When caravans were first used in the 1920s and 30s, insulation wasn’t a big deal; folk didn’t use caravans in the winter – only the very hardy. Pre-gas caravans had paraffin stoves/solid fuel ones and only used an air barrier between the inner wallboard and outer skin. Even after WW2, insulation was only just being looked at more seriously. Tin foil and all sorts of materials were tried, some causing problems with cold spots if not correctly fitted. By the 1950s, cheap caravans still lacked insulation, which was seen as a luxury. However, the new static holiday caravans were having insulation added.
With the shortage of housing (sounds familiar) the caravan makers were producing what they called “living vans”! Solid fuel stoves were fitted but also gas fires too, after gas became more readily available after the late 1930’s. Cork and mineral wool were used for insulation, and with the advent of glass fibre matting, manufacturers began using this too. Tin foil was still a favourite, but by the early 60s living vans or park homes – as we know them today – were seeing central heating systems added. Willerby did have a central heating system as an option in the early 50s, but by this period the mobile home was now sporting this feature on more expensive models.
Most holiday parks closed their gates in late September/October, and, in some cases, a holiday caravan’s insulation didn’t extend to the roof! By the 1970s, Swedish heating company, Alde, produced a heating system for holiday homes which proved expensive. Truma also did the same with a blown heating system – but, in holiday caravans, gas fires became the norm by the 1970s. With the emerging electrical installations on parks, electric heaters could be used in rooms other than the main space. Double glazed windows were introduced on mobile homes with upgraded insulation. The 80s saw some companies use bonded side panels (as used by tourer manufacturers) to improve insulation in holiday caravans. A-Line Caravans introduced plastic double glazing, but it didn’t take off and the idea was dropped.
With the dawn of the 90s and parks opening longer, the need for warmer holiday caravans became apparent and double glazing, as used in domestic homes, was introduced, as was underfloor insulation. Mobile homes achieved better standards using thicker insulation that included wool-type material. In holiday caravans, polystyrene slabs were used. Central heating became standard on up-market holiday caravans, and an optional feature on cheaper models. Now, in 2023, we have super warm park homes with economic heating systems and recently Willerby and Atlas have added all-electric energy efficient holiday caravans to their ranges.
From winter-frosted windows and brrr nights, the holiday caravan and park home are now built for all-year use, providing all the comforts of home and more!
