A MINIATURE HOUSE ON WHEELS.
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A Luxurious Caravan Body, Replete with Modern Conveniences and Comforts, Built on a Dennis Commercial Vehicle Chassis
MOTOR CARAVANNING possesses a romanticism which appeals to all those of a roving nature and to those who love the open freedom of the countryside. It can only be enjoyed, however, by those with the necessary means, for the most luxurious and comfortable outfits only lie within the easy reach of those to whom the expenditure of a few. thousand pounds is a mere trifle.
The modern motor caravan is nothing more nor less than a miniature house on wheels, especially as it incorporates many of the domestic conveniences and comforts of the latter.
Of late years a use has been found for commercial vehicle chassis in this direction, and we illustrate on ti-tis page a sumptuous caravan body, designed and built by Botwoods, Ltd., of C.arr Street, Ipswich, who, it may not be generally known, are associated with Mann, Egerton and Co., Ltd., fitted on a 40-50 h.p. Dennis long wheelbase chassis. The main saloon of this vehicle' which is well equipped in every detail, is built to serve the double purpose of living and sleeping compartments. It is provided with two beds, which are so designed as to be convertible into ottoman heats, with large cupboard space below for linen and other goods. The beds are fitted with wide cushions, which are suitably made so as to form part of the squabbing necessary when they are used as seats or couches. A table, which can be made larger by the use of folding leaves, is also fitted in this compartment.
Dividing the main saloonfrom the kitchen is a fixed partition and two sliding doors, one of which gives access to the kitchen and the other to the lavatory. The construction of the walls of these compartments is such as to afford' ample protection from the effects of heat generated in the kitchen. A hanging wardrobe is fitted on the off-side of the front partition, whilst pegs are provided on the near-side of the body for coats, hats, and similar loose garments.
A spare hunk is fitted on the nearside, which is sufficiently high above the bed to afford .ample air space for both occupants. This extra bunk is slung from the roof, and, when not in use, is accommodated immediately below it. The kitchen provides all the conveniences that are afforded by the house kitchen. It includes a diminutive cnoking stove, a sink with the neceesury water connections, a crockery cupboard, a hinged table on which the various kitchen operations can be carried out, and accommodation for cutlery. A hand pump, which.is fixed to the floor, is also provided in this compartment. With a caravan it is important to have adequate ventilation, and in the design of this bocle this important point has received full consideration, as is evidenced by the fact that two windows of the casement type, which are made to open outwards, are provided on each side as well as windows in the clerestory roof, which are pivoted in the centre so that they can be readily opened. The side windows of the driver's cab can be lowered into the -door panel, whilst those in the rear of the driver's compartment, can he lowered in a similar manner.
The driver's seat runs the full width of the cab, and is fitted with a deep-padded cushion and a padded back-rest. The only entrance to the driver's compartment is by way of a door en the hear side The re in also a. large door at the rear of the body, as well as one on the near side over the wheel arch, which gives access to the main compartment. All the doors are slung on stout brass hinges and are fitted with outside handles and private inside locks. The top panel of the door of the main saloon is fitted with plate glass, as is the windscreen, which is made in four separate sections. Three of these sections are fixed, the fourth panel, the upper of the two in the driver's side, being arranged to open on a gnadrant.
A caravan has to face all weathers, and on this account the interior must be absolutely waterproof. The roof is, as a result, covered with a in. matchboarding, protected with Willesden. canvas, which
is impermeable to moisture. The various joints in the framework, which is of wellseasoned ash with mahogany panels throughout, are also liberally .treated with white lead to render them perfectly watertight.
The whole a the exterior of a caravan of this description can be varnished in natural wood or painted in colours to the choice of the owner. The interior is varnished in natural wood up to the midrail and is painted buff colour from this rail to the cornice moulding. The roof both inside and outside is painted white, whkh helps to keep the interior bright and light.