Classic Winnebagos & Vintage RVs

Topic Boards => Coach => Topic started by: LJ-TJ on March 22, 2017, 08:17 PM

Title: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 22, 2017, 08:17 PM
Anybody have any information or know were to get information on Sprite Caravans. Apparently they were built in the States for about two years in the 70's. I think around 1973 and 1974
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 25, 2017, 05:25 PM
If you guys though use Classic Winnebago guys were nuts before this just confirms it. 1974 Sprite Alpine C built in Nappanee Indiana. Just pulled it out of the bush this morning. Looking like a complete gut and restoration. D:oH!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: stanDman111 on March 25, 2017, 05:43 PM
she is a beauty
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on March 25, 2017, 05:48 PM
I cant keep my eyes from the pink siding TJ.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: stanDman111 on March 25, 2017, 05:56 PM
pink barn board, got to like it
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 25, 2017, 10:59 PM
Well the one thing about having a Pink Barn is everybody in town when giving directions says go to the Pink Barn and turn left, right or go straight through. :)rotflmao Though a few of you might get a kick out of these. Just found them.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 26, 2017, 08:08 PM
Considering I have owned, raced, restored or put engines in over a hundred beetles I think I know them quite well and I have to ask, Where in the world do you bolt a hitch with enough strength to pull a trailer?!!!! W% W% i?? i??

Oh, and pink siding! W% ??? ??? N:( N:( N:( N:( N:(
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Oz on March 26, 2017, 08:11 PM
the roof.  Remember the video with the 360 degree turning ability?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 26, 2017, 08:17 PM
Yea, I remember that one. I saw one of those at a camping show in the 60's. It wasn't moving though. Plenty of strength in a bug roof, the window posts are curled in from four sides. I have rolled several of them and never bent a window post! They must have reinforced the roof though since that was just sheet metal.

Here it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpwH9WeVEfU
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on March 26, 2017, 08:45 PM
Cant tell if its a super or not. If it is, the bumper shock mounts are solid
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 26, 2017, 08:46 PM
Thought you might like this. Hey Rick there really light. Gross Weight is 2,300 lbs. They were designed to be pulled my and MG. They got quite a history. I'm going to start a restore this old girl. Information on Sprite Caravans is extremely hard to find. I haven't asked Mark if he wants to set a side a spot for post and restoration info on these of not. Hm?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 26, 2017, 08:51 PM
 D:oH! Found it.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: tmsnyder on March 27, 2017, 08:55 AM

My vintage camper isn't quite that light, it's 3200lb.   It's a 1959 Holley Mascot, 16', all birchwood inside, no particle board!  Tows nice behind my 56 chevy.

(http://www.dumpt.com/img/files/bgm6i79ygvfljqt7piey_thumb.jpg) (http://www.dumpt.com/img/viewer.php?file=bgm6i79ygvfljqt7piey.jpg)
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 27, 2017, 10:10 AM
Sweet! Seems up here in Canada the latest fad is to pull these old 50's 60's trailers out of the bush and restore them or go rat rod with them. In my case we have a 4 cylinder Suzuki. We don't take the 75 Winnebago out after the Canadian Thanks Giving and we still like to go camping for a few months after. So we went on the hunt for a trailer light enough that the Suzuki could pull without pulling the guts out of her. We came up with two. The Sprite Caravan and the Thomson Caravan. The Sprite was manufactured  buy Sprite Manufactureing Co. Inc. in Nappanee, Indiana as a Sprite Alpine C in 1974 with a gross trailer Weight of 2300 lbs. There just doesn't seem to be a hole lot of information on her. Classic Winnebago's and RV's has been a great resource for us old Classic Winnebago guys and I'm kind of hoping some of you out there might have some leads on a few of these old girls. Nice combination you have there. :)ThmbUp
Title: Sprite Caravan Project
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 28, 2017, 09:36 AM
Great project for somebody with a small car.

https://huntington.craigslist.org/for/6059819580.html
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on March 28, 2017, 12:48 PM
That is only a few miles from me TJ. But I have a lifetime of projects already.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 28, 2017, 12:53 PM
Quote from: M & J on March 26, 2017, 08:45 PM
Cant tell if its a super or not. If it is, the bumper shock mounts are solid

Flat windshield and no bumper shocks. If it is a super it would have to be a 71. Does have the later style bumper so has to be close.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: DRMousseau on March 28, 2017, 08:09 PM

I'd luv to see the hitch setup on that little gold bug!
Tire clearance says it's quite a load for it.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on March 28, 2017, 08:45 PM
I Googled it. A surprising number of hitch options for a Beetle. 100-200 pound tongue weight and 2500 lb draw weight were common.
Staying with the thread, I wonder what the weight of those little campers are?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 28, 2017, 09:20 PM
 $@!#@! No I don't know what I'm doing BUT if you type in the address below and then click on the 1977 thing a ma bob a PDF comes up with a lot of specs on it on the Sprite Caravan Hm? D:oH! https://www.google.com/#q=1974+sprite+Alpine+caravan+specification&*
1977 CI Brochure (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjgxo-7w_rSAhWn6oMKHVczCrEQFggaMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fncbbrochures.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmainbrochures%2F1977_CI_Brochure.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEB3I8pLZ2p47cJjGhKcQUVQwZM2Q)https://ncbbrochures.s3.amazonaws.com/mainbrochures/1977_CI_Brochure.pdfOptlonal Bunk NO Gross laden Weight lng. 560. Hßdy lßñglll ... Sprite Alpine for its combination of size, style and ... Sprite 400 becoming the first caravan to be towed at over 100 ... Prior to production, sealing of the new Sprite Alpine gets the ...
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 08:48 AM
Interesting info, I guess I was not there the year they ran that at the Baja race. I am guessing yours does not look quite that good inside? They brag about how waterproof they are, was yours waterproof?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: stanDman111 on March 29, 2017, 08:55 AM
it would have been if it was stored in a pink barn  for most of its life
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Elandan2 on March 29, 2017, 08:57 AM
Hey TJ, where's the pictures of the inside? You of all people know we love pictures.  :)rotflmao
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 09:04 AM
Quote from: stanDman on March 29, 2017, 08:55 AM
it would have been if it was stored in a pink barn  for most of its life

I am not EVEN going there!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 29, 2017, 10:46 AM
I'll go out and get more pic's today. She's pretty punky inside. It's going to be a scary project. Wish I lived in Indiana home of trailer builders. I'd like to hunt up the proper front and rear window for it. I'm thinking it's going to be a slow project because parts are hard to find. Everything is rusted up as it sat in the bush neglected for twenty years. I had to tie it to the hitch as I couldn't get it to lock down to bring it home. There becoming really popular in the compact car community because there so light and easy to pull. Well see. Hm?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 11:06 AM
Pictures man!!! You know we want pictures! There is some guy on here named TJ that gets all upset when you don't post pictures. W% W% W% W% :)rotflmao :)rotflmao
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 29, 2017, 11:45 AM
Point taken. :)ThmbUp
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on March 29, 2017, 12:43 PM
Just when I was getting past the pink barn someone brings it up again.... SMH.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: stanDman111 on March 29, 2017, 07:41 PM
actually its a airplane hanger (a pink one at that)
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 29, 2017, 07:57 PM
Which also houses a 1943 ford fire truck and a 18 foot manned model battleship. But we digress. I couldn't get any really good photos of the inside. It will have to wait until I get the cover off the front and rear windshield. But here's the best I could do.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 08:23 PM
oooh, did we hit a nerve with the picture thing? :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao

It looks better than I thought it would, seems pretty solid for sitting in the weeds.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on March 29, 2017, 10:01 PM
Yeah! I know. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. I'll know better after the weekend when I get a chance to work on her a bit. The ceiling front to back and around the skylight feels real punkie. A buddy's lending me his torch set so hopefully I'll be able to get the hitch to work. Picture's to follow. D:oH!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on March 29, 2017, 10:11 PM
And we love pictures.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 30, 2017, 08:12 PM
Hitch repair tool = BFH. They do have then up there don't they? :D
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 03, 2017, 09:51 AM
1971 Sprite Vintage Camper - $1150 https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/rvs/6071637496.html
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 03, 2017, 09:57 AM
B&B Beta Coupling with autolock head
This is the style hitch on these little girls. Mine was seized but after putting a little heat on it, it works like a dream.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 03, 2017, 10:08 AM

B&B Beta Coupling with autolock head

It doesn't rain that it pours. Just found this but not sure if it will work when I post it.

www.thomson-caravans.co.uk/advice/maintenance/pdf/bbhandbookchassis72-83.pdf
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 03, 2017, 10:27 AM
B&B Beta Coupling with autolock head

I think when you click on the link I posted a PDF of a Sprite trailer frames shows up.  i??
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: stanDman111 on April 03, 2017, 12:55 PM
strangest hitch set up I ever seen/ brake system is kinda funky too!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 03, 2017, 04:22 PM
It's British what'd you expect. :)rotflmao D:oH!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: stanDman111 on April 03, 2017, 06:12 PM
all you need now is a classic m g  to tow it
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 04, 2017, 10:33 AM
This is what she really looks like. Fascinating set up.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 04, 2017, 12:14 PM
What holds it in the locked position? If anything. Kind of looks like it will just lift up to unlock.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 04, 2017, 05:24 PM
It you look back at the drawing you'll see a spring loaded clasp on the side of the handle you pull up on. The handle is spring loaded to snap back down and there's a piece that it clips on to keep it from popping back up. Hm?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 09, 2017, 08:35 PM
Well the weather broke today and I finally had a chance to do some work on the Sprite. Even if it was just a good wash.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 09, 2017, 08:43 PM
 :)ThmbUp I guess Sprites are like Oreo's. You just can't have one. L.J. and I were out cursing on a Sunday afternoon back road drive and low and be hold what did we see. Another Sprite. Did I ever say what a dream they are to tow. WOW! We've got a little 4 cylinder and man you forget it's even on the back. The other funny thing with these little girls is you can see right through the caravans windows. Yeah! Look in the rear view mirror and you can see through the front window on the trailer through the back and right out side to see what's behind you. You don't even need mirror extensions on the car. Crazy. Fun to pull. Shoot now we got a his and her's. D:oH!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on April 09, 2017, 09:41 PM
Thats not yours. No pink barn..
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: stanDman111 on April 10, 2017, 06:44 AM
that's cause its in the drive over by the house
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 10, 2017, 07:40 AM
Found this one for sale in Ontario Canada.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-travel-trailer-camper/markham-york-region/retro-trailer/1245703224?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 10, 2017, 08:57 AM
And the addiction begins....................................
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 10, 2017, 09:36 AM
 :)rotflmao This was the first time I've really had a chance to tow over any distance at track speed. You forget it's even on the back. There small but they have such big windows in them you don't feel like your closed in. For anybody out there with a small four cylinder these little girls are amazing and can be bought for thousands less than a Boler, Trillium, Compact.  ???
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 10, 2017, 07:38 PM
I am 6'3". I do not see any way I could be comfortable in that thing in any position doing anything. I am taller that it is long, high or wide. N:(
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: TerryH on April 10, 2017, 08:37 PM
Not to worry, Rick. You will likely shrink with age.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 11, 2017, 07:43 AM
13' Sprite travel trailer1968 Sprite travel trailer. New brakes & tires two years ago, new floor last year, no leaks. Solid trailer ready for camping. Comes with original owners manual.  1234lbs easy to tow.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1254258952
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 11, 2017, 12:22 PM
WOW! That was fast. :)clap These little guys don't seem to hang around long.  ??? especially since they can be pulled by a Mini or MG.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: CapnDirk on April 11, 2017, 12:44 PM
The fact that he got or close to it $4k  is a testimony to how Retro people are going.


It's good to know that us old guys are preserving history from a time when life was good.   :)ThmbUp
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 11, 2017, 04:46 PM
The thing of it is. I didn't know about these little rigs until I found out our 4 cylinder Suzuki wouldn't pull a full size trailer. When I saw that a Sprite was just trick I started looking for one. Right now there incredibly affordable. They can be had for any were from $200.00 dollars to $8,000.00 on the top end. But for right now you can pic a decent rig up for between $1,000.00 and $2,500.00. As soon as the little guys find out about them the ( Honda's, Fit's, VW's) the price is suspect will go through the roof. I'm starting to see that now with that last one going for $4,000.00. I talked to the person just before it sold and made the score of the century. I got a PDF of the Owners Manual along with a small history of the Sprite.   
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: CapnDirk on April 11, 2017, 11:41 PM
Some food for thought>


So many people have made a business out of restoring old cars.  I think the trailers are next, or it has already begun.


TJ.. You and me next year in our own syndicated cable TV show hacking through the brush with machetes to find the Cabana I showed in the for sale area!!!


You get the Canadian rights and I the US side!  We'll play off each other like those two Brit car dudes!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 12, 2017, 09:07 AM
Eh, You see what happened to the Brits don't you? The mechanic left the show. They decided his part was not really as important so he said fine, if I am not that important than I will just leave.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IB15T1LYiY
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 12, 2017, 10:41 AM
Good one. Seem the way of the media these days. Drop quality and in fill with crap. See viewers think there important.  $@!#@! D:oH!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: CapnDirk on April 12, 2017, 12:24 PM
No, these brits...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nenQI4HrUhk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nenQI4HrUhk)


If you have not seen "the worst car in the history of the world" the one hour show is a hoot!


TJ are you going to go find another?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on April 12, 2017, 12:26 PM
That sucks. He was the only reason I watched that show.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 12, 2017, 02:00 PM
Yep! Got my eyes peeled for another hopefully inexpensive. I need the front and rear windows and an sundry of other smaller parts. This could turn out to be as bad as my collection of Classic Winnebago parts. D:oH! Once I start dismantling her I'll post pictures. Sure hope other Vintage Sprite owners find this site. There's just not a lot out there. Yeah there's YouTube stuff but nothing like here were you can find out how to do stuff. Well ok not just yet but hopefully down the road like the Winnebago stuff. Hm?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 12, 2017, 02:06 PM
You better hope they don't find it until after you get your stuff you need!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 12, 2017, 02:46 PM
No kidding. I just missed another one down the road a couple of hours. The guy said he didn't have it on 3 hrs and a guy from way up north bought it pretty much site unseen.  This is all new to me but holly cow. REALLY!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: tmsnyder on April 12, 2017, 04:02 PM
It's the vintage camper fad happening now too.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on April 12, 2017, 06:14 PM
Most of us older members here are vintage campers........ :)
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on April 12, 2017, 07:02 PM
I resemble that!   :P
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: CapnDirk on April 12, 2017, 08:24 PM
TJ: isn't that the second one you've missed by hours?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 13, 2017, 09:06 AM
Yep! I know nothing about trailers and just tripped over this make. Not a big deal at the start but as I got into them it was like WOW! These things don't stick around for long. Then when I could find stuff on them there pretty amazing little trailers. With a 1275 gross weight all the folks who want to go camping but don't want to do it in a tent and can't tow a trailer have just now been included. I think these little girls are going to catch on once people find out about them. I think they all ready are as they don't seem to stay up for sale long once there listed. Hm?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 13, 2017, 11:02 PM
Well found another manual. Not the greatest but if you strain your eyes you can read it.

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12254&sid=af5fe5a7c8aa665f4c4aa16da6f13563
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 14, 2017, 08:07 AM
He's on a roll, the addiction is really taking hold now! :D
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: M & J on April 14, 2017, 12:54 PM
Let me know we need to have an intervention.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: CapnDirk on April 14, 2017, 02:08 PM
He'll come home some night to find us sitting in a semi circle around the Sprite with chips and soda with him front of us parts in hand.   :)rotflmao
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 14, 2017, 06:57 PM
 :)ThmbUp Any time boys. You haven't seen my back yard have you.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 14, 2017, 07:46 PM
Good thing you have that BIG back yard!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 14, 2017, 07:46 PM
This was fascinating Hm? .
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 15, 2017, 10:02 AM
Directional Light Wiring. Found this while surfing last night. Thought it might come in handy for someone.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 15, 2017, 10:10 AM
Well THAT is completely different than what I am used to seeing and using!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 15, 2017, 11:07 AM
 :)rotflmao Yeah me too. But then it's English. However most of the stuff I'm finding is like trying to find Black Beards Treasure. If you want to buy a Classic Sprite Caravan there's lots or information  out there. Anyone trying to restore one of these old girls especially if their  in the States or Canada my be looking for information like this. There's just not a lot of good how to  info like we cover in the Classic Winnebago section of this site. Still trying to find what kind of material was used in them. How they were constructed. All the neat stuff we have for the Classic Winnebago's.  Hm?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: CapnDirk on April 15, 2017, 12:23 PM
TJ:


Is the one in the link you posted yesterday gone?  It doesn't show any Sprite
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 15, 2017, 02:51 PM
Yeah! It wasn't on like 20 minutes and it was gone. Like holy cow.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 15, 2017, 04:45 PM
Quote from: LJ-TJ on April 15, 2017, 11:07 AM
:)rotflmao Yeah me too. But then it's English. However most of the stuff I'm finding is like trying to find Black Beards Treasure. If you want to buy a Classic Sprite Caravan there's lots or information  out there. Anyone trying to restore one of these old girls especially if their  in the States or Canada my be looking for information like this. There's just not a lot of good how to  info like we cover in the Classic Winnebago section of this site. Still trying to find what kind of material was used in them. How they were constructed. All the neat stuff we have for the Classic Winnebago's.  Hm?

English! That means Lucas, the prince of darkness electrics. You don't fix that stuff, you rip it out and replace it.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: TerryH on April 15, 2017, 04:59 PM
Lucas electrical has to be the worst thing ever to happen to anything with wheels.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 15, 2017, 07:10 PM
Funny you should say that. Just waiting for the weather to break and I'll spend some time tracing and wiring the stuff for  Canadian wiring.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 16, 2017, 10:02 AM
 Hm? Found more interesting stuff on the braking system. D:oH!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: stanDman111 on April 16, 2017, 07:19 PM
mechanical cable brakes = got to love it
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: CapnDirk on April 17, 2017, 03:46 PM
Quote from: LJ-TJ on April 15, 2017, 02:51 PM
Yeah! It wasn't on like 20 minutes and it was gone. Like holy cow.


Geeezzzzussss!  I'm going to start looking for these around here.  Might be an investment opportunity. 


"really honey, it's an investment!"  :D


A cool read...
http://www.vintagecampertrailers.com/for-sale (http://www.vintagecampertrailers.com/for-sale)


I love the 62 shasta!  Makes me want to sell my Winnie.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 17, 2017, 06:46 PM
That's all good stuff but the hole idea is light. Trick is a MGB or Mini won't pull a Shasta or a lot of the other older vintage trailers. They won't even pull a little Scotty. PUT they will pull a Sprite and that's the secret. That's the money shot. So keep your eyes peeled even it it's junk there's money in the parts. Windows, hitchs, latches etc. The Yanks are just starting to clue in.  D:oH!   
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: CapnDirk on April 17, 2017, 08:15 PM
Funny how they could do it then (light)  but nobody seems to think there is a market now for something that a Mazda 626 could pull.  I wonder just how many people had to get a different car/truck than what they had to accommodate the trailer they wanted/had?


I did understand the point TJ.  My link was some site that apparently did have one at one point (but gone) and had some cool stuff.  The "Flash" helmet wings on the Shasta were too cool!
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 17, 2017, 09:37 PM
Trying to find information on these things is tough. I caught your post before the Caravan it was gone. We're going to have fun chasing stuff down. Here's on of the better sites I found.

http://coolcaravanning.blogspot.ca/ 

L.J. and I are just starting to get into the way these little girls are built. There's not much to them.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on April 22, 2017, 06:40 AM
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/rvs/6094956116.html
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 22, 2017, 08:10 AM
Not far from me but that one is kind of out of the range of being pulled by a small car at 18 feet.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Cameron on June 13, 2018, 04:29 PM
Quote from: LJ-TJ on April 17, 2017, 09:37 PM
Trying to find information on these things is tough. I caught your post before the Caravan it was gone. We're going to have fun chasing stuff down. Here's on of the better sites I found.

http://coolcaravanning.blogspot.ca/ (http://coolcaravanning.blogspot.ca/) 

L.J. and I are just starting to get into the way these little girls are built. There's not much to them.



Hello, I've just joined this forum. I am the author of this blog, though life got in the way of me finishing it, because I was in my early 20s when I started it and had all the free time in the world! Fast-forward a few years and I now have nine Sprite caravans from 1958-1970. They are absolutely my favourite caravan manufacturer of all time.

I've spent a lot of time and effort tracing down sales brochures, adverts, magazine clippings and various bits of paperwork for all Sprites from 1950 - 1980. I've amassed quite a lot, but very little of their venture to the US and Canada from 1968 - 1975. Here's what I have found out over the years:

Initially, Caravans International (who owned Sprite Ltd.) exported models from the UK to the U.S. in 1968 and 1969. These were basically the UK export model (with the entrance door on the opposite side to the UK, as we drive on the left) with a few modifications to meet US safety regulations such as high level running lights, American spec rear lights and a rockguard for the front window.

In 1971, Caravans International purchased the Covered Wagon Trailer Company in Nappanee, Indianna, who immediately began to construct Sprites in the US using parts and a chassis sent over from the UK. They now had stronger corrugated side panels and a one-piece entrance door, similar to those seen on Yellowstone campers. At the same time, Caravans International built up a US-wide dealership network. They even set up one of their infamous publicity stunts in 1971 by entering a Sprite 400 into the Baja 500 race. Amazingly, out of 226 entrants, the Sprite and Bronco Baja combination finished 19th overall, and were the only car/trailer outfit to participate in the race! They achieved this despite suffering five blow-outs on the Sprite, two of which went unnoticed for a while and caused the wheels to buckle. The caravan was so unscathed by the event, that Sprite's PR man in the US suggested denting the bodywork with a hammer to make it look more authentic! The only damage was the hitch bolts shaking loose, the five blow-outs, two buckled wheels and one broken curtain track! The Sprite then went on show at various Trailer Exhibitions to showcase the durability of the tourer.

Despite this extremely promising start, Sprite failed to achieve mainstream success, and year on year, the business operated at a loss. I guess few Americans were keen to embrace such an unconventional caravan by their standards. Mechanical surge brakes, in-built jack legs, a central axle and low tongue weight set the Sprite apart from any competition and afforded people to tow with smaller cars than ever. For those that did embrace Sprite in the US, the reviews were unanimously positive, glowing even. It still didn't translate into sales, and in 1973, the Covered Wagon factory was sold off, but Caravans International allowed the new owners to retain the rights to use the Sprite name.

They continued to manufacture Sprites until 1977, with a changed exterior style that suited the US market, but still resembled the iconic Sprite 400 (10ft), Alpine (12ft), Musketeer (14ft) and Major (16ft) models. After years of poor sales, they shut the factory doors for good in 1977 and Sprite caravans pulled out of America officially. Export-spec Sprites continued to be privately imported to the US by loyal fans well into the 1980s, and Sprite briefly exported US-spec models officially in 1986-1988, but again, they found very limited sales success.


That's basically the story of Sprite in the US. I have now been asked to write a book about Sprite caravans, and I'm hoping to finally piece together the story of Sprite caravans in the US properly. If anyone has any photos, adverts, scans of brochures/literature they can contribute, it will be more than appreciated and I promise that the book will deliver as being the ultimate 'Sprite Bible'! Drop me a line at cameron.39@hotmail.co.uk if you can help.

Thanks.
Cameron Burns.

Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: TerryH on June 13, 2018, 06:54 PM
Good on you! It's always uplifting to hear of someone putting this much effort into preserving any type of history, more so when it spans a couple of continents.
Wish I could help.
Best of luck with your book and please keep us in the loop.
Terry
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on June 16, 2018, 10:29 PM
So Cameron is there a Type Club for Sprite in the U.S. or Canada? I'm on the hunt  for a front and rear window for ours. Any thoughts? Thanks Mate. How's the book coming?
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Rickf1985 on May 01, 2019, 05:28 PM
My man, you have a twisted sense of hearing! :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao  But if you are good with fabrication and woodwork then it is an open slate. Good luck with it. I would say this is a case of persistence paying off. :D
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on May 01, 2019, 07:09 PM
WOW! What a score. If you stay true to the restoration your going to love this little rig. You have to be careful towing it because you forget it's there. The serial number is under the brake handle. My wife is in the process of restoring one as I speak. Come on Rich you know he who laughs last laughs best. There's some great resources and videos on YouTube. :)ThmbUp
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: legomybago on June 17, 2019, 11:16 AM
Here you go...

https://medford.craigslist.org/rvs/d/medford-vintage-travel-trailer/6912426986.html

Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: LJ-TJ on July 03, 2019, 09:59 AM
Hey Boy's, she awful quite out there. No body running around in their little Sprites. No great abandon finds in the bushes or back yard. We just got back from a 600 mile trip at 75 miles an hour with our little Sprite behind our Suzuki. The most dangerous part of the trip was remembering she was back there. Best part of the little thing is when you look through the rear view mirror you look right through the hole trailer and can see the car behind you. Pretty amazing. Anyway hope everyone is having a great summer.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: tmsnyder on July 03, 2019, 12:44 PM
sounds very fun, I could use one (a usable camper that is)   Right now I've got my 'new' GMC front end torn apart, haven't sealed the roof, and haven't cleaned 43 years of dust and sand out of it.   Not happy.
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Annie-Anna on February 09, 2021, 09:40 PM

Hello,

I just bought a Sprite Alpine. I can't wait to continue the restauration that the sellers have done.

And tonight I discovered a video where they explain that the Sprite trailers were born in UK, in Europe, and that they stayed there a long time before coming to North America. They were on the market in the 50s already, and on.

VERY interesting : https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=v2O5GCKjVH0

:-)

Annie
Title: Re: Sprite Caravan
Post by: Oz on February 20, 2021, 12:56 AM
Very cool. Thanks for sharing!
:) :)ThmbUp