The Story Of Caravans International

The changing fortunes of the largest UK producer of caravans and motorhomes

"Describes how one man - Sam Alper OBE - was driven to provide the caravanning public with the means for affordable holidays, by bringing the VW/Ford mass-production ethos to the caravan industry"--Page 4 of cover.

This book is a visual and informative look at the heritage of the touring caravan covering over a 100 years of this now very popular form of leisure. The book witnesses the UK being the inventor, developer and major producer of touring caravans. Images; (many from the Authors own personal archive) shows how caravan interior/exterior design has evolved and has been influenced by domestic trends through the decades. With nostalgic images the book brings to life this often forgotten yet important aspect of the modern touring caravan. Covering imported caravans as well as UK manufactured models shows just how continental tastes differ from UK buyers. The touring caravan is a modern and sophisticated leisure vehicle that has evolved since the first commercial built Eccles brand caravan back in 1919. A then rich mans hobby, it became more affordable by the 1930’s and this was made possible with more modern production techniques. The design of the caravan emerged from a basic box like profile influenced by the 1800’s horse drawn gypsy caravan that became a fashionable form of holiday with the gentry. Dr Gordon Stables a retired Naval Officer influenced this idea with his specially built horse drawn caravan “The Wanderer” – now on show at the Broadway Caravan & Motorhome Club Site. Stables wrote of his adventures and caravanning in a sense had begun. The book contains many unpublished and rare images which also features cars from the period too. Andrew writes for Practical Motorhome, Practical Caravan and Park Home and Holiday Caravan Magazine among others and attends all major related shows.

Today, touring with a caravan is a leisuretime activity enjoyed by millions; the hobby and the industry it supports having grown explosively since the early 1960s. The modern trailer caravan is a true ‘home from home’ offering every amenity and truly comfortable living accommodation - a far cry from the ‘vans of the 1960s and before. This book traces the evolution of the trailer caravan by describing and picturing milestone models and telling the stories of their manufacturers. Every caravan enthusiast will find something of interest in this book, and its images and text will bring back happy memories of holidays in caravans long ago traded-in for newer models.

The inside story of the company that pioneered the modern touring caravan and motorhome

This book provides a fresh and unique global perspective on the study of caravans by bringing together a wealth of up-to-date research that explores the similarities and divergences of caravan lifeways in Africa, Eurasia, the Near East, Southwest Asia, Mesoamerica, and the Andes. The volume presents theoretical frameworks for caravan assessment and intercultural caravan crossings, pushing the boundaries of caravan route history and archaeology to consider the emergence, evolution, maintenance, and adaptations of caravans. Drawing from anthropological, archaeological, historical, geographical, economic, social, political, and art historical perspectives, the volume will be attractive to scholars of these disciplines and beyond who are interested in social issues embedded on trade, travel, and nomadism. .

A gorgeous book celebrating travel, adventure, and beautifully styled rolling homes. The Modern Caravan is a warm invitation into rolling homes designed for life on the open road. Brimming with evocative storytelling and hundreds of photographs showcasing handsome interiors and stunning landscapes, this book features more than 35 stories from solo travelers, couples, and families who traded the comforts of a rooted life for ever-changing vistas and eye-opening experiences. Readers will meet a family exploring Australia in a cozy vintage camper filled with plants and natural wood finishes; a young couple designing a modern trailer inspired by the colors and textures of the high desert; and a couple who renovated their chic Airstream with green velvet seating, floral wallpaper, and herringbone wood floors. Balancing style with function, each carefully crafted tiny home is the result of long-held dreams, ingenuity, and imagination. EXPERT AUTHOR: Kate Oliver is a celebrated Airstream builder and designer. Her work has been profiled in Dwell, Remodelista, Domino, Apartment Therapy, and Design*Sponge, among others. In this book, she draws on her experience as a designer, builder, storyteller, and photographer to create a one-of-a-kind book full of wanderlust and inspiration—the ultimate guide to beautiful small-space living. SPEAKS TO WANDERLUST TREND: The book speaks to anyone eager for products and experiences that offer an escape into a world of simple pleasures and exploration. With gorgeous travel photography, engaging stories, and practical tips, this package will appeal to design enthusiasts, armchair travelers, and anyone who dreams of a life of adventure. BEAUTIFUL GIFT: This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves road trips, outdoor adventure, or interior design. The book includes hundreds of gorgeous photographs and makes for a thoughtful present to give along with any adventure accessory or decor object—a flannel shirt, a ceramic bowl, or a beautiful blanket—and the eye-catching package will add beauty wherever it's displayed. Perfect for: • People interested in travel and alternative living spaces • Interior designers • Minimalists • Armchair travelers • Weekend adventurers and road trippers • Followers of the #vanlife movement • Fans of Cabin Porn and The New Bohemians

Has there ever been a stranger idea in the vehicle world than putting a house on wheels and taking it on holiday? However odd it may seem, it’s an idea that has caught on. Today there are 15 million recreational vehicles, or ‘RVs’, on the roads of Europe, the USA and Australasia. So how did this fascinating family of vehicles come about? Who were the first recreational nomads, what made them want to take to the road just for pleasure and what did the first RVs look like? The wild ideas of RV pioneers around the world led to both streamlined successes and spectacular failures. This history beautifully illustrates the vehicles and exploits of the early RV mavericks with over 250 period photos of the vehicles, their builders and their owners. It explores the evolution of the RV from its horse-drawn roots through the steam era to the golden age of 1930s caravans and motorhomes. Many rare photos of early RVs were uncovered during the research for this book and are being published for the first time. These photos shed new light on the history of the RV. The RV family is a global one, with six countries in particular having a strong RV heritage - the UK, USA, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. In a world first, this history compares the early evolution of RV design and usage in each country. Also featured is an international gallery of RVs adapted for non-recreational purposes. By portraying not just the vehicles but also the trends, people and fashions of the period, this unique RV history reveals the remarkable early days of transport-based tourism and leisure. Andrew Woodmansey’s engaging account of the early days of the RV will appeal not only to RV enthusiasts but also to anyone with an interest in how vehicles set us free to roam the world.