The “ORIGINAL” Pop-Up Camper Trailer
S. D. Twitchell’s original design for a pop-up camper trailer. . .
S. D. Twitchell’s design for a pop-up camper trailer predates all other known offerings for products of this type. It was conceived, designed and built by Stanley David Twitchell (1885-1959) sometime between 1925 and 1930. It was a prototype and ultimately the only one of its kind ever built.
With the top in its lowered position, the height of the trailer was nearly identical to the height of many vehicles of the day. This lower profile reduced wind resistance efficiently, and provided improved visibility for the driver while traveling.
At the end of a long day on the road, respite was just a few steps away. A crank on the front left side of the trailer provided an effortless method of raising the top to its upper position. Mosquito netting spanned the distance between the top and the main body of the trailer, providing an effective barrier against flying visitors. The awnings offered added protection from sun and rain while maintaining superb multi-flow ventilation.
This camper featured three bunks which provided sleeping accommodations for six. A hand crank, (r. photo seen on the floor to the left of the bottom bunk), elevated the bunks from their collapsed position to the sleeping position by means of a winch, cable and pulley system. The floor was covered with Linoleum, a long life, low maintenance product.
Although quite Spartan, facilities for cooking were provided. A two burner gasoline stove, similar to the familiar Coleman© gas stove, can be seen just to the left of the doorway in the photo. A galvanized steel ice box was positioned in the bottom of a cupboard and featured a drain for melted ice. The square table, opposite the stove, could seat six people; two on the bed, and two each on the benches that formed the wheel housings on each side of the trailer. No plumbing or water conveniences were provided, but plentiful storage areas yielded sufficient space for water cans, utensils and food. Suitcases were used for personal effects.
He wrote on the back of this photo:
Beds down for traveling— we put the suitcases on the bed while on the road. There is a shelf & cupboards on this side (right side of trailer) corresponding to the other, but it doesn’t show. Later we put a towel rod on the ceiling over the foot of the beds where we hung clothes on hangers if we didn’t want to pack them. The table is an old drafting board & the legs unscrewed so the board can be put away.Stanley David Twitchell tried unsuccessfully to interest a number of companies in his idea, so he never saw a penny for his efforts on this project. In the long view, however, perhaps his investment turned out to be priceless. It would seem that he passed his vision, ingenuity, resourcefulness and persistence on to his children, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and perhaps their children, too.
Photos by: Stanley David Twitchell
