41 years, still going strong
Iwould like to sing the praises of my 1981 Sprite Sport, which we purchased in 1983. The caravan had only been used twice before, and the price of R5 000 was about the same as that of a new one. For the first two years, I lived in it in Namaqualand while working on construction projects.
As a family, we have routinely used the caravan for holidays since 1985 with our three children.
When it’s not in use, we keep the Sprite under cover. From its position at home, getting it out is a slight incline. By using my own simple solution, I am able to handle the caravan by myself without difficulty. Our homemade ‘movers’ consist of two wooden blocks hooked in front of each wheel with some rope. Whenever you push the caravan backward, the block drags along. Should the caravan start moving forward, however, the block will wedge itself in front of the wheel. By moving the coupler alternately left and right, you therefore walk the caravan backwards to where you want it.
To also use the caravan more practically, we put in drawers and a table. It opens outwards and slides under the single bed. The lace curtains and fridge have been replaced, but the other curtains and upholstery are still original – even the canvas roof lining and ceramic crockery are original and complete. The shock absorbers have also been replaced, but the wheel bearings are still the original ball bearings. The same applies to the brakes, which have also never been replaced. We still use the commercial 13” tyres.
Though we cannot compete with offroad caravans and trailers, the Sprite’s independent suspension with coil springs and shock absorbers is able to handle South Africa’s road conditions well. I also try to properly maintain the caravan and don’t hesitate to tow it long distances.
The Sprite is often the oldest caravan
in any campsite. With its tare weight of 710 kg, a light towing vehicle is sufficient and the fuel consumption very favourable.
Since retiring in 2011, we’ve regularly towed the Sprite across the country on longer excursions. The trips include three visits to the Kruger National Park, return trips through Eswatini and the KwaZuluNatal North Coast, and a trip to the Elliot area in the Eastern Cape. Also various places in Namaqualand and Keurbooms River, Jongensfontein and Saldanha, and regular weekend destinations closer to home.
During a recent Kruger holiday, the Sprite easily accommodated four people. Apparently two of us snored worse than the park’s lions at night... This holiday was a big circular loop around South Africa, from Table Bay to Pontdrift and back.
Following that holiday, we visited the Eastern Cape with our children and grandchildren. The total distance for both was 11 558 km, and the Sprite required no repairs. On the Eastern Cape trip, we covered 3 562 km, of which 2 527 km was with the Sprite hitched to our 2005 Isuzu KB300. The average fuel consumption was 10,6 ℓ/100 km. Just by the way, according to the GPS readings, the Isuzu’s odometer is a touch optimistic. So I should make a 10% adjustment before I could boast about the consumption.
I’m pretty sure the Sprite will outlive me, but trust that it will end up in the hands of an enthusiast with an appreciation for veterans. In the meantime, I hope we can spend a number of holidays together still.