Weird RVs

Really "Green" Motorhome is Astonishing!

2009-06-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! Here's a motorhome that doesn't pollute the environment. In fact, it's not "carbon nuetral" it actually takes carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere! Watch for it--it may be coming to an RV park near you!

photo: quinnums on flickr.com

New Twist on Arizona Room?

2009-06-24T12:41:00.001-07:00

Want to take your greenhouse with you? Maybe this is the latest wave for RVing gardners. As seen in Germany by laughingmonk on flickr.com.

RVing: Russian Style

2009-06-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

According to Star Trek's Mr. Checkoff, everything good was a, "Russian inwention." A quick eyed reader of this blog pointed us to a web site touting Russian recreational vehicles, there referred to as "camping cars."

It would seem that the good old boys in Russian enjoy RVing as much as their counterparts in the states. However, if the photos we saw were any indication, with a few exceptions the majority there enjoy their RVing--er, camp car-ing--with a much more modest approach than the typical American.

The amphibious RV (we'd love to see the living quarters in this one) seems to be on the high end of the scale. Can you say, mega-rubles? It appears the more common RRV (Russian RV) is a former military vehicle converted over for civilian use. The interior configurations of some RVs do bring the whole idea of self-containment along, but on a scale (or layout) that the typical North American would easily get into. Still, if you want to really check out the back-country, these ex-military rigs might be just the ticket.

photos: englishrussia.com

An RV Paint Job You Won't Soon Forget

2009-05-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

If ever there's a strong reminder to be sure you're fully rested when driving the rig, here it is: Imagine nodding off behind the wheel, and suddenly waking up to find this RV in the lane immediately in front of you.

photo: katiedee47 on flickr.com

Old RV Logo Probably Not "Politically Correct"

2009-05-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

Here's an ancient trailer company logo that probably wouldn't meet today's stringent standards for "political correctness." She does have a rather fetching smile--so shoot me!

The rig is a "Ute Liner," from probably the 60s up to mid 70s. Anybody ever have one of these?

photo: boyghost on flickr.com

Slab City--Salvation Mountain Trailer

2009-05-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Plenty of RVers have heard of 'the Slabs' near Niland, California. A short bird flight to the Salton Sea, Slab City is a favorite spot of wintering snowbirds who bring their rigs in for a night--or a season.

At the entry of Slab City is Salvation Mountain, a man-made construct coated with much lead-based paint, which has actually proved to be the salvation of free camping at Slab City.

Lee Otis on flickr.com provided this photo.

RV Park Six Flights Up

2009-05-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

If you want to see this RV park, you'll have to do a bit of planning, and forget it--the motorhome will have to stay behind. This RV park is Cape Town, South Africa's newest, and with appologies to all the pop singers, it's really, "Up on the roof."

Cape Town's Grand Daddy Hotel has taken seven vintage Airstreams and installed them in their rooftop "RV park." Each has been given an interior refurb, based on a theme, anywhere from Goldilocks and her trio of bruin companions, to 'The Ballad of John and Yoko,' complete with guitar.

This must be one of the weirdest of the weird. Check out the hotel's website for reservations, www.daddylonglegs.co.za/GD/ And be sure to turn up your sound.

photo courtesy GoughPalmer on flickr.com

Sawed Off Fifth Wheel Accommodates ATV

2009-05-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Only in Arizona: Apparently somebody really loves their ATV. Loves it enough to saw off the fifth wheel to bring the ATV along for the ride. This photo caught by evanosherow on flickr.com was taken in Bowie.

The VW That Fred Salvaged

2009-04-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

Up there in the Great White North of Alberta, Canada, it's said the 'Northern Lights have seen queer sights." Indeed, here's a 'salvage job' that was once a VW van that rolled over. A man named Fred is said to have recovered the van and built it into his interesting motorhome. It's possible that Linus might think this is 'The Great Pumpkin's' RV.

Thanks to dave_7 on flickr.com for the photo.

Appalachian Motorhome?

2009-04-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Where? Who? Why?
"Don't know!" to all three.
Photo shot in 2007 by bsryan on flickr.com

An RV for Horsin' Around

2009-03-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

On California's high desert, Karen Lanhan found a horse with a bent toward RVing.

1960's "Motorhome" from the UK

2009-03-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

While snidely described as, "A miracle of British design, although much let down by slipshod British execution — screws missing, bad wood-planing..." the distinctive "pug nose" appearance of the Bedford van, converted to a "Dormobile" still warms the hearts of some of those 'across the pond.'

This particular conversion motorhome is now over 40 years old, although its proud owner declares he's twice the age of his rig, and still caring for it on his own. This one appears to have used the picnic tablecloth for the "pop up" fabric!

photo: jon's pics on flickr.com

Dino-RV?

2009-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

OK, so it isn't an RV in the true sense of the word, but in these dark days of the RV economy, no RV builder has the funds to build an RV big enough to accommodate Fred Flintstone's pet. So whatcha gonna do? Improvise!
Photo courtesy Karen Lanhan, near Landers, California.

A car and trailer that even Lucy and Desi could love

2009-03-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

Yikes! How's this for a weird RV setup? The trailer is a '50s era Airstream (I think), but I don't know what the heck the car is. Isn't it funny how we once portrayed the future? Cars were long, slender and streamlined, and the really futuristic ones had the totally coolest thing in the world -- fins! So in the 50 or so years that has passed since this photo was made (a composite of a couple of photos, I think), we have not quite evolved in the way that people back then thought. But, really, I want this car! -- Chuck Woodbury, RVtravel.com

Stretch Tow Rig?

2009-03-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

As seen in Flagstaff, Arizona, this Ford pickemup must be the ultimate "stretch" vehicle. Yes, it looks as though it can tow a travel trailer, but you'd sure need help with clearing a fifth wheel around the back of the cab. And a truck camper? Wow!

1950s, or 60s, "Found" Photo

2009-03-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Don't suppose you recognize yourself in this photo, do you? An old photo lover found this in an abandoned building. Maybe the trailer was a rental unit, by the looks of a "serial" number near the front of the rig. And another little mystery, was "Dad" the photographer here, or do the womenfolk really, really outnumber the men?

photo provided by roadsidepictures on flickr.com

"Paranoia 5000" Motorhome

2009-03-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

Photographer alexmcc on flickr.com caught this--er--motorhome--in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. His description? "Introducing the PARANOIA 5000, the new and improved safetymobile-motorhome for all those scared of being robbed, carjacked, kidnapped or having a flat tire"

Well, some would have us believe that if the economy continues in the downturn, perhaps this is what we'll need to enjoy the RV lifestyle!

Studebaker Touring Car Becomes Motorhome

2009-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

From a 2005 car show in Hickory Corners, Michigan, here's an old Studebaker touring car, converted to a motorhome. Actually, in the time frame of its conversion, the proper term would likely have been "house car" as opposed to motorhome.

The house car obviously drew plenty of attention. Here's an interior view of what the photographer described as its "luxurious dining facilities."

The conversion was based on a plan that appeared in a magazine of the time period, Outdoor Life. A copy of that article is no doubt a collectors item. Photo courtesy corvair owner on flickr.com.

Australian "Dodge Motorhome" Breaks the Mold

2009-02-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

We don't know much about this one, other than it looks like a 1940's home put on wheels. The photographer says he shot it at a little museum in Australia in the 1970s.

photo: hugo90 on flickr.com

European "Motorhome" Elevates Travel Trailer

2009-02-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

Take one travel trailer. Mount on big truck chassis. Park on street and wait for photographers. All you need is a ladder to get in your rig. Photo from St.Margrethen, Switzerland. Does this make this a "Swiss-Alpenlight?"

photo by Kecko on flickr.com

Fish or Fly With this RV?

2009-02-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

For some RVers, this must be the best of both worlds: Take your vintage camper, and carry your little fishing boat with you. Flat-black 66 found this puzzler in a car museum in New Hampshire.

photo: flat-black 66 flickr.com

Airstream Village in Vegas?

2009-02-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

OK, maybe it doesn't constitute a weird RV, but how about a nice RV in a weird location?

The KOA at Circus Circus in downtown Lostwages now offers non-RV folk the opportunity to check out luxury RVing while gaming away their dollars. At $45 a night, an outside BBQ and pink flamingos included, you can stay in an Airstream.

No, you won't be able to drive away. The security gaurds will stop anything remotely resembling an Airstream for a security check.

photo: Las Vegas Sun

Ship of the Desert? Unusual "RV" in Quartzsite

2009-01-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

Every year hundreds of thousands of RVs make their way into Quartzsite, Arizona. You can be sure you'll see some different ones as you make your way about in the desert. This one is probably the least RV, RV.

Is it an RV? Well, it's self-contained, it's on wheels, and you can live aboard. Even though you could put to sea on her, guess she rates the description of a true recreational vehicle.

'Built it Myself!' Shasta Trailer

2009-01-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

Bill Ward has a knack for inventiveness. His Shasta trailer here is built out of Lego building blocks. Yes, he's got something to tow it with too! You can learn more about Bill's projects by looking at http://www.brickpile.com/2008/12/17/shasta-teardrop-travel-trailer/

photo: Bill Ward's Brickpile on flickr.com

Bring Back Any Memories?

2009-01-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Boy does this one ever bring back memories. Warm summer days. The smell of dried out grass. The worries, "If you get a burn from your cap gun, you'll get lockjaw!"

Anybody remember the Wheel Camper popup line?

photo: dalehugo on flickr.com