When did motorhomes first appear? (1 Viewer)

[GJH]

In my ignorance I thought that motorhomes/motor caravans were a post second world war phenomenon but found out last night that was not the case.

I was scanning a directory for a new CD publication when I came across the entry, shown in the attachment, for The Holiday Caravan Co Ltd Motor Caravan Specialists. As the directory is dated 1928 it is likely the information was collected in 1927, 82 years ago.

Anyone know of anything older?

Graham

 

[steveclecy]

I suspect the term "motor caravan" referred to a caravan drawn by a car, as opposed to horse-drawn.

Steve

 

[scotjimland]

How about 1909

Old Woodies

This photograph of a happy family in their home on wheels was published in 1909.

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[scotjimland]

Oldest surviving motorhome ?

This 1920s Studebaker touring car must surely lay claim to be one of the oldest suriving motorhomes. Although its conversion seems a little spartan by modern standards, the all-round windows and fitted curtains are still just the ticket, as is the large, 4×4-style rear door – just the ticket for backing up to the beach:

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[GJH]

Nice ones Jim

I suspect the term "motor caravan" referred to a caravan drawn by a car, as opposed to horse-drawn.

Steve

I suspect that's right in the case of the Holiday Caravan Co. I did a Google search and found This Page which refers to them as "Another firm accommodated by Bainton Road was The Holiday Caravan Co, Ltd. who specialised in supplying Eccles Trailer Caravans and the fitting of towing brackets."

Graham

 

[lunarman]

This one is in Briseys album, perhaps he can fill in the details

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[Brisey]

Hi Lunarman

That particular unit was on display at the Welland Steam Fair. If I recall correctly it was made just after the end of WW2. The interior was fitted out as near as possible to the decor of the day, china crockery, wooden table and chairs etc.

Brisey

 

[savantuk]

I've found this one. There's no evidence that this is a motorhome other than the printing on the photograph.

I like this one - very classy.

There are loads more here if you want more.
Google Image Result for http://www.oldwoodies.com/img/rv/rolls_motorhome.jpg

 

[johnsandywhite]

:Cool: One from the Route 66 Museum:-

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[haganap]

What a great thread Graham.,, Keep them coming. sadly I have nothing to add.:Sad: but loving the pics:thumb:

 

[ruffingitsmoothly]

Hi found this on the web.

By Chuck Woodbury

Charles Kellogg owned and drove the world's oldest RV. The RV itself, a motorhome, was not so old, but the material it was made from -- a one-piece carved-out log of a 4,800-year-old coastal redwood tree -- surely gave it a solid claim as the RV made of the oldest materials.

Charles Kellogg was born in the California High Sierra in 1868. His neighbors were Indians, who became his teachers. One thing that young Charles learned was to sing like birds. Later, he performed his bird calls around the world. They were recorded by the Victor Talking Machine Company.

An even more remarkable talent was Kellogg's ability to extinguish a flame of fire with this voice. Because of his unique talents, for a time he was the most popular headliner in Vaudeville.

He traveled four times around the United States in his home-built motorhome, completed in 1917. He called it a Travel Log. It was the largest single piece of hewn timber in the world. Kellogg had it mounted on a Nash Quad Chassis, the only truck capable of transporting the eight-ton vehicle. Kellogg hollowed the log with an ax, shaping it into a complete dwelling -- the basic amenities found in today's modern RVs except for a bathroom and shower.

He toured the United States to sell World War I Liberty Bonds until peacetime, and then to promote the preservation of the great groves of California redwoods.

Most of Kellogg's later years consisted of touring for three or four months, then spending the rest of the year at his home in Morgan Hill, Calif., or in the wilderness where he was most comfortable. He was a friend to other great naturalists including John Muir and John Burroughs. Kellogg died on September 5, 1949 after a lifelong career as a naturalist and nature singer.

The Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association Visitor Center at northern California's Humboldt Redwoods State Park now displays the Travel Log to the public. Visitors may view it inside and out throughout the year and learn more about Kellogg's message of redwood conservation. Admission is free.

Regards Pat

 

[DESCO]

Hi Graham
Sorry haven't any pictures to add but what a great thread.



Dave:thumb::thumb:

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[bigfoot]

Genghis Kahn,ruler of the Mongols,put his Ger/Yurt on a cart and pulled it with either heavy horses or camels. It was his travelling palace-the first 'motorhome or caravan'. He is also credited with the invention of what was to become Steak Tartar and then the Hamburger.
As soon as I can upload a picture I will.

 

[Bulletguy]

I think most of these "motorhomes" (so called) appear to either be 'one off' custom builds or diy jobs.

I found this link which lays claim to be the worlds first mass produced motorhome.

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[GJH]

Genghis Kahn,ruler of the Mongols,put his Ger/Yurt on a cart and pulled it with either heavy horses or camels. It was his travelling palace-the first 'motorhome or caravan'. He is also credited with the invention of what was to become Steak Tartar and then the Hamburger.
As soon as I can upload a picture I will.

Dunno what you're on but I like it - can I have a pint please


Graham

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