Tiny transformer
A legitimate barn find doesn’t happen often, but that’s exactly what Constantun van Deventer from Douglas came across on a recent visit to Middelburg.
We bought this 1973 Slipstream caravan from an elderly couple in the Eastern Cape. It wasn’t in a terrible condition, but it needed a few touch-ups to restore it to its former glory. It had a triple bed, single bed and a hammock for sleeping.
We towed the caravan back home to Douglas in the Northern Cape. Then I installed a new axle and new wheels – sturdier items that would make the caravan better suited to rougher gravel roads. I made the beds slightly bigger and the floor was also completely refurbished.
I then tasked ER Upholsteries in Douglas with arguably the biggest job: a new tent and awning for the Slipstream. They agreed to do the job with no example from which to work off and also managed
to provide us with a second room for when we’re pitching camp.
We like to be self-sufficient when we’re camping, so we use solar power for things like cooking and light. All other regular camping equipment, tools and chairs are all stored under the beds, so they’re always in the caravan and ready for our next trip. We only pack food and clothing and then off we go.
My first generation Hyundai Tucson has no problem towing the Slipstream, and when we arrive at the campsite it’s pitched very quickly. Packing away is just as fast. It really is a treat to own such an easyto-use and manoeuvrable little caravan. As you can imagine, it draws plenty of attention, and on a recent trip to Sandgat we had plenty of campers coming over to enquire about it.