| Topic: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's? |
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Posted By: BobJoh
on 08/27/04 08:10pm
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Yes, Dodge 440-3 (That dash -3 is important in getting parts from NAPA to get the MoHo version instead of automotive.) For example the --3 thermostat is very different than a 440 in a car.) 1976 Coachmen Statesman 25ft actually 26+ft bumper to bumper. M500, 14,000gw Class A with 19.5" wheels. Also had to request special timing chain and sprokets as diff. than two row auto chain and was for racing but same as original extra one and replaced forward cam bearing as was not set deep enough in block so forward edge was multi chipped as it rubbed on cam sprocket. Used 3/4" bolt to pull bearing sleeve in with large washers on it.. and filed a slight low spot in its front edge so oil sprayed on timing chain. Didn't replace with RV cam but now wish I had. With heads off, sprayed WD40 in ports and saw only slight seep so didn't do valve job. Old main bearing had 74 stamped on backing and had crank reground -.010 as had one bad rod throw and had rods reground round as my brother said if bearing shells fall out easily on rod removeal the big end of the rod had been pounded by detonation and need to regrind circle to get good bearing shell pinch. Cyl walls looked OK and didnot have to use ridge reamer as only slight burr at top of ring travel. Had hard time finding rod bearing shells with that little notch for oil to squirt on cam and cyl walls thru grove in rod caps. Dodge Parts said not needed with the good oils we have now. Replaced all freeze plugs, new water pump, new fuel pump and had deep pan with HiVol oil pump with thick rotorgears. They said don't use HiVol oil pump with standard pan as may pump dry before it runs back down from valve covers. New fan clutch, new eng. and trans mounts, all new hoses and fuel inline filter. New both resistors in ignition and Accel Super coil RV9cl plugs replacing RV12 champs as too hot may have caused the pinging. MOPAR cast alum valve covers to be ridged enough to prevent leaks... ONe head wasn't true where gaskets seat and leaked badly on first test drive.. had to grind that raise ridge down some.. ground freehand what oily rag around valves to catch grindings. Also had to grind off bottom wide foot of valve cover to allow it to seat more over against the exhaust manifold as was half a bolt hole missaligned. Both exhause castings were warped and ground eyeball true with bench grinder and straight edge and now holds gaskets OK. Used double washers under all exhaust stud nuts to allow 'cushion' for heat expansion. Torqued them three different times but not too tight, to absorb gasket crush during each test run and heat soak. Original hot oil pressure was 4psi hot idle now is 15psi and hot run went from below 40 to 68-71 psi and no rod knock. This engine had 32,000 original miles.. had been in storage for 12 years. Does not overheat, and pulls the grapevine I 5 hills well at 40-45mph in second same going up to Big Bear. Did all the work with block in place and trans moved back and radiator removed. Welded up dual mufflers and crossover 2 1/2" pipes and exit forward of rear duals. Have dryer duct from above radiator to feed cool inpact air to carb. air cleaner. Happy to run at 62-64 mph and at times run 70mph to keep up with rushhour traffic in LA. 6-7Mpg but does use oil as I didn't replace the rings. Disconected cruise control box and run speedo right to transmission. Using Ford 'F'fluid in 727A transmission and has large trany oil cooler. Forward dinette seat flips forward or back or both go flat for twin bed and pulldown above driver and two cabinet beds above mid rig twin beds gives sleeping for eight if half are kids and has eight seat belts, driver plus four in dinete facing forward and two plus one sidewise on twin beds. Rear bath with five foot tub and shower. I took out the bad LP burner and just have a HotRod in water tank. 4kva Koller and AC on top for cooling enroute. 30+30+30 fresh and black and grey with 45gal fuel. With the fix to engine and all new tires and some roof leaks repaired it is a great pratical road warrior. Grandkids and dogs and fish and sand and spills and etc. all OK.
BobJoh
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Posted By: 79roadranger
on 08/30/04 12:54pm
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Maybe the moderators will set up a forum for "CLASSIC rvs"?
"It's not old...it's a classic!"
-- 1995 27' Tioga Montara Quad Bunk --
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Posted By: munkalido
on 08/31/04 01:53pm
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We recently purchased a 1976 Beaver Monterey built on a Dodge Sportsman with a 440. I know the chassis is a one tone but don't know if it's a b300 or what...
Repairs / upgrades so far:
Water heater
Water pump (5.7 gpm, now can take a real shower when not on city water!!)
exhaust (3" s/s, out in front of rear wheels)
front brakes
elec.fuel pump
carburetor (edelbrock)
complete tune up
upgraded the electrical to mopar performance
super coil
sun tachometer (from the 70's as well!)
It runs well but I have to re-route the fuel line as vapor lock has become a problem since replacing the carburetor (even with an elec.fuel pump!). The line now runs along the intake manifold (the old thermoquad had the fuel intake in the rear and the edelbrock is in the front).
My family loves it, the kids call it "The Beav". We've been out in it about 10 times. So far this summer we've been away in the Beav more than we've been home. It's our first MH and are probably going to buy a motorcycle and quad for next year to take with us.
I'm fairly mechanically inclined and have done most of the work myself. It's the first Dodge I've owned and so far are happy with it. I'm finding all sorts of little things wrong that the previous 3 owners have done and are fixing them.
It's all fun and we're making many memories for our kids who are 3 and 6. We keep it pretty stocked with most everything and it takes only about an hour to get on the road for a trip. While tent camping it would take most of a day!
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Posted By: Tak
on 09/06/04 06:16pm
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My Tennant has a 64 Travco. 440 motor, "The orginal 318 replaced in 1977" and a modified differential. This is a Travco that can get up and MOVE!
http://www.uncia.com/nrasser/64travco/bus2.jpg
http://www.uncia.com/nrasser/64travco/bus3.jpg
http://www.uncia.com/nrasser/64travco/bus4.jpg
http://www.uncia.com/nrasser/64travco/bus5.jpg
http://www.uncia.com/nrasser/64travco/bus6.jpg
I've road Tripped in it, its an amazing thing.......
When its parked Next to mine, My little Toyota based Class C 1991 Warrior looks like a toy........
http://polaris.uncia.com/danawolfe/RV.JPG
"Taken when I picked it up in AZ this summer"
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Posted By: unionguy1019
on 09/15/04 12:42am
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Wow, found this forum while doing a google search. After 30 some odd years of tenting it I finally bought a MH. Picked up a 1973 Dodge Coachmen Elite 28' (including bumpers and hitch). Needs some cosmetic work done. Motor and chassis look excellent. Powered by a 440, with hedman stainless steel headers and exhaust, 3 1/2" tubes. Sat in a guys side yard for 5 years, daughter used it for a play house. Dumped 5 gal gas into tank, 1/4 cup down carb, threw an old interstate battery into it and the girl fired and ran on the 5th roll of the engine!!! The only thing mechanically wrong is I have to put a new front hydro vac on. Front discs won't release.
Didn't want anything expensive, because my wife and I prefer woods camping over campground camping. Have been out with it twice. Sure is nice not living out of coolers and bags!!! We called it the "Chuck Wagon" because of my open fire cooking hobby. Looking forward to exchanging Q&A's with you folks on needed info.
Here comes the "Chuck Wagon"
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Posted By: Koldei
on 09/15/04 12:53am
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it aint a "C" but.....
(see below)
1972 Rectrans Discoverer25R
Dodge M300 Chassis w/413
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Posted By: whiteknight001
on 09/22/04 08:39am
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Hello Grand Slam 79, munkalido, Koldei and BobJoh!
Welcome to the Vintage thread here at RVNet! Koldei,
you've got one wild looking rig there! Would love to
see some more pix of that one!
Well folks, 79RoadRanger raised the question:
Posted By: 79roadranger on 8/30/2004 12:54pm
Maybe the moderators will set up a forum for "CLASSIC rvs"?
"It's not old...it's a classic!"
So, whattya all say? I for one will contact the RVNet forum
admins and moderators and ask... but I'd like for all of you
to chime in with your opinions- If there were a forum for us,
what would we consider? I'd venture to say all of us here are
Mopar folk, which means we are even more united in purpose over
a broader RV model base than other driveline manufacturers.
But I wouldn't want to leave someone out if they had a Chevy or
Ford based RV too... I think our main requirement should be:
Our RV's are at least 10 years old.
Paid for or nearly so.
Mechanical and maintenance done as much as possible by owner.
A willingness to share what we know, and a desire to help others
interested in older RV's.
Possibly later, a desire to grow into a realtime, offline group
that exists to meet, share and help its members in various ways.
So, if you guys would like to have a forum unto ourselves, here's
the opportunity- post to this thread and let the admins and mods
see how serious we are. We represent a very viable sector of the RV
market, and one rich in history as well. Now is our time to step
forward and shine!
Let's do it!
your fellow Classic RV nut,
Mark
1972 Mobile Traveler 20' Dodge B300 Class C
"The Kobayashi Maru" Trans- Prarie Land Craft
"Requiescat in pace et in amore..."
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Posted By: tkahike
on 09/22/04 09:13am
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I'm all for it. It should be opened up to anything older then 15 years. That brings things into the late 80's for models. I think a lot of us have purchased these units used. So there is always a little guess work involved. I've learned a lot from these forums.
Tkahike
Its smarter to be lucky then its lucky to be smart!
1986 29' Corsair travel trailer with a 2001 Suburban 1500
My other favorite forum: www.MINIONREPORT.net
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Posted By: Koldei
on 09/22/04 10:40am
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I'd also love to see a little corner for to offer help and support.
I understand that we all also fit into (at least) one of the other
categories. but when spread out like that it's hard to have
vintage/classic solidarity.
I do think there is room for a community of classic owner's (and
those who have been there, or will be there.
I wave to every Rv/camper i see, but the older ones that have wear...
OOPS i mean "character" get the thumbs up!
this has been brought up before:
"re-newing" older motor homes
Older Class A Motorhome photos
How many owners of older rigs are here?
g'day
Robert
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Posted By: munkalido
on 09/22/04 11:14am
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I like the idea of a "classic" section for all the reasons already mentioned. I don't have the dealer/service issues, I am mostly on my own when it comes to fixing/repairing and maintaining my MH. To have a forum with like minded people owning the same thing with similar issues seems great.
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