Franklin History

[fxfj]

Hi We have a Franklin van that we are currently restoring number on draw bar is 133 6 ,Hopeing someone can help with year and style .thanks fxfj.

[fxfj]

Van has full width windows back and front if that helps .many thanks .

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Fxfj,

The '-6' at the end of the serial number of your Franklin tells us that it was built in 1966. The '133' indicates that it was the 133rd caravan built by Franklin in that year.

So, we can tell you the year, but unfortunately a Franklin serial number doesn't tell us anything about the model. You'll need to show us some photos of the van for us to do that.

You've been around the forum for quite a while, so you probably remember how to post photos? But if not click here for info. The quickest way is to use the 'Add Attachment' button.

Don Ricardo

[stevefranklin]

hi Franklin1,
any idea what model this Franklin is? i just bought this caravan (dent on front left is exactly the same) and am about to start doing her up

Sept 28, 2008 19:59:05 GMT 10 Franklin1 said:

1960s Franklin caravan posted on ebay Sept 2008:





Edited description: Franklin in very good condition. 16ft Aluminium van, sleeps 6, 2 doubles, 2 singles. Fridge and stove in working order.

[hughdeany]

Hi Steve,( nice surname)
Your van is a 6x8 Franklin Safari,late 1966 with those interior colours and outside stripes.
We have see. This van a few times before,seems people buy it then sit on it for a while then on sell,at least it’s been kept original.😉
Cheers
hughdeany

[nigel1500]

Hello,

I just bought an old Franklin. It's a permanent site on the NSW south coast. The van is approx 24' and built c.1977. The draw bar has been removed. I couldn't find any model ID. It has 2 doors on the L H side. I'll post photos for ID next week, but in the meantime, any ideas on where to find model etc?

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Nigel1500,

Welcome to the Forum and thanks for telling us about your newly acquired Franklin. It's a shame the drawbar has been cut off because the serial number on that would have enabled you to confirm the year.

Obviously it's impossible even to guess what model it is just from your brief description, but when you show us some photos we will most likely be able to tell you the model and whether or not around 1977 is the right timeframe.

From the mid-60's onwards Franklin used to put a little sticker with the model name on the nearside of the van (ie the door side). The sticker was usually adjacent to the top left hand corner of the door. If the van has been painted then the sticker is probably covered over, but hopefully we'll be able to assist you from some photos.

Don Ricardo

[stevefranklin]

hi nigel1500,
if you have original interior, you may be able to find your serial number written on the underside of the drawers, as i presume they made all the drawers at the same time and were not installed until the interior was finished
hope this helps
cheers
steve

[toprodz]

Hi I have recently purchased this 10'6" franklin caravan, the registration says its a 1960, I would be interested to hear what you guys think, it has one piece front and rear windows, no outside light or step, I am going to slowly rebuild it in between a few hotrod runs
Here are some photos of it, also a couple behind my 1928 Ford Model A tourer

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Toprodz,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for showing us some photos of your new acquisition. Looks good behind all your vehicles!

Your van is a Franklin Mini and judging from the full width windows front and rear, a fairly early example of that model.

If you can tell us the serial number of the van from the A-frame we can tell you the year from that. It definitely isn't 1960 though because the Mini was only introduced in about 1966.

Don Ricardo

[toprodz]

Hi Don
Thanks for the reply, The blue Zephyr Ute belongs to the mate I bought the van from, the other 2 are mine, I was thinking that it may have been newer then what the Vic Roads rego papers have on them, I will try and figure out the serial number, as someone has previously had a plate over the top of the number and has ground a bit of it away. Vic roads has a 12 digit vin number on there records.
I really appreciate your input and help
Kind Regards
Peter Gough

[robbiesfriend]

It is with great sadness that I announce that Geoff Robertson, the founder of Franklin Caravans, passed away peacefully on Sunday 9th April, 2023. He was a long time friend of mine and a true gentleman. He was a very smart and successful businessman. RIP Robbie.

[Don Ricardo]

Hello Robbiesfriend,

Thank you for passing on the sad news of Geoff Robertson's passing.

Geoff was undoubtedly a very significant figure in the Australian caravan industry, and had a major influence on its development and the design and production of caravans in the Vintage and Classic eras, and so we have much to thank him for.

I have found that many industrial and business innovators are always interested in the future, and seldom dwell on the past. Although I don't know a lot about Geoff, apart from a couple of articles written about the history of Franklin caravans, I have a sense that he was one of those people - always looking to the future, and not greatly interested in past achievements. Nevertheless, I hope that he got some pleasure from knowing that many of his caravans are still on the road and being enjoyed and appreciated by a whole new generation of modern caravanners and their families.

If you are in touch with Geoff's family, or are a member of the family yourself, please pass on our sincere condolences to them, as well as our enduring appreciation for all that Geoff contributed to the industry and to the caravans we love.

Don Ricardo

[robbiesfriend]

Thankyou Don for the lovely words.