92 Coachmen Ram Van resuscitation project...
I've been away from Sam and motor homes for about ten years, but now I'm back with a great project van. My last projects were a 70 Winnie Chief and then a 92 Coachmen prestige 5th wheeler. This time around, I'm mostly Boon docking now so its a whole different type of RVing for us.
We found a well used but serviceable 92' Coachmen built B van with a 3500 series extended chassis in need of, well, a lot..
my wife trying to hide... :)
mechanical engine work so far-
• Full major tune up
• R134a conversion
• new heater core
• new exhaust
• new Oil/ speedo sensors, probably need a speedo
• coolant exchange
• still needs exhaust manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets
Mechanical Coach-
• replaced coach 12v breakers (2) and Coils (2)
• Waste valves (2 needed , 1 to go)
• upgraded to LED house lighting
• Furnace repaired and updated thermostat (to "auto" fan model)
• Flushed and sterilized fresh water tank
• Replaced rear door assembly (dented, wouldn't close properly)
• Will replace dented side door
• Eventually a new paint job outside, not a priority
• add small Honda 2k generator or equivalent
the above was enough to get us on the road and we went on a 500 mile round trip with two nights and three days camping. Not everything worked as it should, but I was able to wither improvise or rig up solutions (mostly power related) that got us through the trip fairly comfortably.
and the "new" door...these are hard to find!
we also made another to do list, and luckily most all items in are already my garage or on their way, just need the time to install:
• replace all carpet and add insulation/sound deadener (Obtained commercial indoor/outdoor grade Remnant cheap)
• sand and paint interior cabinets (special laminate paint)
• Add interior cabinet lighting
• Add water filtration system (ordered basic under counter particulate)
• Add Solar Panels (ordered 50w system to start)
• Add Strip lighting
• Repair leaky Hot Water dispenser faucet
• Add Propane hot water heater and outdoor shower (Ordered)
• repair on jack knife couch bracket (complete, sort of)
• Add 120v inverter
• Add Video system and back up camera
• Add parking sensors
The biggest issue I'm having at the moment is getting the 12v system to work on its own. I have to jump out the house battery coil, even after replacing both coils and breakers. the 12v switch does nothing, so I'm tracing out those lines and looking for additional fuses or a line break. The fridge heats up on the coil side, but does not cool, so that will come out and get stood on its head for a few days and well cross our fingers...
will add pictures soon..
We found a well used but serviceable 92' Coachmen built B van with a 3500 series extended chassis in need of, well, a lot..
my wife trying to hide... :)mechanical engine work so far-
• Full major tune up
• R134a conversion
• new heater core
• new exhaust
• new Oil/ speedo sensors, probably need a speedo
• coolant exchange
• still needs exhaust manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets
Mechanical Coach-
• replaced coach 12v breakers (2) and Coils (2)
• Waste valves (2 needed , 1 to go)
• upgraded to LED house lighting
• Furnace repaired and updated thermostat (to "auto" fan model)
• Flushed and sterilized fresh water tank
• Replaced rear door assembly (dented, wouldn't close properly)
• Will replace dented side door
• Eventually a new paint job outside, not a priority
• add small Honda 2k generator or equivalent
the above was enough to get us on the road and we went on a 500 mile round trip with two nights and three days camping. Not everything worked as it should, but I was able to wither improvise or rig up solutions (mostly power related) that got us through the trip fairly comfortably.
and the "new" door...these are hard to find!
we also made another to do list, and luckily most all items in are already my garage or on their way, just need the time to install:
• replace all carpet and add insulation/sound deadener (Obtained commercial indoor/outdoor grade Remnant cheap)
• sand and paint interior cabinets (special laminate paint)
• Add interior cabinet lighting
• Add water filtration system (ordered basic under counter particulate)
• Add Solar Panels (ordered 50w system to start)
• Add Strip lighting
• Repair leaky Hot Water dispenser faucet
• Add Propane hot water heater and outdoor shower (Ordered)
• repair on jack knife couch bracket (complete, sort of)
• Add 120v inverter
• Add Video system and back up camera
• Add parking sensors
The biggest issue I'm having at the moment is getting the 12v system to work on its own. I have to jump out the house battery coil, even after replacing both coils and breakers. the 12v switch does nothing, so I'm tracing out those lines and looking for additional fuses or a line break. The fridge heats up on the coil side, but does not cool, so that will come out and get stood on its head for a few days and well cross our fingers...
will add pictures soon..
