VW Split Screen Camper Van Awnings – The Legacy

The split screen camper was deisgned and built originally as a small van that could transport VW Beetle parts around the Volkswagen factory.  It was only later that  Camper-Vans and Camper-Van Awnings grew in popularity as both a works van and a leisure vehicle.  

Origin of Camper-Van Awnings

It was only a lot later that the splittie exploded in popularity dring the sixties that owners started to use them more as leisure vehicoles rather than minibuses or transporters, and as a result various companies such as Devon, or Westfalia kitted them out with camping interiors.

The large and comfortable campervans were launched in the first half of the 1950’s with spacious interiors and excellent design. The legacy of these Camper-Vans still continues today with people investing sometimes huge amounts of money in buying or restoring splitties.  Camper vans provide great utility and have be used for diverse purposes since their origin. These vans have a great history and in the early days a Volkswagen camper van was called a ‘split-screened Kombi’. Amoung the numerous accessories came Campervan Awnings.

CamperVan Awnings create simple to deluxe side porch and room areas. They block-out an area from the blazing sun, they provide cover from pelting rain, and they cast a shadow over the windows helping to cool the inside of your camper. Campervan Awnings also add another layer of privacy, especially the deluxe room models providing partial to full enclosures.

Split screen models are named so because these buses or vans featured a two part windscreen. The models were also quite stylish and in sync with modern requirements of that period. Though in 1968, Volkswagen stopped manufacturing split screen campers and replaced it with single screen model known as the Bay window bus or van, but many companies still offer split screen models, primarlily because of its cult status and its stylish looks, giving them a timeless appeal.

In New Zealand, people have great demand of these vans with awnings as they love to go camping with this favorite camper. Not just in New Zealand, these campers with optional awnings can be an excellent option if you want to tour a place that is secluded or cut off. The interior of these vans feature fold out chairs and beds, folding table, electrical sockets, sink, cool box and good storage space. In addition, there are options for an attachable tents, also called “Caravan Awnings” or camper-van awnings, portable toilet, air conditioning, and lot more. These camper vans offer such a range of facilities that they can be treated as mini homes on the move. Those who want to get adventurous and take on roads in retro style, split screen VW models are perfect for them.

There are many models that were created, however it is largely accepted that the Samba model is the most stylish of these, with up to 23 windows around the bus and within the roof.  The two front windscreens can also be opened if they have been fitted with Safari windows; but don’t leave home with your Campervan Awnings.