Novelty Caravans.

[Richard]

Bicycle Caravan.

Recorder (Port Pirie, SA : 1919 - 1954), Wednesday 6 July 1938, page 2
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PIRIE BOY'S NOVEL IDEA
Caravan Built For Bicycle
Some time ago Ray Matters (13), son of Mr. A. E. Matters, of Gertrude street, conceived from an overseas magazine the idea of building a camping caravan to attach to -his bicycle. To think was to act, and soon young Ray -was surrounded by sundry pieces of timber and gadgets.
Dad looked on in amusement, became interested, and finally was found enthusiastically advising and lending a hand. The result is a neat green and cream painted caravan, which must be about the first of its kind in South Australia.
When attached to- the bicycle and ready for the road the caravan has dimensions 3 ft. 6 in. by; 3 ft. wide and 2 ft. 6 in. high. Folding panels at the rear enable it to be opened out to 6 ft. long,-providing ample bed space for two boys—or two men, if necessary. The whole outfit weighs about 80 lb., and is constructed strongly enough to carry a big load —bigger than ever the young legs could pull against a wind.
The construction is on approved motor caravan - style, and the vehicle | is destined to .provide many happy | hours "for the owner and his pal. On ; the coldest night the interior is snug, and is ventilated by a small glass j sliding window at each side. A small battery is affixed to provide electric light within.
Cost Less Than £.2
The foundation framework is the heaviest portion of the little vehicle. The sides and bottom are of three ply and the top of treated canvas. Rain or cold breezes cannot enter. ! Two ordinary bicycle- wheels carry it, and when one manoeuvres the ' empty vehicle by hand its lightness | and balance are found to "be surprising. The whole thing cost less than £2, paint being the most expensive j item.
Running along a level road in fair I weather is a -pleasure, says Ray. But there will come a day when a load has to be hauled uphill to some camping ground. The owner and his pal j have looked into this matter, and a system of two-cycle locomotion has been devised.
The ingenuity and enterprise behind the construction of the caravan are most commendable, and when the boy takes the road he will excite some envy among his fellows.
The usefulness of the little vehicle was illustrated yesterday, when the Matters family began to move to a new home. Several loads of household goods, including rolls of linoleum, were expeditiously transported by;
Ray.