1979 Executive LaPalma starter info

Executive wrote:
With a 79 it'll be trial, error and learn as you go. Most of these rigs are pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Two things that will bug the heck out of you are plumbing and electrical. For the electrical, I went thru my entire coach with a pack of zip ties and tied the wiring every 12-15 inches. This keeps the wiring from bouncing back and forth thereby keeping it from breaking. The rest of the wiring thru the coach is in looms so don't worry about them. As for the plumbing, I often wonder what they were thinking when it was installed. Anyway, look at where your issue is and determine if there is a different/better way of fixing the leak. These coaches used PEX, or similar, plumbing. With Shark Bite fittings available, (Home Depot) most plumbing is a simple fix. I carry several extra fittings in case I need them. Many come in a 3 pack. Make a note of things you do with photos, so you have a record if needed. Also, one of ***Link Removed*** will help you find things you cannot otherwise see. Best of luck...Dennis

Oh! and run your VIN thru Google. There are several free sites that will identify your engine, tranny etc.

Sweet, ill take a look at the fittings, first trip is next weekend, so i got this weekend to get it ready!

With a 79 it'll be trial, error and learn as you go. Most of these rigs are pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Two things that will bug the heck out of you are plumbing and electrical. For the electrical, I went thru my entire coach with a pack of zip ties and tied the wiring every 12-15 inches. This keeps the wiring from bouncing back and forth thereby keeping it from breaking. The rest of the wiring thru the coach is in looms so don't worry about them. As for the plumbing, I often wonder what they were thinking when it was installed. Anyway, look at where your issue is and determine if there is a different/better way of fixing the leak. These coaches used PEX, or similar, plumbing. With Shark Bite fittings available, (Home Depot) most plumbing is a simple fix. I carry several extra fittings in case I need them. Many come in a 3 pack. Make a note of things you do with photos, so you have a record if needed. Also, one of THESE will help you find things you cannot otherwise see. Best of luck...Dennis

Oh! and run your VIN thru Google. There are several free sites that will identify your engine, tranny etc.

gbopp wrote:
Now for some not so good news. If you are not familiar RV's, you need to know that RV tires usually age out before they wear out.
Most replace the tires beteeen 6-10 years. Even if they look good and have plenty of tread.
Learn to read the tire codes to determine the actual age.
If in doubt, have the tires inspected by a good tire shop.

I'm in process of getting new tires this weekend. I had a bent rim that was a problem child to find however (8 hole, 17.5 x 5.25) but we found one

Man, I'm glad yall have this info, it's my first RV and I love the styling of it. The only issues I'm having right now is I have 2 leaks in the plumbing (one just past the pump, and one past the cutoff valve for the tolet. And the windows themselves (not the seal around the windows) have some leaks. What materials should be used for sealing the windows up? And should I use household items (dope, pipe tape, ect) or specialty items for the plumbing seal?

Now for some not so good news. If you are not familiar RV's, you need to know that RV tires usually age out before they wear out.
Most replace the tires beteeen 6-10 years. Even if they look good and have plenty of tread.
Learn to read the tire codes to determine the actual age.
If in doubt, have the tires inspected by a good tire shop.

Probably the m400 chassis.
As for plubming and electrical? You might, maybe find someone who has the info, but not likely. Definitely not worth wasting your time looking. Following lines and wires is pretty simple. If your really into it, a signal generator will allow you to trace the wires from fuse/breaker to fixture. Then a lable maker will get everything marked.
Your biggest concerns right now is leaks. Clean, and seal everything. If you dont know how to do the windows and other openings, ask before you screw things up. Its not hard to do, but unless you use the right products your only going to make things worse. Once its sealed tight outside, you can start on the fun stuff.
Make a list of all the appliances and search the internet for that make and model. Download the manuals, print them out and you will wind up with a pretty extensive manual.

I have a Dodge 440 Big block on either a M400 or M300 Chassis, I cant find an identifier on the unit itself to tell me the specific model. Thanks for the tips!

Welcome to the forum. And, congrats, that's a neat rig.
What engine/chassis do you have?
Inspect your roof and make sure you have no leaks. A small leak not repaired quickly can cause a lot of damage.
For info on the appliances, Google the make/model of the one in question. Most RV's use the same appliances.

For the plumbing, you may not find a 'manual' giving you specifics. You may have to figure it out yourself. Same as electrical systems.
There is a lot to learn about RV's but, it's not difficult.
Enjoy your travels.