| Hiring a camper van for a vacation is becoming an | | | | Clipper". Using aircraft technology to reduce wind |
| increasingly popular choice for those seeking new | | | | resistance and provide optimal strength to weight ratio, |
| adventures. The lure of the open road and freedom to | | | | the Airstream has become a true American icon. |
| roam wherever you please is an appealing thought for | | | | The first Airstream branded motorhome called "the |
| many. Knowing a little about the history of the camper | | | | Classic" made its debut in 1979. The company |
| van can give you that sense of belonging whilst out on | | | | continues to innovate and produce camper vans to |
| the road. | | | | this day and has a 10,000 strong international |
| A traditional camper van has a folding roof that pops | | | | membership of the Wally Byam Caravan Club. Over |
| up to provide room for the sleeping quarters. One of | | | | 1000 rallies are held each year by the club. |
| the favorite makes of camper vans has been that of | | | | Camper vans have evolved into what we call |
| VW. The VW camper van based on the VW Beetle, | | | | motorhomes. As the name suggests, the objective is |
| made its first appearance at the 1949 Geneva Motor | | | | to create a "mobile home from home". Motorhomes |
| Show and the basic design has held the test of time. | | | | come in all shapes and sizes and are generally classed |
| The vans do around 25 miles to the gallon and offer | | | | by the distance between the front axle to the rear |
| plenty of internal space. | | | | axle. This measurement is called the "wheelbase |
| The VW camper is a firm favorite with the surfing | | | | length" and is termed as short, medium and long. |
| community. It has remained a popular choice for the | | | | When hiring or even buying a motorhome you should |
| young at heart for decades and has become a | | | | try and arrange a test drive first so that you can |
| symbol of free spirit for many. Often seen with a new | | | | decide which style best fits your needs. My personal |
| paint job featuring large flowers, these vans have long | | | | preference is to use medium wheelbase vans as they |
| secured their iconic status and a place in history. | | | | tend to offer the best compromise between size and |
| Another of the iconic camper vans were those | | | | comfort. Whatever van you choose it's sure to be an |
| created by Wally Byam of the Airstream company. | | | | adventure. |
| Airstream started off in 1936 with a trailer called "the | | | | |