As part of the C/K Series, the Chevrolet C20 began production in 1960. It was a ¾-ton pickup, while the C10 was the ½-ton variant. A prior owner decided to add a camper to the pickup, and chose one built by Cayo RV Corp. sometime between 1970 and 1974. The seller describes this combo as a project only because some maintenance stuff will be needed before your first weekend or week-long camping trip. Located with a dealer in Traverse City, Michigan, this cool getaway ride is available here on eBay for $17,900 OBO.
Let’s start with the truck. This 1970 C20 is a “Custom” edition, which implies a higher level of trim. It’s equipped with 2-wheel drive, a 350 cubic inch V8, and a 4-speed manual transmission. We’re told it runs and drives okay, but has an exhaust leak and weeping valve cover gaskets, neither of which should require much work or dollars to remedy. The aqua paint was redone at some point and looks good with a touch of surface rust here and there. The interior is devoid of amenities, though a 1970s-style CB radio lives under the dash (breaker, breaker!).
We’re told the camper is a Cayo C11, which was only built across five years in the 1970s. It seems to be in original, unmodified condition, with many of the benefits of staying at home, such as a bed, stove, refrigerator, and toilet facilities. No tests have been done to determine if any of that stuff doesn’t work as it should. The owner started to polish the camper’s chrome body, but only got one section finished, which is obvious in the photos.
Pickup campers were Cayo’s specialty, though we understand that an RV was available, too. For reasons unknown, Cayo wound down the camper operations in 1974, though some custom examples are said to have popped up in subsequent years. This C20/C11 combination looks like a good way of getting into the self-contained camping scene without having to break the bank. Congrats to Jack M. for another stellar tip!
Does not look like a 1970 grill/bumper. Looks more like a 1971
Or ’72
And I am pretty sure the left front wheel has lug nuts from a 1972.
Better check the wiper blades, too. . .
personally, i would get rid of the camper even if it meant stripping it down for scrap and just enjoy the truck.
For $17,000?
i remember when these were swapped on you worker for a few months each yr. Around this time (‘70s?) the ‘camper special’ models came out for all the Big 3.
Hope this vehicle has what it needs to haul around its ‘shell’. Heavy duty (DL, suspension, transmis, breaks, etc) & long bed served more than just the camper. I love the idea (not just for the multi-use vehicle but also) as a solo traveler who wants to stand up inside, may have toilet in-side (winter/rain, etc) and ‘kitchen’ equp. No 4WD needed but could be a +/- depending. I enjoy this ‘gen’ Cheb model p/u’s look. The camper enhances I’d say (& no polish to the siding).
I,d hate to be the one to rechrome that camper
It’s aluminum, you polish it. No chrome plating.
Steve R
Or Stainless???????
Brocky, not according to websites about the Cayo campers, they all clearly state these are aluminum.
Steve R
Wonder how much that camper unit
weighs ?
71 or 72 grille/bumper. neat but the camper is a take it or leave it. looks like a solid truck
Love it, and a bargain at that. Truck could use some suspension work and possibly more to haul that really cool camper around. The camper jack stands make it easy to take off and store if you want to drive/ show off the truck between trips.
We had to move when rednecks started parking these campers in their driveway, up on milk crates. Ruined the nice neighborhood.
Be careful with those redneck comments. I spent 30 years in the Army. Most of the so called rednecks I have ever met were more patriotic than a majority of the so called Americans. Along with my military crew I will welcome all the rednecks when the s**t hits the fan. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! I realize this han nothing to do with cars, but i just felt it needed to be said.
This looks like an excellent vehicle for a retired couple to obtain a reasonably priced camper, with ability to also use it as a weekend workhorse. I agree that it might need some rear suspension help.. Air Bags under the coil springs???? My parents bought a 67 C-20 new, with 10 foot slide in, 327 and New Process close ratio 4 speed, which had a factory half leaf helper spring on the back. They drove it from New York State to Alaska and back with no problems.
The C20 had leaf springs not coils and that truck will carry a camper no prob.
Dad ordered our ’72 C20 with the coil rear suspension giving the truck a 7500 GVW. Ordered specifically for hauling a slide in camper. Never a problem. Pulled a boat behind with ease. The 400 motor probably didn’t hurt either.
This guy does not know what he has or how to find out. Other than the grille there are several ways to figure out that this is a ’72 ~ door panels, rearview mirror, and mainly the VIN. The price isn’t out of range for a ’72 that needs new valve cover gaskets & an exhaust system, considering you get a pretty nice camper too. These ’67-’72 Chevy trucks are going high in even just decent condition. Fully restored ones are hitting over $40,000, some even $50,000. As for carrying the load, this is a 3/4 ton truck with leaf springs. It is a workhorse.
The VIN tag in the picture in the auction is stamped CE240 J 111029
The 0 at the end of CE240 means 1970 model year. https://media.lmctruck.com/Catalog_Chassis-Eng_IDs/Chassis_ID/CB_VIN-Chassis_ID.pdf
So even if it has some 1972 parts bolted on it, the VIN tag says it is a 70.
Okay so someone bolted on a 72 doghouse & swapped out the door panels and mirror for 72 units ~ either that or the VIN tag has been changed at some point. I would be afraid to buy this one. But then again, I don’t trust used car dealers anyway, so…
I agree that the truck is a ’72. We have a ’72 C20 Cheynnne Super, Camper Special pickup with rear leaf springs. We bought it new in late ’71. It came fully loaded – AC, Tilt steering wheel, Tach, 2 batteries, 2 gas tanks (I added a third tank), sliding rear window, automatic transmission, and every option available for ’72. I replaced the 9.50 X 6.5 rear tires with12.00 X 16.5 tires to better carry the ’72 Cayo camper we bought. We still have both, The actual finish of the Cayo campers is anodized aluminum. You can remove the anodized finish but it is not recommended. Those campers are in high demand and can bring a high price if restored properly of if they are in good shape without restoration.
Then why does it have a 1970 C20 VIN number ? See the prior comment right above yours.
The VIN (CE240J111029) as listed on eBay has12 characters. VIN’s have 17 characters.
@John Marcotte, these were 13-digit. The 17-digit VIN didn’t arrive until 1980. Supposed to run thru 2040 without duplication.
While everyone is dissecting the year and everything, nobody has mentioned that the front wheels are 16″ snap ring and the rear are 16.5″ double beaded rims.
As long as we’re pointing out stuff, the steering wheel doesn’t match anything else.
The shorter rear tire could explain why it looks squat in the back.
Couldn’t see the size of the front tires (tube type on split rim wheels) but the rears are tubeless12.00 X 16.5 tires. The unit is listed on eBay and numerous photos are available. The rear view mirror is the glue mounted mirror which was placed on the ’72 model year. I believe the Cayo camper is a 1969 or 70.