Clark, That There’s An RV: 1964 Dodge Travco
How neat is this old R.V.? While modern recreational vehicles have all the conveniences including WiFi, satellite T.V., washing machines and convection ovens, there’s something about the nostalgia of vintage campers. This particular R.V. is a 1964 Dodge Travco. It can be found here on Cars-on-Line with an asking price of $2,700. Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, it is said to need a full restoration. With the nominal asking price, there should still be plenty of room in the budget for a restoration.
With an almost Airstream inspired shape, it has amazing lines. Check out the rear end, especially the tail lights. The design of the beltline trim and stripe along with the smooth contours of tail lights almost look like something that would come out of a custom hot rod shop. According to Motorhome.com: “The aerodynamic Class A was built from 1965 until the late 1980s, available in lengths ranging from 21 to 32 feet. The concept began in 1961 when Ray Frank…Frank moved to a more rounded fiberglass body and increased the window sizes…” You can read more about the Travco Class A here on motorhome.com and here on curbsideclassics.com.
Nostalgia continues to be really popular. Vintage Airstreams and other campers are skyrocketing in value. People are even refurbishing them with vintage upholstery and curtains to complete the retro vibe. How about you? Do you get nostalgic looking at this Travco? Unfortunately, there aren’t any interior photos of this particular R.V. You can see the photo above which may be a representation of what the interior looks like. A potential buyer would be wise to get some detailed photos inside and out before trekking to Wisconsin.
The power plant for this particular truck should be the 318 cubic inch V8. The ad says it runs and drives. According to Curbside Classics.com: “The Dodge/Travco sat on what was essentially a Dodge medium truck chassis, and used the “Polysphere” 318 CID (5.2 L) V8 backed by the rugged TorqueFlite…Later versions had the legendary Chrysler RB 413 V8…The 440, the final development of that tough engine, powered Travcos in the seventies and eighties.” This R.V. has a ton of potential and is a ten on the cool-meter. What do you think?
Comments
I love the Mopar 318,but that looks like a heavy vehicle to lug up a mountain grade. Cool retro look!
I had one. 15mph up steep grades until I switched to synthetic oil. Really makes a difference on a heavily stressed engine.
Best forget a diesel and swap in a modern Mopar hemi with modern tranny. And don’t forget disk brakes up front!
I remember camping as a kid, these were the 1st motor homes we saw. Clumsy thing, like piloting a whale, but you had to start somewhere, and it revolutionized camping. Motor homes ran the full gamut, getting so big, the trend has reversed itself, and most all campers I see today, are the 4 door pickups pulling gooseneck type trailers, and for good reason. Motor homes are pretty restrictive as to where they can go, and still get 6 mpg on pleasure rides to attractions. The nice thing about newer motorhomes, is they cruise like a Greyhound, this, not so much, trust me, I’ve driven these.
I have had a ’91 Foretravel (Diesel) for a bit less than a year, Howard A. Gets better fuel economy than I’d have guessed, right at 10 MPG.
Now, I see this BF listing and think that there’s a much better option, from the Detroit CL:
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/rvs/d/32-all-fiberglass-class/6666085687.html
Looks like most of the hard work swapping to a diesel has been done. If you’re going to redo an older unit, this is the way to go, IMO. Near me, too.
Would you want such a clatter trap that close to your ears? At 545 good transmission though
I don’t know about a Cummins, unless it’s a 4bt diesel. Otherwise, I’d go either for a Duramax V8 Diesel, or possibly a 6.5 litre Detroit Diesel Turbo.
I have seen a video on You Tube where someone put a Cummins in one of these. I think it was a newer one from the 70’s. With some research, I bet it would bolt in as the Cummins was the Mopar Diesel of choice in the 80’s.
Oh wait here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo11DG1nuGk
Here is another one. Not sure it is the same Travco though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvHmysfAqeA
Common guys, I ran a petercar for 34 years otr,and nothing beats a kitty cat! Thats the truth! LOL, I am just picking at you guys, I think even a little kitty cat would weigh too much! Of course I guy could go and modify the frame and cross members, but at what cost? I think that any truck diesel would be way to heavy! There is always diesels that are light enough to work, but then you are talking about the little 4 wheeler diesels! All in all no matter which way you go to install a diesel you might as well go out and buy yourself a brand new Airstream! The wise thing to do is just improve this awesome little antique of a RV and enjoy the heck out of it! :-)! Have a great morning!
Just looking at that first photo, the smell of must and mold was positively palpable, at least in my mind.
Definitely 60’s styling, color and interior. I would rather have a mini motorhome and pull a car trailer with a car or small truck to get around when I camped.
Nice shed
Could look amazing with new paint. Wonder if you could drop the body on a newer motorhome chassis for modern ride and handling?
Now this would make a great guesthouse!
Awesome looking Travco! I’ve always found the Travco 270 Motorhome to be quite attractive. I find them more attractive than the Winnebago of the same vintage. I also find them more attractive than what’s being offered today. This Travco would make an awesome restoration project, or possibly a restomod.
Had a 73 Travco, W/413, was a great MH, low maintenance, used it a few times but basically rented it out. Was always gone, usually a week or two but once for a month. Only problem was that once some renter hit a pole W/rt. mirror.
With fuel at .35 to .70 cents at the time sure beat $3.00+ of a few years ago.
Desirable , being a bus driver driving this would be a blast and hell if I had a RV, I would rather have this antique to drive than any of the new stuff
@ David Miraglia: I agree. Much of what’s being produced today looks like the cargo boxes this came in. Not very attractive.
Awesome! That is the first word that came to my mind! Great price to especially for it if it runs and drives! I am pretty close to it! I shouldn’t, but I might just check this out!
Sure glad it’s only this one y’all can smell…..
I love it. Wish I could buy it.
@ Royal: I’d seen those two videos of the Cummins diesel powered Travco. I like the 10 minute video the best. But both videos show good installation. They both show that it’s possible to install a 6bt Cummins engine.
Good to keep the mother in law in when she comes over
Beautiful looking Travco. I’d buy one if I had someone to share the experience and responsibilities of travelling with such a vehicle.
I find the Travco Class A motorhome way more attractive than either the Winnebago of the same vintage, or anything produced today. The only other motorhomes that look anywhere near as attractive are the GMC Motorhome, produced between 1973 and 1978 and the FMC Motorhome, produced between 1973 and 1976. It’s a shame that they were both discontinued when they were. They both had good ideas and built great vehicles.