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

Posted By: DtommyD on 06/24/06 09:39pm

Hey I have a dumb question.
when you measure your RV for length do you go bumper to bumpber or what. I've seen my same RV (or real close)listed as 15'. Do I measure from in back of my drivers seat on back to the bumper? Seems to me bumper to bumper right? (and no I'm not talking those 3 foot bumpers for extra gear)
And speaking of that - I want to make (because I'm cheap + want it customized) a bike rack for 2 bikes and also a bigger rubbermaid. I have a tire mounted on back but could move that to the roof(?) and use that mount. Anyone tried to make their own? My rear bumper is the 4" square basic bumper.


Posted By: new v'er on 06/26/06 07:59am

DtommyD wrote:

I want to make (because I'm cheap + want it customized) a bike rack for 2 bikes Anyone tried to make their own?


Tommy D, we all are in this for the cost avoidance and the sheer joy of splinters and blue fingernails. I purchased two THULE brackets that attach to the forks of the bike. They bolt with four 1/4 inch bolts. My system is two treated 2x4's covered with a 4x4 white composite fencepost(cut in two lengthwise.) Each half covers the 2x4.
I attached the Thule brackets to each drilling through the white composite veneer and the 2x4. I used two 2 1/4 squared bottom "u" bolts to attach each unit to the 2" receiver bar of the "Valley" basket/rack. I use ratchet straps to further secure the bikes.

Works well.

Hey White Knight,

Might there be any interest in regional rallies or get togethers?


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: unionguy1019 on 06/26/06 02:54pm

Hi All,

Finally took the "Chuck Wagon" on a long run. Left the hometown and went to Raystown Lake. This was a 340 mile round trip. I have had a fan belt squeal since purchasing the MH. Changed belts, tightened them, even tried belt dressing. Well the shake down run pinpointed the problem. Shortly after getting off I-80, she started squealing something awful. A quick check of the gauges showed the alternator not working. Lo and behold the Patron Saint of Vintage Motorhomes was on my rig. 2 miles down the road sat a salvage yard. $31 and 40 minutes later we were rolling with the "Big D" under the hood churning out the power. I think the old girl enjoyed the chance to stretch her legs on the concrete pastures. She thanked me by increasing the gas mileage from 5.2 to 6.6

Had a comical incedent. The spouse was sitting in the passenger side with the window open and I was pouring the coal right to the 440 powerplant to build up speed for a long upgrade. About half way up encountered some road construction. Well the Doug Thorleys with a 4" exhaust echoed off the concrete barriers. She jumped and said "what was that noise?" I said "That's just Big D under the hood." She then said, "I'm not a motorhead but now I know why everyone including our son wants this motor. It sure did sound sweet with the rumble I heard."

White Knight, If you are taking votes for a regional and/or national gathering of us folks count us in for 2!!!

P.S. Here is an address to see the "Chuck Wagon." Let me know if you can access it. I think I have it set to be viewed by all.

http://photos.yahoo.com/unionguy1019

* This post was edited 06/26/06 03:09pm by unionguy1019 *


Here comes the "Chuck Wagon"


Posted By: sailpwr on 06/26/06 07:31pm

What a great thread. I just got a '77 Minnie Winnie with a 360cid. Its got a few age related problems- mainly from sitting, including a roof leak which I just fixed on the outside. My question involves the inside- what is behind the ceiling panels? The one that is sagging seems to have a vinyl coating, then at least a couple layers of luan, is there insulation under that between 1x2's? (I'm not anxious to pull it out to see what's in there until I know I can get time to do the repair.) My last rig was a Titan that was steel framed. I'm guessing that's not the case with the C. Has anyone found a replacement product that can be bought cheaply and looks good for ceiling panels? How about pulling the cabinets out & replacing them after ceiling repairs? Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!


Posted By: IdahoJamboree on 06/26/06 10:37pm

Hello, I am newbie to your group. I found your postings by doing a google search for a problem I am having with my motorhome. I have a 1981 Dodge class "C" 21 ft. Jamboree with the the 440-3 engine. I purchased it late last summer and was in the process of moving so I never really used it. I could tell it needed valve cover gaskets by the oil burnt oil smell when I test drove it. I got it out and replaced the gaskets this summer. What a nasty job. I have replaced a few valve cover gaskets in my day and this was the worst I have seen. They were burnt to a crisp. I installed new FelPro gaskets and used the gray sealant. This got the leaks stopped.

It had a small exaust leak, but the previous owner had the crossover pipe replaced. I thought maybe a loose bolt. Not so, I changed the oil and filter checked it over and made a 400 mile trip a week ago. By the time I got home it was leaking exhaust out the right manifold quite badly.

Anyway as I said I found that my problems are not just mine by finding your posts. I need help on what to do with that exhaust manifold. I checked the bolts and the one on the rear of the manifold was just rattling around loose. I can not seem to find anyone who know where to find a replacement manifold bolt. Would welcome your help. If any of you know where I could get a manual for my Jamboree I would be grateful. Sorry about the long post.


Posted By: 1976_TIOGA on 06/27/06 10:10pm

I have a 1976 Fleetwood Tioga. I have owned it for a week and have already replaced the aging carpet for new Vinyl and I am in the process of getting new foam and upholstery done to freshen the look of this great little MH. Thanks.

* This post was edited 06/28/06 01:02am by an administrator/moderator *


1976 Fleetwood Tioga
20' Class C Motorhome
Dodge Sportsman 360 cid



Posted By: Dannbo on 06/27/06 10:10pm

Fill us in on what's so hot these day's, Bluetooth boy.


Posted By: YukonDoug on 06/29/06 12:27am

IdahoJamboree wrote:

I can not seem to find anyone who know where to find a replacement manifold bolt. Would welcome your help. If any of you know where I could get a manual for my Jamboree I would be grateful.


Try a machine shop. You'll probably find someone willing to mill you one for not a lot of money. If it's like most, you'll probably find some older guy there that will say "Hmmm, never made one of them before. This'll be neat..."


Doug Rutherford
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
1975 24' Fireball


Posted By: westtexus on 06/29/06 09:37am

I bought a complete set of new exhaust manifold bolts and sleeve nuts on ebay, total cost was less than $40, as best as I remember.


Westtexus 1991 Fleetwood Flair



Posted By: ksmoscanner on 06/30/06 02:49am

Hi again,

I was wondering if there is anyone here that would be willing to help me with a few part numbers for my 1978 Dodge RV with a 440-3 and the model stamped on the sticker is F-40 GVW 10500. Engine is stamped with 440-3 on the block.I'm looking for part numbers for Spark Plugs, distibutor with all wires, all belts. Thermostat ( which is special??) Also interested in any information on the Dodge 1978 Model F-40 as I have found none but its clearly stamped on the drivers door frame.

I admit I know almost nothing about engines. I have begun the coach rework but the engine is out of my hands. I have found someone willing to work on it at my place to see if he can get it back to running condition but he asked me to supply the parts. I have found what I think are the parts at advanced and a couple others but there is so many to choose from I figured it would ust be best to try for the actual original part numbers first.

Also does anyone have any experience with overheating their 440-3? Mine went through a nasty overheat the other night and Im concerned I could have done some damage...any opinions out there on that?

Thanks a bunch

Gregg&Lauron
1978 Dodge 440-3
24' Far West


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