70's TravelCraft BLAZING HEAT on driver's feet

I had 1989 jamboree class c. It was not unbearable but it got pretty hot on the doghouse from the exhaust.

Dynamat available at auto supply stores. Will Help.

What's the Make/Model and Engine in this TravelCraft? We had a 1971 Dodge Van, 318 engine. I got some larger exhaust manifolds from another vehicle and what I found was the larger ones got the doghouse hotter. I swapped a 360 into it and same thing. But both of these were "small block" engines. RV's, starting mid-1970's, got the "big block" 440 engine. That big engine, with big manifolds, is going to be right against the inside of the doghouse. It'll help to have the insulation inside the doghouse in good condition, the gasket in good condition, and the doghouse installed straight and tight. It'll still be hot.
We've had two Class C's on Ford and neither was as hot as the Dodge.
Make sure the Radiator is CLEAN inside and out, Fan, Fan Clutch and Thermostat are good, and all the Shrouding is in place. The more heat you can channel out, the less you'll have to deal with. Same for the exhaust. You don't have to replace all these parts. Just check to make sure they're working.

the bear II wrote:
Dynamat available at auto supply stores. Will Help.

Where do I install the Dynamat. On the inside of the "doghouse?"

j-d wrote:
What's the Make/Model and Engine in this TravelCraft? We had a 1971 Dodge Van, 318 engine. I got some larger exhaust manifolds from another vehicle and what I found was the larger ones got the doghouse hotter. I swapped a 360 into it and same thing. But both of these were "small block" engines. RV's, starting mid-1970's, got the "big block" 440 engine. That big engine, with big manifolds, is going to be right against the inside of the doghouse. It'll help to have the insulation inside the doghouse in good condition, the gasket in good condition, and the doghouse installed straight and tight. It'll still be hot.
We've had two Class C's on Ford and neither was as hot as the Dodge.
Make sure the Radiator is CLEAN inside and out, Fan, Fan Clutch and Thermostat are good, and all the Shrouding is in place. The more heat you can channel out, the less you'll have to deal with. Same for the exhaust. You don't have to replace all these parts. Just check to make sure they're working.

I'll check everything you suggest. I'll double check the year with my parents. I'm thinking it's a Dodge, but that's just a guess until I double check. It is a relatively straightforward operation to take the cover off the doghouse to check the insulation (I'm assuming it's attached right in the inside of the cover?), by "gasket" I'm assuming you're describing a footing that the doghouse cover would go on. Someone mentioned a "dynamat" and after looking that up I saw people talking about a dynamat alternative at the home improvement store...but I don't know if "soundproofing" also covers "heat proofing."

Unfortunately I'm 3 hours away from the RV until Thursday, so I can't just run out and look. But I can call my dad to see if he's feeling up to checking some things out before I come. Unfortunately he can't do a lot due to a heart condition...which is why I'm trying to help out as much as I can. But I'm less than a novice .

I truly can't believe how HOT it is. I'm not a wimp by any means. Think I could easily fry an egg on my foot. lol.

Be sure the doghouse (interior engine cover) is properly seated, the gasket for it is intact, and that closing it doesn't trap any carpet fibers. Be sure whatever latches it uses are fully seated.

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"

(on edit) Also check any control or electrical cable penetrations thru the firewall, like the steering column, parking brake, etc, to be sure their grommets or boots are intact and in place.

it's a 74 Dodge 440.

I don't know how your TravelCraft's cab ventialtion system is set up ... but in our motorhome's Ford cab with the cab air circulation system set to "MIX" all air - whether it be heated or cooled by the air conditioner, as per the temperature control setting - comes out only from the windshield's defroster openings and down at the feet (none out of the chest-high openings on the dash).

Running this way in air conditioner mode, cool air is constantly bathing our feet and the floor area. Especially nice on the feet if you have the system's fan set at a high fan speed setting!

pnichols wrote:
I don't know how your TravelCraft's cab ventialtion system is set up ... but in our motorhome's Ford cab with the cab air circulation system set to "MIX" all air - whether it be heated or cooled by the air conditioner, as per the temperature control setting - comes out only from the windshield's defroster openings and down at the feet (none out of the chest-high openings on the dash).

Running this way in air conditioner mode, cool air is constantly bathing our feet and the floor area. Especially nice on the feet if you have the system's fan set at a high fan speed setting!

Thanks for the suggestion. No A/C in the cab, only a roof A/C, . I will see though if it matters what our selection is for the cab vents.

There, should be a heat shield on the drivers side . It attaches to the floorboard then bends up 90 degrees and goes in between the manifold and the doghouse/ engine cover.

They are often missing/removed for what ever reason.

Also the 440 wasnt availible in 1974 From the factory in the class C chassis or vans, so if you do indeed have a 440 in a 74 C chassis it was shoehorned in there because the factory made some changes to the engine cover and engine bay to fit the big blocks in 1976 or 77.

With it getting as hot as you say , there,s a chance it might ignite something.