The birth of the Carlight factory was brought about by the fact that the Sleaford based estate agent and auctioneer Mr Bob Earl like a change of surroundings at the week-end, and so he became an enthusiastic camper. Then came the day when he realised that a holiday under canvas did not offer what could be described as 'every modern convenience'. So Mr Earl set out to build himself a caravan. Immediately some of his fellow campers asked if he could build one for them. This was the start of Carlight Caravan business in 1930 and soon after, in 1932, the first Carlight Caravans rolled of the line at the then Church Lane site.
Since 1932 the streamline designs of the early Carlight caravans were very similar to that of an aircraft wing. After the war the design changed to what is commonly referred to as the ‘Classic’ Carlight. With their new bowed fronts with two windows and new Lantern roof design, the caravans were very much cutting edge design with innovative ideas such as fly screens on the windows and Carlights very own stabiliser device.
In the early sixties new fibreglass front, roof and back were introduced instead of the canvas and resin roof and the formed aluminium front and backs. This ‘Classic’ Carlight design continued until the late 1970s when the new Commander range was introduced. The Commander range continued with the Lantern Roof design with a new single piece front window and a much bigger washroom and shower area. In 1985 a new front was introduced which incorporated the gas locker within it. The late 80s/early 90s saw the introduction of the cassette toilet, larger fridges, exterior accessed battery lockers and other innovative ideas such as gas and 240v electric water and space heaters.
Since 1993 Carlight caravans have had a new front with slide out gas tray and a new back panel with a boot, the optional Motor Movers, more advanced chargers, duel fuel cookers and now they have been brought right up-to-date with more modern lighting with LED bulbs, modern furnishings and a Satin Chrome finish to all of the internal hardware.
Yours sincerely
Alan & Ruby O'Hanlan
