The exact age of the caravan is unknown, but is considered to be around the late 1940’s or early 1950’s.

The caravan has a real classic shape, being nicely rounded at the front and rear, with a level roofline. It has small centred front & rear windows. All window glass is leadlight and all windows have fly screens.

It is a well appointed caravan and surprisingly lightweight, being easy to manoeuvre by one person.

The exterior is made of bondwood marine plywood and the caravan measures 13 feet long (floor measurement) by 6 feet 5 inches wide.

The interior is beautifully finished in a wood grain timber with a clear varnish finish. All the original fittings are in tact and in working order. Cupboard space is ample with a cupboard being placed in every possible position.

Two outstanding features of the caravan are a fold down washbasin and a bath, luxurious caravanning in the 1940’s!
The basin folds down from the clothes wardrobe door and has a soap holder, toothbrush holder and a cup holder (for mouth rinse). There is also a rack for a small towel!
The fully sealed bath is located under the front right hand dining seat and is complete with a drain plug, no taps though, it would have been filled using a bucket.

The water tank is a gravity fed type that sits above the sink.

Internal lighting is via three lamp style lights that are mounted on the caravan walls. Surprisingly, there are no overhead roof lights.

The caravan is a 4 berth with a lounge at the rear that folds down to make a double bed. The dining table at the front of the van also folds down to form bedding for another two people.
The lounge at the rear of the van takes advantage of the rounded shape and forms a very comfortable lounge chair with a truly sloping back.

Refrigeration is via an ice chest, which is typical for caravans of the period.

Judging by the standard of workmanship and equipment levels in this caravan, the “Don” brand of caravan would surely have been one of the leading caravan manufactures of the time.

According to a 1947 copy of the “Motor Manual” magazine, the “Don” caravan company started manufacturing in Victoria in 1934 and by 1947 were building over 100 units per year, but even at that rate, couldn’t meet the demand.
Some of the advertised features were: full steel electrically welded chassis, fabricated drop axle, brace-operated parking jacks, a patented folding step, vacuum operated brakes, a battery charging system wired from the car and aircraft principle of stressed-skin construction.

Unfortunately the history of this caravan is unknown, but its excellent condition indicate it has well cared for during its 50 plus years.