Hi I am buying a 1978 Dodge Monaco, Class C. I am trying to figure outwhat size the engine is. It's 24 feet long, 2 fresh water tanks,gen set, have not looked at it yet. This old rig has 53,567 originalmiles on it. It's been sitting for about 4-5 years. Never lived innever smoked in. Inside is very clean for it's age. It has been startedruns just fine. It purrs for something that's been sitting so long the owner put a new master cylinder on it. It has a popcorn ceiling.I would like to know what to check on this rig, as I have to drive it 200 miles home! Brakes work good. But what else should I look at?The engine COMPLETELY fills the engine compartment. I honestly don'tknow how they got it in there. It looks bigger than a 413, which was Chrysler's R.V. engine. Any idea what model or where to find the modelof coach this is? I know its a Monaco, But what sub model?

I don't know anything RV specific - do the same you would test driving any used car/truck. What do you mean brakes seem good? Did you get it up to 35 mph and slam on the brakes? Take it onto an expressway and see how it feels at 70mph.How about the tires (and wheels for that matter) ... Rub the side of the tire - see if cracks have been filled in with shoe polish (I saw a neighbor doing this on a 1970s boat trailer he was selling.)I guess the other thing to ask, you're buying something 40 years old - what are your expectations - do you expect it to drive like a 2015 model?

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your Monaco.I don't have an answer for the engine size. If no one comes along with the answer, maybe you could try a Chrysler forum. Someone will know how to tell which engine you have in the Dodge.If the brakes are working, that's great. Now, check the tires. Look for the age of the tires, it will be marked on the sidewall.RV tires usually age out before they wear out. So, if the tires look good and have decent tread, they may still need to be replace because of their age.A blowout can cause a lot of damage to a RV. Plus, there's the possibility of a crash.

newman fulltimer wrote:either a 318 or a 460Or a 360.

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Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Jul 30, 2015
I replaced a head on my buddys. It was a 440.
bguy
Explorer
Jul 30, 2015
Distributor in the front would be 400-440, distributor in the back would be 318-360.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Jul 29, 2015
VIN decoder for Dodge Trucks
VIN decoder for Dodge Vans

For 1974 to 1979, the 4th digit should be the engine code.
jplante4
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2015
Fifth digit in the VIN is the engine code
toedtoes
Explorer III
Jul 29, 2015
Probably a 440. I have a 360 in mine and just replaced the original 2 barrel carb with a 4 barrel.

As to what to check, all the usuals: tires, appliances, water damage, etc. Be sure to check all fuel lines (generator, engine, and propane) - many times those will not have been replaced and will have deteriorated with pinholes, etc. You want to keep any fuel from leaking.
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2015
I just looked up dodge used 440's in their campers from 77 to 79
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2015
sch911 wrote:
newman fulltimer wrote:
either a 318 or a 460

Or a 360.

oops meant 360 typo
john_bet
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2015
My folks had a '78 Mini-winni class c on a Dodge chassis and it had a 360 2 bl truck engine. It also had either 4.88 or a 5.56 rearend and would scream at 60 mph.
johngg
Explorer
Jul 29, 2015
Im Thinking along the 440. It has the 4bbl. And its very wide. Iv'e had the 360.
Really a 360 is a 318 with 400 heads. (something like that) I had a 413
in a class A I had. This just says "Massive" when you look at it.
I have not driven it yet, Not registered. But brakes are very solid and stop
very easily for the driving that was done. Will lock up rear wheels. Tires dont
show any cracking, But thy are radial. The spare is very hard to the touch,
So i know its shot. When I called to get ins. They wanted to know a sub model.
I don't see one anywhere. One was Royale One was Vegas cant remember the others
they told me to look for. It just says Monaco. Top of the line coach in its day
from what I hear. Thanks for the replies. Happy motoring
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Jul 29, 2015
Did a search for your make and model.. they seem to come with the 440 engine.

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