My new 67 Caravel

ben edwards · 01-01-2009, 07:27 PM

I had a impulse buy this month and can't wait to get it out for a few days. It is very clean and original and I was told it had been caravaned to the Yucatan. Purchased new on Feb.23rd 1967 at Larry Barnes Travel Trailers of Nampa Idaho. It has every manual,warranty card ect... from it's purchase. I have some questions about some holes in the front and wondering if there would have been some plaques in those places? If so what are they and Are they repoped? I will post some pics.
Any comments are appreciated.
thanks, Ben

goransons · 01-01-2009, 07:38 PM

Hole up front was probably a front mount TV antenna, our 66 had holes there and a few remaining brackets etc. Interior looks to be in great shape, axle looks as shot as the one on our 63. I'd imagine with as low as the trailer is setting you'd have a difficult time getting a tire off. I have skin repair to do where the PO had to change a tire and even after deflating the tire couldn't get it all the way out without bending the base of the wheel well.

Melody Ranch · 01-01-2009, 07:39 PM

Not placard mount holes. My guess is that they are for an antenna mount of some sort.
Expect a note from Andy about the appearance of a settled axel in your side picture. (been there too.)
It really looks nice!

ben edwards · 01-01-2009, 07:44 PM

I never planned to do an axle swap, but from reading I understand it will fail. Any ideas on where to find a side mount tv. antenna.
thanks, Ben

goransons · 01-01-2009, 08:06 PM

No such luck on the TV antenna, looking for one here as well. If you find a source let me know!

rgesch · 01-01-2009, 09:53 PM

Yes, those holes once housed a crank-out T.V. antenna. Ben, in your third photo (interior) there should be a hole to the left of the front window (maybe hidden by the curtain) where the crank would have been.
Except for the a.c. and what looks like a wooden access door under the bathroom sink, your '67 is identical to ours.

Our wheel well was modified (trimmed back a bit) to make it easier to change tires. Axle is in fine shape, but not much room to work under there.

ben edwards · 01-01-2009, 10:10 PM

Hi, is your axle in fine shape ? or by appearances is mine in fine shape?. I want to inspect camber and could even have spindles magnafluxed for cracks. What sort of door for opening do you have under sink and also do you have the antenna that cranks out and so any pics?
thanks, Ben

rgesch · 01-01-2009, 10:25 PM

Yes, I have the antenna assembly which I have not yet re-installed as we have not yet completed polishing. I can take pics.

Can't tell about the axles in yours, though. Mine were removed, inspected, ect. by others and I have no experience in that area.

Now you have got me wondering about my door opening!?! I'll take a look tomorrow.

Can't see curbside, but from what I can see, the skin looks excellent! I'd be stripping and polishing!

**Stefrobrts** · 01-01-2009, 11:28 PM

Congrats, that looks like a real find! Very original inside

We replaced our axel after we discovered it gave the trailer a rough ride and rivets were popping, things were getting rearranged inside during trips. I think it had to do with the broken frame welds I had to fix later as well. We had a local RV shop put a dexter on it, new hubs and brakes, and have been very happy with it.

When we got it lots of folks told me I'd get tired of it and want to upgrade to something bigger, but we've had it for five camping seasons and we still love our Caravel!

Silverhobby · 01-02-2009, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

When we got it lots of folks told me I'd get tired of it and want to upgrade to something bigger, but we've had it for five camping seasons and we still love our Caravel!

The main reason some people will tell you you won't like a small trailer, is because they wish they had one to tow around themselves.

Melody Ranch · 01-02-2009, 07:59 AM

Cover those holes up ASAP....aluminum tape works well. Just temporary.....water gets in there and then the fun begins.
That antenna mount does not appear to be the crank up TV type. There is no hole and gear showing either outside or in. I think it was just a generic radio antenna,,,,the type that has two mount sites about 6 to 10 inches apart on the antenna "rod." I had one on my 69 Caravel and see them on the 70's Airstreams every once in a while. I think you can look thru JC Whitney or go to a NAPA type store and get what you need.

I replaced the axel in the 66 with Henchen. Its nice. I replaced my latest axel with a Southwest Axel and wheel/brakes for 30% of the Henchen cost. Its really nice.

Melody Ranch · 01-02-2009, 08:15 AM

these are pictures of the antenna controls which I don't think you have. Hope it clears it up a bit.

Inland RV Center, In · 01-02-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben edwards

Hi, is your axle in fine shape ? or by appearances is mine in fine shape?. I want to inspect camber and could even have spindles magnafluxed for cracks. What sort of door for opening do you have under sink and also do you have the antenna that cranks out and so any pics?
thanks, Ben

The following article will help you check the axle out yourself.

Dura Torque Axle

Older Bambi and Caravel axles are pron to failure due to an undersized spindle.

We replace at least one per week, typically when someone is broken down on a trip. Costs quickly add up.

Andy

ts8501 · 01-02-2009, 09:33 AM

This is a close up of the TV Antenna control on my '64 Safari (front streetside). I would also like to find the original antenna as well.