New to forum, and info questions.

Welcome Andy, I think you will like the forum. There is a lot of experience here and most people will help you. Like any large group, there are super friendly, not-so friendly, some really funny people; all in all a very normal grouping of people who have camped everywhere in any kind of camper or tent.
Good luck with your camper!

Would suggest your driveway for your first camping spot. That way if you have any problems or issues your not away from home. Then for the second time find a state or county park close by for a weekend getaway. ENJOY

I agree with Ty and Gladys....stay close to home, until you feel comfortable. You may even want to have DW fallow in the family car, just in case you have to make a run home for something.
Our first trip out, we left DW's suitcase sitting on our bed at home:) Fortunately, we only went for an overnight trip, so we survived....

You'll be amazed about the littlest things that you forget about....a can opener? Cigarette Lighter (get one of the long handled ones)...etc.

As for the RV itself, learn the ins and outs of the appliances. You should probably be able to contact the mfgr's website, and maybe get a PFD of the manual, if they have it...and you don't.
If you've been reading this forum, you know about tires....how old are they on your MH? They may look new, but you need to check the age on them, and consider replacement when they get about 8 years old. Also, make sure you keep them pressurized to the proper numbers. Getting the RV weighed is a great idea, as it will allow you to get a better calculation as to what the pressures should be, based on the weight on each tire/axle.

Keep reading this forum, keep asking questions....and get out and use your RV!
That's what it's all about....
Happy Camping:)

I understand that before the purchase you have checked that everything is in a working condition otherwise you would be asking a specific question.
So if I am right the first thing I would do is check the camper for leaks and get that out of the way,second go and check the breaks and now if there are no leaks and the breaks are good take a short camping trip and use everything in the camper and make a list of things that need attention.
Take it easy and enjoy.

That van under your RV has a nearly bomb proof drivetrain. It's probably a 350 4 bolt on a turbo 400. The only real weak spot on that motor is the nylon timing chain gears. It may well have been replaced already with an all metal set. Taken care of it will serve you well. A van of that vintage is somewhat limited as to cruise speed so 60 mph will be about your limit which is OK. The only other issue is GM trucks of that vintage rust like crazy. I am pleasantly surprised at how nice the cab looks.

If you are capable at fixing things you will have fun in your "new" RV. As others have said, make the first trip close to home. On our first trip in the last RV (my return to RVing in an new to us RV) we took a chase car with us in case we forgot something critical. Take a note pad (or smart phone) too as you will find lots of things you need and want to note.

Have fun!!

Well Andy,

At least know what you signed up for....
Start by thinking that every rubber part is about to fail unless you can prove it was replaced recently. This means coolant, fuel, brake, vacuum and A/C. Also the belts are probably a size no longer available, so when you replace them, make sure that the new ones don't bottom out in the sheave. The parts store guys will lie to you, but check the back width. The entire fuel system will have to be looked over. It was never expecting the ***pahol that is today's excuse for motor fuel.

If the tires are 16.5, then start hunting the junk yards for rims that fit you chassis (note may require 4-9/16 bore) and they are not easy to find, but they are out there on later - like 78 1 ton dualies.

Once you get all that done, you can have a reliable 40yo coach.

Go Ahead, ask me how I know.

Matt

All great advice. Thank you. After reading all of the posts I could for the last two days, my Wife and I are already planning our first trip. A two night stay about 45 miles away. Should be perfect for testing the rig.

One of you brought up the drive train and weas correct about the the 350. However, it does not have the Turbo 400. It has a turbo 350. I was actually curious if anybody New weather I could buy a turbo 400 and do a straight swap. Would it work, or would I have to make some serious linkage modifications? I'm almost positive it will bolt right up.

As for Matt, I will bite. How do you know? Your correct about the fuel lines and stuff. It was some of the first stuff I checked while buying it. It needs a few of them and some were replaced. Tires are less than 3 years old. I lucked out, and the rig only has 85k miles on it. I drove 230 miles home from picking it up, and it drove beautifuly.

You might find my build thread interesring.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26101292/page/1.cfm

Hi, Good Luck! I think I came across an ad for your vehicle when I was researching mine. I bought a 1973 Open Road on a C30 chassis. (It isn't real pretty right now.) (Did you mean C30 when you wrote G30?) I replaced all rubber: tires, belts, hoses, complete gasket replacement for the transmission. I don't even have the utilities figured out, (next). I have a couple leaks. I contacted a guy just today who said he may have a 1973 Open Road Shop Manual available, and if so, I will share with you. I'll add you to my contacts list. Best, Tom

Tires must be taken seriously on an RV.If tires are older than five years old inspect for sidewall cracks and replace them if suspect. If a rear tire comes apart, it can thrash the holding tanks, propane lines and wiring as well as disrupt your trip.A blowout in a front tire can cause loss of control. If you ever have a tire fail DO NOT use the brakes. It is a good idea to have the flexible front brake lines replaced. They can rupture internally causing sudden pull to right or left. While your at it, have the entire brake system checked and fluid flushed and replaced. The cooling system on an older rig may need overhaul. If it wants to overheat going up a grade, have cooling system checked. These things are critical to for safe driving and not being stranded and paying through the nose away from home. Other stuff can usually wait. Above is based on personal experience with an old rig. Good Luck is partly due to good maintenance.