A different one

[Sundiesel]

Hello Folks,
Its been several months since I last visited these pages and in that time I' bought a strange one.
Its not a Camper Trailer, its more like a caravan.
Its a pop top 1977 "Cabana" and at each end it has fold out fibreglass pods that contain the beds. It comes in at just 680kgs Tare weight and the box is just 10'6" long.
I've been doing a bit of research and found that Country Campers, who made these things in the mid 70's and early 80's, were at one stage owned by Siddons Leisure Products....the same crowd that made Sidchrome tools and now make solar hot water systems. I also found that most of them that are still in existence are in pretty bad shape, but apart from maybe a weekends work to some areas, this particular one is brilliant. It has a full annex, its presently registered and I paid just $750 for it.
I know its not exactly a camper trailer, and its certainly not going "off road", but I hope you folk can make it welcome on these pages as you have me.
Cheers,
Rob

[Snapman007]

 

[scarps]

I remember these, we always used to say the factory was in Copa and owned by Barry Manilow!

[Sundiesel]

I'm sorry but I dont have any pics just yet.
But I do have an image from an original advertisment.
Jep, thats a Gemini Coupe pulling it.

[Bird]

even worse, a dak dak..
http://www.cabanacaravan.com/



5th wheeler?

[Sundiesel]

Bird,
You the same Melbourne based Bird who frequents NScale.net?
Cheers,

[Bird]

Bird,
You the same Melbourne based Bird who frequents NScale.net?
Cheers,

[Sundiesel]

I remember these, we always used to say the factory was in Copa and owned by Barry Manilow!

Thanks scarps,
I think we've just found a pet name for it.

[scarps]

Thanks scarps,
I think we've just found a pet name for it.

barry?

[scarps]

Thanks scarps,
I think we've just found a pet name for it.

Barry?

[cyberess]

Yeah we have one of those Cabana van/campers under the house have owned it for about 11 years -- Still being used  as a guest room at times, have not towed it for about 4 years. 

Stuff we have replaced on it over the years.

• The roof --  The original roof was bond wood, and completely rotted out -- Did enquire about getting to roof repaired, and I was advised that I should tow it down to the rubbish tip    --  Later I cut the old bond wood skin off with a angle grinder, and replaced the skin with colour bond wall cladding, the job came out spoton
• Pulled out the old fridge out, umm that old fridge was larger than the door opening, they must of build the camper around the fridge  , the only way to get the old fridge out was to break it up, and remove it in pieces -- We now use a Waco in the same spot as were the old fridge was, it works so much better
• Got rid of the LPG gas system and stove, and now just use 2 portable butane canister stoves
• Replaced the old wheels  -- just too rusty -- just purchased 3 14" rims from caravan spares parts place in Darwin
• Got a portable room air con unit, place in the old cabinet  and cut a hole in the so it blows the hot air out under the floor.

It's been a great unit, done plenty of travel, has heaps of memories.

 

[Sundiesel]

Here's Barry..........
He's in pretty original condition, except for the colourbond steel stretched over the original fibreglass roof, the flat checkerplate front, the 2 spares and one or two other minor things.
Although the rear pod is in really great shape the front pod could do with being replaced. Its pretty strong but its been biffed and repaired in 3 of its 4 corners and all the timber has been replaced but attached by being screwed through the side of the fibreglass moulding. I've already started looking for a replacement pod. The floor is good and strong with no signs of rot and basically the whole thing is pretty damn good, considering its age.
Anyway, it'll do (it'll have to) until I can afford a decent CT.
Cheers,
Rob

[MDS69]

That must nearly be the original registration plate.