Here’s a great design from the late nineteenth century. I could not find an associated photo for the finished caravan but there are a couple of innovations I will want to include in the future. I believe this wagon was about 12 feet long overall and is a nice setup for 1-2 people. The flap table makes for added floorspace when needed and there is ample storage both inside and out. The tunnel locker under the bed is also a great idea that I thought was a recent invention.
This isn’t the same caravan but similar in size and design. I really like the enormous opening at the front for ventilation. Another innovation for the future. Also, it’s good to keep in mind that there were normally a tent or two pitched with the van when parked for storage, dogs, kids, etc. I thought this was a cop-out of mine but it seems I’m not the first to notice the extra space is a godsend on extended trips with more than one person.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 
Like this layout a lot.
Me too!
I must admit , you’ve given me plenty of food for thought , until I came here , I was thinking in terms of this : http://www.vagabondjourney.com/homemade-rv-converted-from-moving-truck/ , as a more or less full time unit , but now it’s not so clear cut