The History Of Caravans!

Within this post we will be exploring how Caravanning began, from its humble beginnings that were laced in luxury, to the brand new models brimming with technology.

 The first Caravans were created in the 15th Century as a functional means of transporting goods by horse, and since then it has developed into one of the biggest aspects of the travel and leisure industry.

It wasn’t until the 19th Century that Caravans became recognisable as we know them today. These portable homes were still horse-drawn and very basic, until 1885 when Dr William Gordon Stables made the first ‘Luxury’ Caravan. This pricey porta-home was constructed our of mahogany and maple wood and was aptly named ‘The Wanderer’.

Whilst the construction of these Caravans were still extremely basic, they were still viewed as the ultimate luxury item, and were exclusive to the wealthy upper classes. Although an expensive hobby, the popularity for portable homes continued to thrive, until clubs such as the ‘Caravanning Club’ and the ‘Caravan Club’ were formed by like-minded enthusiasts in the early 20th Century.

The USA joined the Caravan hype shortly after, and the development of car-pulled commercial touring Caravans came to the market in 1919 after World War 1, within 10 years Caravans became more affordable to the middle classes.

1937 brought the ‘Car Cruiser’ to the market, as a streamlined and much more affordable Caravan created using substantially lighter materials. This model changed the market completed, and although production was paused during World War 2, followed by the petrol rationing which did slow the industry somewhat during the following years, the 1940’s onwards became a post-war boom for the popularity of Caravanning.

Further models such as The ‘Streamlite Rover’ and the ‘Sprite’ model were developed in 1948 and helped the industry take off. Using lighter, cheaper yet more durable materials, caravans developed from being box-like trailers to fully-equipped vehicles with kitchen facilities, multi-rooms and showers. Their affordability meant caravans could be used for shorter weekend breaks, and more frequent trips were possible and practical.

Today caravans are split into various categories; luxury travelling complexes, basic one-room caravans, usually for storage while camping in a tent, huge static homes, trailers and pop-up tents, and the American Airstreams that take on-the-road living to another level.

Whilst the industry has been steady over the years, recent events such as the Global Pandemic have certainly put a spin on the sales of mobile homes. Travel restrictions abroad has meant that holidaying in the UK has become ever-more popular. The investment of a holiday-home on wheels has become the favourable option, offering limitless holidays for families, couples and those who wish to explore every corner of the UK.

Hand in hand with this increased popularity comes the conversion of standard Vans into Campervans. With more time on our hands, those handy with a toolbox have taken it upon themselves to convert their own vehicles into some extraordinary Campervans, containing everything they need to live comfortably, albeit compactly whilst on the road.

It goes without saying that there is a thriving community and culture that surrounds caravanning which makes it one of the most wholesome, affordable, environmentally-friendly and popular holiday choices there is.