A bit of history from
http://folding-caravan.co.uk/:
Since the early 70’s, there has been an increasing desire for caravans designed specifically for those with limited home storage space as well as a caravan that tows more safely, and more fuel economical than the conventional, traditional towing caravan. Several manufacturers ,at that time, took up the mantle of manufacturing a true ‘half folding caravan‘, the most significant of these being ‘Esterel’ and ’ Rapido’ from France, and Gobur from the U.K., and were an instant sensation and hit when launched. The mid to late ‘90’s saw a shift in folding caravan design with the addition of ‘Pop Up’ caravans , where just the roof section elevated, providing a more conventional feel yet maintaining the aerodynamic and storage advantages of the ‘half folding’ caravans. ‘Esterel’ and ‘Rapido’ designed and marketed both types of caravan and ‘Fleurette’ joined the list of major manufacturers in the late ‘80’s.
The late ‘90’s and early 2000’s saw another shift with the growth of the motor home throughout Europe leaving all but Gobur in the U.K. continuing to manufacture Folding caravans, with the Pop Up market falling to companies such as ‘Eriba’ ( another variation on the pop up caravan). This signalled the end to most Folding caravan retailers in the U.K. with companies such as Emm Bee Caravans in Manchester, Trailblazers in Bournemouth , and ,probably the best known, The Folding Caravan Centre in Swindon, all moving into different areas of the leisure trade.
The demand for second hand folding and pop up caravans , however, provided a niche market for Campers and Leisure Ltd., who have been dealing with this unique type of caravan since 1989. Campers and Leisure Ltd. provide a variety of good quality ‘folders’ and pop ups, all road safety checked, fault tested, and warranted .
The European market was strengthened in 2003 with France’s largest leisure group ,’Trigano’ ,designing and producing a brand new pop up caravan with the ‘Rubis‘ range, followed in 2007 ,by ‘Silver‘. These small, lightweight caravans along with the many used models available today, have proved increasingly popular as the costs involved with towing and storing a caravan has escalated through taxation , increased fuel , and land storage charges.
Campers and Leisure Ltd. continue to deal and service both Folding and Pop Up caravans and with the explosion of the internet have a national shop window for these products at
www.campersandleisure.co.uk. Experience in folding, pop up and small caravans is essential in understanding the benefits ,advantages and mechanics of these products, and staff at Campers and Leisure Ltd. continue to provide a dedicated , knowledgeable and unique service in the U.K. today.
by LuAnn » Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:13 am 