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The Travco Motorhome
Dodge’s ‘Lifetime Body’ in addition to a lightweight, unitized fiberglass body, the Dodge/Travco obviously had a lot going for it, including a classic streamlined design and the solid backing of Chrysler Corporation. In fact, it may have played some role in the demise of the Ultra Van . Built on a rugged truck chassis, the 26-foot Dodge offered roomy interiors and floor plan options accommodating a family of eight.
Actually built by Frank Motor Homes, Brown City, Michigan, it had a built-in national sales network of Dodge dealers. And Chrysler, with its deep pockets, created a veritable media blitz for the 1963 rollout of the then-Dodge motor home. Besides an attractive price of just under $11,000 for a motor home that was nearly fully equipped, the Dodge offered unique features, such as a sewage incinerator system that almost eliminated the need to empty waste holding tanks. It was powered by a 318-cid, 200-hp V-8 and had a three-speed push-button automatic transmission, power steering and brakes. 1964 would be the last year of the push-button transmission and as years would come and go, the Travco RV would use a more robust engine to propel the luxury, heavy motor home down America's highways. Livability features included an electric driver’s seat, a bath with separate shower and roomy pull-down bunks. Press releases promoted the Dodge’s aerodynamics, passenger-car comforts and “lifetime” fiberglass body, “which cannot rust or corrode and never needs painting.” Corporate literature also claimed a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds for the 137-inch wheelbase, B300 1-ton chassis (later extended to 173 inches and designated the B375) and a 7,980-pound dry weight. Likable as it was, of course, the Dodge wasn’t perfect, either. Current owners say it actually weighed more than its stated GVWR, with some fully loaded coaches tipping the scales at more than 13,000 pounds. Because it lacked anti- sway bars, there were problems with body roll and cross-winds. Tire changing was difficult due to the low-slung body. Weight put a real strain on the 318 engine, requiring first-gear on most grades. Still, the Dodge was actually No. 1 in motor home sales for a time, creating a clamor for Dodge chassis among other coach builders.
During the 60's and early 70's, Travco ruled the motor home industry. Frank's fiberglass body, the Dodge chassis, and consistent quality production shielded Travco from any notable competition. So well built was the Travco motor home that it became known as "the tank" inside the company. It was absolutely the most rugged, durable, quality-produced motor home that could be made. In 1971, the Travco Corporation company won a tax ruling that would benefit the motor home industry for all future manufacturers. Essentially, that Dodge truck frame was a commercial size and was "usually" subsequently taxed for its commercial use. Using that same type truck chassis on an RV was the first occurrence of the truck chassis on a family vehicle. Since the truck chassis on the Travco RV was not used for commercial business, the vehicle should not be taxed as a commercial vehicle. The tax ruling, handed down by the IRS, confirmed those beliefs. In summary, sales by the manufacturer of truck chassis produced from heavy-duty truck-type components but designed and constructed specifically to accommodate and transport nontaxable self-propelled mobile home bodies are not subject to the manufacturers tax." From 1973 to 1976, Travco Corporation produced motor home interiors for GMC motor homes. But again, the venture was not as profitable as had been hoped. Counting on the 270 model to carry the company, other versions such as the 210 and 320 were not as popular. Travco fell behind in developing newer innovations and failed to keep up with an host of competitors. With the introduction of a number of motor home manufacturers during the 70's, such as Winnebago, Coachmen, and Champion, Travco lost its grip on their once dominated motor home market. When the federal government became involved in the bail-out of Chrysler in 1979, the "Loan Guarantee Board" forced Chrysler out of the motor home chassis business. Combined with financial woes, Travco Corporation ceased operations in 1979.
During the late 70's, Travco Corporation brought in a number of automobile executives into the company. Their experience with high volume production worked contrary to the time required for quality and craftsmanship in motor homes.
In 1979, the manufacturing rights for the Travco were sold to Foretravel . Foretravel bought truckloads of Travco parts at the public auction. Remaining items went to the high bidder. Beneath it all, Foretravel was really after ownership of the Travco Motorcade Club. It was the largest of its kind. Control of this large band of motor home owners meant steering membership towards newer products - developed by Foretravel. As expected, a number of Travco owners became Foretravel owners. Yesterday RV® is a member of Webring |
Combined with a series of poor management decisions, Travco Corporation entered into a number of non-profitable ventures, including the production of the Sight Seer motor home - a low-end motor home which had limited market appeal.
