The History of AutoCamping Lifestyle
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The $25 Auto Camping Trailer--Popular Science, Aug. 1930.
"My object was to build it both substantially and economically. The angle iron for the framework and the curved brace on the front were obtained from an old iron cot. An old Ford axle was bought for 50 cents and two Ford springs for $1 each. Shackles and other parts cost 2.60, machine parts $2, tubing 50 cents, bolts 50 cents, lumber $2.70 wheels $3.00 and welding $9.50.
As shown in the drawings 3/8" by 3 inch by 3 inch steel plates were welded on the axle to serve as spring pads on which to fasten to the springs. The Ford front spring hangers were welded into position on the angle iron frame after their shanks had been sawed off. The front shackle was welded solid and a brace added on the outer edge of the spring. The rear shackle floats.
The flooring and sides were fastened by means of 3/16" bolts with lock washers. A piece of 2x4x17" was attached to the bottom as shown to allow the 1 inch steel tubing to be secured firmly. This tubing was an old tie-rod from a junked car. Ordinary pipe would not do because the seam would open up when forging this part to shape.
As I had the use of a lathe and drill press in a garage, I made the universal puller. The advantage of this type of puller is that the spring tension reduces the road shocks when the trailer rides over bumps.
After the trailer was assembled, a 1" hole was drilled in the spare wheel carrier at the back of the automobile to allow the end of the puller to pass through and be secured by means of a single nut and lock washer. As an additional precaution, however, a 5/16" cable was added as a safety puller. It was looped around the front brace of the trailer and then bolted to one of the studs used for holding the spare wheel in place. If a spring snubber is wanted, an old inner tube can be passed around the axle and bolted to the floor of the trailer.
The trailer weighs 200 lbs. empty and has undergone severe and extensive tests and loaded with sandbags weighing 500 lbs."
First pic is the finished 25 dollar trailer. Pic 2 is the assembled view showing the chief points of construction. Pic 3 is the universal spring puller construction.
"My object was to build it both substantially and economically. The angle iron for the framework and the curved brace on the front were obtained from an old iron cot. An old Ford axle was bought for 50 cents and two Ford springs for $1 each. Shackles and other parts cost 2.60, machine parts $2, tubing 50 cents, bolts 50 cents, lumber $2.70 wheels $3.00 and welding $9.50.
As shown in the drawings 3/8" by 3 inch by 3 inch steel plates were welded on the axle to serve as spring pads on which to fasten to the springs. The Ford front spring hangers were welded into position on the angle iron frame after their shanks had been sawed off. The front shackle was welded solid and a brace added on the outer edge of the spring. The rear shackle floats.
The flooring and sides were fastened by means of 3/16" bolts with lock washers. A piece of 2x4x17" was attached to the bottom as shown to allow the 1 inch steel tubing to be secured firmly. This tubing was an old tie-rod from a junked car. Ordinary pipe would not do because the seam would open up when forging this part to shape.
As I had the use of a lathe and drill press in a garage, I made the universal puller. The advantage of this type of puller is that the spring tension reduces the road shocks when the trailer rides over bumps.
After the trailer was assembled, a 1" hole was drilled in the spare wheel carrier at the back of the automobile to allow the end of the puller to pass through and be secured by means of a single nut and lock washer. As an additional precaution, however, a 5/16" cable was added as a safety puller. It was looped around the front brace of the trailer and then bolted to one of the studs used for holding the spare wheel in place. If a spring snubber is wanted, an old inner tube can be passed around the axle and bolted to the floor of the trailer.
The trailer weighs 200 lbs. empty and has undergone severe and extensive tests and loaded with sandbags weighing 500 lbs."
First pic is the finished 25 dollar trailer. Pic 2 is the assembled view showing the chief points of construction. Pic 3 is the universal spring puller construction.
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Auto Camping Exhaust Cooker
July 1923, Popular Science.
"Each of these two types of auto-cookers, when placed under the hood and on the engine, are operated by the heat from the engine exhaust gases which circulate about the containers within the cooker itself"
Not only are you carrying everything you need for your car and camping, you're actually cooking a meal on the engine block. They make cookers today that do that. I saw one that you cook on the engine of your snow mobile. You can put the thing on your engine, open it up when you arrive and you have burnt hot dogs. I suppose since they still make them today that the sealed food containers aren't going to have any engine oils or exhaust water or any of that crud coming in contact with the food.
July 1923, Popular Science.
"Each of these two types of auto-cookers, when placed under the hood and on the engine, are operated by the heat from the engine exhaust gases which circulate about the containers within the cooker itself"
Not only are you carrying everything you need for your car and camping, you're actually cooking a meal on the engine block. They make cookers today that do that. I saw one that you cook on the engine of your snow mobile. You can put the thing on your engine, open it up when you arrive and you have burnt hot dogs. I suppose since they still make them today that the sealed food containers aren't going to have any engine oils or exhaust water or any of that crud coming in contact with the food.
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The 1937 Stripped Out Build -- Popular Science, July 1952
"Stripped of its engine, front end and seats, a 1937 Ford gives me perfect sleeping accommodations for camping trips.
The modification: Everything unnecessary was discarded, engine, entire front end (including steering wheel and post), drive shaft, pinion gear. Hand brake was left hooked up and a plug installed to connect tail light to the electrical system of the tow car.
Inside: Inside of car offered enough space for a three quarter bed spring after removal of seats. Back of rear seat was left, however, as a back rest for reading in bed. After I removed the window moldings and installed screening, my wife put up the curtains that you see above."
The entire trailer cost only 32.50. Weight: Less than 850 lbs. Note use of vertical space!
Pic 1 of the vehicle in tow.
Pic 2 of the vehicle build in detail
Pic 3 of the interior build
"Stripped of its engine, front end and seats, a 1937 Ford gives me perfect sleeping accommodations for camping trips.
The modification: Everything unnecessary was discarded, engine, entire front end (including steering wheel and post), drive shaft, pinion gear. Hand brake was left hooked up and a plug installed to connect tail light to the electrical system of the tow car.
Inside: Inside of car offered enough space for a three quarter bed spring after removal of seats. Back of rear seat was left, however, as a back rest for reading in bed. After I removed the window moldings and installed screening, my wife put up the curtains that you see above."
The entire trailer cost only 32.50. Weight: Less than 850 lbs. Note use of vertical space!
Pic 1 of the vehicle in tow.
Pic 2 of the vehicle build in detail
Pic 3 of the interior build
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Well, I think I've seen everything now.
How about FLYING AUTO CAMPING? In the July 1924 issue of Popular Science, it is thought that in 20 years that we would be doing our autocamping by flying to our destinations, staying in our vehicles, and then flying to the next destination. So it was thought that by 1944, this would be the norm. I think they missed the mark on this one.
How about FLYING AUTO CAMPING? In the July 1924 issue of Popular Science, it is thought that in 20 years that we would be doing our autocamping by flying to our destinations, staying in our vehicles, and then flying to the next destination. So it was thought that by 1944, this would be the norm. I think they missed the mark on this one.
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July 1922 Popular Mechanics
Portable Bathhouse
Just when I thought that there was so little mention of things like showering and/or bathroom facilities in a time where there were none on the roadside, I find the plans for this suitable portable bathhouse for auto campers. It's set up so you can change, shower or use the chamber pot toilet inside for privacy when you are auto camping.
I'll paraphrase the directions since they are long and wordy.
The bathhouse can be rolled up into a compact bundle, lashed to the running board (they carried EVERYTHING on the running boards!) and set up in a few minutes.
The folding bathroom is made of 4 poles, about 1 1/2 inches square and 7 feet 8 inches long are required. One end of each is squared, the other end of the poles are sharpened. If pitched on grassy land, a piece of iron rod a foot long can be drilled and set into the sharpened edge to give strength to the pole.
A large screw eye is screwed into the square upper ends of the 4 poles. These must hold solidly enough to stand a considerable pull. Twelve yards of 48" canvas, duck or similar material are required to cover the sides. Cut 4 strips, 7 feet long and 2 panels which are 48" square. Take the 4 long strips to the 4 poles and the final result will be an enclosure 44" square by 7 feet high, measuring from about 2 inches below the upper ends of the poles which part is left projecting. Then fit the two square pieces in the top and bottom of the enclosure turning the edges and sewing to the bottom edges of the side strips to form the roof and floor.
Choose 1 side as the front and split it down for its entire length, about a foot away from one corner pole. Then sew a heavy strip of canvas to the widest portion and hem the opposite edge. Add fasteners.
A piece of celluloid sewed into the canvas in the manner of an auto side curtain window will give light to the interior.
Portable Bathhouse
Just when I thought that there was so little mention of things like showering and/or bathroom facilities in a time where there were none on the roadside, I find the plans for this suitable portable bathhouse for auto campers. It's set up so you can change, shower or use the chamber pot toilet inside for privacy when you are auto camping.
I'll paraphrase the directions since they are long and wordy.
The bathhouse can be rolled up into a compact bundle, lashed to the running board (they carried EVERYTHING on the running boards!) and set up in a few minutes.
The folding bathroom is made of 4 poles, about 1 1/2 inches square and 7 feet 8 inches long are required. One end of each is squared, the other end of the poles are sharpened. If pitched on grassy land, a piece of iron rod a foot long can be drilled and set into the sharpened edge to give strength to the pole.
A large screw eye is screwed into the square upper ends of the 4 poles. These must hold solidly enough to stand a considerable pull. Twelve yards of 48" canvas, duck or similar material are required to cover the sides. Cut 4 strips, 7 feet long and 2 panels which are 48" square. Take the 4 long strips to the 4 poles and the final result will be an enclosure 44" square by 7 feet high, measuring from about 2 inches below the upper ends of the poles which part is left projecting. Then fit the two square pieces in the top and bottom of the enclosure turning the edges and sewing to the bottom edges of the side strips to form the roof and floor.
Choose 1 side as the front and split it down for its entire length, about a foot away from one corner pole. Then sew a heavy strip of canvas to the widest portion and hem the opposite edge. Add fasteners.
A piece of celluloid sewed into the canvas in the manner of an auto side curtain window will give light to the interior.
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lenny flank
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wasanah2 said:
When I was at the Warbirds Museum in Titusville FL they had a Navy helicopter there which had been sold as surplus and bought by some oil guy who turned it into a flying RV, with stove, fridge, beds, the works.
When the museum bought it years later, they spent years tearing it all out and restoring it to military specs.
lenny flank
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wasanah2 said:
You'd be surprised how much weight a bicycle can pull. When I was in Nicaragua I once saw a guy pedaling down the road with a homemade trailer that was hauling a fullsize fridge.
lenny flank said:
Holy cats! I hope he wasn't going downhill and having to brake fast! I take it the guy wasn't pulling through the mountains. LOL
I saw a "tiny house" youtube of a clean cut older guy on a bicycle who lived in a pull behind mini-teardrop. The guy built it out of chloroplast and junk he found. It was incredibly well built. He had bed, a little stove, even a manual water pump sink. To drain, he just opened the door and tossed the contents of his wash bowl outside. He had an ice box that we well insulated and excess water drained from it so that he never had to pull it out to drain the melted water out. Even though the place was small, he was a neat freak. Everything was clean and organized and stayed that way.
He had minimal possessions, so there wasn't much he had to carry with him. He spent his time migrating from the deep south in the winter to as far into the hills as he had to go in order to stay cool in the summer.
I wish they would have told more of his story but they were more interested in the build than why he did it.
What happens when you have underlying hoarding tendencies and you auto-camp for 5 years?
June 1922 issue of Popular Science has a pic of a man who traveled the US for 5 years, living in his car, and he accumulated a virtual moving Natural History museum. On his rig he's got a mammoth tusk, antlers of various kinds, a taxidermy animal on top. There's so much stuff on his car that he has to sit on the ground. LOL
But the guy is cool...he has a wind up phonograph, so he's got the latest ragtime tunes.
June 1922 issue of Popular Science has a pic of a man who traveled the US for 5 years, living in his car, and he accumulated a virtual moving Natural History museum. On his rig he's got a mammoth tusk, antlers of various kinds, a taxidermy animal on top. There's so much stuff on his car that he has to sit on the ground. LOL
But the guy is cool...he has a wind up phonograph, so he's got the latest ragtime tunes.
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Some people think the auto-campers of today have different problems than the early generation. I mean, back then, they didn't have to try to get cell service out in the boonies....right?
Wrong. Well semi-wrong. Not cell service but radio signals!
You will see in the photo below Mrs. Thomas Baskerville of Rahway, NJ is trying out her WIRELESS TELEPHONE. Yes, you read that right. And it worked. "Do you hear me now?" is not a saying that came out of the late 80s. No. It started more than 50 years prior. This set up is a top of the line 4 wire antenna mounted on the camper top. She has a wireless telephone from a crystal detector radio which I believe is the forerunner of the ham radio.
No longer is the camper disconnected from civilization. You CAN have it all!
From June 1922, Popular Science.
Wrong. Well semi-wrong. Not cell service but radio signals!
You will see in the photo below Mrs. Thomas Baskerville of Rahway, NJ is trying out her WIRELESS TELEPHONE. Yes, you read that right. And it worked. "Do you hear me now?" is not a saying that came out of the late 80s. No. It started more than 50 years prior. This set up is a top of the line 4 wire antenna mounted on the camper top. She has a wireless telephone from a crystal detector radio which I believe is the forerunner of the ham radio.
No longer is the camper disconnected from civilization. You CAN have it all!
From June 1922, Popular Science.
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The "Ark" Motor Camper
Built by cereal tycoon, W.K Kellogg, this huge camper has a wheel base of 198", 45 HP motor, six 36" tires and weighing in at 11K pounds. This behemoth camper is equipped with beds, tables, easy chairs, kitchen, bathroom, heater, a "refrigerator plant" and radio set.
This beauty can travel 30-35 mph on rough roads without discomfort to the passengers. A road home on wheels, Kellogg said that he went for the well ordered home essentials and didn't focus on "luxuries."
Seeing what he's got on board, I'd say that luxury must be a home essential for Kellogg.
From the Popular Science, March 1924. Pic one shows the vehicle and pic 2 shows the layout of the features.
Built by cereal tycoon, W.K Kellogg, this huge camper has a wheel base of 198", 45 HP motor, six 36" tires and weighing in at 11K pounds. This behemoth camper is equipped with beds, tables, easy chairs, kitchen, bathroom, heater, a "refrigerator plant" and radio set.
This beauty can travel 30-35 mph on rough roads without discomfort to the passengers. A road home on wheels, Kellogg said that he went for the well ordered home essentials and didn't focus on "luxuries."
Seeing what he's got on board, I'd say that luxury must be a home essential for Kellogg.
From the Popular Science, March 1924. Pic one shows the vehicle and pic 2 shows the layout of the features.
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The almighty Car Top Carrier
It became an essential tool in car camping. It evolved over time into the smaller roof rack we know today, but back in its day, it was meant to be USED and full of your camping gear that you strapped to the bars. Follow this family of 5 on a tour from Chicago to Cali on their overland camping trip in the Popular Mechanics May, 1958 issue. The car top carrier was so important. You needed to put at least two sleeping in the back of the station wagon and three went into the stand alone tent that was pitched at close distance. In order to make room for the bedding and people inside, much equipment rode up on top. This gave ample room for the family's comfort.
It became an essential tool in car camping. It evolved over time into the smaller roof rack we know today, but back in its day, it was meant to be USED and full of your camping gear that you strapped to the bars. Follow this family of 5 on a tour from Chicago to Cali on their overland camping trip in the Popular Mechanics May, 1958 issue. The car top carrier was so important. You needed to put at least two sleeping in the back of the station wagon and three went into the stand alone tent that was pitched at close distance. In order to make room for the bedding and people inside, much equipment rode up on top. This gave ample room for the family's comfort.
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When I was a kid, we didn't have too much for safety. We didn't wear safety belts. In fact, I'm not thinking we even had any in the back seat.
Well, back in 1958--Popular Mechanics, safety conscious station wagon owners came up with the ingenious idea that you can pad the back of it and put in safety nets to keep the kids safe in case of an accident.
I call this a FAIL. The kids look miserable, and all the nets and fluff in the world is not going to keep that brother from kicking his sister in the head. He's just about to do that in the pic. ALSO, WHO puts an infant in the charge of a little kid like that. There's a baby rolling around in that death trap station wagon.
This is one of those times in the Auto-camping thread where someone says, "Don't try this at home!"
Yep, bad idea.
Well, back in 1958--Popular Mechanics, safety conscious station wagon owners came up with the ingenious idea that you can pad the back of it and put in safety nets to keep the kids safe in case of an accident.
I call this a FAIL. The kids look miserable, and all the nets and fluff in the world is not going to keep that brother from kicking his sister in the head. He's just about to do that in the pic. ALSO, WHO puts an infant in the charge of a little kid like that. There's a baby rolling around in that death trap station wagon.
This is one of those times in the Auto-camping thread where someone says, "Don't try this at home!"
Yep, bad idea.
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Families and groups love to camp together. CAMPING CLUBS!! You can camp with a rowdy group or a quiet group, a group of folks with similar interests, or with other families.
The National Campers and Hiker's Association was the topic of the Popular Science, Sept, 1969 edition. It features a large spread of activities. Evidently it began (in earnest) in 1954 and at writing (1969) the club had grown to 50,000 families belonging to 2,000 chapters in the US and Canada.
Families camp together, make friends and have a good time.
The NCHA disbanded and re-emerged at the Family Campers and RVers Club. I was unable to find how many people are now members, but here is their website: https://www.fcrv.org/
So if you want to join a camping club near you, they set you up. You've always got camping buddies when you join a club.
The National Campers and Hiker's Association was the topic of the Popular Science, Sept, 1969 edition. It features a large spread of activities. Evidently it began (in earnest) in 1954 and at writing (1969) the club had grown to 50,000 families belonging to 2,000 chapters in the US and Canada.
Families camp together, make friends and have a good time.
The NCHA disbanded and re-emerged at the Family Campers and RVers Club. I was unable to find how many people are now members, but here is their website: https://www.fcrv.org/
So if you want to join a camping club near you, they set you up. You've always got camping buddies when you join a club.
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