This playful motorhome-and-towed car combination will be the talk of any playground or backyard.
By Robbin Gould
Editor
January 2004
Who says you need a driver’s license to be a motorhomer? Kids can enjoy the Camper Fun Playhouse manufactured by Step2, a company based, appropriately, in Streetsboro, Ohio. This motorhome wannabe is sure to start young imaginations rolling.
FMCA staffers recently had the opportunity to inspect a Camper Fun Playhouse as it sat parked in the lobby of the national office building on Clough Pike in Cincinnati. As the cover of this month’s issue illustrates, the “coach” also was assessed by potential customers in its target age range.
Although it resembles a type C motorhome, complete with cab-over area, cockpit, and kitchen, the Camper Fun Playhouse is a stationary vehicle. But small fry needn’t feel deprived. The two-seat cockpit contains a host of gauge decals to playfully measure rpm, mph, battery condition, and fuel. Radio and gear decals complete the dashboard. Small RVers will vie for the chance to sit in the driver’s seat and maneuver the large black steering wheel. The cockpit contains a driver’s door, too.
The rear of the coach features a sizable galley and dining area just right for those less than 4 feet tall. The streetside galley includes a two-burner cooktop, with a conventional oven below. To the left of the stove is a sink with a directional faucet; below it is a dishwasher. To the right of the stove is a cutting board and, under it, a two-shelf refrigerator.
On the curb side of the coach, opposite the galley, a pint-sized, off-white table and two red chairs await small diners. Unfortunately, the dinette does not fold out for sleeping.
The cab-over area contains storage space for small play items. The ceiling contains two skylights, one over the cockpit, the other over the galley-dining area. Additional features include a wall-mounted telephone (that rings) and a rear access door.
The floor plan of the Camper Fun Playhouse is simple, giving it an airy feel. In addition, numerous windows actually, cutouts add to its expansiveness. The dinette and galley areas both feature 24-inch-by-18-inch windows. The cab area is outfitted with three window cutouts, one facing forward and one on each side. And, of course, the cockpit features unobstructed viewing for the pilot and copilot.
The Camper Fun Playhouse is constructed of durable, molded plastic in various colors, which wipes clean easily and can withstand the elements. The plastic floor incorporates grooves and small cutouts, the latter of which provide dirt and playground sand an easy way out.
The green and yellow exterior is outfitted with “headlights” and “taillights,” as well as decorative appliques that complement the coach interior.
Although the molded wheels give the illusion of movement, alas, this coach is a stationary play vehicle. But, not to worry: it stands ready to transport its small occupants on many exciting adventures.
Tow, tow, tow your car …
As many FMCAers know, a towed car completes the motorhome experience. Enter the Toddle Tune Coupe, also from Step2, which proves a perfect accompaniment to the Camper Fun Playhouse. Put on your thinking caps and imagine a Volkswagen-Fred Flinstone car hybrid. This one-seater fits that description. Operated by foot power, the Toddle Tune Coupe will provide hours of mobile fun. It also features easy-care molded plastic construction. Its trunk, about the size of a loaf of bread, will make sure drivers transport only the most necessary of items.
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer … The Step2 Company, 10010 Aurora-Hudson Road, Streetsboro, OH 44241; (800) 347-8372, (330) 656-0440; e-mail: step2-company@step2.net; www.step2.com
Model … Camper Fun Playhouse
Tires … 18-inch, black plastic, partial
Exterior dimensions … 6½ feet long by 4 feet wide by 60½ inches high
Interior height … 49 inches
Gross vehicle weight … 210 pounds
Playload … seats four; additional standing room
Construction … molded plastic, multicolored
Fuel requirements … none
Fun capacity … unlimited
Suggested retail price … $600 to $700
Model … Toddle Tune Coupe
Tires … 6-inch, grooved rubber
Dimensions … 17½ inches long by 30 inches wide by 33½ inches high
Curb weight … 24 pounds
Fuel requirements … foot power
Seating capacity … one (1)
Suggested retail price … $60 to $70