Avion Travel Trailer

History

1955-2002

Built in Benton Harbor, Michigan

This history of Avion begins not with its founder Loren Cayo but with his father Julius N . Cayo. Julius was the founder of Cayo Manufacturing Company. He trained his sons in the tool and die designing industry. As a result, the sons became skilled craftsmen so that each son successfully engaged in businesses for themselves. Howard M. Cayo was president of the K-O Products company, Loren Cayo was president of Star Stamping Company. This company was engaged in the manufacture of oil filters and components. Robert Cayo was owner of Robert R. Cayo Company, a manufacturer of televisions mast components and stampings. Loren was an avid sportsman and camper as were his friends Allen Grams and Larry Zuhl. They wanted a recreational vehicle that could be used with full hookups, or be self-contained when hookups were not available. Allen and Larry were building contractors. These backgrounds were a good blend and in 1955 the Avion Coach Corporation was formed in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The goal was to build America’s finest travel trailer. Allen Grams served as President of the Corporation for the first several years. The company prospered and by 1967 was operating plants in Benton Township Michigan and San Jacinto California. Loren passed away suddenly from a heart attack at age 51. Following Loren’s death Robert became President of Avion Coach.

In 1970, controlling interest in the Avion Coach Corporation was sold by the Cayo family to a Detroit family headed by Robert M. Ligon. Ligon Enterprises, who continued to build and market the same high quality product with Robert Ligon as its president. In 1976 Ligon Enterprises sold the company to Fleetwood Enterprises. The Silver Avion was built until the 1990’s when Fleetwood decided to build the Avion Product with more traditional RV construction methods. Fleetwood continues to sell 5th Wheel Trailers under the Avion Name.

For many years Avion’s were built at a plant located at 1300 East Empire. Later the plant was located just down the street at East 1550 Empire Avenue. During a business trip in 2003 Paul the Avion Guy took a trip over to East Empire Avenue to see if the old buildings were still there. The first thing I noticed was that the old campground at the intersection of M139 and East Empire. Many of us parked for the night when visiting the plant. I was surprised to see that both buildings are in use. 1300 is now the distribution center for Tile Mart and looks much like it did in the 1960’s. 1550 East Empire is now the Benton Harbor plant of the J. L. French Company. The property is virtually unchanged from my last visit in 1987. The only thing missing is the front lot full of new Silver Avions waiting to be shipped to a happy owner. The only sad part of the journey was when I came across the building of Star Stamping which is located on M139. The building is abandoned and for sale. Apparently Star was the only company to ever operate there and the company name is still on the front of the building.

THE EARLY YEARS OF THE AVION COACH, INC. June 2006

AN EDITORIAL

In the early 1950s, Robert Cayo and his family hooked their nineteen foot Little Gem travel trailer to a 1951 Chevrolet and headed west for a family camping vacation. At the same time, Robert’s older brother Loren and his family headed west in their Packard automobile with an Airstream in tow. The two families set up camp at Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park. As they sat around the campfire, the two brothers talked about how their trailers could be improved. Both admired the aircraft-type construction of the Airstream. But they agreed that they could manufacture a better trailer. Both Loren and Robert had experience in metal fabrication, product design, and the manufacturing process. Upon return to their homes in Michigan, Loren secured the agreement of two other partners and in 1955 Romany Coach, Inc. was founded. Apparently Robert didn’t have sufficient capital at this time to be one of the major partners. Loren’s other two partners were in the construction business. Two events significantly affected this new company from the very beginning.

First, the name “Romany” was chosen because it reflected the carefree lifestyle of the Romany Gypsies. The following quote is taken from a 1955 brochure: “. . .the Romany caravans are horse drawn vehicles which serve them in much the same manner in which a modern house trailer serves us today. It is from this, the earliest of mobile homes, that we have taken the name of our modern travel trailer. We feel that there is a little of the Romany in all of us and we have an inherent desire to be ‘free as the birds’. To travel and relax, to laugh and sing, to hunt and fish, to travel to new and far off places, to see what is over the next hill. “

Both Loren and Robert were avid outdoorsmen – they enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Selecting the Romany name seemed fitting; however, the Romany gypsies in the Michigan area protested the use of their name on a modern travel trailer. So the name was changed to “Avion” and the few trailers that were made with the Romany nameplate were called back to have the name changed to Avion. A rumor arose (of unknown origin) that the name was changed because Airstream had a model called the Romany and threatened a lawsuit. In an interview with Bill Cayo (Robert’s son who was old enough during the Yellowstone National Park camping trip to remember the early discussions and subsequent company issues) stated that Airstream did bring lawsuit(s) against Avion, but never challenged the use of the name “Romany”. These lawsuits contended that the Avion design was copied from the Airstream, but none were upheld in court. There were significant differences between the two trailers and also, there were a number of travel trailers that utilized riveted aircraft-construction, i.e., Spartan, Silver Streak, and others. In 1956, the second event was a disagreement between the original three partners. It was decided that one of the partners, Larry Zuhl, would sell his shares to Robert Cayo. This resulted in the two Cayo brothers, Loren and Robert, holding major positions in the company.

Oral history has the inherent characteristic of ideographic perception that produces factual distortion every time the story is repeated and these distortions are apparent in the Avion story. Examples are: Romany name (sometimes erroneously spelled Romney), reason for changing the name (someone probably guessed that there was a threatened lawsuit), and the spelling of Robert Ligon’s last name (spelled Legan). The story in this last example: Robert Ligon and Associates acquired majority interest in the Avion Coach, Inc. in 1970. Somehow, it has been written in various publications and on internet web-sites as “Legan Enterprises”. I can find no evidence that this name was ever used by Robert Ligon in his business affairs.

I have been researching Avion history and involvement of the Cayos in preparation for a book that will be entitled “Silver Avions and Cayos – A Tribute to one of the Best Travel Trailers ever produced and an Extraordinary Family that Made it Happen”. The information included in this editorial is being released now inasmuch as I believe it is needed to help us in the effort to be accurate about Avion history.

I have used the following sources for this information: conversations with and printed materials supplied by Bill Cayo, Chuck Cayo (Bill’s son), Charles Adair (who worked for Avion Coach for a number of years), Chris Garlanger (Loren’s grandson), early copies of the Avion Travelcade News (1960s and 1970s), and Benton Harbor newspaper clippings,

I welcome suggestions, criticisms, and additional information. I take responsibility for the above remarks. For accountability, please give credit to me if any of this information is used.

Robert J. (Bob) Muncy,
Founder and Program Leader
Silver Avion Fellowship

Note: This editorial will be distributed to participants in the SAF by E-mail and USPS mail, and to others who are interested in Avion History. It may be copied and shared with others if appropriate credit is given. RJM

–

Robert Cayo became president of Avion Coach following the death of its founder brother Loren. The Cayo interests in Avion were sold to a Detroit family headed by Robert M. Ligon in April 1970. In July of 1970 Robert Cayo purchased the Pickup Camper Division of Avion and began operations as the Cayo RV Corporation. Robert Cayo who had been the president of Avion until its sale now became the president of Cayo RV Corporation. The company built the same high quality pickup camper as was manufactured by Avion. The plant operations were at 1550 East Empire Avenue just down the street from Avion which was at 1300 East Empire. Robert’s sons Bill and Dennis played important roles in the company. Dennis was the Office Manager and Bill became the production manager. It was Bill that built the first Avion camper for his own use with basic components of the Avion Coach. In 1965, the Pickup Truck Camper went into production at Avion.

Bill Cayo and his son Chuck operate CAYO REPAIR SERVICE.
They offer Part and repairs for all years and models of Avion and Cayo RV’s.
269.463.5068
269.463.5073 fax
Address: 4835 M-140
Watervliet, MI 49098

Manufacturer Information

The Avion Travel Trailer was first built in 1956. Classic Aluminum trailers were built through the 1990 model year.

A 1957 Brochure features 3 different models; a 20′ Rambler, a 23′ Rover. and a 26′ Regal. IN either model you had a choice of dinette (converts to double bed) or sofa (converts to double bed), table and 2 chairs.

The 20′ Rambler had either rear twins or a rear crossways double. There was not room for a shower in this model, but a marine stool was located under a foldaway lavatory.

26′ Regal Overall weight: 3300 pounds (approx)

            Hitch weight:   300  pounds

23′ Rover Overall weight: 2700 pounds (approx)

            Hitch weight:   300  pounds

20′ Rambler Overall weight: 2300 pounds (approx)

            Hitch weight:    290

The body of the AVION Travel Trailer is two complete Aluminum shells one inside the other, separated by a blanket of 1 1/4“ plastic treated fibreglas insulation, riveted together as one unit on aluminum stretch formed bows and stringers. The only wood used in the construction of the AVION is the plywood floor and cabinets.

1956-1990 1963 Holiday 24 HT is a twin bed model with dinette/kitchen in front; twin beds and bath aft.

Models

50’s models: 26′ Regal 23′ Rover 20′ Rambler

60’s models: 30′ Imperial 27′ 24′ Holiday 21′ Tourist

                    18' Sportsman

68-77 years 31′ LaGrande 31′ Imperial 28′ Travelcader 25′ Voyageur

                    19' Sportsman (limited production)   (Ultra name in early 70's)

1976-1977-1978 AVION built a mini motorhome (fewer than 500 were built)

1978 The Fleetwood years begin. AVION has one of the first triple axle trailers. A 32 foot model with rear bedroom.

Then in 1981 a 34 foot trailer is constructed and the most popular floorplan the V model makes its appearence.

V–twin beds, rear bath

W–rear bedroom, center bath

1986–Silver Anniversary Model ( 200 numbered editions)

1987–A new front kitchen floorplan, model 32S appears, along with 34X model with rear bedroom (only Avion ever to offer a full-sized rear queen island bed), center split bath, kitchen/dinette, and front living room 1987–Zip Dee awnings (last year factory installed)

1988–last year for anodized aluminum 1988–First year for A & E brand awnings (factory installed)

1989 Dura-Brite aluminum (looks painted) appears

1990 38′ 5th wheel appears. (very limited production)

Cayo Motivator

Cayo Motovator by Bruce Hampson

“The western shoreline of Michigan has long been considered prime real estate for boat repair businesses but if you look inland a few miles east of Benton Harbor, you’ll find a seven-bay service facility that, while focusing on recreation vehicles, rarely entertains anything without wheels. Fiberglass guests are just as infrequent at Cayo Repair Service, where the specialty of the house is riveted aluminum renovation.

Granted, Cayo isn’t alone in practicing what’s fast becoming a lost art among motorhome collision-repair facilities. The difference is a matter of pedigree; on a good day, the marquees sequestered on the grounds will include one sharing heritage with the shop itself.

The Cayo Motovator is tangible proof that imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery. This precursor to a contemporary Class C coach has its roots in a metal-stamping business – and a travel trailer. Any discussion of the Motovator, however, must by nature include a brief history of the Avion Coach Corporation.

“My father, Robert, and my uncle, Loren, were both outdoorsmen,” recalled Bill Cayo. “In the mid-’50s, Loren bought an Airstream trailer, during a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park, they reflected on how great it was and decided to build one like it.”

Drawing on metalworking backgrounds forged at the metal-stamping business owned by their father, the Cayos and a third partner, building contractor Alan Grams, introduced their first trailer in 1955.

“The first few vehicles were actually built under the Romney Coach badge,” Bill noted, “but apparently there were some problems with the name, so in 1957 the company name was changed to Avion Coach Corporation.”

Travel trailers weren’t the only vehicles manufactured by Avion. Using the same basic parts that went into the Avion trailer, Bill cobbled together a pickup camper for his own use and the company liked the result. In 1965, Avion started offering pickup truck campers, as well. That division would figure prominently when, several years after Loren’s untimely passing in 1967, Avion was sold.

“The company (Legan Enterprises) really didn’t want to manufacture pickup campers,” Bill said, “so part of the purchase agreement was that they would sell the camper division back to my father, my brother and myself.” In 1970, the Cayos affixed their own name to the familiar streamlined camper shell. A year later, they extended the length of the camper, slipped a cutoff chassis beneath it and christened the self-propelled coach the Cayo Motovator.

Available in 20- and 22-toot models, the Motovator featured an anodized aluminum shell (sporting a 13-panel rear cap design so familiar to owners of mid-’50s Airstream trailers) and metal framing which allowed the mini-motorhome to maintain its structural integrity, In fact, the Cayo RV Corporation offered the coaches with a lifetime warranty to the original owner, “When we designed it, we realized that the body of the coach would last longer than the chassis,” Bill pointed out, “so it was actually designed to be removed and placed on a newer chassis, should the need arise”.

Originally available on a Dodge one-ton chassis with a choice of a 360 cid or 318 cid Dodge, 350 CID Chevy or 302 CiD Ford V-8 engine, the Cayo carried a dry weight of 8,245 pounds (20-foot model). The spacious interior (6 feet, 8 inches, floor to ceiling and 7 feet, 7 inches wall-to-wall) was fitted with most conveniences then available, including maple hardwoods, a dual-battery charging system with 30-amp converter, 22,000 BTU forced-air gas heating system and sizable 5 cubic-foot refrigerator. Options included an auxiliary gas tank, 2.5Kw AC generator, roof rack and ladder, Therma San waste incinerator, water purifier and 10,000 BTU roof-mounted air conditioner (which raised the height to nearly 10 feet). The 52-inch cabover configuration offered sleeping arrangements for four.

While the Motovator proved popular and its size and reliance on small-block V-8 engines allowed for relatively respectable mileage – the Cayo earned 10-12 MPG in an era where big block-powered Class A coaches were getting just half that – sales dropped off following the gas crunch of 1973-74. Although the OPEC oil embargo lasted just six months, the Cayo Motovator never really rebounded; in 1974, Cayo RV Corporation closed its Benton Harbor, Michigan, factory after approximately 600 Motovators passed through the facility.

The small number of coaches produced essentially precludes the possibility of a Cayo-only national club, but Cayo owners are welcomed at the Avion Travelcade Club (avionclub.org). In 1977, Bill funneled his experience into Cayo Repair Service, which he operates today with his son, Chuck. You could say that they know this coach from the inside, out – it’s in their blood.”

Interiors

Avion’s aluminum interior walls were Zolatone painted thru the 1967 year. Beginning in 1968, Avion used vinyl coated aluminum and used this til the end of production of the aluminum riveted trailers.

Unique features/Options

The Avion was built using outer aluminum skins that could be polished to a mirror finish until late production of the 1962 units. The 1963 units began with a satin finished Anodized Aluminum finish that was actually “harder” aluminum and more resistant to dents and scratches. Avion adopted the revolutionary MOR/ryde (smooth glide) suspension system back in 1967. Engineering tests proved it to be so good, that it soon became standard equipment. Avion, along with the supplier, MOR/ryde pioneered and perfected this suspension system on travel trailers. Avion trailers use a strong triple beam of heavy duty steel, including a rugged center beam for added support. Frame members are 5” deep (6“ deep on 31 ft.) Urethane foam, called THERMO-X by Avion was first introduced as the total insulation for the entire coach in 1966. THERMO-X also adds to wall rigidity. 1968-1972 Avion used tinted *Plexiglas* acrylic windows with black anodized aluminum frames. Beginning in 1972, Avion was among the first to make dual waste water tanks, standard equipment. 1980 Avion suspensions were called Adjust-A-Ride. It was an innovative independent suspension of half-axles with a center pivot point. The axles were upgraded to heavier material beginning with the 1985 year models. In 1989 and 1990 Avion used axles by Alko-Kober and this was a torsion type axle suspension.

In 1989 Avion began using a coating created by a 5-step electrolytic process, and continued with this coating until production ceased after 1990. Many people wrongly believe these last Avions were “painted”, but the coating is not paint, and has proved to stand up very well over time. It’s also easier to cover scratches by using touch-up paint that matches the coating. An important feature of Avion quality was its use of all hardwood interiors with dovetail and tongue-and-groove drawer and cabinet construction. The overall quality of Avions was unsurpassed, and still is not met by any other trailer manufacturer.

Serial Numbers

1956 Romany 20, 23-R
1957 20-R, 23-R, 27, 27-T

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Serial #	Weight
20 Rambler	20′	$3,095	700 up	2,300
23 Rover	23′	$3,650	510 up	2,700
26 Regal	26′	$4,250	900 up	3,300
26 Regal T	26′	$4,450	900 up	3,500
Official Mobile Home Market Report, May 1 1965

1958 20, 23, 26, 30

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Serial #	Weight
20 Explorer	20′	$3,095	1000 up	2,300
23 Rover	23′	$3,695	2000 up	2,700
26 Regal	26′	$4,350	3000 up	3,300
26 Regal Tdm	26′	$4,450	3000 up	3,500
30 Imperial	30′	$5,485	4000 up	3,950
Official Mobile Home Market Report, May 1 1963

1959 20, 23, 26, 30

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Serial #	Weight
Explorer	20′	$3,150	1008 up	2,300
Rover	23′	$3,850	2039 up	2,700
Regal	26′	$4,395	3047 up	3,300
Regal Tdm	26′	$4,634	3047 up	3,500
Imperial	30′	$5,285	4001 up	3,950
Official Mobile Home Market Report, May 1 1963

1960 The Files for the 1960 Avion Brochure and Models are very slow to load but worth the wait.
20′ Tourist — $3,480.00; 21′ Sportsman — $3,490.00, 24′ Holiday — models H-24TB, H-24DB — $4,213.00;
27′ Travelcader — models T-27TB, T-27DB $4,707.00; 30′ Imperial — models 1-30TB, 1-30DB $5,587.00
(Models and original prices from Mike Mead). (1960 Brochure from Lance Kaun)

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Serial #	Weight
21	21′	$3,295	1200	2,430
24	24′	$3,975	2200	2,780
27	27′	$4,475	3200	3,390
27 Tdm	27′	$4,714	3200	3,640
30 Tdm	30′	$5,385	4220	3,950
Official Mobile Home Market Report, May 1 1963

1961 20, 21, 24, 37, 30

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Serial #	Weight
Tourist 20	20′	$3,480	1412	2,680
Sportsman 21	21′	$3,490	1220	2,430
Holiday 24	24′	$4,213	2300	3,010
Travelcader 27	27′	$4,707	3217	3,390
Imperial 30	30′	$5,587	4220	3,950
Official Mobile Home Market Report, May 1 1963

1962 20, 24, 27, 30

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Serial #	Weight
Tourist 20	20′	$3,585	1540	2,680
Holiday 24	24′	$4,360	2516	3,010
Travelcader 27	27′	$4,781	3362	3,390
Imperial 30	30′	$5,680	4250	3,950
Official Mobile Home Market Report, May 1 1963

1963 18′ Sportsman, 20′ Tourist, 24′ Holiday, 27′ Travelcader, 30′ Imperial — July 1962 Prices — Owners Manual
1964 18, 21, 24-H, 27-T Travelcader — Dec 1963 Prices — 1964 Cover
1965 18′ Sportsman, T-21, 24, T-27 Travelcader — C-10 Camper???
1966 T-21, H-25, T-27-Travelcader — C10 Camper

	Length	Sugg. List
Sportsman	19′ 2″‘	$3,929
Tourist	21′ 6″	$4,331
Holiday II Single	25′ 1″	$5,093
Holiday II Tandem	25′ 1″	$5,293
Travelcader Single	27′ 9″	$5,498
Travelcader Tandem	27′ 9″	$5,698
Imperial	30′ 9″	$6,446
Official Trailer/Camper Trade-In Guide 1971

1967 T-21, A-25 Adventurer, H-25, T-27 Travelcader — C10 Camper ?? ???
1967 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 — 1967 Avion Sales Brochure compliments of Mary Davis <MDavis@danacompanies.com>
1967 Advertisement for ABC Avion Sales Inc. compliments of Richard Henderson <RHenderson3@cfl.rr.com>.

	Length	Sugg. List	Serial #	Weight
Sportsman	19′	$4,730	67-19000	2,990
Tourist	22′	$5,470	67-22000	3,500
Holiday	25′	$6,290	67-25000	3,890
Travelcader	28′	$6.995	67-28000	4,480
Imperial	31′	$7,735	67-31000	5,030
Benton Harbor, Michigan — Official Mobile Home Market Report, September 1, 1967
Pick-up Camper SDNT	10′ 3″	$3,659	S-67-1001	1,860
Pick-up Camper G	10′ 3″	$3,690	S-67-1001	1,860
Pick-up Camper FDNT	10′ 3″	$3,690	S-67-1001	1,860
Tourist	22′ 2″	$5,470	S-67-22000	3,470
Holiday	25′ 3″	$6,490	S-67-25000	4,285
Travelcader	28′ 2″	$6.995	S-67-28000	4,480
Imperial	31′ 2″	$7,735	S-67-31000	4,985
San Jacinto, California, — Official Mobile Home Market Report, September 1, 1967

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Hitch Wt.	Weight
Sportsman	19′ 4″	$4,730	370	2,990
Tourist	22′ 2″	$5,470	410	3,470
Holiday II Single	25′ 3″	$6,290	495	3,890
Holiday II Tandem	25′ 3″	$6,490	525	4,285
Travelcader	28′ 2″	$6.995	535	4,480
Imperial	31′ 2″	$7,735	540	4,985
Official Trailer/Camper Trade-In Guide 1971

1968 T-22, A-25 Adventure H-25, T-28 Travelcader, C-11 Camper ??? ???

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Hitch Wt.	Weight
Tourist	22′ 2″	$5,470	470	5,762
Tourist	22′ 2″	$5,995	425	3,785
Argonaut	25′ 6″	$6,786	435	4,285
Travelcader	28′ 1″	$7,419	550	4,380
Imperial	31′ 2″	$8,126	575	5,065
Official Trailer/Camper Trade-In Guide 1971

1969 C-11 Camper, 18, 22, 25, 28, 31, Avion Futura

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Hitch Wt.	Weight
Sports Special	18′ 3″	$3,995	320	2,490
Tourist	22′ 2″	$5,984	470	3,500
Tourist	22′ 2″	$6,225	425	3,785
Argonaut	25′ 6″	$7,075	435	4,190
Travelcader	28′ 1″	$7,721	550	4,380
Imperial	31′ 2″	$8,126	575	5,065
Official Trailer/Camper Trade-In Guide 1971

1970 Sport Special Series: 19′ Suntrail. Classic Series: 22′ Explorer, 24′ Adventurer, 26′ Yoyageur
1970 Ultra Series: 26′ Voyageur, 28′ Travelcader, 31′ Imperial — Thanks-Tom DeArk #13639

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
Suntrail	19′	3,200	4,560
Explorer	22′	3,785	6,291
Adventurer	24′	3,200	6,987
Voyager	26′	4,200	7,682
Voyager	26′	4,200	8,388
Travelcader	28′	4,380	8,868
Imperial	31′	5,065	9,394
Kelley Blue Book, April thru September 1979

Model	Length	Sugg. List	Hitch Wt.	Weight
Suntrail (Sports Special)	19′ 7″	$4,560	320	2,490
Explorer (Classic)	22′ 2″	$6,291	470	3,500
Adventurer (Classic)	24′ 6″	$6,986	425	3,815
Voyager (Classic)	26′ 3″	$7,682	480	4,260
Voyager (Ultra)	26′ 3″	$8,.388	480	4,330
Travelcader (Ultra)	28′ 2″	$8,868	550	4,380
Imperial (Ultra)	31′ 2″	$9,394	575	5,065
Official Trailer/Camper Trade-In Guide 1971

1971 22-Explorer, 26-Voyageur, 28′ Travelcader, 31′ Imperial

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
Explorer	22′	3,850	5,590
Voyager	26′	4,325	6,269
Travelcader	28′	4,525	7,090
Imperial	31 ½’	5,100	9,000
Kelley Blue Book, April thru September 1979

1972 31′ La Grande, a 31′ Imperial, 28′ travelcader, 25′ Voyageur. — Thanks Hubert Hurst.

1972 Avion 24 Page Sales Brochure from Pat Rosend, Fairfax, VA: Page 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24
1972 Sales Brochure (pdf) from Dominic and Linda Brindisi, 2602 Radcliff Road, Dothan, AL 36303, BrindisiD@sw.rr.com — 1972 Sales Brochure (pdf).

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
Voyager	26′	4,425	8,375
Travelcader	28′	4,770	9,450
Imperial	31 ½’	5,320	10,600
LeGrande	26′	4,425	9.214
LeGrande	28′	4,770	10,334
LeGrande	31 ½’	5,320	11,534
Kelley Blue Book, April thru September 1979

1973 Travelcader: 25′, 28′, 31′. LaGrande: 25′, 28′, 31′

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
Travelcader	25′	4,840	8,450
LeGrande	25′	4,840	9,200
Travelcader	28′	5,090	9,600
LeGrande	28′	5,090	10,400
Travelcader	31′	5,880	10,700
LeGrande	31′	5,880	11,650
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
Travelcader	25′	4,720	8,450
Travelcader	28′	5,090	9,600
Travelcader	31′	5,680	10,700
LeGrande	25′	4,720	9,200
LeGrande	28′	5,090	10,400
LeGrande	31′	5,680	11,650
Kelly Blue Book, April-September 1979

1974 Travelcader: 26′, 28′, 31′. LaGrande: 26′, 28′, 31′

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
Travelcader	26′	4,720	8,950
LeGrande	26′	4,720	9,748
Travelcader	28′	5,090	10,153
LeGrande	28′	5,090	11,007
Travelcader	31′	5,880	11,346
LeGrande	31′	5,880	12,353
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
Travelcader	26′	4,720	9,011
LeGrande	26′	4,720	9,811
Travelcader	28′	5,090	10,389
LeGrande	28′	5,090	11,246
Travelcader	31′	5,680	11,706
LeGrande	31′	5,680	12,715
Kelley Blue Book, April-September 1979.

1975 All American 24′, Travelcader: 26′, 28′, 31′. LaGrande: 26′, 28′, 31′ – 22-MH
1975 Avion Brochure – 1975 Avion Specifications & Price List – Thanks to Walt Brewer – WEBrewer@gmail.com
1975 Avion GMC 23′ and 26′ Motorhomes GMC Avion (Both TT and MH interiors)
1975 Avion Class A 38′ Aluminium bodied Motorhome.

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
All American	24′	3,600	7,350
Travelcader	26½’	4,720	9,925
LeGrande	26½’	4,720	10,764
Travelcader	28½’	5,090	11,398
LeGrande	28½’	5,090	12,298
Travelcader	31½’	5,680	12,852
LeGrande	31½’	5,680	13,911
Kelley Blue Book, April-September 1979.

Length	Model	Weight	Sugg. List
24′	All-American	3,600	7,350
26½’	Travelcader	4,720	9,925
28½’	Travelcader	5,090	11,398
31½’	Travelcader	5,680	12,852
31½’	LeGrande	5,880
1980 RVDA Price Quide & NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1975 Cayo C11 Truck Camper
1975 Cayo 5th Dimension Model 30RB 5th Wheel
Length 30′ Overall Width 7’11″` Height 9’4″ with Air 10’1″ Interior Height 6’11”
Interior Length 29’1″ Interior Width 7’7″ Weight 5,840# Tongue Weight 1,103#

1976 All American 23′ Travelcader: 26′, 28′, 31′. LaGrande: 26′, 28′, 31′ 22-MH

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
All American	23′	3,600	7,869
Travelcader	23′	3,800	9,666
Travelcader	26′	4,720	10,525
LeGrande	26′	4,720	11,364
Travelcader	28′	5,090	11,998
LeGrande	28′	5,080	12,897
Travelcader	31′	5,880	13,452
LeGrande	31′	5,880	14,510
Kelley Blue Book 1980 NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1977 Travelcader: 26′, 28′, 31′. LaGrande: 26′, 28′, 31’— 22-MH
1977 1977 MH22

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
Travelcader	23′	4,080	10,149
Travelcader	26′	4,720	11,049
LeGrande	26′	4,720	11,932
Travelcader	28′	5,090	12,598
LeGrande	28′	5,080	13,542
Travelcader	31′	5,880	14,124
LeGrande	31′	5,880	15,236
Kelley Blue Book 1980 NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1978 Rear Bath: 23-M, 26-F, 28-J, 30-P (9.1 Meter) , 34-V. Side Bath:, 23-C, 23-D, 26-H, 28-M, 30-R, 34-W. — 22-MH

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
23-C, 23-D	23′	4,315	10,500
26-F, 26-H	26′	4,822	10.780
28-J, 28-M	28′	5,420	11,200
30-P, 30-R	30′	5,820	11,620
34-V, 34-W	34′	6,742	12,320
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
23-C, 23-D	23′	4,402	13,200
26-F, 26-H	26′	5,067	13,500
28-J, 28-M	28′	5,420	14,700
30-P, 30-R	30′	5,820	15,450
34-V, 34-W	34′	6,742	16,950
Kelly Blue Book April-June 1980

1979 Rear Bath: 26-F, 28-J, 30-P, 32-S, 34-V. Side Bath: 23-D, 26-H, 28-M, 30-R, 32-T, 34-W — 22-MH

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
7½-F, 7½-H	26′	5,067	15,862
8½-J, 8½-M	28′	5,420	17,361
9-P, 9-R	30′	5,860	18,002
32-S, 32-T	32′	6,173	19,130
10-V, 10-W	34′	6,522	19,757
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
23-C, 23-D	23′	4,402	15,310
26-F, 26-H	26′	5,067	16,450
28-J, 28-M	28′	5,420	17,361
30-P, 30-R	30′	5,820	18,670
34-V, 34-W	34′	6,742	20,490
Kelly Blue Book, April-June 1980.

1980 Rear Bath: 26-F, 28-J, 30-P, 32-S, 34-V. Side Bath: 23-D, 26-H, 28-M, 30-R, 32-T, 34-W.

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
26-F, 26-H	26′	5,077	16,450
28-J, 28-M	28′	5,420	18,005
30-P, 30-R	30′	5,820	18,670
32-S, 32-T,	32′	6,213	19,838
34-V, 34-W	34′	6,522	20,490
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1981 Rear Bath: 34-V.

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
34-V	34′	6,940	22,190
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1982 Rear Bath: 34-V, 30-P. 1982 Sales Brochure

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
34-V	34′	7,060	23,809
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1983 Rear Bath: 30-P, 34-V.
9.1 Meters = 30′ models and 10.7 Meters- 34′ models
1983 1983 Spec Sheet
1983 1983 Sales Brochure 3/83

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
30-P	30′	5,840	23,575
34-V	34′	6,940	26,825
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1984 Rear Bath: 30-P, 34-V Side Bath: 30-R, 34-W.
1984 1984 Sales Brochure
1984 1984 Trailer Life 30-R Review

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
30-P	30′	5,320	24,138
30-R	30′	6,080	24,826
34-V	34′	6,940	27,486
34-W	34′	6,730	28,296
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1985 Rear Bath: 30-P, 34-V Side Bath: 25-H, 30-R, 34-W.
1985 1985 Sales Brochure, (the 25-H was a late addition to the line)

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
25-H	25′	5,050	22,093
30-P	30′	5,840	26,593
30-R	30′	6,080	27,622
34-V	34′	7,084	30,198
34-W	34′	6,875	31,192
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1986 Rear Bath: 30-P, 34-V Side Bath: 25-H, 30-R, 32-S, 34-W.
1986 Silver Edition 30-P, 30-R, 32-S, 34-V, 34-W
1986 1986 Sales Brochure

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
25-H	25′	4.975	24,445
30-P	30′	5,840	27,295
30-R	30′	5,800	28,325
32-S	32′	6,100	29,470
34-V	34′	7,085	30,900
34-W	34′	6,875	31,895
Silver Edition — 25th Anniverary Travelcade Club
Silver Edition 30-P	30′	6,090	30,510
Silver Edition 30-R	30′	6,050	31,540
Silver Edition 32-S	32′	6,100	32,685
Silver Edition 34-V	34′	7,335	35,730
Silver Edition 34-W	34′	7,125	35,028
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1987 Rear Bath: 30-P, 34-V Side Bath: 25-H, 32-S, 34-W Center Bath 34-X.
1987 Avion Brochure (8 panels). Page 1 – Page 2 – Page 3 – Page 4 – Page 5 – Page 6 – Page 7 – Page 8. – Thanks to Fred Meyers.
1987 1987 Sales Brochure Edition 2

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
25-H	25′	4,975	24,808
30-P	30′	5,840	28,301
32-S	32′	6,100	30,310
34-V	34′	7,085	31,990
34-W	34′	6,880	32,991
34-X	34′	6,880	32,991
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1988 Rear Bath: 30-P, 34-V Side Bath: 32-S, 34-W Center Bath 34-X.
1988 1988 Sales Brochure

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
30-P	30′	5,840	30,739
32-S	32′	6,100	32,697
34-V	34′	7,085	34,607
34-W	34′	6,875	35,262
34-X	34′	6,880	35,444
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1989 Rear Bath: 30-P, 34-V Side Bath: 28-A, 32-S, 34-W Center Bath 34-X
1989 Travelcaders 28-TA, 30-TP Basement Models 34-VB, 34-XB
1989 Edition 2 Sales Brochure (Jan 1989) (very large files) Page 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – from Jim_Morrison49@yahoo.com

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
28-A	28′	5,400	32,737
30-P	30′	5,840	32,845
32-S	32′	6,100	34,978
34-V	34′	7,085	36,747
34-W	34′	6,875	37,509
34-X	34′	6,880	37,651
Travelcader Series:
28-TA Travelcader	28′	5,165	25,310
30-TP Travelcader	30′	5,535	25,580
Basement Models:
34-VB	34′	7,900	40,331
34-XB	34′	7,890	41,235
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1990 Rear Bath: 30-P, 34-V Side Bath: 28-A 32-S Center Bath 34-X
1990 Travelcaders 28-TA, 30-TP Basement Models 34-VB, 34-XB
1990 Fifth Wheel 38.5M 1990   1990 Basement Model Brochure
1990   1990 Standard Avion Trailer Brochure
1990   1990 38.5M Fifth Wheel Brochure

Model	Length	Weight	Sugg. List
28-A	28′	5,400	34,600
30-P	30′	5,840	35,106
32-S	32′	6,100	37,806
34-V	34′	7,085	39,298
34-X	34′	6,880	40,446
Travelcader Series:
28-TA Travelcader	28′	5,165	26,866
30-TP Travelcader	30′	5,535	27,303
Basement Models:
34-VB	34′	7,900	43,767
34-XB	34′	7,890	44,833
Fifth Wheel Model:
38 5M	38′	9,365	49,950
NADA RV Appraisal Guide May-Aug 1994.

1991 Trailers 31-N, 37-A Fifth Wheel 29.5-T, 31.5-F, 33.5-J, 35.5-P, 35.5-P
1991   1991 specification Sheet
1992 Trailers 31-N, 37-A Fifth Wheel 29.5-T, 31.5-F, 33.5-J, 34.5-G,35.5-P, 35.5-M
1993 Trailers 34-Y Fifth Wheel 29.5-T, 30.5-E, 31.5-F, 33.5-J, 34.5-G, 35.5-P, 35.5-M
1994 Fifth Wheel 30.5-E, 31.5-F, 33.5-J, 34.5-G, 35.5-M
1995 Fifth Wheel 30.5-E, 33.5-K, 34.5-J, 35.5-G, 35.5-M
1995   1995 specification Pages
1995   1995 Westport 30.5 Manual – Compliments of Larry Haffner
1996 Fifth Wheel 34.5-R, 36.5-M, 36.5-W
1997 Fifth Wheel 34.5-D, 37.5-L, 37.5-W
1998 Fifth Wheel 33.5-C, 34 5-D, 37 5-L, 37.5-V, 37 5-W
1999 Fifth Wheel 33.5-C, 37 5-L, 37.5-V, 37 5-W
2000 Fifth Wheel 37 5-R, 37.5-V, 37 5-W
2000   2000 partial specification Pages
2001 No models for 2001!
2002 Fifth Wheel 32.5F, 33.5F: Platinum & Vintage

Pictures

AVION TRAILER RV Operations & Tech Manual

1972 Avion 31′ travel trailers: LaGrande and Imperial

1969 sport special – Jimmy Cannette longboardblues@rocketmail.com

1957 Avion Regal 26ft. Believed to be the 4th Avion ever made. Bought from the Cayo family that started the Avion company. We’ll take more pics soon. – Terry Bone (terrybone@comcast.net)

Mark and Kathy Bailey, Johns Island, SC, 1966 Avion Travelcader 27

1963 Avion

Pictures from 1964 Avion Brochure

1970 Avion

Early Avion camping in 196

1965 Restored S-21

1986 SILVER EDITION in 2010

Here is a picture of a 1969 Avion C-11 truck camper still very much in use. All interior and exterior lights have been upgraded to LED’s, but otherwise it is pretty much original with fresh varnish on the inside.