Classic Winnebagos & Vintage RVs

Topic Boards => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: fasteddie313 on September 03, 2015, 12:25 PM

Title: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 03, 2015, 12:25 PM
This is for sale locally https://nmi.craigslist.org/rvs/5189121909.html (https://nmi.craigslist.org/rvs/5189121909.html)

Only 8,173 miles on her!! Wow low miles and cheap at $1250..

Is it worth looking at? Are these any good? Junk?
They seem to be kinda rare.. Just curious, looking around at what else is out there..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: legomybago on September 03, 2015, 02:24 PM
Id jump all over that. but it's probably 108,000 miles. don't buy into the 8k miles unless their is proven documentation of it. If it only had 8 thousand miles, they wouldn't be selling it so cheap, unless they are dumbys... :P
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 03, 2015, 03:57 PM
Well can this one pull a decent trailer? What are the problem areas on this type of coach that I should really look at if I go check it out?
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 03, 2015, 04:42 PM
I would jump all over that at that price!  Damn good coach!  You'll still run into the same towing problems though...and would be better off towing a truck or van behind you, 4 wheels down.

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on September 03, 2015, 09:00 PM
TRAVCO was a good brand.  All fiberglass construction body.  Price for a quick sale as a 320 would normally would go for a round $5000 to $6000 for fair condition.  Might be an estate sale. TRAVCO 320 (http://www.travcoforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=565)
It will be based on M600 chassis with 8R x 19.5" tires.  Tires may be weather checked.
Check condition of the glass (curved pieces can be expensive)
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 04, 2015, 01:38 AM
Thank you for your great answers dave!

Sadly travco dude isn't answering his phone or returning my message...

There are also a couple of holiday ramblers that have caught my eye. I did a bit of searching on them and I find they are well made of aluminum coach construction and aluminum wrapped. Also there big chrome grills in the 80's years have my attention among other great attributes like big generators, 454's, etc..

What is the general consensus on those? They have my interest.. I've been doing insane amounts of RV reading/searching..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on September 04, 2015, 08:44 AM
I will let our resident Holiday Rambler owners answer that one.  They seem to be very satisfied with their rigs from what I have perceived.    About the only thing I see of concern is for those with tag axles is to make sure the Mor-Ryde suspension and tag brakes are in good shape.  Other wise, it is P30 based chassis.  HR was a higher end product so quality is good.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 04, 2015, 10:02 AM
Yep.  LOVE our Holiday Rambler...although the shear springs are a pain to replace yourself, and can get expensive.  They don't make rear tag axle brake parts for direct replacement anymore, or the proportioning valve for the tag axle...but Mor Ryde does offer an aftermarket electric brake conversion kit for the rear tag axle if yours goes kaput.

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: legomybago on September 04, 2015, 10:20 AM
That Travco was a "jump on it that day deal". Someone got a good buy.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 04, 2015, 01:00 PM
How would something like this compare to a normal class A motorhome?
https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/rvd/5190152482.html
85 prevost coach


As far as maintenance cost and complication to work on, fuel mileage, cruising speed, durability etc?
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: legomybago on September 04, 2015, 02:47 PM
I wouldn't worry about that one, the guy already sold it....hahahahaahaha. just kidding


Cost difference is huge compared to an old standard RV. Parts, fuel, tires...Mechanic with big enough tools to work on a buss. There is a lot of differences. Your not allowed in a lot of parks with the big beasts either....too big. I'd still like to have one myself someday and try out though.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 04, 2015, 05:06 PM
No, I'm not going to go buy that bus, lol..

I'm just trying to wrap my head around the different makes of class A's like winnebago, travco, holiday rambler, tiffen/allegro?, GMC etc. etc. so I can make sense of them and compare them as Honda, BMW, Chevy, Porsche, Rolls Royce if that makes any sense..

What are some makes to stay away from? Or models/configurations? Like I think fiberglass skin is something to stay away from, IDK.
Any chassis that should be avoided? Like john deere or ford, toyota?

I don't know much about what's up with the tiffin allegro machines, what's up with them?

The FMC like yours is a diesel pusher similar to the beavers correct?

What I think I want, BIG (why not?), and solid, strong, as beastly as possible because it will be loaded heavy in one shape or form and also will pull a car at least.

Older so as to be cheaper and easier to work on, on the road chassis parts availability is pretty important, I think the Chevy p30's are strong here, idk you tell me..
It also seems any rig I like that I see will need tires immediately so tire availability and cost are important, also such things as air rides/rubber rides..

Gotta say I like the smooth sided rigs rather than the ribbed ones, big mean looking front ends are also preferable, not so retro as to have very outdated colors and fabrics though..  I think I can spend up to $5k for a great machine at a great deal but would be much more comfortable around $3k or as little as possible obviously..  I think I am leaning toward the holiday ramblers, 85-89 preferred but possibly 80-89 I don't know, they are a fine looking machine IMO, maybe looks are biasing my thinking more than they should but man what sexy machines!

Another point is that I will have to really like it, If I don't like the way it looks or it's makeup it may be a better functional choice but it will have to be appealing to me in order for me to have good ambition to do a massive amount of work on it.  I do massive amounts of work on my stuff I like, like my 80 turbo Porsche is very modified, stupid amounts of work, If I could get half that ambition to put toward a MH I believe I would do well.

What's the best platforms out there for under $5k with an emphasis on being maintainable/fixable VS being very nice in the first place but not so fixable later on(like wood rot, rust, and fiberglass craziness)?
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: legomybago on September 04, 2015, 06:20 PM
Your best bet is to kick tires. Anything 5k or less that was built in the 80's is going to have a possibility of having some sort of wood issues, or delamination?? hard to say...A lot of these rigs were manufactured with light weight = cheap materials, and experimental eco friendlier glues in the 80's....most 80's rigs use the same appliances, faucets, electrical. Any rig you buy for 5k or less is going to cost you more money to get it in shape, their is ALWAYS something wrong, I don't care who is selling it, or what they say. Im not a super huge fan of the p30 chassi, but Ive owned two of them?? I would prefer a straight axle dodge chassi class a. The old dodges seem to drive better I think. P30's can have a lot of wandering issues with the independent front end. Its a pick your poison deal my friend.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 04, 2015, 07:43 PM
One thing you never have to worry about with older Holiday Ramblers is wood rot or delamination.  They are not panel constructed, but rather are fully framed in welded box aluminum, with the skins riveted to the framing.  Stuffed with insulation, and then fiberboard on the inside to make the walls look nice.  Even if the fiberboard is damaged or needs replaced, or even if the floors get wet and damaged, the repair is still WAY easier and less structural than other coaches.

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: DRMousseau on September 05, 2015, 09:39 PM
In need of a home,.... I found this and tried SO DANG hard to find it and contact the owners. Located within 20mi from me,.. I have exhausted every manner and resource in my attempts. Phone calls ring a bit, then busy signal, no email reply, and found the phone number to be a cell phone,... but no replys to text msg's. Sounds too good to be true, but ya never really know.

While I much prefer the early Dodge base, I'm really not prejudiced in such matters. Soooooooo,... looks like I'VE jus settled on another great local buy, that the current owner offered for $2500 to me after hearing various media of my recent accident and current circumstances.

A 1987 Georgie Boy, Cruise Air II,... about 30some bigfoot long and majorly needing only a tune-up and some trans servicing. Very nice, looks warm, and cleanly comfortable, requiring very little work actually, the current owner only uses it to park at the local fair grounds once a year to accommodate his family for a week, so it has rather low mileage. He reduced his price to $2000 as I was leaving to confer with my daughters. Later,.. he texted me that his wife and him had further discussions too,... said to use $500 for the needed tune-up and servicing, and jus pay him $1500!!! Looks like my next home will rather nice!

Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 05, 2015, 09:46 PM
Nice!!!

Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: Elandan2 on September 05, 2015, 09:50 PM
Just when things are the darkest...  Sounds great!!
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on September 05, 2015, 09:50 PM
87 Georgie Boy Owners Manual (http://www.coachmenrv.com/OwnersManuals/13998447.pdf)
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: M & J on September 05, 2015, 10:17 PM
Pictures man..... Where are the pictures?! :)
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 06, 2015, 05:11 PM
Local junkyard (swains between mancelona and bellaire) says they have a pretty nice big 76 class A on a dodge coming in at the end of the week that they bought and they say I should look at it when it gets here.. No way it could be that travco, the odds..

Anyway  DRMousseau, if you don't know swains on m88 between mancy and bellair you should check them out, they have many RVs including an old winny indian and a pace arrow etc... I enquired with bobby, the guy you want to talk to, and he sayd he has parts for all the older chassis's and tires etc..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 08, 2015, 12:38 PM
Can anyone tell me the actual differences between the 80's standard Holiday Rambler class A's (usually imperials) and the later 80's through earlier 90's Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite class A rigs?

Also I keep seeing that the 85/86-89 HR "imperial" motor homes seem to be preferred over the earlier 80's ones that look pretty much the same.. What was changed to make them more desirable? Are the early 80's ones still all aluminum construction or did they have fiberglass sides or something?

And I believe that the 80's Monaco executives and diplomats are pretty much the same thing as the same year Ramblers correct? Also having all aluminum construction?

I am pretty hung up on the aluminum construction thing..
Unless I wind up with a deal on some random rig I just can't refuse then I believe I will be going after an HR or Monaco of the 80's vintage for these reasons..

Sorry about all the noob questions but this will be quite an investment for us and an important decision so I want to get my facts straight. I figure that any one will need a lot of fixing no matter how good they look or what the seller says, so I think that choosing the best, most solid, base/platform would be the wise thing for us to do..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 08, 2015, 08:09 PM
Monaco sucks, so stay away from them.  They offer no support for their old rigs, or any of the rigs they bought up like ravenous hyenas.  That said, the main difference between an Imperial like mine and the older ones is basement storage.  The main difference between the Imperials and Alumilites is the attention to detail given to the interior and the cabinetry and whatnot.

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: M & J on September 08, 2015, 08:14 PM
Allegros of the same vintage are also aluminum framed and aluminum skinned. May not be as nicely equipped as an HR, but possibly an option for you.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: Rickf1985 on September 09, 2015, 01:02 PM
Keep in mind, ALL of the ones you are looking at will have the same limitations I mentioned way back in the beginning of this thread about weight limitations and trailer limitations. That bus you were joking about is exactly what you need for what you are wanting to do, or at least a smaller bus. You need a full commercial truck frame and a commercial truck rear end. Not a modified bread truck frame with a 1 ton pick up truck rear. And that is exactly what all of these motor homes are.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: TripleJ on September 09, 2015, 06:28 PM
This is just my opinion regarding the chassis brand question, but I avoided Chrysler chassis because everything mopar is more expensive and harder to find.  I fell in love with a couple different old Winnys and Travcos until I started looking into things like brake system parts.  From my perspective at the time, it was unnecessarily complicated to even bleed the rear brakes, not to mention find some of the more obscure brake parts.

Ford chassis I didn't actively avoid, however my experience with older ford big blocks is that most of them carried design flaws like badly drilled oil passages (FE big blocks) or like the 460 were simply underperformers in general.  Plus I don't trust Ford transmissions any closer than I can throw them.  Ford just happens to be the minority when it comes to 70s motorhomes, so it didn't come up very often.

On to the P30... GM has a couple things goin for it here from my mechanics background.  The mark 4 454 engine has been around since forever, pretty much unchanged and they made a billion of em.  Same with the transmission, the TH400HD.  Both known bulletproof and both a dime a dozen.  Parts are almost always cheaper for GM big blocks.  And the brake system couldn't be simpler.  Basic hydroboost, 4 wheel disc with the parking brake on the driveshaft.

I think every factory replacement part Ive had to get, with the exception of the radiator, has literally been on the shelf at oreillys, or available overnight from oreillys...

and holiday rambler in general...  You've already heard that HRs are aluminum (skin) over aluminum (frame), which is pretty confidence inspiring to me, because all of these things leak - the only question is where and for how long.  Aside from that, to me, no brand coach maker carries any advantage over another.  They all use pretty much the same methods and materials to outfit the box

I actually prefer the older more exotic looking rigs, and I think travcos are works of art, but I know Im the one that's gonna be working on this thing, and it might be happening in a parking lot in Kukamunga.  Your mileage may vary.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 09, 2015, 08:22 PM
I agree with TripleJ...the P30 chassis and 454 engine and GM transmission combo are hard to beat in the classic years.  It is what I always recommend to my friends now, especially have fulltiming it for SO many years, and SO many hard and heavy miles.

Rick is a voice of reason, although he's as doom and gloomy as Eyore on some things...lol!  But he's right...tongue weight on a P30 chassis doesn't even come CLOSE to the tongue weight usable by a commercial chassis like the Prevost.  That said though, PULL weight is just fine on almost all classic rigs, provided you are towing 4 wheels down, and for safety use a braking device like a Brake Buddy.

And if you want a pretty older exotic looking rig, in my opinion the Holiday Rambler is right up there in beauty.

(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1114.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk526%2FClydesdaleKevin%2FFlorida%2520to%2520Arizona%2520Renfaire%2520Trip%25202011%2F152.jpg&hash=4238d24a80d6fe688a6a691e648569cdc8cb9337)

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: Rickf1985 on September 10, 2015, 03:55 PM
What happened to the post about the Trailer Toad? I have been trying to find one of them used forever. They are THE way to tow heavy although you will pay the price in tolls for the extra axle.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 10, 2015, 05:44 PM
Pretty sure we just scored an 81 Holiday Rambler 33' rig for $1300.. :)

Needs all sorts of stuff fixed as expected.. Pics to come soon that the GF took.. 
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 10, 2015, 06:07 PM
Pics..

https://flic.kr/s/aHskk5EKLb

It seems the GF took pics of anything and everything she didn't like.. I still need to look at them myself.

It runs great, trans is tight, but it's leaking fuel above the fuel tank and it's running off the side, lol.. Guess I gotta fix that..

Lot of latches/clips/lenses/randoms broken and missing, counter is screwed up etc..
Should keep me busy for a little while..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: Froggy1936 on September 10, 2015, 08:19 PM
Looks like it will make  excellent rig ! It has a lot of plus,s   Just needs a lot of things repaired , Looks like someone tried to break everything I wish I had looked around more for a larger rig . But would not want to rebuild that one today No energy left ! have fun & good luck Frank :)ThmbUp
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 10, 2015, 08:37 PM
I looked at all the pictures, and you sure do have your work cut out for you!  But overall you've got yourself a great coach for 1300 bucks!  Your shear springs are toast bro.  Give Mor/Ryde a call to find out replacement cost...lol!  You will NEED to replace them before making your maiden voyage.

The trim vinyl can be held in place at the apex with stainless steel screws.  It was the only thing that kept them in the track for us.

Don't feel overwhelmed though.  Just tackle one project at a time, and before you know it, you'll just be doing maintenance and upgrades, and the occasional repair.

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 10, 2015, 10:09 PM
Well I hope dude doesn't read this forum but this stuff is funny..

Every time I called this guy there was always someone coming to look at it, he always had 2 people lined up to buy it etc..

While we were there he kept getting "calls" on the motorhome, my GF is pretty sure it was his wife inside calling him acting like someone that wanted to buy it. I was completely oblivious that this was even going on because I was trying to avoid the guy so I could really check the rig out like I wanted to, not what he wanted to show me. But GF says that he got calls on the motorhome and was telling them he would have to call them back because someone was looking at it and GF says she heard the same voice 3 times and saw his wife in the house watching us on the phone at the same time..

Anyway dude has it listed for $2500, I dicker with him and find the fuel leak and all sorts of stuff wrong with it etc.. Then dude says hey's not taking less than $2k for it and I tell him we need to talk about it with each other and "consult with the experts" that I know.. He said he was offered $1200 for just the engine and trans and had turned them down, I said I'd give him $1200 for the whole rig to get it out of his yard and he responded that the genny is worth $800 yada yada no less than $2k..

I knew I was going to call him later to hardball some more but he totally beat me to it..

Most of the way home from there was a dead zone, and we stopped at an RV dealer checking out brand new 5th wheels and stuff. When we got done browsing $40K sheds on wheels we got out of there and got service a ways down the road and her phone went nutz..

16 missed calls from this guy and we weren't even gone like 2 hours.. He said he was trying to catch us before we left town yada yada, what will you offer me etc..

I said 1350, he heard 1300, blah blah hey'll take the $1300 because he needs money for some kids etc..

He says it's a done deal and we will pay cash in full on monday.. Maybe tuesday..

I know it's rough but that kinda just leaves us with more fix it budget.

Say we plan to budget $5k into a MH between now and next fall that leaves us $3700 to get the thing into shape. I super DIY and have access to a great junkyard at almost family prices, close family friends I guess back generations..

Maybe I am a bit naive but I think $3700 budget with all DIY labor and great shopping could do a heck of a lot to get this rig into decent condition and probably even stay above water because these things seem to have decent resale potential/hold there value a bit more than average and I don't think there is going to be much more depreciation going on from here on out..   I see these things going from 6-10 K on RVtrader and don't find that many cheap ones out there as in even less than 5k for pretty decent machines..

I almost feel like it may be a decent investment but I know it's likely just that big shiny grill deceiving me..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: TripleJ on September 11, 2015, 12:35 AM
Heres my thoughts again, whether you like them or not! :D

First of all the seller sound like a scam on two legs.  Be sure to check and double check everything he has told you, and don't leave anything up to trusting his word (re: clean title, what work has been done to it, etc.)

Im not gonna lie. It is intimidating to me just looking at the pics, and knowing what Ive done to mine.  Saying that, it is VERY close to mine (a 28 foot version) down to the same dashboard, vinyl color, and even the remnants of the original carpet color! 

Ive had mine for a year and a half, and just now getting to where I can trust it to go the distance(10 hour days and two little kids doesn't help me find the time to wrench), but we are really starting to have fun with it. 

I think I understand why people spend the big dollar on motorhomes.  They are really fun :)ThmbUp


Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 11, 2015, 09:30 AM
I agree...if the guy was that dodgy, then make sure the title is clean.  That's a big deal.  The rest of the work?  Not all that big a deal...although 3700 bucks can go pretty quick, especially if you have to replace high dollar items like the tires (1200 minimum to replace all 6, not including the spare), 1200.00 for a new fridge if it needs replacement, unless you find a SWEET deal like we did, and it was still 800.00.  And those shear springs are about 150.00 each, and it looks like you have 2 per side, so that's going to be 600.00.  Don't let that discourage you though...just take it one project at a time as you can afford it.

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 11, 2015, 11:57 AM
The seller was dodgy for sure but I got the feeling he generally felt bad when I showed him it's leaking and the soft spot above inside a cabinet, and then the fuel leak.. He kinda changed his tone, said he honestly didn't know that and he seemed bummed..

I know it's going to need tires, it needs rears badly, seller says the fronts are pretty new and they don't have any cracking, couldn't find the date codes so who knows..
It seems any 80's MH I find is going to need tires, every one, so it's kinda a given..

And this beast has 6 tires in the back, single on the tag and dualies on the drive axle, I thought these had 4 rear tires, 2 sets of singles, but the rear of this one is dualies and a set of singles on the tag.. So yeah, 8 tires total on this behemoth..

He says both the ACs work, and the fridge will freeze your stuff if you turn it up too high, and the generator runs good but like always can't run the genny because there isn't enough fuel in the tank. The propane line was off of the hot water heater and the reset button on it is broken so who knows what's going on there, I do have another hot water heater in my old 5th wheel and can scavenge that for parts plus 15+ rigs in the junkyard..

I don't want to just take the sellers word for it that stuff works but it's kinda impractical to try to test everything so I guess it's just a gamble.

I'll start a new thread for the fuel problem to get it home..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: legomybago on September 11, 2015, 01:16 PM
Those are neat rigs. Your 3,700 will be gone quick my friend. Quick. You have your work cut out for you. If your really thrifty, and have a knack for improvising repairs, and using cost cutting supplies and ideas, you'll get further on that dollar. I hope you get it on the road!! :)clap Oh yeah, not sure how far you need to go on those tires? Be careful
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: TripleJ on September 11, 2015, 02:24 PM
Imo the tires will get you home no problem. Air them up and take it slow.

More likely problems are fuel system. Locate the first fuel filter in the engine circuit and buy a pocket full of those filters for the drive home.

Take a couple qts of brake fluid with you. You will use it all in the next year anyhow so dont be stingy.

Dunno how far you need to drive it, but a good bottle of radiator leak stop may save some time also.

And youre right. ANY $2000 rig is going to need tires, so dont think twice about that.

Dont forget your voltmeter to ensure that it is charging witth the engine running.

Make sure the engine and tranny are topped off, then spill/fill both first thing when u get home. You know this alreDy W% W%

Good luck!!
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 11, 2015, 02:48 PM
Quote from: legomybago on September 11, 2015, 01:16 PM
If your really thrifty, and have a knack for improvising repairs, and using cost cutting supplies and ideas, you'll get further on that dollar.


I built this..


(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2F3031d5ac-af7b-49ca-b4c1-9359a2a10ea2_zpszillg1yx.jpg&hash=6e51ac8d8cb62e97e3e8098d2d50551264a512d3) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/3031d5ac-af7b-49ca-b4c1-9359a2a10ea2_zpszillg1yx.jpg.html)
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2FIMG_20150722_170615_107_zps5e4hdwch.jpg&hash=a83c949a64a1687934e65384fcb0e4d5700440b8) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/IMG_20150722_170615_107_zps5e4hdwch.jpg.html)


Including one off custom front mount intercooler plumbing and build my own hybrid turbos etc.
It's running a full Bar of boost (14.5psi), silly fast, big brakes, and I'm in the process of installing standalone fuel control right now that is kinda prototype technology and am kinda semi-sponsored for it to try it out and put it on my car.. I


I believe I still have less than $3500 into the car total still..


Thrifty improvising cost cutting crazy ideas is kinda what I do :)

(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2FIMG_20150627_132411_158_zpsethnjizk.jpg&hash=1644d3531772c823f24e27acbc72b16e8b70413c) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/IMG_20150627_132411_158_zpsethnjizk.jpg.html)
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2FIMG_20150627_132254_930_zpspofu9jie.jpg&hash=e720ca1cdff528ad14322a2be981e10c01432b61) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/IMG_20150627_132254_930_zpspofu9jie.jpg.html)


Now how cool would that be eh? 80 Porsche Turbo pulled 4 down behind an 81 Rambler..


And the Rambler is 39.9 miles from my house so says google maps..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: Rickf1985 on September 11, 2015, 08:03 PM
Quote from: ClydesdaleKevin on September 09, 2015, 08:22 PM

Rick is a voice of reason, although he's as doom and gloomy as Eyore on some things...lol! 



After driving a heavy tow rig for a few years and towing many RVs for any number of reasons from normal breakdowns to major accidents and yes, broken frames and suspensions from overweight. Had one break the rear cap right off and was dragging on the ground. Towing a loaded 30 foot enclosed car trailer with a race car in it. Guess where it broke? Yes, I can be doom and gloom but I have seen it and towed it. And I am a master mechanic and a fabricator so I know what is going on under these things. Sorry, I don't try to be that way, I am just the type that tells it like it is. Hm?
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on September 11, 2015, 08:19 PM
:)  Not to worry Rick.  We appreciate your unique insight
Dave
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 11, 2015, 09:35 PM
I love your posts Rick.  You are very insightful, and know what you are talking about.  Just good fun and friendly banter.  :D

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 13, 2015, 01:07 PM
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2Frambler_zpsmj2tqqil.jpg&hash=8ef604f258e0f08f69acfb8ee0a3e07980f2c2a6) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/rambler_zpsmj2tqqil.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 13, 2015, 08:03 PM
SWEET!!!

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: Oz on September 13, 2015, 09:37 PM
I'll tell you, if anyone love the vintage eyebrow winnies, it's me.  But after seeing all these HRs?  If I had the money, I do believe that's what I'd want if I were going to live in one full-time! Absolutely gorgeous RVs!

Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: HandyDan on September 13, 2015, 11:02 PM
After you get it home and settled, we'll tell you all the bad stuff and how to work around it.  Enjoy your new home on wheels.  It's going to take a money hit at first, but once you get the basics under control, the rest will come in time.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 14, 2015, 09:24 PM
Everything went according to plan..


Blew a tire on the way back at about 35 of the 40 miles home..
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2F81HR%2FIMG_20150914_161937_531_zps0k5w3whs.jpg&hash=478425d1970f0540cd8cb717470bd37465d8f0e6) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/81HR/IMG_20150914_161937_531_zps0k5w3whs.jpg.html)
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2F81HR%2FIMG_20150914_161945_117_zpsg7abxrhz.jpg&hash=570a57ddefb5e3ea0ff1cd8f8ded872ba6fe2c3e) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/81HR/IMG_20150914_161945_117_zpsg7abxrhz.jpg.html)
RR tag..


Good thing I planned for that, I did go borrow a spare last minute from the junkyard before I left.


Now it's home..
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2F81HR%2FIMG_20150914_180737_790_zpshjvvn421.jpg&hash=2249d644503845af867843515c54bb652cbd5898) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/81HR/IMG_20150914_180737_790_zpshjvvn421.jpg.html)
(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1366.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr762%2Fedleclair%2F81HR%2FIMG_20150914_183018_211_zpsplzeadxt.jpg&hash=11757279b3eb24c42c72ad5793d16770b671940b) (http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/edleclair/media/81HR/IMG_20150914_183018_211_zpsplzeadxt.jpg.html)


All in all it went pretty well. Neither front airbag would hold any air, I think it stuck on the high idle tick from the auto choke or something, primary butterfly don't want to come all the way back to the throttle stop for some reason but it ran great..
It didn't get too hot ever, stayed under the half mark, but had problems with it dieseling after I shut it off, not too sure whats up with that..


My stomach dropped just after leaving with it like "OMG what have I done.." but now that it's actually home the more I look at it the more I like it..
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: HandyDan on September 14, 2015, 11:22 PM
I know exactly how you feel.  When I first bought my HR, It took me six hours to go the distance that normally takes two and a half.  My HR had about as much wrong with it as you have, however, I had new tires put on before I left, since the old ones were pretty much shredded.  The motor kept dying every 10 miles.  Later I discovered it was a wire to the gasoline cutoff valve that was barely touching.  It had enough "spring" to it to stay in contact but ever so often it would come off enough to kill the motor.  It would fall back in place after a minute or two, and off we would go again.  Had I known what it was, it would have made the trip a whole lot easier.  That is why I asked if it had the dual fuel (propane/gasoline) option.  You don't have that valve to worry about.  You don't want to be in traffic when the motor quits.  It will be all you can do to put on brakes or steer.  It instills a very sharp pucker factor. 
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: DRMousseau on September 15, 2015, 12:50 AM
Well Eddie,... I've exhausted all efforts on locating that Travco around here. Jus ain't nowhere to be found.

And like others here, I gots this soft spot for classics, and I fell hard for the ol' '73 Winnebago. To bring a smile of appreciation, or brighten a long past memory of folks wherever you go, jus makes it all worthwhile!!! It's like walkin' into a history book for young folks, and kids jus luv "a tiny house-on-wheels"!!! And the rumble of a "Big-Block 440" stands out with pride in any crowd today,... EVERYONE takes notice. And it's even nicer when so much of my Classic was still clean, working, and pretty much all original. I suppose if I had a good financial base though,... I too, might look at something a bit more "modern". Like I said, I'm not really prejudiced in any way,... so I too took the step "out-of-the-box" today. Sealed the deal on what will be my new home.

And jus a bit embarrassed too,.... only cause the deal was jus too sweet of a dream to be true. But for only $1500,... well, I'll be moving into some comfort later this week. Needs a tune-up, and typical servicing,... and maybe some "comfort" work, like getting the genny back into the system, and replacing that TV, making sure heat, propane, water, and all other systems are good too, and of course, a through inspection. But I see nothing that would keep me from runnin to Florida next week if I desired so. Tires, brakes and drivetrain are FAR better than I could have imagined, and it all seems ready to go.
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: DRMousseau on September 15, 2015, 12:56 AM
Oh,... and the inside???
Guess I jus gotta move in and make it home!!!
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: DRMousseau on September 15, 2015, 12:57 AM
Even the bathroom is clean and ready!!!
Shoulda got a pic of that shower/tub! Dang!
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 15, 2015, 09:23 AM
Congrats to both of you!

Kev
Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: fasteddie313 on September 03, 2019, 01:08 AM
Still have my rambler and it's always getting better.. Slept in it a bunch of times this summer and it is so relaxing for me being out there..



Title: Re: 77 Travco 320, any good?
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on September 04, 2019, 10:29 AM
Quote from: fasteddie313 on September 03, 2019, 01:08 AM
Still have my rambler and it's always getting better.. Slept in it a bunch of times this summer and it is so relaxing for me being out there..





Excellent!  Did you ever get around to replacing the rear shear springs?

Kev