(Edited on 02NOV06 with the help of input contained in this thread, other threads, and PM's.
Thanks everybody! Will continue to be a work in progress w/ periodic updates...)

There seems to be a lot of folks coming into the forums wondering what type of camper they have.
Perhaps this post will be of some help to those in that situation. This is by no means the final word
on any of this, just an attempt to pass on some information, most of which I think is accurate. YMMV

FYI: Westfalias came first, so they’re covered first. All other camper kits are covered down below.

WESTFALIA CAMPERS

The earliest campers were made by Westfalia, and the Westfalia kits were the only
campers officially sanctioned by VW.

This is where it all began. Westfalia #1. Current whereabouts unknown.
 

If your bus was made in the 1950's, it is probably a Westfalia (AKA: Westy).
If it's not a Westfalia but the bus was made sometime in the 1950’s, it was probably
converted to a camper at some point later in it's life (in which case, see
the other types of campers noted below).

Here is an excellent website that will show you the differences between the various
camper kits Westfalia produced from 1954 to 1958. FYI, none of these campers were
walk-thrus, and most of them had “subhatchs”. http://www.westfaliaregistry.com/alist.html

Example of a 1954 Westy: (easily identified as it is a Barndoor – only two REAL ones are known
to survive)


There were two types of kits available from 1955 to 1957. One is known as the Export
(AKA: Deluxe) Camping Box and the other the Standard Camping Box. (The former is
also known as a spring frame kit.) I’ve read that Camping Box interiors (standard I believe??)
were available by special order up until around 1960.

Example of Standard Camping Box from the '55 to '57 era:
 

 

Keep in mind that the bus shown above was converted at the Westfalia factory specifically
for their museum sometime in the late '60's I'm told. The kit pictured is reportedly one of
the later style camping boxes referred to above. For our purposes here however, this
should give you a general idea of what the standard camping box kit looked like in
'55-'57. This kit is also referred to as the SO-22 kit I believe.

Example of Export Camping Box from '55-'57 era:




Example of the 1958 Westy: (A one-year only model. The last of the Westfalias with
pressed bumpers. Note this bus has wrong bumpers on it.)


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Here is an overview of the campers produced by Westfalia between 1958 and 1967, it is a
good starting point for what’s to follow, it has a few errors but is a nice primer:
http://www.type2.com/library/camper/westyin1.htm

Another good overview of the later model split screen Westy’s can be found at:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/olivier.d/historique.htm (If you’re not fluent in French, right
click on the page and you should be able to translate it into English. If that doesn’t work,
don’t worry, the numbers (eg. SO-23) are easily seen and clicked on.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SO-23

In the model year 1959, Westfalia introduced the SO-23 kit. These campers were almost
all made in 1959, 1960 & 1961 (although a few mayhave been produced in the 1958
model year...). With the exception of one (known) vehicle, all SO-23’s are non walk-
thru’s, and nearly all of them had the “subhatch” seen in most pre’65 Westys.

Here is an excellent website that will help with this type of camper kit: http://www.so23westfalia.com/

Example of the SO-23 Westy:


SO-22 / MOSAIK

Available 1962-1964 ('61 & '65 MAY also exist...), this kit is very similar to the SO-33 (see below)
and is commonly referred to as the MOSAIK kit. It could be bought aftermarket through the
dealer for installation in any bus, and could also be ordered through westy/vw. It was typically
seen on standards and could be easily removed by means of quick release clamps on the
cabinets. Seats also were easily removed like the SO-33. Cargo door panels and the long
panel were not supplied. Look for no subhatch and 2 tone stock interior panels.

Example of the SO-22 Westy MOSAIK



See here for more info:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=974364&highlight=chandelier#974364
Also see this page:
http://dropgates.com/myvws/62westy/so33/

SO-33

The SO-33 was available 62-64 ('61 & '65 MAY also exist...), about the same time as the SO-22.
Both the SO22 /33 are considered the less seen SO kits in the 60's, with the SO22 being harder
to come by. The SO33 kit came with a subhatch and was more prevalent in ’63 and ’64. While
the cabinets could be removed relatively easy, they were attached more permanently with
wood screws and etc. This kit was similar in many aspects to the earlier so23 kit, minus things
such as the tumblers, the gold trim, and the red plaid.

Example of the SO-33 Westy:


More SO-33 info can be found in this thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109235
Also see this page:
http://dropgates.com/myvws/62westy/so33/

SO-34/35

From late in the 1961 model year through early 1965, Westfalia produced the SO-34 and
SO-35 campers. The SO-34 is easy to identify, as it is the only camper produced by
Westfalia with a white laminate surface on all of the camper cabinets in the rear. I
believe the bulk of these kits were available in 1962 and 1963, the other years appeared
to be special orders only. (The SO-35 was the same as the SO-34, only they had pear
wood cabinets instead of white laminate. I believe the SO-35 was only available in parts
of Europe.) These campers were also called “wide walk thrus”, and to the best of my
knowledge they all came with the “subhatch” option.

Example of the SO-34 Westy:


Example of the SO-35 Westy w/ incorrect upholstery:


More info. can be found at the following sites:
http://www.type2.com/library/camper/moreso34.htm
http://hometown.aol.com/veewee111/SO-3435Westfalia.html

SO-36

Keep in mind that if you have a Dormobile (AKA: Dormie) top with a Westfalia interior,
you have what is called an SO-36. I have seen Dormobile roofs married w/ SO-34 and
SO-42 interiors, a poster to this thread has one with an SO-44 interior, and I've
heard of one married to a SO-45 as well. There were probably SO-35's produced
in this configuration as well.

Here is a good example of an SO-36 Dormie w/ a SO-42 Westy kit:



SO-42

In 1965, Westfalia started creating the SO-42 campers and continued to do so until
production on the split screen ceased at the end of the 1967 model year. This would
prove to be the most common type of camper (in my experience). These came in walk-
thru and non walk-thru options. Most of them had pop-tops, but not all of them.

Example of the 1965-1967 SO-42 Westy w/poptop:


Go here for more so42 info
http://www.so-42.com/

SO-44

Westfalia also introduced the SO-44 camper in 1965. This was sold in Europe, and was
only available as a non walk-thru. Most, if not all of these, had pop-tops. These also
continued through 1967.

Example of the 1965-1967 SO-44 Westy:


Additional information on this type of camper can be found at:
http://www.ev1.pair.com/VW/SO44_1.html

SO-45

In 1967, Westfalia introduced another MOSAIK option – this one was called the SO-45.
I believe this was also a Euro-only option – it is very similar to the SO-42 only it is made
with a real wood finish.

Example of the 1967 SO-45 Westy MOSAIK:



U.S. CAMPER CONVERSIONS

---------------------
BOWMAN & SONS
---------------------

This kit was supposedly made in San Diego, some folks think '67 only, others say they started
much earlier. Here is a link to one with pictures that is being restored:
http://www.scuba26.com/n/2005/67-camper/index.html

I believe the kit in this picture has been rebuilt or remanufactured, unsure how true to the OG
design they were.



Many of them supposedly came w/ this type of screen, which I've also seen on a westy
(and know others have as well):



Thread discussion:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=98664&highlight=bowman+camper

More information needed! Please post in the thread if you can help, also post labeled pictures in
the gallery please.

----------------
CAMPMOBILE
----------------

This is a rarely seen kit that was manufactured by Travel Equipment Corporation of
Indiana in conjunctin with VWOA in the early 60's. The kits were shipped over to Germany
and installed in panels, the presumably most if not all were shipped back to the U.S. These
kits were apparantly made in conjuncton w/ the Canadiana, which is featured down below
in the non-U.S. section.

There are links to factory literature on a couple of these years below. Unlike other U.S.
based camper companies, these guys appeared to do a lot of research and development.
Their kits evolved a LOT from the early pictures seen in the '62 brochure through the kits TCE
was making as seen in their '67 brochures. The pictures of '65s, below under the Sportmobile
name were different as well. It's conceivable they changed every year. According to Travel
Equipment Corporation, they started in 1961. They ran up until '63 or
'64 before parting
ways w/ VWOA and making campers (from VW's still) on their own.
Their later campers
were called Sportmobiles and are shown below.

This sticker would be found on the closet, unsure if it continued into the Sportmobile era or not...:



Interior Pictures:
- coming soon -

Literature from '62 and '63:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/62camperkit.php
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/63campmobile.php

Thread discussion:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=84577&highlight=campmobile+trivia

--------------
CARAVELLE
--------------

These were supposedly made beginning in 1960 or so, but most of them seem to be 1964's.
They were a predecessor to the Sundial, supposedly made by members of the same extended
family (as were E-Z campers). They had a round-ish gold decal above the closet door stating
the bus was a Caravelle, I believe it had a ship on it.

Interior pictures:





Thread discussion:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=196646&highlight=caravelle (includes brochure pics)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=152025&highlight=caravelle
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=78850&highlight=caravelle

---------------
E-Z CAMPER
---------------

These were made by the same extended family as the Carvelle and Sundial were, and
predate both of them I believe.

Interior pictures:







Possible differences explained by earlier and later versions?

To see if you have a E-Z camper, click here:
http://www.ezcamper.100megsfree4.com/ (not working as of 10/06, click to see if back online though.)

It seems odd this site doesn't have a E-Z brochure, can someone step up since the E-Z site is
down?

----------------------
FREEDOM CAMPER
----------------------

Another model was called the Freedom Camper, fittingly nicknamed the "snowtop" due
to the large originally white fiberglass roof extension (easy to identify due to roof.) I've seen
several types of interiors in these, some of which had really gorgeous woodwork. Unsure
if there was more than one type of interior, or if some of those were "homebrews".

“Snowtop” picture w/ main distinguishing feature:


Thread discussion:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=152646
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=165875&highlight=freedom+snowtop
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=152646&highlight=freedom+snowtop

--------------
KAMPER KIT
--------------

This one was made in California as well I believe. Note the KK initials in the magazine rack
on the driver's side in the rear, unsure if they all came w/ this or not.

Interior pictures:



Thread discussion:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=50313&highlight=kamper+kit

----------------------------------------------
MONTGOMERY WARD (AKA: COLEMAN?)
----------------------------------------------

I've only heard of a couple of these, two are mentioned in this thread. Unfortunately, the
pictures of the one that were posted are now gone. More information on this kit is needed,
wondering if this was also referred to as the Coleman camper by some?

Note larger than normal tent mounts:



The only M.W. parts in the following pic are on the front cargo door - table and
paneling - the rest was replaced.



More information needed! Please post in the thread if you can help, also post labeled
pictures in the gallery please.

----------
RIVIERA
----------

These came out of the Riviera VW dealership in Oregon. Almost all Riviera’s came with
a long window on the driver’s side, an easy identifying characteristic.

http://www.geocities.com/nelsonsvw@sbcglobal.net/rivieraregistry/ (includes a
“Do I have a Riviera?” section)

Riviera exterior showing the Riviera long window, the easiest distinguishing
feature (95% of the time). Also note that the poptop, found on some but not all Rivieras,
is similar to the so-42 ones but it has a lower profile.



Note that there is another long window w/ louvres on each end, that is NOT a Riviera
window.



Interior pictures:






----------------
ROADRUNNER
----------------

Unfortunately, the site that did contain confirmed pictures of one along w/ the idenfying I.D.
tag is now down... (www.ezcamper.com)

Interior pictures?:







More information needed! Please post in the thread if you can help, also post labeled
pictures in the gallery please.

-----------------
SPORTMOBILE
-----------------

This is the later camper kit made by Travel Equipment Corporation of Indiana. After
their deal w/ VWOA ended, sometime around 1964?, they continued to make campers
for VW buses, calling them Sportmobiles instead. Like the Campmobiles, their kits continued
to evolve. The Sportmobile literature from 1967 shows a much different kit than seen in the
'65s below. Most of the Sportmobiles I've seen (not very many) were '65s.
Some (most? all?) of these had a white formica covering on the walls instead of wood.
There were possibly other finishs available however. These appear to be the only non-westy
interior to have "clamshell" lights. Their kits from '65 resembled the so-42 very closely,
begging the question of who came up with the idea first - the guys in Indiana or the guys in
Germany...

Interior pictures:




Thread discussion:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74665&highlight=campmobile
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=123296&highlight=roadrunner
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=201526

----------
SUNDIAL
----------

For years, most non-westy campers were referred to as Sundials. If people didn't know
what they had for sure, they defaulted to calling it a sundial it seems. The gallery is full
of mislabled non-westy campers unfortunately, thus part of the reason for this post.

As stated above, members of this family also made the Caravelle and E-Z Campers as
well. It seems the Sundial came after the E-Z and Caravelle.

 

Interior pictures:


 

Note the different spice racks on the rear cargo doors, unsure how to explain this.
It is probably an incorrect door added to a correct spice rack. YMTC.

To see if you have a Sundial, click here:
http://www.sundial-camper.com/ (not working as of 10/06, click to see if back online though.)

It seems odd this site doesn't have a Sundial brochure, can someone step up since the
sundial site is down? More pictures would be nice too!


OTHER NON-U.S. CAMPER CONVERSIONS

Westfalia’s were not officially imported into the UK during much of the 1960’s, for reasons
unknown to me. As a result, companies such as Martin Walter (Dormobile) Devon,
Cantebury Pitt and Danbury were drawn into the fold over there.

There were also camper conversions made in Australia and Brazil, along with the Canadian
camper featured below. The Campers that were available in Brazil were made by Kharman.

----------------
ARCOMOBILE
----------------

These are reportedly very low production models, from somewhere in mainland Europe
I believe.

Note the unique roof:


The interiors are simply amazing.


--------------
CANADIANA
--------------

In the early 60's VWOA supposedly came up w/ an idea to compete w/ the U.S. camper
conversion companies, they supposedly had one version for the U.S. and version for Canada.
I believe this is the only one currently known to survive. Do a search for "Canadiana"
in the gallery and you'll find a lot more pictures along w/ lots of literature.

Pictures:




1964 brochure:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/64canadiana.php

--------------------
CANTEBURY PITT
--------------------

Like Westfalia and Devon, I believe Pitt campers were available with or without a Dormobile
roof.

Interior picture:


------------
DANBURY
------------

Danbury is probably the least well known conversion in the U.S., of which little is known by
me. I believe the following photo is of one however. Note the unique roof!

Interior picture:


--------
DEVON
--------

Another of the U.K. camper conversion companies was Devon. They sometimes added
dormobile tops to their conversions, but not always. There had different models over the
years, such as the Caravette, etc. I believe all of them got tags on the doors, both on the
outside and inside depending on the door. (Outside on Cargo, inside or outside on Cab?)

Interior pictures:



1964/65 Devon Brochure:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/split_devon.php

--------------
DORMOBILE
--------------

Although the dormobile roofs found there way onto many other conversions (e.g.
Westfalia, Devon, etc.), the Martin Walter company also had a conversion of their own, the
"official" dormobile.

Interior pictures:



1961 Dormobile - Martin Walter Interior - Brochure:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/61dormobile.php
1963 Dormobile - Martin Walter Interior - Brochures:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/63dormobile.php
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/63dormobile2.php

- - - - -

This is not an all-inclusive list, but it should help most folks (who aren’t too lazy to do a bit
of research) figure out what kind of camper they have.

(If the language in this post is confusing to you, go to the excellent dictionary available
on this website - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/dic/.)

Speaking of research, a good resource is the vintagebus listserv archives – found at:
http://www.type2.com/archive/search-vintagebus.html - this is where the bus fiends hung out
(some still do) prior to the advent of the forums.

You can also search through the forums here on the samba for a wealth of information, in
addition to the gallery pictures. Don’t forget to check out the brochure section either, lots
of good camper pics in there. Lastly, www.vintagebus.com is another goldmine of pictures
and information. Hope this helps!

Additional information is certainly welcome and encouraged! Anything people can add to
the non-westy sections would be great, my knowledge of years, etc. isn’t very good on those.

In closing, David Eccles has written a book on various camper conversions over
the last 50 years, it is worth purchasing to further your quest. It is entitled:
Vw Camper—the Inside Story: A Guide to the Various Camping Conversions And
Interior Layouts Used for Vw Campers 1951-2005

Disclaimer: I reserve the right, as always, to be wrong! lol Also, I wasn’t born with any of
this knowledge, and were it not for the old listservs, the websites noted above (and the
www in general) and other camper nuts like yourselves, my mind would still be a blank
slate… (and still is sometimes… <g>)