Origins of caravanning
Caravans existed long before the invention of the internal combustion engine. Their origins began in the horse drawn era and particularly through gypsies. The fresh air, open spaces and a […]
Capitalising on the motor car
The emergence of the motor car simply made it easier for people to explore the countryside in many variations of so-called trailer caravans, designed to be towed behind a private […]
Early design
The first streamlined towing caravan is attributed to Frederick Alcock in 1914 and by the 1920’s some manufacturers were exhibiting at the Motor Show. Typically they were doped canvas, laced […]
How to stop
How to stop
Another innovation included development of the over-run braking system which superseded the dubious cable and lever system operated by the driver. In 1927 Eccles managed to have […]
A growing industry
As competition grew; Eccles with its determination, quality finish, proven design and reputation was to keep well ahead of its rivals for yet a further 30 years.
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Cooking equipment
The 1930’s saw a rapid growth in the manufacture and use of caravans and a continued development of innovations – bottled gas was used for the first time. […]
The beginning of caravan rallies
The first caravan rally was organized in 1933 and a dedicated monthly magazine commenced, called ‘The Caravan and Trailer” and continues today under the banner of Caravan Magazine. In […]
How strong is that caravan?
To prove the ruggedness of caravans, a number of manufacturers went to great lengths to show strength, endurance and towing characteristics to their customers. One such test included […]
A home away from home
My attention was taken by the following description of luxury of a 1934 Essex 16 footer called the “Monarch”. A centre kitchen, 4 berth with single rear beds folding […]
How many options are there?
In 1936 a demand arose.
By 1935 you could get a fully equipped caravan – the latest in streamline design and lightweight construction, a compact kitchen with gas stove […]
Effect of the war
The beginning of WWII saw caravans become tactical headquarters, mobile hospitals, bakeries, libraries, offices, mobile lavatories, military living quarters. (Some 30 years later a company called Rollalong, re-invented the […]
The Aussie story
In Australia, bitumen highways had flourished and the caravan came of age as a temporary or permanent dwelling. During late 1939, manufacturer Caravan Park released Australia’s first all steel […]
Post war
Post war
In Post War England, the caravan industry bounced back in a modest way with a number of new models, most basic and often similar to pre-war design/shape. Eccles […]
The 1950 ‘s
The lack of housing construction during the War years meant there was a shortage of living accommodation which took until the early 1950’s and use of mobile/relocatable homes […]
A rapid expansion period and mass production
From the 1950’s the caravan industry expanded/developed at a great rate and through to the 60’s some manufacturers spread their wings to the international market. Being seasonal, some caravan […]
The first Monocoque construction
It was late 1956 before a real monocoque (without chassis) was released. Despite the ‘light’ look, most vans were in fact heavier than their equivalent counterpart. Late in […]
The 1960’s
From 1960 legislation followed giving planning guidelines and enforcing good site conditions, licences and penalties. But government refused to institute a building code for […]
The cheap housing option
While holiday letting expanded, tax inspectors were catching up with the small investors, many of whom had not declared their earnings from hiring and had not […]
Motor caravans
It wasn’t until the early 1950’s that light commercial vehicles were released from their 20mph speed limit and allowed 30mph. By the end of 1957 six firms were offering […]