Mixing
Caravan (towed trailer)
Caravan, Netherlands, 2005
"Teardrop trailers"
A caravan, travel trailer, camper or camper trailer is towed behind a road vehicle to provide a place to sleep which is more comfortable and protected than a tent (although there are fold-down trailer tents).[1][2] It provides the means for people to have their own home on a journey or a vacation, without relying on a motel or hotel, and enables them to stay in places where none is available. However, in some countries campers are restricted to designated sites for which fees are payable.
Caravans vary from basic models which may be little more than a tent on wheels to those containing several rooms with all the furniture and furnishings and equipment of a home. They are used principally in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.[3][4]
Contents
1 History
1.1 Romani caravans
2 Standards
3 North America
3.1 Travel trailers
3.2 Fifth-wheel trailers
3.3 Off-road trailers
3.4 Toy hauler
3.5 Double-decker trailers
4 United Kingdom
5 Australia
6 Amenities
7 Criticism
8 Gallery
9 See also
10 References
11 External links
History
Elaborate caravan built by Howcroft of West Hartlepool for an English showman, first half of the 20th century.
Dr. William Gordon Stables in his leisure caravan, the Wanderer.
Car and tourist observation trailer, Glacier National Park, Montana, 1933
In Europe, the origins of travel trailers and caravanning can be traced back to travelling Gypsies, and showmen who spent most of their lives in horse-drawn caravans.
Samuel White Baker purchased an actual Gypsy caravan in Britain and shipped it to Cyprus for his tour in 1879.[5] The world's first leisure trailer was built by the Bristol Wagon & Carriage Works in 1880 for Dr. William Gordon Stables, a popular author of teenage adventure fiction, who ordered a "gentleman's caravan". It was an 18-foot (5.5 m) design, based upon their Bible Wagons,[6] used by traveling preachers in America's Wild West.[7] Stables named it Wanderer.[8] He travelled around the British countryside in it and later wrote a book documenting his travels in 1885 called The Gentleman Gypsy. This moved the Duke of Newcastle to commission his own caravan, The Bohemian.[7]
By the turn of the century, 'caravanning' for leisure had become an increasingly popular activity. In 1901, the first dedicated caravanning club was established. The Camping and Caravanning Club (originally the Association of Cycle Campers) was founded by Thomas Hiram Holding, the father of modern camping. The Caravan Club was founded in 1907 with Stables as its vice president.[9] Its stated aim was to "... bring together those interested in van life as a pastime...to improve and supply suitable vans and other appliances...and to arrange camping grounds."[10] Caravanning gained popularity in North America in the 1920s.
Modern travel trailers come in a range of sizes, from tiny two-berth trailers with no toilet and only basic kitchen facilities, to large, triple-axle, six-berth types.
Romani caravans
Caravans, particularly the Vardo, have served both as a significant cultural icon and symbol of the nomadic Gypsies. Until the early 19th century, Romani caravans served primarily as a means of transport and not as a domicile.[11] At the beginning of the 19th century, more Romani people began to live in their caravans instead of sleeping in tents. The caravan offered greater protection from weather conditions and could be outfitted with modern amenities such as wood-burning stoves.[11] Often, caravans were commissioned to be built at the request of newlywed couples and their families. The small-scale, pre-industrial methods of the builders and the labour-intensive nature of the building process meant that a family's caravan could take up to a year to build.[11]
Standards
Trailer caravan is defined in ISO Standard 3833:1977, Road vehicles – Types – Terms and definitions, term No 3.2.1.3.[12]
North America
A teardrop trailer
Travel trailers
In the United States and Canada, the history of travel trailers can be traced back to the early 1920s, when those who enjoyed their use were often referred to as 'tin can tourists'.[13] As time progressed, trailers became more liveable and earned a new name in the 1930s and 1940s, which was the house trailer.[14] In the 1950s and 1960s, the industry seemed to split, creating the two types that we see today, that of the recreational vehicle (RV) industry and mobile home industry. Today travel trailers are classified as a type of RV along with motorhomes, fifth-wheel trailers, pop-up trailers, and truck campers.
Smaller travel trailers and pop-ups are still made with touring in mind. These generally are less than 18 feet (5.5 m) long and contain simple amenities. By design, they are lightweight and quick to set up or prepare for travel. Most weigh less than 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) and can be towed with a large car or small truck depending upon its towing capacity. Lightweight pop-up trailers weighing less than 700 pounds (320 kg), such as the Combi-camper and Kamparoo can be towed even by small economy cars. Some exceptionally light travel trailers can be pulled by motorcycle or even bicycle.[15] Fiberglass body construction entered the U.S. scene in 1971 with the introduction of the first U.S.-produced mini travel trailer, called the Playpac.
The Playpac, invented by Steven Whysel, was the answer to the needs of the growing horde of VW "Bug" and other small-car owners who wanted a hard-shelled camper, light enough to be pulled by a small car. It came with a private water closet, shower, and the ability to sleep six. Its ultramodern aerodynamic styling and domed skylight by the modernist industrial designer Toshihiko Sakow made it an instant hit. It was short-lived, however (1971–1973), as the first Arab Oil Embargo and the ensuing major slow-down of RV sales caused it to cease operations. The Boler travel trailer, was developed in Canada in 1968, soon joined the Playpac in the U.S. fiberglass light-weight class. The Hunter and Amerigo travel trailers were also on the scene by then.
Mid-range travel trailers are 18 to 25 feet (5.5 to 7.6 m) long, can weigh 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) or more, and are generally towed with compact pickup trucks and SUVs. They have most of the amenities of the larger travel trailers, but sleep fewer people.
An Airstream travel trailer
Larger travel trailers are made with the seasonal or full-time user in mind. These generally range from 25 to 40 feet (7.6 to 12.2 m) long and contain all the comforts of a luxury condominium. These amenity-laden models can reach 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) or more, requiring a purpose-built tow vehicle, highway tractor or large truck or SUV. While trailers may weigh in even above that, most long-bed pickups have a maximum tow-weight of 15,500 pounds (7,000 kg). Multiple televisions and air conditioners are common in units of this size. Slide-out rooms and screen porches add to livability. By law,[citation needed] travel trailers are limited to 400 square feet (37 m2) of living area, and many models offer exactly that plus any optional slide-outs.
With all of the disincentives inherent in municipal zoning bylaws and building codes to affordable, ecological (off-grid) and compact housing solutions, travel-trailers offer a possibility for those considering an ecological full-time home or seasonal cottage. Travel-trailers are often acceptable on flood-plains, areas outside of urban growth limits, etc. where regular buildings are not allowed. Among the virtues of a trailer park are its light infrastructure, low ecological footprint, minimal land disturbance, abundant permeable surfaces (for stormwater drainage), and ease of site restoration.
Some specialized brands of trailer, such as the hi-lo trailer, have an upper half (slightly larger than the lower half) that can be folded down over the lower half to a total height of about five feet for reduced wind resistance during travel; these otherwise contain everything other travel trailers have (except for a full-height closet).
A hybrid travel trailer
An innovation in travel trailers is the hybrid travel trailer, combining the features of a pop-up and a hard-sided trailer. In its camping configuration, one or more bunks fold down from the side with canvas tent covers. When travelling, the bunks fold up, leaving four hard sides. Larger models allow the hybrid travel trailer to be used while "turtled", that is with the sides up. The primary advantage of a hybrid travel trailer is it offers a greater space-to-weight ratio. A disadvantage is the tent ends are not insulated and subject to heat loss and condensation.
In the United States, it is generally illegal for passengers to ride in a travel trailer, while in motion,[16][17][18][19][20] unlike horse-drawn trailers and coaches. Triple towing (towing two trailers) is not allowed in some U.S. states, such as California,[16]Alabama,[19]Florida,[20] or New York;[18] however, triple towing is permitted in Texas if the combined length does not exceed 65 feet (20 m).[17]
Fifth-wheel trailers
A 'fifth-wheel' is a travel trailer supported by a hitch in the center of the bed of a pickup truck instead of a hitch at the back of a vehicle. The special hitch used for fifth-wheels is a smaller version of the one used on 18-wheeler trucks and can be connected by simply driving the tow vehicle under the trailer. Fifth wheel trailers are popular with full-time recreational vehicle enthusiasts, who often live in them for several months in one place, using their pickup truck tow vehicle for local errands. A fifth wheel trailer tows more securely than a traditional travel trailer because the hitch weight sits directly over the pickup truck's rear tires. Since part of a fifth wheel sits over the bed of the pickup, it also reduces the overall length of the vehicle/trailer package while allowing the same room as a comparable length travel trailer. Additionally, the hitch's location in the pickup's bed reduces the risk of jackknifing and allows for more maneuverability when backing. Because of the greater room available on the roads in North America, these vehicles are more popular in the United States and Canada than in Europe or other parts of the world. For uneven terrain a gooseneck hitch is an option to fifth-wheel.
The downside is that the hitch takes up room in the cargo bed regardless of whether the trailer is hitched or not. The hitch can be unbolted from the bed but this takes a lot more time and effort than the unhitch operation.
Off-road trailers
Off-road travel trailers, also called 4x4 trailers, tentrax,[21] and jeep trailers, are built specifically for exploring the extreme backcountry without having the restriction of paved highways or gravel roads. These travel trailers are designed to handle rough terrain.[22] Many off-road travel trailers are equipped with a tent and bed, a skid plate, large tires and long stroke Independent suspensions, lift kits, and articulation systems.
Toy hauler
An innovation in the travel trailer types is the "toy hauler" or "toy box". Half living area and half garage, these trailers allow "toys" to be brought to the countryside. A folding rear ramp give access for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft or racecars. A generator provides power for the equipment.
Double-decker trailers
A 'double-decker trailer' is a two-level travel trailer. When traveling the trailer is only as high as a regular trailer, but when set up it increases in height to two full levels. Built by Jexcar and others, they are often used in motion picture production as portable dressing rooms.
United Kingdom
High-end German made caravan from Tabbert.
The National Caravan Council estimates that the caravan industry which includes motorhomes, touring caravans (caravans designed to be hitched to a car and towed to a site) and static caravans and mobile homes (caravans designed to be transported to a permanent site, where they are anchored to the ground) is now worth over £1bn (€1.5bn/US$1.7bn) to the British economy alone with the manufacture of caravans worth in excess of £650m (€975bn/US$1.1bn). The growth in popularity of caravanning has been enhanced by improvements in caravan quality and caravan site facilities making caravan holidays possible at any time of the year not just summer months.
There are two main organisations that many caravanners join in the United Kingdom, the Caravan and Motorhome Club, established in 1907, and the Camping and Caravanning Club, established in 1901. Both clubs offer a range of services including exclusive club sites, preferential rates, advice, services such as insurance and community activities including regional and national rallies.
In the UK Caravan Insurance is not a compulsory addition, but is however recommended due to its levels of speciality cover.
Under tax regulations, caravans are considered wasting chattel and are exempt from capital gains tax.[23]
Australia
Custom camper trailer
1956 Propert 'Trailaway' Touring Caravan at the National Museum of Australia.
In Australia, camper trailers are common alongside the traditional caravan. Camper trailers differentiate themselves from similar products due to their ability to go off-road. They feature large water holding tanks, batteries for electricity and off-road suspension. See also Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia.
Amenities
A mid-range, modern travel trailer may contain the following features:
Beds, some of which convert to daytime seating- Electricity supplied by battery or external hookup
Gas/electric powered refrigerator
- Gas/electric powered stove, oven and grill
- Gas/electric powered water heater
- Microwave
- Powered wheel mover system (integrated or clip-on) to enable parking once unhitched
- Radio/CD/DVD/MP3 player
- Shower
Television aerial/satellite dish
Toilet with removable blackwater (sewage) disposal tank and flush-water tank- Heater
Slide-out rooms (such as a 4 x 7 ft dinette or bedroom extension)
Travel trailers (especially North American ones) may also contain the following:
- Air conditioning
Awning or screen room
Washing machine and clothes dryer
- External barbecue points
Tow hitch stabilizers- Separate wastewater tanks for greywater (wash water) and blackwater (sewage)
Criticism
Due to the 50 mph (80 km/h) maximum speed limit on single carriageways for caravans[24] on the United Kingdom's crowded and often narrow roads, caravans are seen as a nuisance by some motorists. The motoring journalist and presenter Jeremy Clarkson is well known for his gleeful hatred of caravans,[25] and has physically destroyed several of them on the BBC television programme Top Gear since the show's relaunch in 2002, leading to complaints from the caravan community.[26][27][28][29]
Gallery
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An Adria Mobil travel trailer
A QEK Junior Caravan trailer
See also
Anderson Powerpole connector (used in Australia)- Campervan
- Caravan (Israel)
- Jackknifing
- List of recreational vehicle manufacturers
- Motorhome
- Popup camper
- Recreational travel
- Recreational vehicle
- RV park
- Towing
- Trailer park
- Trailer (vehicle)
- Truck camper
References
^ "Folding Camping Trailer (fold-down) : a towable RV". Gorving.ca. Retrieved 29 July 2009..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"""""""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}
^ "Buying a trailer tent or folding camper". Retrieved 4 February 2011.
^ "CIVD - Worldwide Market :: Wohnwagen, Wohnmobile, Campingurlaub". Germany: The Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD). Retrieved 17 April 2017.
[dead link]
^ "National Vehicle Fleet status". New Zealand: NZ Transport Agency. 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
^ Cyprus as I saw it, Samuel White Baker, 1879
^ "An illustration of a Bible wagon on www.faith.galecia.com".
^ ab Byrne, Eugene (2013). "Bristol, where the caravan was invented". Eugene Byrne. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
^ "Who Invented the Caravan?". CaravanQuoter.co.uk. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
^ "William Gordon Stables Fact Sheet" (PDF).
^ "A Brief History Of Touring Caravans".
^ abc "Vardo History'". Gypsywaggons.co.uk. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
^ "ISO 3833:1977. Road vehicles - Types - Terms and definitions". Webstore.ansi.org. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
^ "Tin Can Tourists". Tin Can Tourists. 14 February 2006. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
^ "NMAH | 1934 Trav-L-Coach House Trailer". Americanhistory.si.edu. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
^ Rogers, S.A. "Bike Campers: 12 Mini Mobile Homes for Nomadic Cyclists". WebUrbanist. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
^ ab "California: RV Road Laws" (and for travel trailers and campers),
Liz Curtis, RV Advice, 2005, RVadvice.com webpage:
RVadvice-CA-RoadLaws Archived 19 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine.
^ ab "Texas: RV Road Laws" (and for travel trailers and campers),
Liz Curtis, RV Advice, 2005, RVadvice.com webpage:
RVadvice-TX-RoadLaws Archived 19 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine:
passengers allowed only in camper (not travel trailer).
^ ab "New York: RV Road Laws" (and for travel trailers and campers),
Liz Curtis, RV Advice, 2005, RVadvice.com webpage:
RVadvice-NY-RoadLaws Archived 19 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine:
passengers allowed only in camper (not travel trailer).
^ ab "Alabama: RV Road Laws" (and for travel trailers and campers),
Liz Curtis, RV Advice, 2005, RVadvice.com webpage:
RVadvice-AL-RoadLaws Archived 19 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine:
passengers allowed only in camper (not travel trailer).
^ ab "Florida: RV Road Laws" (and for travel trailers and campers),
Liz Curtis, RV Advice, 2005, RVadvice.com webpage:
RVadvice-FL-RoadLaws Archived 19 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine:
passengers allowed only in camper (not travel trailer).
^ "Tentrax Trailers - Product Review". 4 Wheel Drive magazine. 4 Wheel Drive, Source Interlink Media. June 2002. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
^ "What makes a good off road trailer?". Camper Trailers Tech Tips. campertrailers.org. December 2008. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
^ Principles of Taxation. ICAEW. p. 182. ISBN 978-1-78363-462-0.
^ Highway Code "Control of the vehicle (117 - 126)". The Highway Code. UK: Directgov. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
^ Nugent, Helen (14 May 2007). "Dont tell Clarkson but caravans are back". The Times. London. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
^ "BBC backs 'provocative' Top Gear". BBC. 1 August 2006. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
^ Whinyates, David (20 October 2006). "Motors: Caravanners unite against Clarkson.(Business)". Coventry Evening Telegraph. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
^ "Focus: Leisure: They're a conservative breed, caravanners". The Independent. 23 January 2000.
^ Hammond, Richard (26 August 2006). "Swedish Equivalent". The Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
External links
Media related to Travel trailers at Wikimedia Commons
Media related to Travel trailers at Wikimedia Commons
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