Dandy Lookback

The Dandy caravan was the brain child of Mr Harold Murray. In the early 1960’s, Mr Murray developed one of the first camper vans based on the Commer chassis although successful the market was very limited due to high cost of production.

Mr Murray saw a gap in the market for a small ‘folding camper’ that would be economical, practical and easy to tow.  He set about designing a camper that would meet the demands of the growing camper market, he also wanted a covering for his new camper, that would be an alternative to the limitations of normal canvas.

Mr. Murray came across an innovative new PVC fabric that along with an ingenious new double layer thermal lining system proved ideal for his revolutionary new camper. With the addition of a solid locking door, glass windows and caravan type interior ‘The Dandy caravan was born’ and made its first appearance in 1965 at the Belle Vue camping and caravan exhibition in Manchester.

With its unique all weather fabric, innovative design and construction it was an immediate success and the story of the ‘Dandy caravan’ had begun

In the early 1980’s camping was more popular than ever and it was at this time Mr Murray’s son  Howard took over the company from his father and along with Mr Christopher Lion (Works Manager), Ian Smith (Factory Foreman) and a dedicated team of production staff.

To keep up with demand, over 800 unit’s a year were being produced from the factory in Orrell Nr Wigan.

By the 1990’s, The Dandy caravan had become one of the most established and famous brands on the folding camper market, and to this day still has it’s own 'Dandy Owners Club'.

Ian Smith worked for Mr Harrold Murray and Dandy caravans since 1976 starting as general labourer and tea boy, he worked his way up through the company to become factory foreman in 1989. Ian bought the company in 2003  and under the new company name of Riva Leisure Products ltd, Ian implemented a new development and design programme and Riva-Dandy's  long tradition and reputation of producing top quality folding campers continued until 2008.

Today, Riva Dandy Sales, still a family business owned by Ian Smith, has a proud reputation for supplying top quality reconditioned, pre-owned Riva- Dandy’s, complete with warranty and can supply any thing from the smallest of parts to a full refurbishment on a customers 30 year old Dandy. Using our 35 years of manufacturing, sales and servicing experience customers can be assured that Mr Harold Murray's iconic Dandy Camper and proud heritage continues for generations to come…