Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Sonnythecat · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 10

I was just wondering whether anyone takes their classic caravan on holiday abroad?

How do they fare?

Brian M · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 11:18 am Post subject:

Search on here for the ECCR threads. This is the annual European Classic Caravan Rally that some of us attend as a start to a European tour.

I have been to ten of the last eleven years and been as far as Sweden. Pulling my Safari with my Volvo Amazon.
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Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4277 Location: South Cheshire

If I had a caravan I think I'd keep it in France, save on the Ferry fees Smile

Dave

david_rachel · Joined: 26 Nov 2012 Posts: 144 Location: High Wycombe, UK

I regularly take my Triumph/Carlight combination abroad, as well as around the UK. If it wasn't for having to go to work each week I'd go more often!
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David Rachel
1972 Triumph 2.5PI Est Royal Blue
1968 MG 1300 Sal Connaught Green
1978 Carlight Casetta
http://carlightrestoration.blogspot.co.uk
1995 Lada Riva 1.5 Est Red

emmerson · Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 1268 Location: South East Wales

My classic Royale and classic Range Rover (combined age 58 years!) tour Europe for two or three months every year, tied in with the ECCR.

Sonnythecat · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 10

Thank you for replying. I've realised that old caravans (well maintained) are a lot more robust than you'd think.

Exciting times ahead!

Cameron · Joined: 28 Oct 2013 Posts: 44

Gosh, where to start with this one... well I always went abroad with a caravan growing up, and then a fairly modern one (1988) when I first passed my driving test. But last year, we planned to go to the aforementioned European Classic Caravan Rally on the Northern border of Belgium. We planned to take a rather bland 1970 Ace Ambassador, but just two weeks before we were set to cross the channel, a 1957 Sprite Alpine turned up at a caravan dealer for just £100. What followed was the most intense 10 days of my life as we worked from 8am until 11pm giving it a full restoration/makeover. It managed the 1500 mile round trip without any issues whatsoever.

And literally last week, we drove over to pick up a tiny 8ft Sprite Cadet from Arnhem, Holland.

There's a lot of old caravans still in use abroad, especially in France. The roads are wider and smoother so make towing a bit easier. The speed limit for caravans is a bit less than the UK too, so you can happily sit at 50mph with your classic caravan in tow without the Lorries constantly hurtling past you.

Cameron · Joined: 28 Oct 2013 Posts: 44

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gresham flyer · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435

It not so much the caravan but the tow vehicle you really should be concerned about.
As long as wheel bearings brakes, and lights are maintained your caravan should be perfect for the trip.

You could carry a few spares with you like a wheel bearing, bulbs, and spare wheel etc...things that are hard to find at a rural French garage.

As for your tow vehicle it is up to you if you go the classic route or modern vehicle.

I have travelled 3,000 miles with a 1960`s Carlight Caselette and 1970`s Jaguar XJ6...no problem at all. And we went along the Alps and up some of the highest passes.

G.F
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Austin A30 / A35 Van.
Austin Devon.
Morris Minors.
Jaguars.
Rootes Cars.
MG.
Etc.

Viking Fibreline Caravan.
Cheltenham Sable
Shorts Built Vintage Caravan 1936.

Sonnythecat · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 10

Cameron - thats beautiful.

Gresham flyer - good advice thank you. Can't see us braving the Alps just yet! Really fancy Sweden though.

Ours is booked in for some pretty extensive tlc at the end of Feb, after which I'm sure I'll have far more confidence in her roadworthiness.