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

[TreeSeeker]

RE: Radio Wiring

I always thought it would be nice to have the radio wired normally (on when ignition is on) but also have a switch to connect it to the house battery for use when parked. I also have a 100amp amplifier on my mine and hesitate to use the radio when parked for fear of running down the engine battery.

[eyeteeth]

Kewl Idea. I was hoping to be able to use it while parked. the wiring might be a pain in the butt... but worth it in the long run. Thanks. Any details would be much appreciated.

[Leeann]

I'll take pics for you this evening. That was one of the first things we did and it's a bit fuzzy now 😛

We wired all the accessories to a junction block which is wired to the house battery; I remember that much...

[eyeteeth]

Ok... so I'm on the right track for the radio. Now... I guess the the next question is how did your boyfriend wire it? I can't tell what it what back there.

[SemperFiCop]

goreds2 wrote:
Hello,

Hello, This is my first post here. I have been looking at RV's today.

Thanks in advance for any input.

"looking for Class A (19ft. at the most)"

goreds2,

No Class A under 25 feet

[Old___Slow]

Dodge Sportsman wiper linkage bushings,

Old and they fall apart. Takes 4 for the system. Wiper Linkage Bushings. Part number. 'Dorman 49440'. Got them at O'Reilly Auto Parts.
All others I tried, no deal. Please be advised, not a easy installation. Glad previous post gives instructions. You can unscrew the cover, lift it and reach the arms. Need long nose pliers with a 90 and some WD40. I finally gave up and took the MH to a service tech. At 74, not to good at all jobs. But do be prepaired to replace these bushings. I love this thread. So much to be gained.

Floyd

[Kendas]

TreeSeeker wrote:
Old & Slow,

>4 Poly Wiper Linkage Bushings...

I need to replace these too. How do you get to them? It appears that you have to remove the entire panel under the windshield. If so, this seems to be what holds the windshield in; will it stay put after removing this panel? Does the windshield have to be resealed and/or the windshield gasket replaced when you do this (my gasket looks quite old)?

Yes!!! I want the part numbers too! I want to see if I can cross it to something that CSK or Autozone has.

Treeseeker, That lower panel comes off after removing the wiper arms (CAUTION - Be carful with the washer connection at the wiper blade (if equipped) it is FRAGILE). After that you just remove the sheet metal screws and carefully lift the panel out. No need to worry about the seal.

Click on picture:

Note that the panel is resting against the left front fender. Sorry I don't have a larger (closer) picture but you should get the idea.

Ken

[TreeSeeker]

Old & Slow,

>4 Poly Wiper Linkage Bushings...

I need to replace these too. How do you get to them? It appears that you have to remove the entire panel under the windshield. If so, this seems to be what holds the windshield in; will it stay put after removing this panel? Does the windshield have to be resealed and/or the windshield gasket replaced when you do this (my gasket looks quite old)?

[Leeann]

Yep, that's how it mounts:

[Old___Slow]

Old Dodge,

Mine, 30 years old. But in mint condition. One thing I learned recently is the need to to carry 4 Poly Wiper Linkage Bushings if they have not been replaced. I got caught in a rain storm, the wipers quite and I had no choice but to pull over and wait for better weather. In the next town none were in the parts stores. Had to reach home before finding them only at 'O"Reilly Parts.' They are labeled for Dodge.

[Leeann]

Sorry, eye - I removed mine first thing and replaced it with a real stereo (and the bf wired it properly).


Duh...let me go grab the manual....brb.

[eyeteeth]

Looking for confirmation on the old original Dodge Radio. From what I can tell... (electrician I am not) the radio had ONE power wire and no ground wire as it self grounded directly to the dashboard via it's metal mounting plate and screws?

It is such a mess behind my dash... even worse now. 😄

[Trish_Davis]

goreds2 wrote:
Thanks everyone for your replies. I am still looking.

Hola, goreds2...
Where in Ohio are you? I'm over in the eastern bit.
e
Yah, keep looking, this time of year they'll just keep getting cheaper.
I'm with Leeann, 3grand is way too much for something with water damage.

There's a nice Travco on Muncie craigslist.
I'd buy a spare but have nowhere to put it and the price is right.

Trish

[ALnCORY]

I would just ditto LeeAnns comment on the price. As Powerwagon said, all old motorhomes have some problems and leaking is pretty common. Finding one without a currant or prior leak is pretty tough. I am currently fixing up one that had alot of leaks mainly from lack of maintanence. Like power I paid very little for it and don't have a problem doing some work on it. Water damage is fixable, and if you have some fairly basic carpentry skills you can do it youself for not alot of money. IN todays market 3 grand should buy you a very clean older unit with very few problems... anything less than that either get the price down or keep looking... there are probably 6 or more available on craigs list here in my area every few days. good luck, and when you do find one check back in here, there is a wealth of knowledge available. A.

[Leeann]

eye- it's quite possible the leak is further up, like one (or more) of the marker lights. They are notorious for leaking. The water could then run down inside the paneling until it hit the window frame, then come in and make it look like the window was leaking.

Check the marker lights well.


I think $3k for something with that kind of water damage is far too much, personally. If the thing was perfect, inside and out, it might be worth the $3k. As an aside, boat racing friends of ours had a Honey for a little while that 'was the worst motorhome they've ever owned, apart from the Dodge 440 and 727" (they've owned something over 10 motorhomes since the early '70s).