Newbie here...what have I got, and what should I do with it?

[djr1971]

Hi all.  Looks like I've just acquired a vintage caravan (yay me!).  The wife and I have wanted one for ages, but never had the time, space or money.  But we've picked up the one in the photos below, and so I'm interested if anyone here knows about its possible vintage, heritage, or restoration worth.

As you can seem it's an H Pruser "Roadhaven" bult in Northcote, serial/build number 116.  Based solely on the article I found about one similar in the mildura Weekly ( issuu.com/mweekly/docs/mwvol3no24/12 ) on a '59 van (in much better condition!) numbered 110 (out of ~200 by H. Pruser), I suspect mine was made between 1959 and 1961.  Similar interior, but different outside.  Could have been later, as I've no idea how many Mr Pruser made per year.

Poor condition outside (OK, and inside), need a fair bit of work and maybe a new undercarriage.  But nothing I can't handle  - I've built my own wood kayaks, restored old Land/Range Rovers and do other DIY stuff.

So, interested in any input or information anyone here can give me.  When I found it, I thought it would make a nice cosy homebrew room, but my wife rightly feels it should go on the road as an alternative to our camper trailer, no doubt after much sweat, tears and money is poured into it!  Is it worth restoring (i.e. not a lemon, or rubbish year/type/condition, write-off, etc)?  I can get something a bit more kitsch or suitable and use this one for brewing or other pursuits.  But don't want to condemn something that may be a significant van or worthwhile returning to glory.  And then having to get a tow vehicle to match...

Anyway, thanks in advance for any info - I'll answer any other questions I can and will of course post pics of the resto, whatever that ends up being...






















Thanks,
Darren

[firefighter]

G'day Darren

Welcome to the forum

Have you checked out this link to Roadhaven caravans

vintagecaravans.proboards.com/thread/2025/roadhaven-caravans?page=1

cheers
Geoff

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Djr1971,

Welcome to the forum and to the vintage caravan community. Good to have you on board.

Roadhaven caravans are very well regarded on the forum and elsewhere as being high quality, craftsman built caravans, many of which have survived through the years in relatively good condition because of the build quality. I think it would be true to say that many people view Roadhavens as being amongst the Rolls Royces of caravans from the 50's and 60's. They are the very opposite of the assembly line built vans which began to be produced in the late 50's.

You can find out more about the history of Roadhavens and the number of vans produced, etc, if you go to the Roadhaven thread in the 'Down History Lane' section of the forum - go to that section, find the index thread and then go from there.

The 'go to man' for Roadhavens on the forum is Firefighter who has had a Roadhaven for a number of years, and knows a fair bit about them.

Hopefully that will get you started.

Don Ricardo

[Jennison]

There's still an old roadhaven rotting in the tumberumba caravan park to my knowledge.. Silly old Coote who owned it thought he'd retire on it $$$$$$ but he'd be that old now if he's still around it may be worth making enquiries again. It was all original inside
Jenno

[akeepsake]

Wow Djr what a great little first van I think you should pursue both of your dreams and use it to camp in and make home brew at the same time ! I'm sure when you bring it to the Nationals in the future you'll have one of the most popular vans around especially if you are giving away free samples
Seriously a great van I love the original Lino and the inside just looks like it needs a good clean.
The outside doesn't look to bad at all in the pics . Just make sure it's waterproof. You may need to remove j mouldings around the roof and reseal with mastic not silicon as it tends to harden and crack over time . Also the same around the Windows.
Look forward to more pics and keep us posted on your restoration!
Cheers Andrew

[Mustang]

From what I have seen restored on this forum, yours is next to new!!!!!
Congratulaions, looking at the colour perhaps you should call it "Homebrew"

[dave01]

Hi Djr, that is a 1963 Roadhaven, the windows and number verify it. Earlier models windows are smaller. Dave

[djr1971]

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies. Appreciate the info, and Dave for identifying the year. Just a quick reply for now as we're moving house. We'd like to do it up, and on further inspection the only real damage seems to be some rot around the inside of the front windows, which should be an easy fix. My only concern is the chassis and underneath - I need to try and move it and have a look to see what's involved there, and the cost. Worst case it will stay in place and be accommodation for guests, or a little brewery (but that would mean pulling out some of the interior, which if it's a classic I'd prefer not to). If it's within budget and possible, we'll restore it and use it for weekends away (and friend accommodation).

Once I've settled in I'll post some more detailed pics and info on the proposed restoration.

Stay tuned...

Darren

[Mustang]

It would be a shame to change it from original, seeing that it is in such good order??
Just my 2c worth.

[djr1971]

No fear Mustang...I've conferred with the wife and it will be restored to its former glory. The brewery will go somewhere else, but I will ensure the fridge is stocked when I get to the Nationals or any other show.