21' single Axel1969 Franklin?

[happylittlecamper]

G'day all,

Firstly, if I have posted this topic in the wrong forum, I apologise. I felt this was the correct forum without a lot of confidence.

I have browsed the forum and the web and have tried my best to find information on a supposedly 21' 1969 single axel Franklin caravan. I have recently purchased the caravan but have yet to have it delivered. The previous owner is 3/4s of the way through restoring the caravan. Well, restoring isn't the best term because he hasn't restored it to original condition. I have yet to see the caravan in person. I have no idea as to why the previous owner believes it is a 1969 model. Hopefully, after it is delivered next week I can ask for as much information about the caravan that the previous owner has.

The point of my post is to ask a simple question. Was there indeed a 21' 1969 single axel Franklin caravan. The previous owner states that the internal length is 18' 7" with an external length of 23' 3", which must include the drawbar. I am trying to get in touch to confirm if the drawbar is included. I assume it is because 21' and 23' 3" obviously are at odds with each other.

I would have thought the overall length including the drawbar would be a bit longer than 23' 3" because the original drawbar has been extended.

Thanks in advance for any advice/information received. 

Kylie.

[hughdeany]

Hi and welcome Kylie,
Your van will be a Franklin Regent,Caravelle,Arrow or Premier,all were made 18.6x7or8ft and on a single axle plus 3 ft for A frame.
The difference between a 1969 and earlier models is they have sandwich panel walls known as Thermopanel,so a very minimal frame and it’s definitely NOT a good idea to gut these vans!
We have seen many that have collapsed when people with no idea of what they are doing remove all the furniture.
Would love to see a pic when you get it so we can tell you exactly what it is.
Cheers
hughdeany

[happylittlecamper]

hughdeany,

Firstly, thanks for your reply.

Once I get the hang of how to post photos I'll give it a shot.

In the interim, when you say that the "Regent, Caravelle, Arrow or Premier, all were made 18.6" - is that inside or outside measurement? According to the previous owner, my caravan measures 18' 7" inside measurement. Is it correct that vans are measured on the outside to determine their length? If that is the case, I think the previous owners claims that it is a 20 something foot caravan may be correct. His overall measurement of 23' 3" including extended drawbar may also be correct.

[hughdeany]

Hi Kylie,
Legal measurement is body length 12 inches above the floor outside,legal measurement for registration is overall length including A frame and spare wheel if fitted on rear bumper.
The only way to know what you have is to put up a pic.
Cheers
hughdeany

[happylittlecamper]

hughdeany,

Thank you once again for your reply.

I can tell you that I cannot work out how to post photos. I'll continue to try and figure it out. I won't have the van in my possession until next week. I can then take measurements myself.

I will be spending time between having the van delivered in reading this site looking for information on period fridge, stove and other bits and pieces. I believe the caravan door is missing the center panel so I will need to try and find a period correct or a modern replacement. If you know of a caravan wreckers (if there is such a thing) or can point me in the right direction to find a replacement panel, I'd very much appreciate that.

Edited to add the following.

hughdeany, I'd be open to sending you a photo or two via email if you are interested.

[hughdeany]

Hi Kylie,
Sounds like a good idea!
[e-mail]
Cheers

[happylittlecamper]

hughdeany,

You sir are a credit to this forum. Your continued help is greatly appreciated. I have sent you an email with photos.

[stevefranklin]

hi happylittlecamper,
where abouts are you?
i have found 2 joints in melbourne who deal with second hand parts
i don't know if i am allowed to mention their names

[happylittlecamper]

Hi Steve,

I'm in SE Queensland. If you find out you are allowed to post the sites, that would be awesome. Thanks.

[stevefranklin]

hi happylittlecamper,
sorry for taking so long to get back to you,
nobody has commented on my previous post.
Bayswater caravans- do have some stock of second hand parts-[phone] nothing really on their website
Vintage caravan spares www.vintagecaravanspares.com.au/ in Kyabram, they have new/old stock -good selection of rubbers