1977 Xplorer 307 Xtrava

[mark44004]

i just recently came accross a 1977 xplorer 307 xtrava with a 440 Chrysler engine. I'm giving it a once over to make it road worthy. Does anyone know of where i can find misc parts for this MH? I have some collector plates on it now and i'm trying to locate a set of 1977 ohio motor home license plates for it. i'sd also like to put some hub caps on the 17.5 rear wheels if that's even possible.
I have a bunch of things to look at but i guess a horn, some wipers, turning signals and lights, brake lights, and fluid changes are where i'm starting first to at least get it road ready for local traveling. I'd appreciate any help one has to offer. Thanks!

[mark44004]

Greetings to all again. Used the RV to camp a couple times since my first post. Found out at the end of my second outing that the fridge worked...go figure. Runs either on propane or electric depending on how it's set. Used the fridge last time with no problems.
I have an issue with the wipers. I pulled out some wires when I was trying to remount the wiper motor. I bought a 1976/1977 Dodge Chassis motor home manual on DVD on ebay, and wouldn't you know it, the wiper info was not in the manual. I am told the wiper stuff is with the motor home schematics and not the Dodge chassis schematics. I have a bunch of wires that I do not know where they go. I figure i'll just take it somewhere and let them figure it out to save me the agony. Anyone have and manuals on this M40 body?
I made a list of what I need to rectify before next year. I hope all goes smoothly.
Everywhere I go people dig the RV and it's style. I keep it the seventies style and don't plan on updating it other than mechanically and electrically.

[wny_pat1]

mark44004 wrote:
There is a TV show on Travel Channel where rocker Brett Michaels restores RV's for people. I've tried to contact the show's producers to tell of my brother in laws situation because i'd love for the show to make the RV handicap accessible with a wheel chair lift and other mods so he can enjoy the darn thing.

You best hope that the show gets a contract for the coming year then, cause I'm willing to bet that all the episodes for the current season have been shot.

[mark44004]

thanks for the info. I did stop in and talk to bob at Sands and he was very helpful. I can't believe all the stuff they have in there! Everything I could possibly want, vintage or otherwise. He checked out my ride and I looked at his Unger which was awesome. He gave me some pointers and things to look for to trouble shoot. I can tell camping folks need some deep pockets for their rv's if they want to update or replace. Sands RV is THE place to find what you need.

[Daveinet]

you do realize Mentor RV is different from Sands RV on Rt 20. Mentor RV would be primarily new and slightly used RVs. Sands doesn't really sell RVs, just parts which are surplus, which means much cheaper and substantially larger quantity. I bought my front seats and couch from them. Also bought a used ReadyBrake as well. Incidentally, they still have a few of the old Ungers parked on their lot. Since the Ungers was built on a Dodge chassis, they may have good insight on parts sources for old Dodge stuff.

[mark44004]

I appreciate all your info. Yes I plan on taking the MH over to mentor RV sales and service in Madison for a once over. I think I saw on the id plate in the engine bay "M40" I could be wrong.
The RV actually was my brother in law's who was an over the road trucker. Has no wife or kids and was 38 at the time. He bought the motor home in Lincoln Nebraska with the intent of living in it when he was home. He didn't even get to use it because in November he suffered a brain stem stroke that made him immobile at that time. The dude couldn't move but nod his head slightly, blink and give us an "elvis" smile now and again. he now can move his right side somewhat and is on a long road to as much recovery as his will and body will allow. he essentially gave the RV to my wife so that someone can use it. So that's what we're going to do. There is a TV show on Travel Channel where rocker Brett Michaels restores RV's for people. I've tried to contact the show's producers to tell of my brother in laws situation because i'd love for the show to make the RV handicap accessible with a wheel chair lift and other mods so he can enjoy the darn thing. Maybe that will happen someday. But until then we'll just work away at it.
Thanks again!

[MrWizard]

dodge truck parts for the chassis, engine, running gear etc..
write down the vin number and keep it handy
the numerals in the vin ID specify things like the braking system and which version engine was installed, and also relate to things like the ignition switch harness wiring
example a 77 and 79 are not directly plug and play, different wiring colors and positions in tne harness plug
but the parts store book might only list the 79 ver as replacement for all models

in the 70s, Dodge used several different brake systems and axle systems
take all numbers and some pictures before you go look for parts

those 17.5 wheels use a large 'brake' shoe
memory says 11.5 inches by 2.5 inches

remove them and take to the store when you need to replace them
some models have dual wheel cylinders
some have single wheel cylinders

left side / drivers side wheels are 'left hand threaded lug nuts'

[Jarlaxle]

Chassis is PROBABLY a Dodge M300. A good part store (NAPA, usually) that sells TRUCK parts can probably help you there.

17.5" tires might be tough to find and pricey if you do.

[Daveinet]

Check out Sands RV on rt 20 if you haven't already. (Madison) They have ton of surplus stuff, good prices. The owner's dad was the builder of the Ungers Motorhome. They also used to sell FMC and Revcons. If you tell him a Revcon owner sent you, he may even remember who that is. You will probably not find specific OEM stuff for it, but are likely to find stuff that can be used.

As far as lights, I would (and have) converted to all LED. The wiring in your coach is old and tired. It will be much happier with the light load of LED lights.