WONDERFUL NEW CARAVAN TRAILER

Northern Advocate, 10 December 1936, Page 4

WONDERFUL NEW CARAVAN TRAILER

DESIGN AND BUILD OF MR H. V. DAYMAN

Many phases of life have changed with the passing of the last few years. The manner of spending the annual holidays is no exception. Here, toe, what one might call the modern influence has had its effect and the majority of people in a position to do so, revel in being up-to-date and in tune with the latest fashions. “If it’s summer time, it’s holiday time.” So say the big majority of people today. The beaches and the fresh air furnish that invigorating tonic so keenly sought these days. And so the automobile plays a big part in the framing of the vacation schedule. Camping Holiday Most Favoured.

The car accompanies 90 per cent, of families during the fortnight or three weeks, perhaps more, 'perhaps less, that father is released from the ties of his daily employment. And so a camping holiday is most favoured, especially by city folk, but also by residents of smaller centres and even by many who actually live ■in the heart of the rural areas.

But with camping, too, that modern influence has made itself apparent. This is the era of the caravan. There are* many who would consider this a most important adjunct—almost a necessity of life. Like all innovations, it has and to a degree still is regarded by some as an extravagance, but it is easy to visualise the day, not far distant, when the majority of motorists will have a caravan-trailer. Its greatlyincreased popularity during the last summer or two certainly points in that direction. Most Modern Design. The most modern design of caravantrailer is so captivating as to make practically any motorist say: “I just must have one!” The designer and builder of this indeed wonderful outfit is Mr H. V. Hayman, of Whangarei. He completed the first recently and his production has solicited high praise from a representative circle of experienced men. He has patented it as the “Stowaway” Expanding Caravan Trailer, and the caption is very apt. In trailer form, it is sft 6ins wide and sft sins high—on the camping site it is a spacious apartment lift Sins wide, 6ft 7ins high and Bft 6 ins long. It is as a home away from home and yet not too comfortable to rob the holidaymaker of the joys of a camping life. Beds for Five. The equipment includes comfortable beds for five persons, three wardrobes, food cupboards, dressing table with mirror anc| drawers, roomy blanket lockers, cooking bench with benzine stove and drawers and pot-cupboards underneath; water-tank and crockery rack above; table with folding top and two shelves under; lighting battery with two neat ceiling dome lights; four large opening leadlight windows; linoleum; and step with number-plate and tail-light attached. As a trailer, Mr Hayman’s model has the advantages of being narrower and lower than the average car. This makes for less wind resistance, less swaying and easier negotiation of bends and traffic. All joints are covered by aluminium beads so that the caravan is both weather-proof and dust-proof. The window in front is protected by a shutter when travelling. Remarkable Feature. The unusual but remarkable feature is the simple manner in which the compact trailer is converted into a comfortable little home. In less than two minutes, one man can make the caravan ready for occupation. The back door is opened with a key, a detachable handle is inserted and wound so as to lift the roof. A pull on grips at each side and the sides come out to meet the raised roof. They arc constructed on the principle of two planes converging at an angle halfway between the roof and the floor. The wonderful transformation effected in so short a time has to be seen to be realised.

Mr Hayman is a beat-builder of considerable experience and in the modelling of his caravan he has incorporated many ideas which his trade has taught him. In addition to its pleasing comfort and layout, the caravan has an asset in that it can be stowed away at home without the necessity of providing special accommodation for it. It is fitted with four adjustable legs to ensure a stable foundation.