... I think that the sticker that had that info is long gone. I have a Ford Ranger with the 4.0 and the off-road package, so I hope it's gonna be able to do it.

So, if anyone knows anything, please lemme know, and thanks!

[Emily slatten]

Omg! So cute!

[Tony durfey]

Greetings and congratulations,

  Very cool trailer!!   Getting the weight is easy, find a truck stop or weigh station on the freeway.  I use ones that are closed they usually leave the scale on.  The window cranks... ummm  Maybe VK would have a source.  His link is on the "Sites we like" links right side of this page.  Other options use a old clock or roller skate key?(E-Bay)  Lastly have some made I would think a lost wax casting. Jewelers use this process.  Hope this helps, Tony, Joy and Cool Paw Luke

[JD Ryan]

I actually lucked out, put up a local ad, and some guy a few miles away had a decrepit mobile home sitting out in the woods that he let me scavenge. Luck would have it that that particular crank was in there, and I even ended up with a few spares.

I'm going to weigh it, as soon as I get a different truck. My Ranger won't tow it (well, it would, with very little room to spare).

[Henri Kwakkel]

Beautiful! How long is it actually, about 15ft? 

[JD Ryan]

I think it's 14.5, minus the hitch.

[Aaron]

That is a fantastic little rig! I love it!

[JD Ryan]

Thanks, I've started to tear it apart to fix some rotten floor and framing, but it's not too bad.

[Charles McFadden]

We just bought one exactly like this!!  You are literally the only person online (that I can find at least) talking about a 66 Mallard.  We'll have to start our own club.  haha

Our's is in slightly worse shape than yours.  Any suggestions or good ideas you've had during your restoration?

Thanks!

[JD Ryan]

Is yours a '66? I ended up having to do a lot more work than I thought... reframe front and back, three corners, replace most of the floor, and some of the wood inside. Got pics?

[Charles McFadden]

It is a 66.  Your interior pictures are identical to our camper.  But like I said, our's is a little rough around the corners.  Starting with painting the outside most likely, it looks pretty bad.

[JD Ryan]

Charles, I just started a Facebook page for vintage Mallard owners...https://www.facebook.com/groups/vintagemallards/

[JD Ryan]

As to suggestions, well, the first thing, obviously is, look under those skins. Then you'll have a better idea, and perhaps I can offer you some advice.