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

[Jer_Ger]

Sorry it's been a bit since I responded, we took a trip to Yellowstone last week.

beniam wrote:
Jerry what kind of Motorhome did you settle on??Where did you find that Fantastic vent?Congratulations ,and good luck especically in the dark it is 1218 midnight here in Texas, I guess it is sunlight there..LOL..ben

It's a '76 Dodge Monaco w/440. I found the vent at a garage sale I came across here in town, the guy wasn't sure what it was for but I did as soon as I saw it. We are sure looking forward to putting it to good use.
Thanks for the info Leeann & Griff, that will be a big help.

[Chicknnhead]

I already changed out the Voltage regulator. I think i'll get out the multi-meter next and see what the actual amperage is

was just curious what everyone else's amp gauge reads on the ol'dodges

[Leeann]

I think you might need a new voltage regulator…

However, those gauges are notoriously inaccurate. I'd double-check the readings with an actual voltmeter, then check the wiring to/from the gauge.

[Chicknnhead]

76 dodge 360, using the factory amp gauge, what should it read?

this is the amp gauge rolling down the road at 60mph
changed out voltage regulator.
I checked the battery and the alternator with volt gauge, they read just as they should.
at idle it reads just above 0

just wondering do I have a problem or that is where they are supposed to read?

[img width=480 height=640]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/chicknnhead/Motorhome/3005B6B3-847A...

with the lights on
[img width=480 height=640]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/chicknnhead/Motorhome/A6FBED3B-1BD0...

[Leeann]

^ good grief! 🙂

Jer, my 440 had a miss when I got it. Replacing the coil, plugs, wires, cap & rotor and 2 vac lines took care of it so well it idles at 400 rpm. Oh, and the choke bits on the carb, too.

[Griff_in_Fairba]

If your engine is using oil and has 100,000 to 200,000 miles on it:

1. Check the valve covers and oil pan gaskets. Sometimes, previous owners over-torque the bolts, distorting the sheet metal which prevents a good seal. (Older Chevy small blocks, with the two bolts through the center of the valve covers, were notorious for this -- so much so you could assume you'd have to replace the valve covers.)

2. Check the front main seal. It's a PITA to replace and you might need a speedy-sleeve if it's leaking there.

3. Personally, if the rear main seal is leaking, I plan on a complete rebuilt. The in-place replacements are only good for a few ten thousand miles.

If there's no serious external leaks, replace the valve stem seals. This can be done -- carefully -- without removing the heads. You use air pressure to hold the valves closed and a bolt-on spring compressor. (Instead of the C-clamp style compressor.)

The valve stem seals on LA small block (273, 318, 340, and 360 cu. in.) engines are known to disintegrate with age and are the most likely cause of internal oil consumption. I know this was a problem at least through 1977 model years but don't know if the same problem existed with the big block and Magnum small block engines. I've also seen signs of this problem in the V6 engines that are based on LA small block but don't know how common it is.

If you do a valve job, you should at least hone and re-ring the cylinders. Otherwise, the improved valve seating significantly increases ring blow-by.

Oh, by the way ... I got another motorbome. (Don't ask me how many this makes ... I've lost count ... four or five ... or six.) This one is a Class C that runs, although the previous owner was an idiot so who knows how well it runs. The previous owner (my buddy's loser cousin) stripped the coach off it and got frustrated with the project at that point. I'm thinking of welding van-like backend to the cab and turning it into a flatbed materials hauler.

[beniam]

Jerry what kind of Motorhome did you settle on??Where did you find that Fantastic vent?Congratulations ,and good luck especically in the dark it is 1218 midnight here in Texas, I guess it is sunlight there..LOL..ben

[RFV]

Replacing fuel line in my 73' Dodge Sportsman. Should have her back in shape soon!

[Jer_Ger]

Well, today I started checking things out. It seems to have two fresh water tanks (30 gal. ea.), ! grey tank along behind the driver & 1 Large tank across the back for the toilet and shower. It also has an updated 3 way refrig that was put in on 2/95. Lots of storage room & room for a gen if I want to add, even has air shocks! I was even lucky enough to pick up a "Fantastic Fan" vent that was almost new for $10.00 today. Hows that for luck.... I'm almost overwhelmed. Now to get into the engine compartment, I think things are are going to be a little different there. I diffinately can hear a miss from in there somewhere. Wish me luck....Jerry

[rehoppe]

lol Yup, Blowouts provide serious 'pucker factor'!

I'm looking at a set that have less than 10k on them. Only one is showing cracking. Hurts the wallet, but I guess it's gotta be done.

[Leeann]

^ yup. It's actually not the tread that's the issue, it's the sidewalls. And at 6-7 yrs, they dry-rot and crack and become really dangerous on a vehicle the size of an RV.

[TreeSeeker]

Tires are supposed to be replaced 6 years from the manufacture date regardless of the tread.

[Jer_Ger]

Thanks for the replies guys, I see the old group is still around. I checked the tires today on this RV and they are 10 yrs. old, but the tread looks brand new (this only has 44,000 miles on it). It also has a nice updated fridg. & seems to be pretty well taken care of. So, now I have to decide how much to offer this guy. We like it for the layout, so I figure we'll get it so I'll be back asking questions once again. Oh, happy times are here again! I hope everyone has been doing well while I was away. Happy camping!

[Ray___June]

We own a 75 American Clipper with a 360. My dad bought it new, and I bought it from him in 1985. It has over 125000 miles on it, and goes from Salt Lake to Las Vegas (Nascar), and Yellowstone every year.

I was a mechanic for almost 20 years, and maintained it for my dad when he owned it. It has never left us stranded. Granted, we've had to do minor repairs on the road, but nothing to ruin a trip.

We're in the process of preparing our home to sell to retire full time into a RV. As soon as the house sells, we're selling the class "C". It will be like losing a loved one.

For 39 years (I camped with my dad many times in the rv) it has been just like home.

[beniam]

Welcome back, it just ceases to amaze me one needs help and a response is within 27 minutes.. Such loyalty ,caring and willigness to help, is amazing, The the only other place I have seen this commradre is in the military.. Glad to see the thread active again,nice to know all haven't gone on to Rv heaven? ben