The Unicorn of Overlanders: The 1969 Kaiser-Jeep CJ-5 Camper

Discover the fascinating history of the ultra-rare 1969 CJ5 Jeep Camper, a unique factory option born from Kaiser-Jeep's ambitious expansion into the booming recreational vehicle market. With only 336 units ever built, it stands today as arguably the rarest production Jeep and a true "unicorn" for collectors.

Part I: The Inventor's Gambit

A New Kind of Freedom: The American RV Boom

The late 1960s saw a surge in American prosperity and a desire for outdoor experiences. The newly completed Interstate Highway System made the nation's parks more accessible than ever, fueling the rise of the recreational vehicle (RV) as a symbol of mobile liberty. In this era of automotive experimentation, the Jeep was transitioning from a spartan workhorse into a "freedom machine" for the weekend warrior. It was at this intersection of the RV boom and the popularization of the recreational 4x4 that this brilliant and peculiar idea took shape.

The Vision of Charles "Chuck" Prater

The story of the Jeep Camper begins not in Detroit, but with Charles “Chuck” Prater, a newspaper circulation employee in Florida. A talented inventor, Prater developed a prototype camper for the CJ-5, which was featured in a Palm Beach Post article in 1968. His vision was to create an affordable, proper camper that a Jeep 4x4 owner could take on their adventures.

From Patent to Partnership

Prater's design ingeniously solved the problem of weight distribution on a short-wheelbase vehicle. Instead of a simple slide-in, his camper was a hybrid unit built on its own frame with its own axle, suspension, and brakes. This meant the bulk of the camper's 1,700-pound weight was carried by its own wheels, not the Jeep's. A flexible hitching device allowed the entire six-wheeled rig to articulate. Recognizing the potential, Prater patented his design and sold the exclusive rights to Kaiser-Jeep, elevating his creation from an aftermarket concept to a factory-backed option.

Part II: Anatomy of a Legend

The Foundation: The 1969 Kaiser-Jeep CJ-5

Not just any CJ-5 was suitable for camper duty. The significant weight and drag demanded a robust powertrain. Dealer brochures "strongly urged" that the camper be paired exclusively with a CJ-5 equipped with the 225-cubic-inch "Dauntless" V6 engine and a 4.88:1 final drive ratio. This combination, producing 160 horsepower, was a practical necessity to make the entire package viable.

Required CJ-5 Specifications:

The Manufacturer: The Honorbuilt Connection

While a factory-endorsed product, the camper's construction was outsourced to Honorbuilt, a division of Ward Manufacturing. Honorbuilt was an experienced RV manufacturer known for its "El Dorado Coach" truck campers, making them an ideal partner for this specialized, low-volume project.

A Home on Wheels: Features and Options

The Honorbuilt camper's interior was a model of efficiency, designed to sleep up to four people (two in the queen-size cabover "loft" and two in a convertible dinette). The galley kitchen was well-equipped, and the electrical system was versatile for both on and off-grid use. Its independent axle featured crucial electric brakes with an in-cab controller.

The "Take It or Leave It" System

A cornerstone of the design was its quick-disconnect system. The camper could be detached in under 15 minutes, allowing it to serve as a self-contained "base camp." With the camper securely parked on its built-in jacks, the unburdened CJ-5 was free to be used for its intended purpose: off-road exploration and trail riding. This was a pragmatic admission of the combined rig's on-trail limitations.

Part III: A Fleeting Moment

Marketing an Adventure: The "Great Jeep Escape"

In 1969, Kaiser-Jeep launched the "Great Jeep Escape" advertising campaign to showcase its new "Recreational Fleet." The CJ-5 Camper was the flagship of this initiative, prominently featured in brochures as a new kind of "2-car car" that offered both transportation and a home away from home.

A Short, Bright Life: Production and Pricing

Despite the marketing push, the concept failed to gain traction. In its brief production run for the 1969 and 1970 model years, a total of only 336 units were built. The camper unit itself had a base price of $2,198, with a complete package including a properly equipped CJ-5 costing over $6,000—a significant investment at the time.

The End of an Era: The AMC Takeover

The camper's fate was sealed in February 1970 when American Motors Corporation (AMC) acquired Kaiser-Jeep. The new management, unimpressed with the camper's low sales figures, saw the niche vehicle as an unnecessary expense. Before the end of 1970, AMC officially discontinued the program, bringing the "Great Jeep Escape" to an abrupt end and consigning the innovative six-wheeled overlander to history.

Part IV: The Survivor's Guide

Legacy and Rarity Today

Today, the 1969 CJ5 Camper is a true unicorn. Given the low survival rate of vintage campers, it's estimated that fewer than a dozen survive in any recognizable condition. Every surviving example is a significant piece of automotive history.

Valuation and Restoration

Valuing such a rare vehicle is difficult due to a lack of recent sales. While a pristine 1969 CJ-5 can fetch between $20,000 and $30,000, a complete camper package is in another league. A project vehicle could be worth $40,000-$60,000, while a professionally restored example could theoretically exceed $100,000 at a premier auction. However, restoration is a monumental challenge. With no dedicated parts supply, every camper-specific component must be custom-fabricated, making it a true labor of love rather than a financial investment.

An Enduring Icon

The CJ-5 Camper was a product that was simultaneously ahead of its time and fundamentally misaligned with its host vehicle's spartan identity. Its commercial failure is the very reason for its enduring legacy, transforming it from a forgotten footnote into a quirky and sought-after icon of a uniquely ambitious time in automotive history.

Help Preserve History!

Because so few were made, every surviving example is a significant piece of Jeep history. If you own a CJ5 Camper, have seen one for sale, or have any photos or information not featured here, please contact us to help preserve the history of this unique vehicle.