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60-660: Esky is a brand of portable coolers , originally Australian, derived from the word " Eskimo ". The term "esky" is also commonly used in Australia to generically refer to portable coolers or ice boxes and is part of the Australian vernacular, in place of words like "cooler" or "cooler box" and the New Zealand "chilly bin". The brand name was purchased by American firm Coleman Company , (a subsidiary of Newell Brands ) in 2009. Some historians have credited Malley's with

120-508: A fifth-wheel is like a bigger caravan that mounts into the bed of a truck rather then a trailer hitch. A caravan fits in the range of vehicles in that has more fixed structures then a camper trailer, but lack an engine like a campervan or motorhome. In the United States and Canada, most caravans would be called an RV of the subtype, travel trailer. In Europe , the origins of travel trailers and caravanning can be traced back to

180-562: A "gentleman's caravan". It was an 18-foot (5.5 m) design, based upon their Bible Wagons, used by travelling preachers in America's Wild West. Stables named it Wanderer . He travelled around the British countryside in it and later wrote a book documenting his travels in 1885 called The Gentleman Gypsy . This moved the Duke of Newcastle to commission his own caravan, The Bohemian . By

240-441: A caravan (RV home) but usually allows other types such as motorhomes or campervans. Australian English calls both RV parks and trailer parks, caravan parks. Tiny homes that are mobile can have much in common with a caravan; however, going RVing and the tiny home movement are different trends. One is more about living mobile and/or vacationing, and the other is more about living in a small house mostly in one location. In North America

300-401: A disposable coffee cup) about 2  cm or one inch thick. Most reusable ones have molded-in handles; a few have shoulder straps. The cooler has developed from just a means of keeping beverages cold into a mode of transportation with the ride-on cooler . A thermal bag , cooler bag, or cool bag is very similar in concept, but typically smaller and not rigid. The original inventor of the cooler

360-503: A large car or small truck depending upon its towing capacity . Lightweight pop-up trailers weighing less than 700 pounds (320 kg), such as the Combi-camper and Kamparoo can be towed even by small economy cars. Some exceptionally-light travel trailers can be pulled by a motorcycle or even bicycle. Fiberglass body construction entered the U.S. scene in 1971 with the introduction of the first U.S.-produced mini travel trailer, called

420-449: A lighter-like socket for the cooler's cord to plug in. Some also have a crossover-connection device to reverse the current for heating service. Rotationally molded (roto-molded) coolers have become popular in recent years. Roto-molded coolers are manufactured using a process called rotational molding , a process by which a heated and softened material is applied to the inner wall of a slowly rotating mold. The mold continues to rotate during

480-485: A lightweight galvanized iron outer shell and lining, and used cork compound insulation. Later models had a plastic inner and polystyrene foam insulation. Later coolers have been moulded entirely from polystyrene foam. They are lightweight and inexpensive, but are easily damaged or destroyed. The lightweight construction makes most eskies float in water, and they have been recommended by safety specialists to be used as an improvised lifebuoy , if more specialised equipment

540-525: A maximum tow-weight of 15,500 pounds (7,000 kg). Multiple televisions and air conditioners are common in units of this size. Slide-out rooms and screen porches add to livability . By law, travel trailers are limited to 400 square feet (37 m ) of living area, and many models offer exactly that plus any optional slide-outs. With all of the disincentives inherent in local government zoning regulations and building codes to affordable, ecological (off-grid) and compact housing solutions, travel-trailers offer

600-521: A number of high-profile incidents involving motorised eskies fitted with small motors and wheels. Police have impounded offending vehicles and have issued fines to those operating them on public property. Spectators at the closing ceremony at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney each received a promotional pack of a small polystyrene Esky containing other items of memorabilia. In another uniquely Australian piece of culture, poly-foam bodyboards used in

660-481: A pastime   ... to improve and supply suitable vans and other appliances   ... and to arrange camping grounds". Caravanning gained popularity in North America in the 1920s. Modern travel trailers come in a range of sizes, from very small two-berth trailers with no toilet and only basic kitchen facilities, to large, triple-axle, six-berth types. Caravans, particularly the vardo , have served both as

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720-509: A permanent site, where they are anchored to the ground), is now worth over £1bn (€1.5bn/ US$ 1.7bn) to the British economy alone, with the manufacture of caravans worth in excess of £650m (€975m/ US$ 1.1bn). The growth in popularity of caravanning has been enhanced by improvements in caravan quality and caravan site facilities, making caravan holidays possible at any time of the year. There are two main organisations that many caravanners join in

780-419: A pop-up and a hard-sided trailer. In its camping configuration, one or more bunks fold down from the side with canvas tent covers. When travelling, the bunks fold up, leaving four hard sides. Larger models allow the hybrid travel trailer to be used while "turtled" – meaning with the sides up. The primary advantage of a hybrid travel trailer is it offers a greater space-to-weight ratio. A disadvantage

840-465: A possibility for those considering an ecological full-time home or seasonal cottage. Travel-trailers are often acceptable on flood-plains, areas outside of urban growth limits, et cetera, where regular buildings are not allowed. Among the virtues of a trailer park are its light infrastructure, low ecological footprint , minimal land disturbance, abundant permeable surfaces (for stormwater drainage), and ease of site restoration. Some specialized brands of

900-465: A private water closet, shower, and the ability to sleep six. Its ultramodern aerodynamic styling and domed skylight by the modernist industrial designer Toshihiko Sakow made it an instant hit. It was short-lived, however (1971–1973), as the first Arab Oil Embargo and the ensuing major slow-down of RV sales caused it to cease operations. The Boler travel trailer was developed in Canada in 1968, soon joining

960-499: A road vehicle to provide a place to sleep which is more comfortable and protected than a tent (although there are fold-down trailer tents ). It provides the means for people to have their own home on a journey or a vacation , without relying on a motel or hotel , and enables them to stay in places where none is available. However, in some countries campers are restricted to designated sites for which fees are payable. Caravans vary from basic models which may be little more than

1020-487: A significant cultural icon and symbol of the nomadic Romani people . Until the early 19th century, Romani caravans served primarily as a means of transport and not as a domicile. At the beginning of the 19th century, more Romani people began to live in their caravans instead of sleeping in tents. The caravan offered greater protection from weather conditions and could be outfitted with modern amenities such as wood-burning stoves. Often, caravans were commissioned to be built at

1080-506: A tent on wheels to those containing several rooms with all the furniture and furnishings and equipment of a home. Construction of the solid-wall trailers can be made of metal or fiberglass. Travel trailers are used principally in North America , Europe , Australia and New Zealand . The word caravan is regional to Great Britain, while in North America they are called travel trailers or camper trailer ; different parts of

1140-457: A traditional travel trailer because the hitch weight sits directly over the pickup truck's rear axle or tires. Since part of a fifth wheel sits in the bed of the pickup, it reduces the overall length of the vehicle-and-trailer combination while allowing the same room as a comparable-length travel trailer. Additionally, the hitch's location in the pickup's bed reduces the risk of jackknifing and allows for more maneuverability when backing. Because of

1200-439: A wide range of power. The electric motors range from 250 watts (0.3 hp) to 2,000 watts (2.7 hp) and generally use 12- to 60-volt batteries. Gas-powered engines range from 33 to 205 cubic centimetres (2.0 to 12.5  cu in ) with a typical top-speed of 13 miles per hour (21 km/h), but enthusiasts have built much faster versions. The legal status of the ride-on cooler varies from country to country and in

1260-495: Is a combination of a low-power engine with a go-cart frame which uses the cooler as a seat. The ride-on cooler can transport food and drinks short distances and can be used in a small backyard , a neighborhood , or at large outdoor parties. The ride-on cooler can be equipped with a trailer hitch, allowing it to tow an extra cooler as a trailer . Designs use either gas-powered lawnmower engines or electric motors which are lighter, more energy efficient, and quieter. Both can have

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1320-411: Is an RV, and going RVing would be caravanning. Most caravan designs would probably be called a travel trailer, or in some cases a fifth wheel or camper trailer. Caravans can go to RV parks or some camp sites— not trailer parks, which usually communities of semi-permanent structures called mobile homes . However, sometimes they can be actual collections of trailers with wheels that are very mobile. In

1380-512: Is not available. Numerous people have been saved after using either the whole esky or the esky lid as flotation devices after boating accidents. In Australia, the 'esky' name has become, or as a legal matter nearly has become, genericised : the popularity of the product has led to the use of its name to refer to any cooler box, regardless of the brand. Many dictionaries, including the Australian National Dictionary and

1440-472: Is the tent ends are not insulated and are subject to heat loss and condensation. In the United States, it is generally illegal for passengers to ride in a travel trailer, while in motion, unlike horse-drawn trailers and coaches. Triple towing (towing two trailers) is not allowed in some U.S. states, such as California , Alabama , Florida , or New York ; however, triple towing is permitted in Texas if

1500-550: Is unknown, with versions becoming available in various parts of the world throughout the 1950s. The portable ice chest was patented in the USA by Richard C. Laramy of Joliet, Illinois . On February 24, 1951, Laramy filed an application with the United States Patent Office for a portable ice chest (Serial No. 212,573). The patent (#2,663,157) was issued December 22, 1953. In 1952, the portable Esky Auto Box

1560-604: The Macquarie Dictionary , now include definitions in their publications defining it as such. However, the use of the Esky trademark must be approved by the brand owner to avoid any liability. Government agencies and media outlets in Australia have used the term in preference to generic alternatives. The esky has played a unique role in Australian culture, especially with regard to outdoor activities, camping, and sporting events, and for reasons of novelty. In particular,

1620-502: The anglosphere may use further variations on either of these. This has led to further variations, such as in New Zealand a motor caravan is typically called a motorhome in North America. In North America, caravans are included under the umbrella term recreational vehicle , or RV for short - though they do not have to be for recreation, and the term includes travel trailers and many other types. Types of travel trailers in

1680-512: The recreational vehicle (RV) industry and mobile home industry. Travel trailers are classified as a type of RV along with motorhomes , fifth-wheel trailers, pop-up trailers , and truck campers . Smaller travel trailers and pop-ups are still made with touring in mind. These generally are less than 18 feet (5.5 m) long and contain simple amenities. By design, they are lightweight and quick to set up or prepare for travel. Most weigh less than 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) and can be towed with

1740-591: The Esky brands from Nylex Ltd after the company went into administration in February 2009, and later that year Coleman was producing most of the Esky line in Melbourne . The sale was seen as symptomatic of the decline of Australian-made goods due to cheaper imports. Current models are constructed with two layers: polypropylene on the outer shell, with a polyurethane inner layer. This makes it lightweight and portable with excellent insulation . The original Esky had

1800-595: The Playpac in the U.S. fiberglass light-weight class. The Hunter and Amerigo travel trailers were also available at that time. As moulded fiberglass technology advanced, more companies entered into the market. Key moulded fiberglass innovations made the travel trailers more durable but also lighter which allowed for more luxury amenities. Mid-range travel trailers are 18 to 25 feet (5.5 to 7.6 m) long, can weigh 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) or more, and are generally towed with compact pickup trucks and SUVs. They have most of

1860-418: The Playpac. Since then, moulded fiberglass trailers have gained more popularity due to many factors including durability, lightweight design, modern features and a modern nod to retro chic design. The Playpac, invented by Steven Whysel, was the answer to the needs of the growing horde of VW "Bug" and other small-car owners who wanted a hard-shelled camper, light enough to be pulled by a small car. It came with

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1920-452: The US from state to state. In some jurisdictions, a driver's license is required to operate any form of motor vehicle on public roads, and an intoxicated driver can be convicted of driving under the influence for riding one. 11. EVERUN COOLERS丨explore fun in nature Travel trailer A caravan , travel trailer , camper , tourer or camper trailer is a trailer towed behind

1980-400: The US include teardrop trailer , fifth-wheel, hybrid, and pop-up . To further clarify, in North America mobile home and trailer parks are generally not caravans or caravan park, those are actually pre-contructed homes fixed in place, though sometimes they can be. In general, a caravan park there is more like an RV park , which might have temporary hookups for sewage, power, and/water for

2040-620: The United Kingdom: the Caravan and Motorhome Club , established in 1907, and the Camping and Caravanning Club , established in 1901. Both clubs offer a range of services, including exclusive club sites, preferential rates, advice, insurance, and community activities including regional and national rallies. In the UK, caravan insurance is not a compulsory requirement, but is recommended due to

2100-411: The United States and Canada, the history of travel trailers can be traced back to the early 1920s, when those who enjoyed their use were often referred to as 'tin can tourists'. As time progressed, trailers became more liveable and earned a new name in the 1930s and 1940s, which was the house trailer. In the 1950s and 1960s, the industry seemed to split, creating the two types that are seen today, that of

2160-495: The amenities of the larger travel trailers, but sleep fewer people. Larger travel trailers are made with seasonal or full-time users in mind. These generally range from 25 to 40 feet (7.6 to 12.2 m) long and contain all the comforts of a luxury condominium. These amenity-laden models can reach 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) or more, requiring a purpose-built tow vehicle, highway tractor or large truck or SUV . While trailers may weigh in even above that, most long-bed pickups have

2220-413: The beach, outdoor dining and barbecue culture that developed in Australia during the 60s and 70s. Due to their portability and extensive use outdoors, an esky can also double as makeshift cricket stumps , with some companies making hybrid products that include retractable stumps (among other useful features such as a bottle opener). Though not unique to Australia, Australian media have widely reported on

2280-534: The bed but this takes a lot more time and effort than the unhitch operation. Off-road travel trailers, also called 4x4 trailers, tentrax, and jeep trailers, are built specifically for exploring the extreme backcountry without having the restriction of paved highways or gravel roads. These travel trailers are designed to handle rough terrain. Many off-road travel trailers are equipped with tents, beds, skid plates, large tires and long stroke independent suspensions , lift kits , and articulation systems. Innovation in

2340-628: The combined length does not exceed 65 feet (20 m). A fifth-wheel is a travel trailer supported by a hitch in the centre of the bed of a pickup truck instead of a hitch at the back of a vehicle. The special hitch used for fifth-wheels is a smaller version of the one used on 18-wheeler trucks and can be connected by simply driving (backing) the tow vehicle under the trailer. Fifth-wheel trailers are popular with full-time recreational vehicle enthusiasts, who often live in them for several months in one place, using their pickup truck tow vehicle for local errands. A fifth-wheel trailer tows more securely than

2400-503: The cooler within the USA with its initial offering of a galvanized steel cooler in 1954. Three years later, Coleman developed a process to make a plastic liner for coolers and jugs. Some modern coolers are thermoelectric , plugging into a car's cigarette lighter socket . Rather than using a compressor and refrigerant such as a refrigerator or other heat pump , these use the Peltier effect along with an external fan to draw away

2460-474: The cooling phase, producing a thick and uniform final product. In the case of roto-molded coolers, the heated liquid plastic is applied over a thick layer of insulation. The resulting product has no seals or imperfections and is much stronger and more durable than traditional coolers. Examples of roto-molded coolers include YETI , ORCA or Grizzly coolers. A ride-on cooler is a means of transportation that can store and cool beverages and other food products. It

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2520-523: The design and use of the esky has evolved through its relationship with Australia's drinking culture . The first portable Esky was designed to carry six "standard" 26 fluid ounce (740   ml) bottles as well as a triple level food section. Malley's Esky was created as a tool for camping and caravanning holidays and was called the Esky Auto Box, encouraged by the post-war popularity of the private motor vehicle. The esky became an essential part of

2580-471: The effectiveness of the boxes' thermal insulation . Some better units even have digital thermostat controls. They do draw a significant amount of power, however, and can drain a non-running car's battery so much so that it cannot start. Most electric coolers have an undervoltage shutoff at around 10 or 10.5 volts to prevent this. Many come with power adapters, which use an electronic transformer to convert AC mains or line voltage down to 12 volts, with

2640-529: The following features: Travel trailers (especially North American ones) may also contain the following: Due to the 50 mph (80 km/h) maximum speed limit on single carriageways for caravans on the United Kingdom's crowded and often narrow roads, caravans are seen as a nuisance by some motorists. The motoring journalist and presenter Jeremy Clarkson is well known for his gleeful hatred of caravans, and has physically destroyed several of them on

2700-460: The greater room available on the roads in North America, these vehicles are more popular in the United States and Canada than in Europe or other parts of the world. For uneven terrain, a gooseneck hitch is an option for fifth-wheel trailers. The downside is that the hitch takes up room in the pickup truck's cargo bed regardless of whether the trailer is hitched or not. The hitch can be unbolted from

2760-404: The heat. By reversing the current, this concept can also heat the contents instead of cooling them, useful for keeping meals hot from a drive-through , or even to keep items from freezing in severely cold climates. Thermoelectric coolers typically can drop the temperature by about 40 °F or 22 °C below ambient temperature , or can raise it by at least that much; this is a function of

2820-429: The high value of touring caravans. Under tax regulations, caravans are considered wasting chattel and are exempt from capital gains tax . In Australia, camper trailers are common alongside the traditional caravan. Camper trailers differentiate themselves from similar products due to their ability to go off-road. They feature large water holding tanks, batteries for electricity and off-road suspension. In New Zealand

2880-509: The invention of the portable ice cooler. According to the company, the Esky was "recognised as the first official portable cooler in the world." The company's own figures claim that, by 1960, 500,000 Australian households owned one (in a country of approximately 3 million households at the time). The brand "Esky" was used from around 1945, for an Australian-made ice chest, a free-standing 44 by 23 by 16 inches (112 cm × 58 cm × 41 cm) insulated cabinet with two compartments:

2940-473: The request of newlywed couples and their families. The small-scale, pre-industrial methods of the builders and the labour-intensive nature of the building process meant that a family's caravan could take up to a year to build. Trailer caravan is defined in ISO Standard 3833:1977, Road vehicles – Types – Terms and definitions, term No 3.2.1.3. In North America, the term caravan is obscure. A caravan

3000-467: The store, such as keeping ice cream from melting in a sizzling automobile. Even without adding ice, this can be helpful, particularly if the trip home will be lengthy. Some coolers have built-in cupholders in the lid. They are usually made with interior and exterior shells of plastic , with a hard foam in between. They come in sizes from small personal ones to large family ones with wheels. Disposable ones are made solely from polystyrene foam (such as

3060-521: The surf are often referred to by the slang term, "Esky-lid”, or “shark biscuit”. Cooler Ice cubes are most commonly placed in it to help the contents inside stay cool. Ice packs are sometimes used, as they either contain the melting water inside or have a gel sealed inside that stays cold longer than plain ice (absorbing heat as it changes phase). Coolers are often taken on picnics and on vacation or holidays. When summers are hot, they may also be used just to get cold groceries home from

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3120-473: The term caravan is used, but campervans or motorhomes may be called motor caravans. New Zealand has hundreds of free camping sites and campervans and motorhomes are popular ways to access the sites. However, at the end of 2023 they enacted tighter regulations – especially in regards to the toilet facilities. The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association notes RVs must have certain minimum standards for certification. A mid-range, modern travel trailer may contain

3180-506: The tradename, acknowledged that the term had entered the vernacular and was being used for lightweight plastic imitations. One such brand was Willow , an Australian manufacturer, previously known for domestic "tinware" — buckets, bins, cake tins and oven trays. Nylex started making the plastic-cased Esky in 1984. In 1993 Nylex Corporation was still defending their ownership of the "Esky" trademark, but by 2002 they had allowed it to lapse. Outdoor recreation company Coleman Australia bought

3240-440: The trailer is only as high as a regular trailer, but when set up it increases in height to two full levels. They are often used in motion picture production as portable dressing rooms. The National Caravan Council estimates that the caravan industry, which includes motorhomes , touring caravans (caravans designed to be hitched to a car and towed to a site), and static caravans and mobile homes (caravans designed to be transported to

3300-409: The trailer, such as the hi-lo trailer, have an upper half (slightly larger than the lower half) that can be folded down over the lower half to a total height of about five feet for reduced wind resistance during travel; these otherwise contain everything other travel trailers have (except for a full-height closet). Innovation in travel trailers is the hybrid travel trailer, combining the features of

3360-404: The travel trailer types is the "toy hauler" or "toy box". Half living area and a half garage , these trailers allow other, smaller vehicles to be brought to the countryside. A folding rear ramp gives access for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , personal watercraft or racecars. A generator provides power for the equipment. A double-decker trailer is a two-level travel trailer. When travelling

3420-520: The travelling Romani people , and showmen who spent most of their lives in horse-drawn caravans . Samuel White Baker purchased an actual Gypsy caravan in Britain and shipped it to Cyprus for his tour in 1879. The world's first leisure trailer was built by the Bristol Wagon & Carriage Works in 1880 for William Gordon Stables , a popular author of teenage adventure fiction, who ordered

3480-521: The turn of the century, caravanning for leisure had become an increasingly popular activity. In 1901, the first dedicated caravanning club was established. The Camping and Caravanning Club (originally the Association of Cycle Campers) was founded by Thomas Hiram Holding , the father of modern camping. The Caravan Club was founded in 1907 with Stables as its vice president. Its stated aim was to "... bring together those interested in van life as

3540-487: The upper to carry a standard (23 pounds (10 kg)) block of ice, and the lower for food and drinks. It was made in Sydney by Malleys but did not carry their name until around 1949. The first (metal-cased) portable Esky appeared in 1952, sized to accommodate six 26 imperial fluid ounces (740 ml) bottles of beer or soft drink, as advertised nationally. By 1965 "esky" (no capital E ) was being used in Australian literature for such coolers, and in 1973 Malleys, owners of

3600-411: Was released in Australia by the Sydney refrigeration company Malley’s. Made from steel and finished in baked enamel and chrome, with cork sheeting for insulation, the Esky became the first mass-produced cooler on the market. The brand found huge success and by 1960, 500,000 Australian households owned one (in a country of approximately 3 million households at the time). The Coleman Company popularized

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