1975 Dodge Sportsman "c"

[ladydb24]

Hi first time here and am learning a lot! Thanks. I just bought a 1975 Dodge Sportsman Class C (360). I am having it tuned up and all the systems rechecked etc. I keep being asked what Model name it has. Is there a sub model identifier for the sportsman? Shes in really good shape and only 44000 miles. If there is something that is/can be a particular issue for this model and that I should have checked out, I would really appreciate the info. I can't wait to get her spruced up and get on the road!

[ladydb24]

Thanks for key info.....I'm glad to learn the tricks of the trade as to where to hide them and the number. I too am old and paranoid!!She is cleaning up nicely, and have an rv place to redo the weatherstripping around the cabover window. First of many dumb questions, if you are hooked up to city water at a campsite, does it bypass the water holding tank? If so then I don't have to blow it out for winterizing, Correct? I can't wait to get all the checking out done so I can bring her home and start getting to know her.
I met a lot of single female campers and camp hosts this year so am not worried about that. Kind of an independent old broad anyway!
I will go to girls on the go tonight How fun! Thanks Diane

[Matt_Colie]

Diane,

I hope you know how pleased we all are to boost you along. Some of these are hard won lessons.
Like Keys....
Never use the original keys. Keep that collection in side the unit where they will be safe.
Get two spares of door and what ever else you need to drive. (I our case, that is a set of three.)
Carry and use one set.
Hide one set that is accessible from outside. The reefer bay or under the engine hood. These should be protected from weather and vibration. (Wrap them in something.)
If you are as paranoid as I am, get a spare door key and drill a hole in it so you can put it behind the license plate and hold it with the license plate screw. OK, you will have to find a screwdriver or a Swiss army knife if you need it.

Yes, I am somewhat paranoid, but I am also OLD and paranoid.....

I hope you know that you will not be the only single lady on the road. We meet five or six in every traveling season. If you are on Facebook, look up Girls on the Go. We have some friends there.

Matt

[Sea_Dog]

Get a spare set of keys and hide them OUTSIDE the rig.
Mine are under the insulation in the fridge compartment.

[ladydb24]

Thanks for the help on the keys!

[mowermech]

Any Ace Hardware store, locksmith, or any place that has a key machine and a good selection of keys can make a key for that coach. Those keys are not chipped, they are just plain keys. The key for the compartments is probably a CH751, which is as common as dirt. It even fits E-Z-Go golf carts! Any key maker can make those, also.

[goreds2]

Not sure if it has been mentioned but here is a long standing thread which may help you out.

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

[ladydb24]

Thanks for the vin indicator page Matt....Wow who knew!!?? It is fun learning all about her. I'm going to see if I can run a Carfax on her to find out her "heritage". I want to have her all spruced up to drive next year from Georgia to Washington state for my 50th class reunion. Want to be able to travel around and see the huge changes and not get stuck in a hotel with a bunch of old people!! (my classmates lol)

I have one ignition key and one key for the compartments..Murphys Law predicts I will another set Can I get those at Campers World, online with vin, local locksmith,?. Sorry about all the basic questions, I just want to be as prepared as I can be for my next adventures.
Diane

[ladydb24]

Thanks Matt Appreciate and so does my mechanic no wild goose chases to start with but a good check list of things to look at. A good mattress does count!
Can I use an air compressor to blow the w/s out after draining or are the components too delicate for that? Thanks again

[Grit_dog]

toedtoes wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
Yes, but $22500 would get you something built in this century and unless the OP is into retro restorations, doing all that stuff just to have an old @ss camper with an old @ss chassis and drivetrain is silly.
May be what she's after, but takes a LOT of tinkering and $ to get a 40 year old camper anywhere near the standards and features of the last 15 years or so.
Not being a dik, just helping her analyze what she just bought as my hunch is she really has no idea.

I don't think you're being a dik, but I don't think it's necessarily silly to buy an old rig. I didn't restore my clipper - I got it in good working order. I did a few mods to make it mine. Other than that, it's the way I bought it. I LOVE my old @ss camper with an old @ss chassis and drivetrain (I love my clipper too).

Knowing what you're getting into is important, but knowing both sides of the arguments is the best way to know if you will be happy with your decision (whatever that decision may be). There are many folks on this board with old Dodge motorhomes (there's a years' long thread in the Class C forum dedicated to these old beasts) and they are quite happy with their rigs. Others want something new. What's right for one is wrong for another and visa versa.

And that old Power Wagon camper the Alaska guy on here has is super cool.
After reading more, it appears the op has a mechanic she trusts and that is key.
I said what I said, just based on her approach and knowledge, I picture a lady broke down on the side of the road, $1000 tow bill to get it somewhere. Expensive repair, hair to repeat again the next week with another aged or worn out something or other.

Like I said, if one is into repairing, restoring and maintaining something like this and fully aware that the amenities won't be like you 200X Honda/Buick/Chevy sitting in the driveway, but more like your dads old truck you remember as a kid, then it's an adventure, not a hinderance..

[toedtoes]

Mine is 21ft also and it is the perfect length for me - I can use it as a second vehicle when needed, it fits in most campsites (i'm a camper not an RVer), and it is really easy to drive.

As Matt_Colie mentioned boat places can do cushions. Mattresses are more subjective and awkward as the sizes aren't always standard. The futon mattress is a good possibility.

One thing with the Dodge chassis is that they often had ignition module problems. The parts are cheap and small and it is a good idea to keep a couple spares on hand. Mine was so problematic that I ended up doing a mod and switching out to a GM module. No problems since.

Another thing to check is the propane system. Get the lines tested for leaks, etc., before lighting up the furnace and such.

I totally understand your "it's the one for me". I felt the same way when I saw my clipper - it just felt right. I did rebuild the engine last year and while it was out of service I started perusing newer RVs - they just lacked the personality.

One thing I tell new clipper owners is that there isn't a "snob" attitude about restoring them to original. Make the mods, upgrades, and changes that you want and make it yours.

Space is limited in these rigs, but there are some great ways to gain storage space easily without filling up your cabover bunk with totes of stuff. If you're interested, PM me and I'll give you some info on our clipper club and website - you may find the technical info helpful as you move forward.

[Matt_Colie]

ladydb24 wrote:
Thank you all so much for the info! Although I am new to Pre-Modern, when I saw it, I knew it was the one for me. It's 21ft length is perfect! It has been well maintained, and does have a new carb. Luckily I have a mechanic who rebuilds old cars for himself and has a lot of good old Georgia boys to help him. I have ordered the service and owners manual. I knew going in I would spend some $ getting it right.
I may not know a lot about it now..this time next year, I Will!!:)
I printed out all your info to give to him, so he will have a heads up for what to pay attention to. Interior wise it is in good shape....Coverings/curtains all fairly new just not my taste so that will be my winter project. Is there anything special to do to winterize it..I'm an antique too LOL so do remember what we had to do to cars back then. Where do you go to get new mattresses and seat cushions? I will post a picture after I detail it this week. Thanks again, I am so glad to have found this site!

Wow Lady,

It is good to see that you have your arms around this. That can make for many happy times but hopefully boring hours of driving. As you can guess from the sigfile, we are in kind of the same position - age wise.

Having a mechanic friend and the manuals will be a thing that will save you a great deal of trouble. When you talk to anybody working on this, say two things: Ask him to tell you what he notices. And ask him to do the job like it was supposed to last forever and if the cost will increase, you would like to get to make that choice. (This is the reason I do most of my own work, I want it done the best it can be.)

As for cushions, find a place that does things like this for boats. They know how to do this. If your existing cushions can be recovered, that will be easier.

As to a mattress, we tried air mattresses and foam toppers but finally bought a mattress for a futon. You might see if that will fit. When you get near 60, a mattress matters more. (Too bad we aren't getting closer to 60.)

About winterizing, Most places in Georgia do get at least one hard freeze, so that is what you have to be ready for. The water system is the big concern. You have to either empty it completely by blowing all the water out with air or fill the system with RV (sort of potable) anti-freeze. Unfortunately, I don't know your coach real well, so I can't advise which is better. Just be sure it gets done and done right.

You also need to work GasBuddy. Fuel prices often change with states and this is the best way to know in advance.

I wish you fair weather and smooth roads.

Matt

[ladydb24]

Thank you all so much for the info! Although I am new to Pre-Modern, when I saw it, I knew it was the one for me. It's 21ft length is perfect! It has been well maintained, and does have a new carb. Luckily I have a mechanic who rebuilds old cars for himself and has a lot of good old Georgia boys to help him. I have ordered the service and owners manual. I knew going in I would spend some $ getting it right.
I may not know a lot about it now..this time next year, I Will!!:)
I printed out all your info to give to him, so he will have a heads up for what to pay attention to. Interior wise it is in good shape....Coverings/curtains all fairly new just not my taste so that will be my winter project. Is there anything special to do to winterize it..I'm an antique too LOL so do remember what we had to do to cars back then. Where do you go to get new mattresses and seat cushions? I will post a picture after I detail it this week. Thanks again, I am so glad to have found this site!

[toedtoes]

Grit dog wrote:
Yes, but $22500 would get you something built in this century and unless the OP is into retro restorations, doing all that stuff just to have an old @ss camper with an old @ss chassis and drivetrain is silly.
May be what she's after, but takes a LOT of tinkering and $ to get a 40 year old camper anywhere near the standards and features of the last 15 years or so.
Not being a dik, just helping her analyze what she just bought as my hunch is she really has no idea.

I don't think you're being a dik, but I don't think it's necessarily silly to buy an old rig. I didn't restore my clipper - I got it in good working order. I did a few mods to make it mine. Other than that, it's the way I bought it. I LOVE my old @ss camper with an old @ss chassis and drivetrain (I love my clipper too).

Knowing what you're getting into is important, but knowing both sides of the arguments is the best way to know if you will be happy with your decision (whatever that decision may be). There are many folks on this board with old Dodge motorhomes (there's a years' long thread in the Class C forum dedicated to these old beasts) and they are quite happy with their rigs. Others want something new. What's right for one is wrong for another and visa versa.

[Grit_dog]

Yes, but $22500 would get you something built in this century and unless the OP is into retro restorations, doing all that stuff just to have an old @ss camper with an old @ss chassis and drivetrain is silly.
May be what she's after, but takes a LOT of tinkering and $ to get a 40 year old camper anywhere near the standards and features of the last 15 years or so.
Not being a dik, just helping her analyze what she just bought as my hunch is she really has no idea.