Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?

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

Posted By: Mr.Mopar! on 05/03/05 07:33am

hi David 42,
if you brake down in Central oregon look me up I have lots of 440 parts.
I have found most of the drive train parts on the shelf at the local parts store. yes the dodge dealer doesn't carry much in the way of older parts.
I paid 5000k for my 78 a few years ago and have had to replace the engine, swap the rear axel, brakes, fix the electric control center for the coach, recarpet,
new paneling and the list goes on. I have done this over several years to spread out the cost of repairs. I could never justify buying a newer home that I could not work on myself so the older Clipper is a keeper for me and I do see the end of the repairs {I hope} soon. I do the repairs myself or would have never considered a project like this and I have been able to build it the way I want it. I have a good builder 440 out of my motor home if you need a builder let me know. glad to help.
bfn Rodeny

Rodney
Visit my website
1978 American Clipper 21 ft. 440 Dodge.

Posted By: AnRvee on 05/05/05 08:19pm

Hi,
I am looking at purchasing a 73 Dodge Diamond Class C motorhome.
I notice that CDog says he's got one. I want to know what have been your problems, rants and raves about this machine, hopefully before I take the plunge. Please respond as soon as possible. I may buy it tomorrow. Please email me at [email protected].
Thanks.

AnRvee

Posted By: Mr.Mopar! on 05/05/05 09:15pm

AnRvee wrote:

Hi AnRvee,
good luck with your purchase if you go for it.
What I would suggest & I am sure you already know this.
look closely and ask questions about the maintaince of the entire home.
if it is a Valley rig {or any where really} pay close attention to water leaks, which would show as water stains around roof vents A/C unit windows ect. and check for mold in closed up areas.
make sure the fridge, heater, water heater holding tanks for leaks. plumbing and all are in good working order. if the home has a trailer hitch on it check to see that all of the framing and mountings are solid and have not compromised the frame of the home from abuse or poor construction.
take a close look at the engine and drive train for mechanical problems. oil leaks ect. Drive the home to see that the engine pulls strong and the trans shifts smoothly and is responsive. Brakes in good working order.
let us know how it goes for you
Rodney

Posted By: new v'er on 05/06/05 12:41pm

Welcome ANRVEE.
I say an amen to MR.Mopar.
Complete R&R of the entire roof structure including new vents and fantastic fan,wood around windows, subflooring in the back corners, new fridge, gray and black water tanks, hotwater tank, carpet, sleeper sofa and two new captain's chairs, fiberglass reinforced paneling, new tierod ends, master cylinder, transmission cooler, new brakes, radiator and hoses are just beginning to make me think about the $500 original price tag for the rig. Headers are next.
But you know, I really got a kick out of making the old new. I have no payment book. I feel it's paid for. My sweetie says "Oh you think so!!!" [emoticon]

Enjoy the journey if you take it. Otherwise, save your money and get one in newer and possibly better condition.

I know what's up with mine. The one ten years newer still has questions.

Regarding your LOT in Life: Build something on it ... or park your Dodge on it.">
Bill & Laurie
1976 Dodge Sportsman Midas Mini 226

Posted By: Cdog on 05/10/05 01:40pm

I really enjoy my Diamond, but I have to admit there are times when I ask myself "What the bleep have I got myself in for?" Right now I am rebuilding the front frame because of a water leak that rotted the wood. With a MH this old, camping is not the hobby. Restoring the MH is the hobby and camping is a side benefit.

22' 73 Diamond Class C
03 Crestliner LSi 2485
01 Dakota Quad Cab
63 Newman 17' being restored

Posted By: new v'er on 05/10/05 06:23pm

Way to go CDog.
I never knew the hours of entertainment I was going to have right in driveway! [emoticon]

It beats reruns of Raymond.

Posted By: blapoint on 05/11/05 09:57pm

Im onboard with a 77 dodge 23 foot sportsman on an M400 frame.

Posted By: new v'er on 05/12/05 01:31pm

Just got the buggy back from the shop where they installed the new waste tanks. Should have seen the bill. [emoticon]

I reall prefer to do my own work but this was a system I did not know. It took the pros 8 hrs. I don't have the time for that plus the learning curve.

Posted By: FrizzleFried on 05/12/05 02:17pm

Hey Cdog...you get any photos of your Diamond yet? I am still looking to see what she looks like. I have yet to see one other Diamond on the road nor in pictures...

Posted By: munkalido on 05/16/05 03:39pm

Wow! This thread has lived a while. Mr. Mopar, we camp from time to time at the Cove. Perhaps we'll see you there sometime?

I just today went to start getting my MH ready for the summer. My alt gauge is in the D area... decharge? Alt not working? I'll follow some advice I saw on another post to trouble shoot that one.

I've replaced my thermoquad with the Edl-1905. One problem that came up is it now runs rich (625 to a 795 cfm) Wonder if adding an aftermarket air cleaner, open all the way around would help? Also considered putting a hose on my current snorkled air cleaner to draw fresh air from the grill but there isn't much room to run the hose.

Another problem with the new carb. is the fuel intake is in rear of the carberator (vs. front as is on TQ) and now I'm experiencing vapor lock! I have to reroute the fuel line away from heat to see if this helps. I have a electronic pump towards the tank and the mechanical and still have the VL...

Today I took all the information on my Onan 4 so I could tune it up. It has 1200 plus hours on it and runs rough.

I'm still debating weather or not to add headers. I've already put new exhaust on it... big stuff dumping out before the wheel. It's a bit louder but I'm a bit of a motorhead and like the sound:>

My grey water tank seems to ooze when it's about 3/4 full... it's made of some kind of plastic and I can see the stress cracks all along it. Anyone ever replaced the tanks before? If so, where do you get them?

One last thing is we're going to replace the rug in the bathroom with tile. Ours has a tub and the kids splash around, get the rug wet and it makes the whole coach smell musty.

That's all for now.

"Munkalido"
1976 Beaver, 23'Monterey
C-class Dodge 440

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