Adel,
First, (I am not bragging this is just fact) look at the picture in my sig. That is a 1973 GMC with 170K miles on it crossing the Mississippi last year. That was the middle of the 3500 mile excursion to, among other things, be at the totality of the eclipse. That is just the start of what a reliable coach can do for you.
It pre-dates the 17 character VIN by a year. That started with the 1981 model year. And what you have is a Jamboree/Dodge. Dodge (Chrysler) only made the truck. It will be important to know the model when parts hunting.
You have gotten a lot of good advice here. (Cross off Coolmom until you know a lot more.) Yes, water leaks are your big issue and first thing to deal with. If you go over to Tin Can Tourists, you will find that a lot that others might scrap can be repaired. You are in Arizona, so water leakage may not seem like a big issue, but if water gets in, there is no easy way for it to leave....
Now, if you do not have documentation for all of it, search it out and buy or download it. Keep notes of what you did and when. For what you have in this rig, you can buy any tool you need and still come out ahead. If you take her to an RV service place, you may be billed 100+$/hr for service time. And here is the ouch part - the guy you are paying may know less than you do.
Toedtoes was correct about rubber. When we old RV owners talk about replacing rubber, we mean ALL the rubber. I have even replaced all the fuel and flexible brake lines. When you do the brake lines, you will have to replace the brake fluid as well, and that is good. Brake fluid absorbs water (even in Tucson) and should be flushed periodically.
Son of Norway was a little wrong in his priority. If it runs and stops well enough to bring it home, let that slide until you have everything else hammered flat. The engine and brakes are something that you can farm out and not do too badly. It will still be expensive and you can learn a lot if you get the books and do it your self. Wait until you see the socket wrench you will need for the rear bearings....
If you don't have dates on the tires, keep it slow. Heat is the enemy of tires (Great, is Tucson), and if they have been uncovered in the sun even a few years, they are dangerous. Get white tire covers, but don't plan to buy tires until are about to go out on the road. Tire life for an RV is YEARS not miles. You will get varied opinions about how many years, but in the north country, eight is about it.
Well, I have my own coach to work on today. But, that will be after the meeting with local owners of similar coaches.
Good Luck
Matt
