We all have our own requirements when choosing the best camper van, as the Home and Park Roadtrek shows. It was the result of one Canadian’s determination to get the one that he wanted, and not what folk wanted to sell him.
Jac Hanemaayer desired something more manoeuvrable than what was on offer in the huge RVs of Canada – but crucially, wanted it to contain all their amenities. Thus, in 1974 he commissioned Home and Park Vehicles Ltd to convert a panel van to his design. He liked it so much, he bought the company and commenced production.
The generation of Roadtrek that is this month’s inductee into the Hall of Fame didn’t arrive until 1980, when the signature moulded GRP high-top was added, featuring a sweeping roofline and forward-facing windows.
In addition, the floor was lowered and the ‘three room’ layout adopted. Roadtrek made full use of the (upgraded) cab pews to make a forward seating area, ahead of a central kitchen and washroom. At the far rear was a lounge or a permanent bed.
All were built on Dodge or Chevrolet V8 ‘muscle vans’, with twin-hinged residential doors on the American offside. As the popularity of the muscle vans waned and the Ram Promaster (Fiat Ducato in the UK) and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter were in the ascendant, the company was bought by the European Rapido Group.
If you’re on the lookout for a ‘van and are heading to the upcoming NEC Show in Birmingham, be sure to take a look at our guide to how to buy a motorhome at a show to see our hints and tips for getting the most from your trip.
Key details of the Home and Park Roadtrek (1980 – 2018)
- Home and Park Roadtrek built from 1980 to 2018 in Ontario, Canada.
- Overall length: 5.36m (17’ 7”) to 6.7m (22’ 0”)
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