RckyMtnTJ
Explorer
Joined 20 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
Does anyone have a link to a good writeup on changing tranny oil and adjusting bands in a 78 Dodge with 440? Is there an easy way to get excess fluid out so you don't make an absolute mess? Do I just fill it through the dipstick, or is there a fill hole? Thanks.253Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
Just a few questions. I need to top up the transmission fluid on my 78 Dodge Sportsman Beaver. The manual says to sure Dexron. I have Dexron +3 for Chrysler vehicles. Searching online, I find that Dexron's are compatible. The higher the number, the more recently the formula has been updated. So it seems I can use Dexron +3 in my rig, however I am finding alot of people saying to keep Dexron outta Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep vehicle trannies and use ATF4 instead. Does it matter if ATF4 and Dexron are mixed, since I am not sure what's in there to start. So, my questions are: 1) ATF fluid can I use or do I need? 2) Does it matter if I mix ATF4 and Dexron? 3) How does one change the fluid, since I may just change it out myself. Thanks, Jeff276Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
The frame runs directly under the seat. Thinking about welding a plate to the frame that the bolt will go through. Probably going to get a professional to actually do the install. I might go see what the dealer wants for the frame. I assume since they can be found in the newer units, I may be able to find one prefabbed. Then again that might cost as much if not more than having a welding shop build it for me and install it. Another option would be to drill through and go through a plate (glorified huge washer) maybe 6"x6". My wife talked to the authorities and was told what gauge of metal and such was required.306Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
From what I've seen in the new units, they use a frame made from angle iron. I know the wife looked into the specs for what kinda steel and how thick and such is legal here. I want to build a frame that goes around the water tank that you then bolt the seat belts too. There isn't much (read any) room behind the watertank to get belts bolted too. That is why I am thinking a frame that bolts to either side of the watertank. The first priority is definitely getting the kid (soon to be two) belted in good and tight. Thanks for the responses and pic.. keep em coming. Especially if anyone has a frame something like I want to do. Kendas, Do you have any pics without the plywood covering the watertank? Thanks, Jeff275Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
Seeing a post on here about seatbelts got me wondering. We just got our C Class Dodge and one of our top priorities for the winter is getting it set up for seatbelts for the kids. There are none in the back right now. There is a water tank in the forward facing dinette seat, and that is where we want to put the kids. We have room to put a frame around the water tank. My question is, how did you guys setup your vintage Dodge's for seatbelts? Do you have any pics? Thanks, Jeff N237Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
That sounds alot like the test my "guy" gave me. He came out with one of the little hand held amp readers and told me the alternator was shot and I should change the regulator while I was at it. I was kinda thinking about heading down to another shop and getting a second opinion.314Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
Well I finally got through reading all 181 pages. Although I must admit there were a few posts I just skimmed, but there seems to be a wealth of knowledge on here. Let me introduce myself. My name is Jeff and 3 weeks ago I bought a 1978 23' Dodge Sportsman Big Sur Beaver. We got it in time to take it out for Canadian Thanksgiving (first weekend in October). Everything seemed to work well. It is in reasonable condition, but as with everyone else here we will definitely be doing some work to make her "Ours". Other than being rather loud when we are givin' her on the hills she ran very nicely on the highway. It sports Firestone Ride Rite air bags in the back. When meeting semi's head on at highway speed we hardly feel a thing. My only complaints are: 1) she can be a bit of a dog on the big hills. 2) she's loud, my RPM is nearly 3000rpm @ 60mph. From what I understand this is about right. I will likely have to see if my doghouse seal is ok. Definitely have a bit of fumes in the cab. 3) she leaks tranny fluid when parked. 4) my alternator took a******as we got into the mountains. I though it was our battery since I made it 180 mile round trip without dying. A battery shop told me it was the alternator. I took the negative cable off while it was running and that killed it. 5) Pump/tank control panel wouldn't run from generator. Here is first question. I called around about an alternator for the 440 motor. Double pulley. They had a number of options. Ranging from 50 amp to 120amp or so. Apparently there is quite a bit of difference in sizes. I would assume a motorhome would have a larger alternator. Does anyone know if there would be a standard sized alternator for a rig like mine. I assume I will have to just bite the bullet and pull the alternator and take it down to the parts store with me. Also what is the easiest way to get it off. Through the doghouse or from underhood/underneath? Second question. Everything seemed to work fine when checking out the rig. We had it parked outside our garage to load and such. When we got up to the mountains and realized our battery was dead, I hooked up to the generator and added a charger. I charged my house batteries as well as my coach battery. While hooked up to the generator all outlets, lights, and furnace worked. The only thing that didn't was the water pump/water levels panel. After charging the batteries for a day all I could get was enough juice to see what the water levels were at. The pump wouldn't work either. When the rig is running everything on that panel works great. I haven't hooked it back up to shore power at home to see if everything works there. I checked all my fuses and they all seem to be good. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Jeff N314Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Motorhome Group
Join in here to discuss all things motorhomes.Feb 28, 202538,707 Posts Pet Owners
Notes from the road with the best travel companions around.Dec 29, 20242,081 Posts
