Saturday, January 11, 2014

Ray Frank and the original Dodge Motorhome

"The Travco/Dodge Motor Home design and fiberglass body were refinements by Ray Frank to the original Frank Motor Home, a conventional box-type design based on the Dodge chassis and built in Brown City, Michigan from 1958-1962. Ray Frank, founder of Frank Industries, also made up the name "motorhome" and went on to develop Xplorer Motorhomes. Mr. Frank has been inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum (RV/MH Heritage Foundation, Elkhart Indiana) as the father of the motorhome." (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travco

These photos showcase an original Frank Motorhome. All photos are copyright and owned by Ryan Brutt who graciously allowed me to use them. As you can see in the photos there are some shared elements between this early model and Myrtle including; the same Hehr side dinette windows, similar side vents to allow in cool air while driving, the dashboard dial setup, a push button transmission (although in the Frank it's down beside the driver's seat rather than beside the steering wheel), the grate above the dog house, sun visors, rearview mirror (although in the Frank it is mounted on the dash and in Myrtle it is from the ceiling), furnace controller, kitchen vent, stove and possibly fridge. The wing-like symbol on the exterior is the same as the one on Myrtle's glove box. 








 



This brochure showcases the early boxy body style of the first Dodge Motorhomes. It provides information on standard equipment, optional equipment and floor plans. The brochures states "The world and your doorstep - A new way of life. Now! The Answer to America's living problems... The all new Dodge Motorhome ... planned for gracious living, extended tours, or even short weekend trips. Enjoy the modern conveniences of home while cruising at highways speeds." (Page 4)





6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the photos of my 1962 Ray Frank for all to enjoy. She's a really cool rig. I have had her up to 90 MPH, delivers 12-14 MPG, all in original condition with only 33,000 miles. If you have any questions feel free to email me psgaitan@yahoo.com

PROMO 1962 said...

I also have a 1962 Ray Frank she is in good condition but working my way to great condition I would love to talk to you and learn all I can about it , my number is 928 4122367

Anonymous said...

I have gotten a new number for people that would like to talk about the 1962 travco it is 9287064665

Anonymous said...

I would suggest joining the dodge Travco Facebook group as there a few Frank owners

Camila P said...

This wwas a lovely blog post

Connie Chafen Kennedy said...

I grew up living right next door to Mr. Frank and his family. The factory was just right around the corner over by 3rd Street and I forget the short street that ran beside Travco. But I believe the address for the factory was on Maple Valley Road. I had a few in-laws who worked for Travco. My ex mother in-law use to make the cushions, curtains and the driver's and passenger's seat. She was really good at sewing.

We moved next to Mr. Frank around 1970. By that time his children where grown. He gave us their old swing set. At the time when we moved next door my mom was a single mother of 4.
With me being the oldest at age 9 when we moved to Brown City, Michigan.