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: Sportsman76 on 05/15/06 08:24pm

HiTech wrote:

Probably no trouble with emissions since it is a truck and not subject to many emissions laws in 1977.

Hi

Do you own a Sportster Model or something different?

Posted By: proceed_net on 05/20/06 04:12pm

Thanks, HiTech You were right! Went in for the emission teat and "flew" right through. Shocked me! (now i have to learn how to work the gas, hot water, fridge, crapper, and everything electrical!) I have the complete mechanical manual, for the Van part, of my 1977 Dodge Sportsman. However, I have no clue on all of the RV parts! Did it come with an owners manual and, if it did, where can I find it? (ps The Van manual is available if anyone wants to see it.)

Posted By: Dannbo on 05/20/06 07:57pm

Write down all the names and model numbers of your fridge, furnace, toilet ect and start your search on the net. I found all information on these and more. If the existing companies didn't have the manuals on the internet they sent me to the right spot to find them. I printed them out and put them in clear covers in a binder. Sure makes for a nice book that travells with my motorhome at all times. And you can add to it at any time. Also I searched out and found Dodge chassis manuals on Ebay. The company was Bu****o Reproductions. I'm not sure the spelling is correct on that, but would be glad to look back in my records for you if interested. One of the manuals was an original which is kind of neet and the other two are good photo copies with excellent bindings.

I have a 1974 Dodge Emperor with 440-3 motor that we are restoring. Take a look on my profile if you like and see the project. It was torn down to the frame and all walls,floor and roof are new. I know it's a class a but I feel I have allot more in common with this group of people in this forum than the 36-40 class A guys. Not that there is anything wrong with that!

Posted By: RobinHoodRV on 05/21/06 12:36am

Hey Dannbo, how can you tell you have a 440-3 and not the more ordinary 440-1?

The 5th digit of the VIN for a Class C is for the motor. For a 440-1 it is a 'D'. I cannot find any informaton that a 440-3 was ever offered in the Class C (cut-away van). Maybe it was only offered in the Class A coaches!?

-jc

78 Robinhood 23' Class C
97 Geo Tracker Convertible 4x4
87 Jeep Comanche Chief 4x4

Posted By: Dannbo on 05/21/06 04:19am

RHood

Many changes were going on in the early seventies. Cerial numbers were just starting to get organised. The fifth number of the 1974 code was engine. "A" designates 440-3. You can also see just by a visual.

Posted By: RobinHoodRV on 05/21/06 02:49pm

OK, can you explain some of the visual differences? Would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance.

Posted By: new v'er on 05/22/06 01:00pm

Just got back from the first outing of the season. Wow. Why wow?

I had Doug Thorley Tri-Y headers and dual exhaust installed last fall day before the first major snow of the winter. The rig went into storage. We took her out of storage to have the Ride Rite air bags installed. I really did not have her on the road to make a fair assessment.

This weekend, however, I found out how these two modifications were so needed. The 360 can breathe and with it is a major improvement in power, start up and MILEAGE. We crossed the 9.5 MPG into the 10.7-11 mpg range. [emoticon]

I'll have more reliable averages as the season progresses. The exhaust system has the restrained sound of Detroit muscle. [emoticon]

The air ride was a real blessing. We had stiff wind all weekend and the drive to and from was greatly improved in the overall stability and handling of the rig. The body roll was greatly reduced as well. The cosmetics of the suspension improved as well. Looking at the rig as we sat eating some fast food, we noticed how much more "sound" she looked with a level stance. She appeared way more youthful. [emoticon]

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: 89southwind on 05/22/06 01:44pm

mine is a 30ft southwind 1989 and I'm only 37 years old like to travel every time I get a chance I do like new MHS but mine is paid off [emoticon]

Posted By: Rusty Shackleford on 05/25/06 07:20pm

RobinHoodRV wrote:

OK, can you explain some of the visual differences? Would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance.

Look on the passenger side of the engine block just below the cylinder head and towards the back. You should see IIRC a casting #, casting date, and 440-3.

Posted By: munkalido on 05/26/06 05:52pm

Dannbo wrote:

My 24' Beaver Monterey, build on the Sportsman is a 440-1. thought all m/h were 440-3 but i's wrong...

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