When it comes to vintage recreational vehicles, a shiny highly-original Travco rates highly with many modern vagabonds. Thanks to a phrasing flip by Travco creator Ray Frank, these and similar vehicles became known as “motorhomes” instead of “house cars,” a name describing prior live-in vehicles since the dawn of the automobile. By 1977, Travco earned a reputation for quality with handsome and tight-sealing two-piece fiberglass bodies, sturdy Dodge truck chassis, and venerable 440 Mopar powerplants. After covering fewer than 26,000 miles with three prior owners, this barely broken-in time capsule can be yours right here on BarnFinds Classified. An even $50,000 buys a heavenly mobile slice of the ’70s. That’s cheaper than a four-door Dodge chassis cab for reference.
Most of us picture the popular 27 foot Travco 270 from the ’60s and early ’70s. By 1977, a more modern grille, windows, and other changes brought a less dated look to the Travco, and this looks like a roomier 32 foot 320 model. Multiple awnings and twin rooftop air conditioners help combat heat for occupants of this rolling oasis. Thanks to TinCanTourists for some details.
Queue up ABBA’s Dancing Queen or Hotel California by the Eagles and channel your inner hippie. This interior is not for the faint of heart. Crank the music, lose a button on your shirt or halter top, and grab a Shasta, because this swingin’ schooner is about to set sail.
Squares became de rigueur mid ’70s to mid-’80s vehicle design, and the aerodynamic rounded front end of early Travcos gave way to this rectangular sign of the times. Round headlights and turn signals helped fans recall the Travco’s earlier happy face.
With room to sleep four to six, according to the listing, this Travco could serve as home base for your next multi-generational road trip.
Even the toilet lid is rocking the ’70s fabric, and dig that mirrored formica! Travco interiors were known for durability and quality, and this one has apparently enjoyed the best of care. Go much further toward the ’80s and motorhome interiors take a homely turn (can you say “sage?” or “rose?”) that blighted motorhomes until the late ’90s. If you’re going vintage, pick something bold and groovy!
The big 440 cid (7.2L) V8 starts “easily” and runs “good,” according to the seller. When well-maintained, the 440 promises a long life of reliable operation. Close your eyes and savor the muted hum of the big-inch mill from the carpeted doghouse below your elbow. Your thin smile becomes an evil grin as the big block growls, leaning into a hill. Just over your shoulder, your fellow trekkers chow down on hot cheese sandwiches while charting out your next adventure on RoadsideAmerica or AtlasObscura. It’s hard to put a price on family fun, but for half the price of a decked-out SUV, how about this low-mileage RV time capsule?
This looks like a well cared for survivor and should bring good money. I must admit, however, that I prefer the short-lived GM Motorhome from the same era. The GM was innovative, using the FWD powertrain from the Cadillac Eldorago/Oldmobile Toranado twins to pull their molded fiberglass body down the road, and made all of the competitors, especially the Winnebago family of motorhomes, look antediluvian by comparison. GM’s only mistake was bad timing, having the misfortune to introduce a vehicle that only got 7 mpg during a gas crisis in 1973.
I will concede that the Dodge 440 can be upgraded with a plethora of performance parts to increase power output and improve fuel economy, as an aid to moving this massive motorhome down the road, something that can’t be said of the Cadillac 500 cubic-inch V8 in the GM Motorhome.
Pretty sure the GM motor home was Oldsmobile power. A 455 and I think they may have even tried a 403 .
You are right on the 455 then the 403
The GMC Motorhomes used an Oldsmobile TORONADO (not “Toranado”) 455 (and later, 403) drivetrain, not a Cadillac 500.
Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa! My bad. Spelling isn’t always my strong suit, LOL! Just a question, did the Olds 455 and the Caddy 500 share any parts? Also, did Cadillac make a 472 that was later bored out to 500 cubic inches?
Since the previous guys already pointed out the GMC was a Toronado front wheel drive 455 I won’t.. :-)
There are actually a lot of upgrades you can do to them now though. I bought a ’77 Eleganza that was completely restored other than the dash at a cost of $55k (receipts were provided), and my best mileage was 10mpg. What a beautiful coach though. I towed a color matching custom built Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500 Southwest Edition behind it (there was no Edition actually, it’s the only one in existence, this I know because I did most of the design on it and Valley Kawasaki in Phoenix built it) and I was getting kudos and thumbs up all the time. There are clubs all over the world for these, (several have a presence on Facebook) and upgrades abound, including fuel injection systems and other engine upgrades that bring them up to date. I wish I hadn’t sold the one I had (and the bike) so I’m looking at getting another one before long.
Lovely looking Travco. I’ve always found the Travco one of the best looking RVs of the 1970. If only more pics were posted online. I think people want to see as much of a vehicle as possible when buying.
You had me at 440…
Awesome write up! Trully nice example but worth about half the ask unfortunately IMHO! It is the koolest though!
That baby is a gem. And a bargain compared to the absurdly priced new units that have very poor workmanship and quality. I’d say YES to some fun times in this one.
She’s got her hands on her hips, not a good sign. I try and respect advertisers that use BFs, but sometimes I can’t contain myself. It’s a nice unit, but sometimes a spade simply must be called a spade. It’s a vintage motorhome, based loosely on a Dodge single axle dump truck. Having experience with these early units, oh they were great for 1977, but today, this camper would make one more trip to an unspecified lot in the boonies, shore it up, pull the motor, be a nice place to live. As a road vehicle, the ride will be harrowing to say the least. Coming off a 3,000 road trip, it’s obvious, people today have little patience for an old motorhome, or any slower vehicle. They cause more problems, and better line up your gas stops BEFORE leaving. 7 mpg, gas goes quick. Made a lot of observations on that trip, just stop at the next campground, you say? Think again. Every so called “campground”, was packed with these ultimate behemoth campers and motorhomes, the ads make it seem like you’re the only one. The camping, if you can call it that, looked awful, and spots are extremely limited. Not to mention the arrogance that goes along with that group, no thanks.
Fantastic write-up, Todd! There are some very nice quips and phrasing there, mister, not to mention great general information.
Thanks, Scotty! I’ve considered buying a ’70s motorhome including an earlier Travco. This one’s condition is amazing, and we’d love to hear from the new owner here in the comments section. Best wishes to seller and buyer of this finely preserved machine.
I was sold at unbutton the halter top ! Throw in a great running 440 it’s all over but the crying !