Baby boomers seeking a psychedelic trip to Burning Man (or anywhere) should take a closer look at this 1970 Travco motorhome located in Wooster, Ohio and listed here on eBay. With a starting bid of $6,500 and a BIN of $12,000, the flower power exterior belies the ruggedness and stout construction of these early coaches.
The seller states that they have owned this Travco for 11 years, and it has just 77,000 miles on the clock. That’s not surprising, since motorhomes are often found with low mileage due to their infrequent use – a 27-foot long behemoth doesn’t make for the ideal daily driver. There is no mention as to whether the current owner added the artwork themselves, of this was the work of a groovy previous owner. Underneath the artwork is Travco’s unique fiberglass-over-steel body designed by Ray Frank, the father of the American motorhome. Everything then sits on a heavy-duty Dodge M-series chassis.
The cockpit may seem familiar to Mopar truck enthusiasts, as the steering wheel, instrument panel, shifter and other parts were shared with the smaller D-series pickups of the era. The dashboard appears to be autographed, although no mention is made of it’s origin. Back in their heyday, Travcos were owned by many celebrities (including Johnny Cash and William Shatner), so maybe this coach had a brush with stardom? The cloudiness around the edges of the windshield may be a concern for some, as vintage RV replacement glass can be shockingly expensive.
For all of the far-out graphics on the outside, the redone interior seems surprisingly conservative. No mention is made of the condition of the fixtures and appliances, although regarding the interior the seller does indicate there is new laminate flooring, porcelain toilet and rooftop a/c. Also no mention of a generator – it likely was originally equipped with a 6kW Onan unit.
Towards the rear we get back into some groovy decor. Even with the curtains open, backing up one of these beasts can be challenging. A modern backup camera would really help here.
Under the doghouse sits a Chrysler big-block 413 powerplant, backed up by a 727 heavy duty automatic trans and a 4.56 rear end. With respect to mechanicals, the seller indicates the exhaust is new and the alternator has been changed to a GM 1-wire setup. The shiny 4-bbl carb appears new or recently rebuilt. Also notice the unique water pump, and it’s likely the intake manifold, heads and other parts are also special pieces designed by Chrysler for heavy-duty RV applications.
A vintage RV can be a big commitment, since owners are facing the common problems of both an old house and an old truck combined in one really big package. But it’s clear someone put some love into this happy camper, even bending the front bumper into a smile. Travcos have a dedicated following, and given their stout construction there are many more surviving examples today than might be expected (this excellent blog chronicles one owner’s camping and restoration adventures in a ’64 Travco). As Ken Keysey said, “You’re either on the bus or off the bus.”
I hate to say the D word ( wait a minute no I don’t ) if this were mine I’d be upgrading this to a cummins turbo diesel with 4 speed heavy duty automatic. As it sits it likely gets 4 mpg and 6 going down hill with the wind. Not into camping much anymore my trailer hasn’t moved in 4 years so not for me. All that aside its still a nice old unit.
I’ve actually considered buying one of these old Travcos with that exact plan. My limited internet research on the subject indicates that it’s possible, but in no way easy.
If nothing else, I’d be going crazy with reinsulating the doghouse. I can’t imagine going cross-country with a 6BT 4″ from my leg with 50-year-old insulation.
https://youtu.be/Vo11DG1nuGk
I would think a 4bt Cummins or possibly a 6.5 litre Detroit Diesel Turbo from a 1990s Chevy or GMC truck.
I bought several of these from NASA in the old days. They were used as crew buses and to house telemetrics for various projects. Well built, good industrial Chrysler drivetrain. Not sure about the practicality in today’s world…….probably best if you don’t have far to drive.
Low mileage and good deal? Sold as govt surplus?
Wouldn’t 4:56 be pretty steep for loungey hi-way action?
There is a restored 1965 +/- Travco sitting at Thompson Raceway Park, a dragstrip about 1/2 hour east of Cleveland OH. The owner uses it for his office and/or a place to sleep after a long night at the track.
It’s a really nice piece, and it will go down the road, just not real fast or not a cheap date to drive… I think he told me the 413 gets around 6 MPG and you’re going up hills at 45 MPH. Still a cool ride though. The Cummins idea isn’t’ cheap, but it’s a good way to go if you’re going to drive it.
Hippy and trippy……….. But no thanks. And I was even at Woodstock.
You remember?
Hey I have a 1974 Travco Ill sell you for $8500 PM me or send email with pic request.
@Stephen – here’s more info on how to get your Travco listed on the site: https://barnfinds.com/sell/
What! No 8-track?
They still made the 413 in 1970? My first guess would have been a 440.
I’d have thought that too, but a Travco site shows, apparently, up to ’74 had the 413, and ’75 and newer had the 440 until the end in ’86.
Yup they made the 413 for industrial application all the way up til 1978
And for me if it ain’t a Dodge, I ain’t buying. No and ifs or buts
I have to agree. I’ve always loved old-school Dodge cars and trucks.
I ALSO HAVE ONE , THEY ARE 413 INDUSTRIALS , SUPER POWER – LOVE GAS STATIONS AND OR SEVERAL ” LARGE TANKS” , I put 3 tanks on mine , since 5.7 miles to a gallon is best i get even with my add on overdrive , but , the roof does not leak ,and it has no wind blowing through it. I rebuilt the engine at 76k miles, runs very sweeeeet.
We did a lot of camping in the late 60’s, and I’d say 92% of all the campers were trailers. The only time you’d see a motorhome, it was one of these. They did get dismal mileage, especially pulling something, but it started a revolution in RVing. I read, the 60’s ones had a 318, and then( ’69?) the 413 was offered, a welcome plus, fuel mileage was not an issue. Cool retro motorhome, for sure. Most of these became “poker shacks” out in the woods.
Sweet looking Travco. If I were to buy one, I’d keep as much of it as original as possible, but I’d also upgrade a few things. Among the upgrades would be to install a 6.5 litre Detroit Diesel Turbo engine, or possibly a 6.6 litre Duramax Diesel engine.
H o w. M u c h ????
Steve writes 6,5 to 12,000 dollars.
I like the ‘vixen’ w/bmw motor.
Fits in standard garage.
No longer made I assume.
The diesel suggested (w/allison auto) is THE must have performance (power/MPGs) upgrade to have in there.
The 413 in my 70 dodge came with a horrible Holley, that AFB should be a big improvement, now it should get 7 MPG. That figures out to about 400 gallons to get it to So. Cal
Had a 74 Travco, sed so on the front, had the 413, was a good MH. Rented it out for 5 yrs, only thing that got broken was a rt. side rear view mirror. Also ours had a rear window ad generator. The driver never uses the rear window to back up,thats what the mirrors were for, need a “drivers schooling”. It got too many miles on it so sold it.
In case anybody is interested in this style motorhome, I just found one for FREE on Craigslist in CT.
https://newhaven.craigslist.org/zip/d/1972-dodge-travco/6644192674.html
I am in no way associated with the seller.
The price is right, but too far of a tow for me. The smashed windshield is likely pricey too.
7 mpg is the norm for almost any Class A motorhome with a gas engine.
I think I have fallen of the mailing list again. No posts since Sunday. Please check.
@Mike Gunter – It doesn’t look like you are subscribed. At least with the email you used to comment. Check your spam folder and if it’s not there, you may want to resubscribe. Thanks.
’76 Travco 320. At 65 mph. no headwind on level ground, cruising….9mpg
That being said- dual exhaust w/X-crossover, fresh Thermoquad (running just on the primaries), synthetic oils, 19.5 Alcoas in all 6 spots, and a aluminum air dam under the front.
Weight wise? Water tanks empty, propane 1/2 full (at best) not towing anything, front tank at about 1/4.