RV Campervans, History and More

Just finished reading a funny entry in the journal of Barry & Monique Zander at RV.net ....the authors tell about different situations when their 28' travel trailer is not referred to as an 'RV' (probably by folks who have never set foot in an RV)...and it got me to thinking about all the different types of RVs, their history,and what they are called in other countries.

Where are the Campervans?

The ensuing internet search landed me at an England motorhome site and then on to a 'campervan' for hire site regarding the Glastonbury Festival - which apparently is famous for the music, the atmosphere, the toilet facilities (or lack of) and......the mud. Celebrating 40 years, many festival attendees may be too old for tents but too young to miss this special event, so they rent campervans and motorhomes.  Check out this picture! Not Idaho camping, for sure :)

Wikepedia describes 'campervans' quite aptly as s ometimes referred to simply as a camper, or a caravanette (I like this version...is the interior decor 'Barbie pink'?), is a self-propelled vehicle that provides both transport and sleeping accommodation.

Then it goes on to read "In the U.S. the term RV is more common they tend to be larger than in Europe..or the rest of the world."  Go figure.

Volkswagen Autosleeper Clubman, GL

This cute model is a typical campervan that is very popular in Europe and it includes a 'hob' (kitchen stove) and grill and amenities familiar to U.S. manufactured RVs - even air conditioning - though smaller models often carry a "porta-potty" portable toilet, and sometimes an external shower which operates within the privacy of an awning. Yikes!




There's more!  Then I learned about the 'Dormobile' - a 1960's-era conversion type campervan aka 'motorcaravan', manufactured in Kent, England.  The first Dormobile motorhome, complete with a gas stove, a sink and cupboards and seats which converted into beds, appeared in 1957.

OK...we'll get into more RV history in another segment, but can't resist posting these two pics about 'pop-up' campervans...ah...the memories :)

Classic VW Camper..w/ a top

Toyota Landcruiser 4WD

 

RV Rentals and Swiftwater RV Park

RV USA, the website touting 'Your Guide to Everything RV - http://www.rvusa.com - is a good online place to tuck into your bookmarks.  They have just added RV Rental units to their website: http://www.rvusa.com/rv-rentals.  It's pretty cool for those RV Dealers using the RV USA Rental Manager, their rental units can now be viewed on their listing by clicking the RVs For Rent link on the right side of their Partner or Member listing with them.

There are 4 RV Rental places listed in Idaho, sprinkled throughout the state, so that's handy:  Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, Caldwell and Chubbuck.

For guests planning a trip to Swiftwater RV Park - www.swiftwaterrv.com - who want to plan a road trip with a group of friends, but a few folks may not own an RV...they can still join the caravan!  At Swiftwater RV Park, on the banks of the Salmon River in north central Idaho, we have plenty of space for pull-throughs and any size trailer.  Plan a trip, come stay with us!