Top Ten VV Picks

[minicamper]

Thought I'd put it out there to the members..

As an aid to anyone searching for a VV, what would be the top ten picks of vans to look for? In an attempt to keep this post nice, I'd encourage posters to repect everyones differing opinions, doesn't matter whether you like fibreglass, aluminium, wood, brand name or homemade. (some good natured teasing is always welcome though ...)

If you have a photo of your vote, even better.. Just let us know what you think.
Cheers
Chris ;D

[cobber]

Good subject Chris,

Me, first up I look for plywood caravans, and I’ll tell you why.
This site is about rescuing and restoring vintage caravans.
Plywood vans are in danger of disappearing altogether if they are not rescued NOW, especially if they have been exposed to the weather.
Others, like fibreglass and aluminium vans have a better chance of surviving so we’ll rescue them later.

The brand doesn’t fuss me too much so long as it’s prior to say.... 1960, the older the better.

If I have to name a brand, I’d like a “Don”.... any “Don” will do.

Cobber.

[minicamper]

Thanks Cobber,

i guess my project is exactly what you are talking about...



Cheers
Chris

[tinnie]

I'd agree with Cobber. Bondwood needs saving first!
(Ideally we'd get em all and put every one of them - Fibreglass, Ally or wood - under cover!)

Tinnies and glassies will have their timber frames rot over time, but can be ressurected. But a Bondwood van (which date back further than fibreglass or aluminium in this country) once the frame and ply walls are rotten....is much harder to restore.
Undoubtedly, Dons are very popular, I too would not say no to a Don. But I reckon, go save a homemade 1930s,1940s or 1950s van - they are usually one-offs and probably form the real caravanning heritage in Aus.

Final comment, I can't go past an early 60s Franklin. Nice timber on the sides, no laminex inside, and Aluminium on the roof to keep out the elements ;D


Cheers,
Gristy

[Geoff & Jude]

when we're thinking of the top ten v.v. makers from the 30's to the 60's, consider how many of the early manufacturers there are that have been in continuous manufacture up to today.

franklin - no, carapark - no, don - no, atlantic - no, globetrotter - no, sunliner - no, home-build - not many, etc, etc. the list goes on.

how many yes's - only two that come to mind (i'm sure this will be extended)

those two being roma (since 1928) and roadmaster.

quality survives while others fall by the wayside.

below is a 1956 roadmaster in original condition that was found last year and now owned by the larry weepers (lazza) of roadmaster caravans in maclaren vale, sa (larry's father started roadmaster caravans in the late 40's). see www.roadmastercaravans.com.au/

it has bondwood sides and a fibreglass roof moulded over canite. the other photo is of one type of custom van roadmaster currently builds. (they still do custom vans, off-road vans, 5th wheelers, motorhomes and bus conversions).

unrestored 1956 model

2007 model


so, what can i say, roadmaster has survived the pressures of time while their competition has been left to die by the side of the road.

their motto: Good because its Guaranteed, Guaranteed because its Good.

(and that's the way it's always been).

geoff 'n jude (not biased at all, just happy to have a roadmaster towed by a ford)