How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?

[whiteknight001]

I'm new here, and curious.

How many of us in Class C own Dodge B300 incomplete
cab/chassis based RV's? I know two others- Steve aka
Ripsaw, with a 1977 Brougham, and Leroy aka 1978_Dodge
_Delta who owns a 440V8 powered sharp looking 1978
Delta RV. I would like to ask, and offer, help, idea
swapping and comparing notes on our particular RV's
which are based on the Dodge B300 van chassis.

Yeah, I know. These are low tech, podgy old RV's that
would be considered "entry level" for folks like me,
but I have a deep and abiding respect for the quality
of these old "monsters of the open road". And anyone
wanting to pick brains, joke about, share notes or just
brag about our old A- Dodge-io's are certainly welcome
to PM or email me. Between all of us we can form a real
good support group, and help each other with problems
we know we'll encounter with an older vehicle.

Sure. I'd love a new RV. But I'd rather have an older
one already paid for, and a lotta great memories. Call
me frugal, an old hippie, or whatever you will. I'm proud
of my old land yacht.

Mopar Madness Manifest in the flesh,

Mark aka White Knight

P.S. Mine's a '72. Is there an older one out there someone's
motorvating in? Maybe even a Travco? W/K

[new_v_er]

Way to go CDog.
I never knew the hours of entertainment I was going to have right in driveway!;) It beats reruns of Raymond.

[Cdog]

I really enjoy my Diamond, but I have to admit there are times when I ask myself "What the bleep have I got myself in for?" Right now I am rebuilding the front frame because of a water leak that rotted the wood. With a MH this old, camping is not the hobby. Restoring the MH is the hobby and camping is a side benefit.

[new_v_er]

Welcome ANRVEE.
I say an amen to MR.Mopar.
Complete R&R of the entire roof structure including new vents and fantastic fan,wood around windows, subflooring in the back corners, new fridge, gray and black water tanks, hotwater tank, carpet, sleeper sofa and two new captain's chairs, fiberglass reinforced paneling, new tierod ends, master cylinder, transmission cooler, new brakes, radiator and hoses are just beginning to make me think about the $500 original price tag for the rig. Headers are next.
But you know, I really got a kick out of making the old new. I have no payment book. I feel it's paid for. My sweetie says "Oh you think so!!!":R

Enjoy the journey if you take it. Otherwise, save your money and get one in newer and possibly better condition.

I know what's up with mine. The one ten years newer still has questions.

[Mr_Mopar_]

AnRvee wrote:
Hi,
I am looking at purchasing a 73 Dodge Diamond Class C motorhome.
I notice that CDog says he's got one. I want to know what have been your problems, rants and raves about this machine, hopefully before I take the plunge. Please respond as soon as possible. I may buy it tomorrow. Please email me at AdamKris@aol.com.
Thanks.

AnRvee

Hi AnRvee,
good luck with your purchase if you go for it.
What I would suggest & I am sure you already know this.
look closely and ask questions about the maintaince of the entire home.
if it is a Valley rig {or any where really} pay close attention to water leaks, which would show as water stains around roof vents A/C unit windows ect. and check for mold in closed up areas.
make sure the fridge, heater, water heater holding tanks for leaks. plumbing and all are in good working order. if the home has a trailer hitch on it check to see that all of the framing and mountings are solid and have not compromised the frame of the home from abuse or poor construction.
take a close look at the engine and drive train for mechanical problems. oil leaks ect. Drive the home to see that the engine pulls strong and the trans shifts smoothly and is responsive. Brakes in good working order.
let us know how it goes for you
Rodney

[AnRvee]

Hi,
I am looking at purchasing a 73 Dodge Diamond Class C motorhome.
I notice that CDog says he's got one. I want to know what have been your problems, rants and raves about this machine, hopefully before I take the plunge. Please respond as soon as possible. I may buy it tomorrow. Please email me at AdamKris@aol.com.
Thanks.

AnRvee

[Mr_Mopar_]

hi David 42,
if you brake down in Central oregon look me up I have lots of 440 parts.
I have found most of the drive train parts on the shelf at the local parts store. yes the dodge dealer doesn't carry much in the way of older parts.
I paid 5000k for my 78 a few years ago and have had to replace the engine, swap the rear axel, brakes, fix the electric control center for the coach, recarpet,
new paneling and the list goes on. I have done this over several years to spread out the cost of repairs. I could never justify buying a newer home that I could not work on myself so the older Clipper is a keeper for me and I do see the end of the repairs {I hope} soon. I do the repairs myself or would have never considered a project like this and I have been able to build it the way I want it. I have a good builder 440 out of my motor home if you need a builder let me know. glad to help.
bfn Rodeny

[Griff_in_Fairba]

david_42 wrote:
I have a '79 Monarch with a 440 and dual glasspacks. It's a total money pit & I've never had a trip without a major breakdown! [I'm talking sleeping in the repair depot's parking lot two nights a week EVERY trip] Drinks oil like a Texan. Electrical problems (two alternators in three years, voltage regulator, all outside lights have failed at one time or another, lost all cab power four times due to connector problems), suspension problems ($3700 worth), the attic basically fell off due to dryrot. Now the engine is acting up, any dumb big-block lovers here?

PS Forgot to mention the fan clutch replacement & exhaust manifold that will NOT stay tight! Heater failed on my second trip. And the cab A/C hasn't worked since the test drive.

By the way, the local Dodge dealer doesn't carry parts for anything over 20 years old.

Ah, that's tempting. Just the kind of vehicle I love. It is a bit tricky getting one of these older vehicles into good running condition, especially if previous owner(s) neglected maintenance. (Save a penny now, pay a dollar later.) The ones that really try my patience are the vehicles whose previous owner(s) engaged in "creative" maintenance.

Unfortunately, the wife would kill me if I took in another orphen without finding homes for some of the ones I already have.

BTW - Schucks, NAPA, etc. usually have the parts you're looking for and they often cost less than the dealer. (The folks at Schucks swear I sit up nights thinking up questions to confound them.)

[YukonDoug]

david_42 wrote:
I have a '79 Monarch with a 440 and dual glasspacks. It's a total money pit & I've never had a trip without a major breakdown!

...

By the way, the local Dodge dealer doesn't carry parts for anything over 20 years old.

Ouch. I know I've had to spend a few bucks on mine. I guess it's the result of being old (actually, both of us are starting to qualify).

I suppose that it comes down to the idea of whether it's cheaper to keep it or get something newer. It sounds like you might want to take the second choice.

[david_42]

I have a '79 Monarch with a 440 and dual glasspacks. It's a total money pit & I've never had a trip without a major breakdown! [I'm talking sleeping in the repair depot's parking lot two nights a week EVERY trip] Drinks oil like a Texan. Electrical problems (two alternators in three years, voltage regulator, all outside lights have failed at one time or another, lost all cab power four times due to connector problems), suspension problems ($3700 worth), the attic basically fell off due to dryrot. Now the engine is acting up, any dumb big-block lovers here?

PS Forgot to mention the fan clutch replacement & exhaust manifold that will NOT stay tight! Heater failed on my second trip. And the cab A/C hasn't worked since the test drive.

By the way, the local Dodge dealer doesn't carry parts for anything over 20 years old.

[mbwalshmpls]

Hey, great thread and some great people. I have a 1980 Cruise Air on a Dodge M500 Chassis with a 440-3 and a torqueflite 727 transmission. Some advantages of these rigs over the newer are that I just had the transmission rebuilt for $800.00. The trannie on my Dakota cost over $2000. Sure, she can't blow down the road at 80 mph, but only a fool would want to. A little slower on the steep hills but that is OK, I am on vacation anyway. I love this old rig. Been working on updateing and restoreing, just put in a new toilet (China bowl and everything). Next is to replace the paneling on the kitchen cabinets. OH yeh, I also hope to get the gen-set working sometime.

[new_v_er]

Sandman,

I used white FRP panels on the interior. Boy did that brighten things.
Hanging fiberglass panels on the ceiling will test the best of marriages:E.

What's your first project?

[new_v_er]

Welcome Sandman41:)
Sooner or later we will have questions, answers, or tid bit of inspiration to share. Glad your here.

[sandman41]

Count me in as one.
1975 Travel Queen
needs a lot of TLC, but lovin it.
water heater works
stove works
roof air (coleman Mach 1) works
some of the wood interior needs help..(LOL)
but am really really really wanting to take this (have yet to put a name to her, but will soon)out for a trip.

Thanks

[HiTech]

A fine point, but low back pressure is a large and open exhaust path, scavenging is the venturi effect of one exhaust pulse passing over a DIFFERENT exhaust header tube, and drawing out extra gasses thru the open valves. They are 2 different effects that can be achieved individually or in combination, depending on the headers used.

[Mr_Mopar_]

new v'er wrote:
Thanks to Griff and Mr. Mopar

The info is good stuff.

Doug Thorley folks state something like wrapping a header is like wearing a coat in the heat of a desert. They say it voids the warranty due to hot spots.

The electric fan is an issue. A mechanic stated that there is a way to increase fuel mileage by removing the engine fan and install electric fans.

I hear in your comments that this may prove out to be inadequate.

hi all!

what I had for and electric fan mounted on the inside of the radiator and had the original fan removed. the electric fan was 16 or 18 inches I don't recal? which covered 2/3's of the radiator which was to be big eouugh according to the manufacture. it just didn't push the air like the good clutch fan. A clutch fan when working properly will free wheel when not engaged this will save horse power.
I wouldn't be concerned about the HP And MPG savings the 440 has plenty for what it is intended to do.

dose anyone have to pass emmisions with your motor home?