Xplorer van, what model is this?

[Shoalster]

Does anyone know what model Xplorers these are? The silver one is a 1990 and the green one is a 1985. They both have a readily visible step down in the roof. I read in one of the ads that there is 6 feet standing headroom in the galley/lounge area, quite a feat in such a low profile van. They must have a very deep dropped floor. I've seen some with side wall mounted air conditioning and a generator which would make for a very low profile air conditioned class b.
I'd like to look at one and possibly purchase but all that I've seen advertised are too far away. I tried joining the Xplorer Yahoo Groups to find out information but I think the moderator is on vacation.

[Shoalster]

Wow, that is a long time to own one vehicle, which is a good recommendation for an Xplorer. That's good news about injector replacement.

My 1990 Aero Cruiser had a 360 w/TBI. I would have kept it but the computer always saw a cold engine and would always dump Xtra fuel. I took it to 2 carburetor specialists and they couldn't fix it. They tried 2 computers, a new temperature sensor and checked the grounds. I think I got 11-12mpg on a 800 mile trip pulling a 650 pound boat before the problem started which is pretty good for a 23 ft class a, but I always kept it at 55 mph on cruise control not running the dash air.

Going to go and check out your 89 Xplorer, must be a good one!

[chainegang]

Also, it sounds like you might have owned an Xplorer in the past?...

Yes! I've owned our Xplorer since new. Xplorer 1989 model 230 w/elevated roof, on a Dodge B350 w/360 engine which has the TBI system. Currently has 150K. Still have it and love it. Replaced the two injectors at 120K. Did it myself. Piece of cake after the fear factor disapated.

[Shoalster]

Oh yes, I always thank the person giving information. Knowledge will save a person a lot of grief, esp. when shopping for older rvs and vehicles. Also, it sounds like you might have owned an Xplorer in the past?

Regarding Dodge TBI, I found this at Ramcharger central. com:
"my 1987 came with a factory 2bbl carb.  88 was 1st year for TBI on 318 and 89 was 1st year for TBI on 360.  1992 had MPFI on the 318 magnum and 1993 was 1st MPFI 360 magnum."

I'm a former shade tree mechanic and I surely don't want to have to rebuild an old style carburetor (aspirated?).

I've always liked the older Dodge 318's and 360's. Reliable, at least for me, and the 318 TBI got good gas mileage.

Again, thanks for your help!

[chainegang]

I think your right on about the TBI use. I do believe that TBI transitioned to indivudual injectors in 93 or 94. Someone on the "Dodge B-Series Vans 1971 - 2003" web site would narrow it down better than I and probably pinpoint the engine size chronology of introducion and transition. Glad I could help and thanks for indicating you got the information. So many times posters just run with the info and never acknowledge receiving it.

[Shoalster]

Thanks! You really know your Xplorers ! I never considered a tire size problem. Seems like Xplorers are hard to find near me, I'm in Florida. I guess I need to concentrate on a 228 with the normal tires.
Also, I'd prefer TBI which started in '88(?) for the 318, not sure about the 360. I had a 90 Aero Cruiser with a 360 TBI so I know the 360's were TBI by then. Good information, thanks!

I just read about the 16.5“ tires and it said that the bead won't hold to the rim when tire pressure drops, something to do with the steep rim angle. It sounds like a safety hazard for people who neglect tire pressure. Another reason to stay away from them.

[chainegang]

Both are classified as dropped floors. The green one 1985 is a model 220 and is troublesome as tire size is odd at 16.5 inch wheels. That was changed to 16 inch by the 1990's with it's model being 228 and I think it is 6 inches longer. Far easier to buy tires when needed.