Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

neilc · Joined: 31 Jul 2010 Posts: 7

I have been toying with the idea of buying a classic caravan for a couple of years, but need a bit of helping knowing where to begin. I am looking for something which has a certain amount of period charm, but also needs to have a degree of practicality - the intention is not just to show - but to actually take holidays in it too. Usual towing vehicle will be a 1975 Rover 3500S - so plenty of power and torque, but I don't want anything too big - so a 2/3 berth will probably suffice. Is there anythng out there light enough also to be towed by a 1936 23.5 horse power Morris 8 or am I being unrealistic. Looking at some of the pictures on this forum, some small/medium prewar 'vans might just fit the bill, but some of the more luxurious vans from the 50s and 60s - even early 70s look interesting as well.

As a complete novice to owning any kind of caravan, what should I look for, what should I expect to pay for say a 30s streamline or a later 'van. Which builder - for example there seem to be mixed feelings about Carlights on here, but they look quite attarctive for a more modern van.

Any advice on what to look for, where to look too - would be most welcome

Thanks

Neil
Based in west Sussex

Fluffle-Valve · Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 10:50 pm Post subject:

You ain't after much then... Rolling Eyes

I think you need to do a lot of looking before you delve into the depths of owning a "Period Caravan"..
As you said, your a complete novice to owning any kind of caravan, stop and think hard... What do you really want to do with it. Caravaning is not for everyone, so are you sure you want to do this caravan thing, or is it that you want something to show off or live in like you do at home?

I have a 1985 Castleton HL Roberta. Not so much a classic as some would think, but it looks the part on the back of my Series III Land Rover. Inside, it has all the mod cons, even if the mod cons are getting on a bit. Heating, Hot & Cold running water, Cooker and Oven and a Cassette Toilet fitted. I for one would be very reluctant to go back to a porta-potty... Rolling Eyes

Having said all that, I hanker after a real oldie caravan, but like you, I don't know what to go for. Confused

Here's my combo...

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Series 3 1972 LWB Truck Cab Pick Up. My daily drive.

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

No problems with the Rover - a Royale or Safari from the late 70s will give all mod cons but look oldish.
As for the Morris 8 - if it's anything like the one I used to own you'd be better off towing the car with the caravan!

Swampthing · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 12:17 am Post subject:

is that a harvey frost crane or half a towboy just over the wall? looks like the crane of my old sherpa befor it went to the bmc graveyard
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Nobody saw me do it, you can't prove a thing!!

neilc · Joined: 31 Jul 2010 Posts: 7

Thanks for the tips. Although new to the towing bit, I am won't be completly new to living without all the appliances we fill our houses with. In years gone by I used to borrow my parents old VW camper (no luxuries at all) and have had the odd camping holiday under pretty basic canvas. I use my Rover as my daily driver -covering 200 -300 miles a week, so - in answer the question - do I want to show it or use - I want both - getting back to basics as long as the bed is reasonably functional, I can make a cup of tea and there is shelf for my old Roberts radio to listen to radio 4, I'll be fine! ( when its cold in winter I put extra clothes on - not turn the heating up and sit aroudn indoors with a t-shirt on, my telephone still has a rotary dial and I never use the microwave!)

Fluffle-Valve · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 12:21 pm Post subject:

Fluffle-Valve · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 12:26 pm Post subject:

gillberry · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 702 Location: Norwich

we were like you a few years ago and got our first caravan to go to a car show with instead of a tent, we had a humber sceptre first so wanted something small an light so we went with a cheltenham fawn which we also towed with the SD1

we then had a change of cheltenham up to a nyala and now tow that with a amazon or the every day volvo

we like the cheltenhams as they are light weight and easy to repair there are several thread on here about them or look up the owners club there seem to be a few coming up on ebay as well at the moment

happy hunting Very Happy

Fluffle-Valve · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 3:42 pm Post subject:

Cooler than polar bear pee, them pic's............. Smile

Except for the everyday Volvo.... Sad

Not period enough for me..... Rolling Eyes

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Series 3 1972 LWB Truck Cab Pick Up. My daily drive.

gillberry · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 702 Location: Norwich

i put the xc90 on as well as the nyala is our holiday home i know some people have a show caravan and a modern one but our is both the other half has just come back from a week away with it, i must admit though we have now got electric hook up Embarassed

we did not have it till this year but as he was away with his son thought it was a good idea as they need to charge phones ds etc we never bother and just run with the 12 volt

christine lowery · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 5:44 pm Post subject: where to begin

hi there the royale caravans of the 1970's are plated at 900kg for the 125 and 1200 for the 1475 both can come fully loaded or basic for you to upgrade to whatever spec you like i am biast as i own 3 and use them regulaly in all sorts of event i used to tow with a triumph 2000 mk 1 without any problem's
there are a mirriad of vans to chose from they arn,t expencive and can offer hour's of enjoyment as well as allowing the other half an outlet for there talents and skills be bold go and get your van and join our happy fellowship
christine