Botterill and Frazer Caravans.

[Richard]

The firm of J. Botterill and Frazer, of Hanna and Kavanagh Streets South Melbourne, has created for both industry and pleasure in the building of yachts, launches and pleasure craft. Diverting some of the efforts of their organisation to the benefit of those who prefer to take their pleasures on the land, this firm is now producing a scientifically designed, lightweight caravan in whichdesign and comfort has been combined with skillfully planned layout of fitments to ensure for the pleasure seeking motorist the enjoyment of caravanning as it should be.

The standard model which is 14 ft 6 " long and 6 ft 6 " wide. The weight of this unit is usually light with a low centre of gravity, and is maintained in a low position when the unit is loaded, due to the careful design of the storage cabinets. This, of course means faster cornering with safety.

Methods used in the production of this interesting caravan are in accordance with the latest plywood boat, aircraft and glider construction. The sides are of stressed skin design which eliminates the need for heavy steel chassis members and the possibility of the body "breaking its back" due to body flexing. Corners are protected with aluminium beading, side walls have dead air space and are fully lined.
The top, which is effictively insulated to a thickness of 1" and has a durably canvas covering similar to that used on boat decks. All fasteners are non corrosive, and all joints are glued with waterproof aircraft glue, thus making for a long lasting trouble free caravan.

Linking to the car is effected with a heavy ball type coupling. A jack type rubber caster wheel at the front and jack type back legs afford stability when the unit is detached from the car. The drop axel is forged from chrome axel steel, turned between centres to give a true alignment of the wheels, which are standard 6 stud car type disk wheels of 16 x 6.00 in. Tyre size. Springs are 8 leaf with bronze shackles bushes and greasers.
Ventilation is provided by 4 large round cornered windows, a hatch type vent in the roof, approximately 3 ft. square, which will open any of 4 ways, an air circulating system which draws cool air from beneath the caravan floor. All openings, including the door, are fly wired and fitted with sponge rubber dust proof seals.
Features of the luxury interior of the Botterill and Fraser caravan include, a permanent double bed with two large clothes draws underneath, two single beds, one above the other, the top one lowering to form the back of a 6ft. 3 in. couch by day. (All beds are fitted with inner spring mattresses). A large ice chest, a stainless steel sink, a 2 burner kerosene stove with a cowl above for fumes, full length wardrobes and a surprising number of draws and cupboards for food storage and crockery etc. A large table folds snugly against the side of the caravan when not in use, and can be lowed without disturbing the beds. All cabinet work has rounded corners, and is of flush door and draw type, with nickel plated fittings.
Two flushed type ceiling lights and a bed reading light, with independent switches, operate from a 6 volt car battery, as does the tail light of the caravan.
A 13 gallon capacity tined copper water tank with 2 baffles is filled from the outside. And it is situated so that the balance of the caravan is not effected wether the tank is full or empty. Water is supplied to the sink by means of nickel plated pantry pump.
Fully lined with rounded corners where possible and a clean light interior with the exterior finished in 3 toned colours.