So very random, hubby was discussing the first caravan he towed as a 17 year old back in 1977. Saying how the lights were all gas powered, now the water was delivered to the sink via a pump on the floor operated by the foot and how if hot water was needed the kettle had to be boiled. So It got me wondering when were electrics first added to caravans and when did caravans start having showers added. Anyone know?
Quote: Originally posted by pcbjs on 02/7/2022
So very random, hubby was discussing the first caravan he towed as a 17 year old back in 1977. Saying how the lights were all gas powered, now the water was delivered to the sink via a pump on the floor operated by the foot and how if hot water was needed the kettle had to be boiled. So It got me wondering when were electrics first added to caravans and when did caravans start having showers added. Anyone know?
Interesting point. Our first two caravans back in the 1970s and 1980s were from the 1960s and both had gas lights. The first one, a Sprite Alpine, didn't even have running water at all, we had to fetch it in a water container and pour it into the sink. The second one, a Sprite Musketeer, had water pumped up by a hand pump, but still no electrics of any kind.
I fitted a similar water system to both of them, with a tank under a bed and an electric pump up to a sink. Neither of them had any kind of electrical system either until I fitted it. This consisted of a big old car battery in a locker, feeding the water pump and a couple of lights I fitted inside, one over the table and one at the other end.
We had a few years when we switched to boating, but when we returned to caravans we bought a 1988 Elddis Tornado XL. This had everything! Toilet & shower, hot & cold running water, mains electricity, battery charging, double glazing, and a built-in gas heater. What a transformation! So I guess that electricity, showers etc must have come sometime either in the late 1970s or early 1980s, but I don't know exactly when. Would be interested to find out though, as I have always said that it must have been when caravans changed most drastically in their entire history. Virtually all changes since then have been cosmetic, as my 1992 Elddis has all the things most of the latest caravans have apart from central heating [is that really necessary in such a small space?], air conditioning, and a microwave.
From what I remember most sites back in the 1980s didn't have EHU, although it was just starting to creep in. A site with 50 pitches though probably only had about 5 with EHU, and always on a meter. Only for the posh vans though.
My first caravan was a Perle Argos by Avondale.
There were remnants of the pipes for gas lights, I fitted electric lighting. The water supply was cold only with a foot pump.
It was a tiny caravan with a front diner that converted into a double bed and a sofa at the side that converted into bunk beds
My first trip out in the Perle was down to camber Sands. When we got there, opened the caravan door, and lo behold all the crockery and glassware had escaped from the cupboard and smashed on the floor
Hi all
My first van was a 1965 Thompson Glenelg glass windows, gas mantles for lights, foot pump on the floor for water, 12 inch black& white TV run from car battery, towed with Rover P6 2000, then Triumph 2000 finally then a 2 ltr capri (no 85%guideline back then)
Graham
We bought our first old caravan from our neighbour, can't remember what make but it must have been from the 70s. Glass windows etc, had to take the ehu cable through the window.
Quote: Originally posted by pcbjs on 03/7/2022
I�d forgotten to add it was a Sprite Muskateer on a steel chassis. Had glass windows, a porta Potti and gas bottle strapped to the A frame
That is exactly like the one I had in the 1980s. Even the same colour. It had a pull-down double bed at the back that you could leave made up. Just pull it down when needed. I always thought that was a good design and should have continued in production, but I've never seen any other caravan with it.
Just found an old photo of our Musketeer taken in Kent in 1983, along with the Cortina GT that I bought for £80 and had for 10 years. Still going when I later sold it for £140.
Just found an old photo of our Musketeer taken in Kent in 1983, along with the Cortina GT that I bought for £80 and had for 10 years. Still going when I later sold it for £140.
Quote: Originally posted by pcbjs on 03/7/2022
I�d forgotten to add it was a Sprite Muskateer on a steel chassis. Had glass windows, a porta Potti and gas bottle strapped to the A frame
Outside toilet? Our first 'van was an Avondale Wren, 1981, no shower but a leaking sink next to the porta potti in the toilet. By the time we got it in 2010 someone had fitted 12v fluorescent lights, a socket for ehu but had removed the battery charger, replaced by myself, and still had a rubber foot pump for the water. The gas light was in place and working and it also had plastic windows. Bargain at £150, well used for 3 years.
Our first van was a 75 Monza 12ft. It had gas lamps and a cold foot operated water pump. Porta potti type loo which you carried to waste point.
I fitted a battery and a fridge(12v or gas only).
It did have a couple of 12v electric lights too.
In those days some sites would charge your battery for you.
If a hookup was available an extension lead iwas put in through a window for fan heater from home.
It was replaced by an Adria in around 86 which had plastic windows, and electric pumps from a small water container under each sink.(cold)
It had a battery and onboard charger retrofitted.No built in loo.
It did have 3 way fridge though.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Just found an old photo of our Musketeer taken in Kent in 1983, along with the Cortina GT that I bought for £80 and had for 10 years. Still going when I later sold it for £140.
Nice rust on the Cortina.
I think that came as standard, Sean. At least it did on £80 ones! Ran like a watch though and hardy gave any trouble over the 10 years I owned it. Pulled that Musketeer a treat.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: When did?
via mobile 02/7/2022 at 8:20pm
