my little caravan...

[dorisday74]

Hello everybody out there that love lil' old caravans...

I have had a dream for a while now, and have decided to try and make it a reality- but I don't have any experience when it comes to the "nuts and bolts" of caravans. Let alone ones older than me! So I've come to the experts! This is why I joined your forum today.

I'm a mum with 4 sons. :-). The youngest one begins school next year. I want to renovate a 1950s caravan and keep it in my back garden. I see myself sitting in there with a cup of tea and a book, or doing some manner of craft or other hobby. I would like to be able to tow it on the odd getaway too. So it needs to be mechanically sound. We are going to keep it on a concrete slab, to preserve it underneath, but it may not have a cover for a while. So would need to be aluminium or fibreglass. And around 15ft or less.

I do want it to have the cute rounded shape- so I've been thinking Franklin, Sunliner, Globetrotter- any others I haven't thought of?

I guess what I'm asking for is direction and guidance. I really like the 1950's look before they invented "wood look laminex" Can anyone tell me what make of caravan I should be looking out for?

[Cruz]

If it's staying outside you. better to 60,s and get a. Aluminium van.
The bond wood vans need to be in a shed.

[atouchofglass]

Or fibreglass. Sunliner, Kennedy and rounded Franklins

Atog

[dorisday74]

Thanks for some suggestions. Yes I really can't get distracted by the gorgeous bond wood caravans, as I can't provide them with the shelter they need. But I haven't heard of Kennedy- off to research them now!

[dorisday74]

Sooo....I'm visiting a caravan tomorrow. I'm so excited! I've been told its a aluminium 15ft caravan- from probably the 60's...probably a franklin or a cornet. It's original interiors, but has been used for going away in, so it's in good condition. The owner is struggling to use the annex, and has decided for practical reasons to go with a pop top.

So, I'm off to check it out. I know I need to look for rust in the chassis, rotting walls, window seals and check indicator lights. Can you suggest anything else to look for mechanically? I want it in fairly condition- I'm only handy with the interior really...

[dorisday74]

The caravan I saw today is super. Totally cute. No idea of its age. Last registered in 1976. Has the marble look laminex and mother of pearl type cupboard knobs....60's?? Mechanically appears .in great condition. It's a two berth- so fairly small, but with an in excellent condition annex. It's a viscount ambassador. Anyone know anything about those? I think I'll go asking on another thread in another category :-). But I think this could be my little caravan....