HOMES ON WHEELS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 223, 20 September 1938, Page 18

HOMES ON WHEELS.

NEW FEATURE COMFORTS.

LOCALLY-MADE TRAILERS.

DOMINION'S LATEST MODELS

Compactly arranged to provide all (tuikiiip, dininjr, living and sleeping facilities for four people, with l»ts of rciiiin for •run and fishing tackle, a new "Home on Wheels' , lias made its appearance in Auckland. It has nianv packed into a very small «{■«<•«•• yet there is. plenty of room. And it only weighs I.M-wt. The design is completely new, nnd is founded on what is known in the United States as a Siliiilt Trailer.

liectntly Mr. James F.. Moore, of (hi istrhuiih. who is well-known in motoring and aero circles in New Zealand, vi-iteil America, and on his return urnngemerits were made to establish a factory for building these trailers in Chri«t church. This is the second foreign factory to operate under Scliult patent*. The first was established at Ottawa. Canada, more thin a year ago. As an outcome of these negotiations a new trailer especially designed to meet New Zealand requirements has been produced. It incorporates all the Schult features, including temperature control. The machine which has arrived *in Auckland is in charge of Mr. Alexander Meßride. the well known motor expert.

The iiicreasin;* number of motorhauled caravans and trailers that are abroad indicate thit the home-on-wlieels idea, so [Mipiilar in F.nglaiid. Kiirope and America, is jraining ground rapidly in this Dominion. A few hints prepared liy those nf experience may prove helpful to all who are interested in the tiew form'of holidaying.

Cornering needs greater caution and every effort should he made in mountainous country to avoid the necessity of reversing on sharp hairpin bends. This is largely a matter of driving skill. A cleaner left turn may !»e accomplished oy veering over to the right slightly, then locking fully round. This, of course, sounds contrary to

regulations, but if care is exercised not to perform such manoeuvre unless the road behind is quite free from traffic, safety will not l>e jeopardised. "Burning sharply right presents no problem, since one naturally keeps well over to the left or correct side. Modern Trend of Trailers. A brief summary of the modern trend in design of trailers lieing built in New Zealand at the present time reveals the fact that they compare more than favourably with those manufactured overseas. Trailers are now equipped with allsteel chassis, and engineered running gear, such as springs, axles and hubs. These parts are manufactured to a standard that will stand the hardest usage and wear. The modern braking system comprises vacuum-operated and hydraulic brakes, as well as modern mechanical brakes. The construction of the framework of the modern trailer in New Zealand is most up-to-date. The frame is

usually of solid construction; modern building materials such as pressed wood are i**ed for the exterior covering on the side walls, and such materials have proved to have exceptional lasting qualities. In the event of accident to the trailer, this covering is easily replaced, and if properly treated with modern preservatives and a good coat of paint on the outside, " has proved itself far superior to the leatherette or fabric coverings used in the past. The interior of the modern trailer has all one can desire; model dining compartment easily converted into double beds; wardrobe; air-conditioned refrigerator; proper cooking appliances, worked through the medium of either

petrol or bottled gas. The interior lighting is usually carried ont on either a six or twelve volt battery. Other equipment always found in the trailer of to-day includes plenty of locker, drawer and table space. Usually the trailer ia divided into two or three rooms and some of the more luxurious models possess lavatory, shower, basin, and the usual fixtures associated with a bathroom. Locally manufactured trailers offer the utmost comfort, and can lie classed to-day as regular flats on wheels.— (P.8.A.)