Car Top Tents.

A History of Caravan Manufacturers in Australia.
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Richard
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Car Top Tents.

Post by Richard »

Chapel Engineering.
Car top tent 1.jpg
Car top tent 2.jpg
ourtouringpast.com THE vintage caravan restoration website
and home of The National Caravan Museum.
griffin
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Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:13 pm

Re: Car Top Tents.

Post by griffin »

This little illustration is from Modern Motor, 15 January, 1955 and while it's car top caravan rather than a tent it doesn't really fit anywhere else. There was no other detail and it only describes it as an 'idea' so maybe nothing more than a drawing was ever made.
Interesting but probably not very practical with no access to the car boot to start with. Wasn't the 50's a wonderful time for crazy ideas.
Sorry for the poor quality, it just doesn't seem to tidy up.
Car top - AMM 15-1-1955.jpg
And a novel name of 'Pick a Back' too.

George
griffin
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Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:13 pm

Re: Car Top Tents.

Post by griffin »

Here's another one from America, from Modern Motor, Jan., 1950. At least this one was built and appeared useable. The ladder on the back seems a bit over engineered. Nice car though.
Roof top tent - AMMM Jan 1950 c.jpg
George
griffin
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Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:13 pm

Re: Car Top Tents.

Post by griffin »

These things seemed to become popular in the 60s, here are a few more.
Hie-Line 1961-5 The Royalauto.jpg
Palmers 1963-2 The Royalauto.jpg
Palmers cartop 1962-3 The Royalauto.jpg
Palmers Cartop Sleeper 1962-12 The Royalauto.jpg
George
griffin
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Re: Car Top Tents.

Post by griffin »

And another one.
Chapel 1964-1 The Royalauto.jpg
George
reddo
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Location: Lake Macquarie

Re: Car Top Tents.

Post by reddo »

Hi George

It is interesting to note that everything old is new again...
There is hundreds on new 4x4s getting around now with "Roof Top Tents"as permamnet fixtures on thier roof racks.

I notice one company touting "Snake proof ladder" as an accessory... Just how does one snakeproof a ladder???

Reddo
griffin
Posts: 942
Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:13 pm

Re: Car Top Tents.

Post by griffin »

Hi Reddo,

I've noticed a few too, a little Combo van locally is sporting one full time, it must upset the aerodynamics a bit.

Snakeproof ladder :?: Suppose you could electrify it or just pull it up after you, either would work but you need to remember before you step out :shock: :o

George
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