2020 View Profile Online Posted: 08/15/20 03:43pm Link | Quote | Edit | Print | Notify ModeratorHello everyone!I bought a 1977 Dodge Sportsman last year, I’m hoping someone can share some info. Unfortunately since I bought it, it’s been parked at a friends house about 5 hours away. I finally have some time to go work on it before I bring it home, but I have some questions. Some of this may be easy to answer but having the RV so far away I haven’t been able to go over it head to toe. First off, how do I fill the propane? There are no external bottles, are they mounted on the chassis somewhere? Second, I’m trying to figure out what engine I have, so I can order an exhaust manifold gasket and some spark plugs. The exhaust manifold has casting number 4227637-2. Can I order parts for any 1977 318? And finally, more out of curiosity, why does the title just say CAVE under the vehicle model? It doesn’t say Dodge anywhere on it, just 1977 CAVE. I’m sure I’ll have more questions once I actually get to the RV and put some hands on it. I appreciate any and all advice!

You’ve looked in all the outside cabinet doors? Bottles may be too old to refill legally.

There are a couple of possibilities for propane. The most likely is a built-in tank, which means you have to drive the RV to a propane seller (not just a cylinder exchange kiosk sort of place, but one where they sell it in bulk) and they should know what to do if you point out where the tank is. The other possibility is a compartment somewhere with one or two cylinders in it.In either case, the access would be through some external compartment door. It's probably simplest to just go around opening all the doors until you find it. The propane compartment door should not be a locking door (for fire safety reasons), which is sometimes a useful clue for figuring out which one it is.For a class C motorhome, the vehicle manufacturer is the company that completed the vehicle, not the chassis manufacturer. No idea who "cave" would be.

Ok awesome thank you! I’m sure it will be easy to find, I just couldn’t find the shut off last time I was there but also didn’t look very hard. Trying to get as much info lined up before I get there at the end of the month so I can spend more time working on it, and less time figuring out how to work on it.Aside for the obvious mechanical checklist, anything I should do/check before I take her on the long voyage home and a little camping adventure? Already plan on doing spark plugs, oil/air filters, change the oil, exhaust manifold gasket.... the septic tank was winterized by the previous owner. Can I just proceed to use it now that it’s not winter, or are there shut off somewhere that need to be turned on? I imagine the water connection to the toilet may be off, everything else should be good to go?Thank you!

how old are the tires? belts and hoses,, remember rubber things rot, also check your driving lights,have fun its going to be a learning thing.

The tires are pretty shot! Front passenger slowly leaks as it sits...I already found 4 replacements, they are old but don’t have any cracks and hold air, tread looks nearly new. I think Schwab sells the right size (16.5”) so I’ll have to pick up two more before I take it on a trip. Good reminder on the belts, I’ll probably just swap the serpentine belt before I attempt long distance...

1977 Dodge Sportsman | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

Ashton1012
Explorer
Aug 16, 2020
Thanks! Yes I got a great deal... $750. 43k miles, Everything works, she starts right up and I drove it about 10 miles to a friends with no issues. Interior is in nice condition but does have a very minor leak on the front cab over part, doesn’t look to bad though I think I could get it fixed up in a day or two. I’ve kept it tarped in the mean time. Just can’t wait to finally get it home so I can work on updating the interior, make it a nice little get away rig!
LadyRVer
Explorer II
Aug 16, 2020
Check radiator hoses, too. Awesome find and should be a lot of fun to fix up and use. Enjoy!
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 16, 2020
Old tires you found? Danger, Will Robinson, danger...in a 44 year old RV.
Ashton1012
Explorer
Aug 16, 2020
The tires are pretty shot! Front passenger slowly leaks as it sits...I already found 4 replacements, they are old but don’t have any cracks and hold air, tread looks nearly new. I think Schwab sells the right size (16.5”) so I’ll have to pick up two more before I take it on a trip. Good reminder on the belts, I’ll probably just swap the serpentine belt before I attempt long distance...
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Aug 16, 2020
how old are the tires? belts and hoses,, remember rubber things rot, also check your driving lights,have fun its going to be a learning thing.
Ashton1012
Explorer
Aug 15, 2020
Ok awesome thank you! I’m sure it will be easy to find, I just couldn’t find the shut off last time I was there but also didn’t look very hard. Trying to get as much info lined up before I get there at the end of the month so I can spend more time working on it, and less time figuring out how to work on it.
Aside for the obvious mechanical checklist, anything I should do/check before I take her on the long voyage home and a little camping adventure?
Already plan on doing spark plugs, oil/air filters, change the oil, exhaust manifold gasket.... the septic tank was winterized by the previous owner. Can I just proceed to use it now that it’s not winter, or are there shut off somewhere that need to be turned on? I imagine the water connection to the toilet may be off, everything else should be good to go?

Thank you!
DrewE
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2020
There are a couple of possibilities for propane. The most likely is a built-in tank, which means you have to drive the RV to a propane seller (not just a cylinder exchange kiosk sort of place, but one where they sell it in bulk) and they should know what to do if you point out where the tank is. The other possibility is a compartment somewhere with one or two cylinders in it.

In either case, the access would be through some external compartment door. It's probably simplest to just go around opening all the doors until you find it. The propane compartment door should not be a locking door (for fire safety reasons), which is sometimes a useful clue for figuring out which one it is.

For a class C motorhome, the vehicle manufacturer is the company that completed the vehicle, not the chassis manufacturer. No idea who "cave" would be.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2020
You’ve looked in all the outside cabinet doors? Bottles may be too old to refill legally.

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1977 Dodge Sportsman

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