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: westtexus on 07/10/06 12:30pm

Can anyone tell me if the vacuum advance on 440-3 distributer is to have constant vacuum, or not?

Westtexus 1991 Fleetwood Flair

Posted By: ssvette on 07/10/06 01:04pm

westtexus wrote:

Can anyone tell me if the vacuum advance on 440-3 distributer is to have constant vacuum, or not?

It should be to a ported vacuum, this way the timing will change
with the increase in vacuum. Use a timing light and watch the vacuum
change as you rev-up the motor, a non-ported vacuun would be a constant advance in timing.Unported vacuum is an excellent tuning tool to see the over-all condition of the motor 17-20 at idle is ideal.

ssvette
http://community.webshots.com/user/ssvette

Posted By: westtexus on 07/10/06 02:09pm

I have an Edelbrock 750 carb. It has two vacuum ports on the front, one is very strong at idle, one is very weak at idle. Both provide timing advance when the engine is sped up, the timing stays at 8 degrees BTC at idle. Which port should I use?

Posted By: ssvette on 07/10/06 03:02pm

westtexus wrote:

Their should be little to no vacuum to the advance port during idle unless you have the idle set to high which exposes the ported vacuum slot in the bore by the butterfly notice if you reduce the idle speed the ported vacuum will drop also.

Here is another quote someone else asked it is very much like your question maybe this explaination is clearer:

On the carb, one is timed vacuum, one is ported vacuum or manifold vacuum. You are not going to get "more" vacuum from the manifold than the ported vacuum, it defies physics. Now the timed vacuum port only gives vacuum after a valve opens, butterfly that is. The timed vacuum port is above the butterfly, so at idle, that port sees little if any vacuum because it is "open" to the atmosphere (above the vacuum source, the manifold) You may get a quicker response at the distributor from the manifold because the port is about 10 times the size as the one in the carb. Some Phords have the distributor vacuum line coming right off the intake.

Posted By: bgiardi on 07/10/06 05:21pm

Hello everyone I am a very happy owner of a 1974 Robinhood RV. I paid $1300 for it and in the past month I have replaced all the interior carpets, painted it, and I was told that the old owner didn't know if any of the appliances worked or not. I have had a water heater melt down and I have replaced it with one I got on EBay. It has 360, auto, headers, and a lovely flame paint job. I will never get sick of her. On the first trip I found out that there was one leak and that is fixed now it was the front window. I love the putty tape god is great for making that. I don’t have any information on my RV but would love some. Also I have a very large knowledge about repairing anything. Handyman by trade. Sleeps 6 2 above cab, 2 on table, and to above table on a drop down bed.

* This post was edited 07/10/06 06:10pm by bgiardi *

Posted By: jollybg on 07/11/06 12:53pm

hello forum, I'm a new breed of super newbies who is completely lost when it comes to my 79 dodge sportsman heritage that i just recently purchased. I have been reading this 54 page thread for a bit, but I want to jump right in and ask a few questions. Please do not ream me I've at least tried to search... here we go:
the plan is to sorta remove some of the cabinetry. Is that possible?
I want to install a sound system (a DJ amp and 2 DJ speakers) is there enough juice? how should I setup it up? given I have no clue how the electrical system works on this baby. Do i need a generator?
The Mh has been sitting for a year but has been used once recently. What are the first thing I should do engine and maintenance wise? (its a 440)
Where can I get a manual for this baby?
I did purchase the RV repair maintenance manual by ron livingston.
Can you guys help me out?

Posted By: whiteknight001 on 07/11/06 07:03pm

jollybg wrote:

Hello Jollybg and welcome!!

To answer your questions:

#1 "I'm a new breed of super newbies who is completely lost when it comes to my 79 dodge sportsman heritage that i just recently purchased. I have been reading this 54 page thread for a bit, but I want to jump right in and ask a few questions. Please do not ream me I've at least tried to search... here we go:"

We all were newbs at one time or another. We won't ream you because no one did that to us. Dive in!

#2 "the plan is to sorta remove some of the cabinetry. Is that possible?"

Best way? Try it on paper first. Draw out what you want to do. If
your drawing skills are like mine, get a friend's help who's good
at drawing or pictures. Try taking things out that way before you
unpack the Sawzall. Cook up a plan for finishing the project too,
like carpet/paint/trim. etc for a pro look. Plan your work, then
work your plan.

#3 "I want to install a sound system (a DJ amp and 2 DJ speakers) is there enough juice? how should I setup it up? given I have no clue how the electrical system works on this baby. Do i need a generator? I did purchase the RV repair maintenance manual by ron livingston."

Here's where you will need to do some research. If possible ask the
previous owner about the electrical system. You picked an excellent
reference manual. Go to the section on electrical and look your rig
over closely. It may have a genset or not, or an inverter Take the time to look this over carefully. On these things it's always smart to be safe- have it checked out by a local RV dealer, and add up the amount of watts used by everything you want to use in your rig. Then go from there. Leave yourself some room power-wise and use your better judgement. And have fun!

#4 "The Mh has been sitting for a year but has been used once recently. What are the first thing I should do engine and maintenance wise? (its a 440) Where can I get a manual for this baby?

Once again, crack that manual you have now. An RV rides on a 1 ton or larger truck chassis, so look things over closely. Pop the engine cover( we call it a doghouse- some have actually been used for that.)
and look at the condition of things there, hoses, belts, etc. If the
rig starts and runs good, consider doing a tuneup, changing oil and
filters, check your antifreeze and fluid levels. Make sure the brakes and tires are in good shape and regularly check air pressure. Turn on the headlights and turn signals/flashers/brake lts and make sure all are working properly. Sounds a little nitpicky but it makes all the difference. Besides, the Captain of his ship must know it inside-out
before he sets out to sea. And you are the Captain, my man. Just do
the little things regularly and you'll do well. And you'll really be
able to say: "Yeah. Have sound equipment and booking- will travel!"

Invest in a Chiltons or other repair manual for the year of Dodge
truck you own- a '79 model. Along with your RV maintenance manual you'll be well-prepared to handle things on your own as much as possible. If it is a class C (looks like a Sportsman van in front)
you can find an owners manual for incomplete cab/chassis
and have the greasy side down/motive part covered. As far as the RV body? Well, that'll take a little doing. Post pix of your rig and ask if anyone has one like it, or manuals to share copies of. We'll try to
help you that way.

Once again, welcome! And good luck with all your efforts! You can DJ
the national rally for us.

your greasy compadre

Mark a.k.a. whiteknight001

1972 Mobile Traveler 20' Dodge B300 Class C
"The Kobayashi Maru" Trans- Prarie Land Craft
"Requiescat in pace et in amore..."

Posted By: whiteknight001 on 07/11/06 07:06pm

bgiardi wrote:

Welcome Bgiardi!!

You gotta post some pic's of your rig. I know it's sweet with
a flame job!!! Let's see it!

Mark a.k.a whiteknight001

Posted By: regal5575 on 07/12/06 09:01am

D&Sluv2fishandcampMN wrote:

How many of you take your old beasts on trips of 150+ miles? I have always limeted mine to about 1 hour long trips.

We take our 1970 Travco from Michigan to Florida and back every winter. 1220 miles, one-way.

Jerry & Diane

Posted By: thehoneybees on 07/14/06 11:52pm

We purchased a 1980 Dodge Sportsman chassis V8 360, with a 1981 Honey 23' foot motorhome, sleeps 6 people . All original intererior in good condition. Microwave, full bathroom with tub/shower sink and toilet, 3way frig, A/C,furnace, rollout carefree awning,TV antenna.
Came with a file folder with all the original manuals for everything and all maintanence records.

The outside ladder had been removed (damaged) by the previous owner. We found a ladder and luggage rack, lens covers, I even found 2 sink cover boards that fit over the sinks, radio antenna, vinyl cover for dodge van windshield/driver/passenger windows at a local salvage/junk yard, for a great price.

I was surprised there were only 3 motorhomes at the junk yard we went to. And one just happen to the same year dodge.

Any colorado people know of any RV salvage/junk yards anywhere in Denver?
Realized after purchasing the Honey motorhome that it is an orphaned
company last models were made in 1990. Anyone know of any websites for our classic motorhome.
How do we find out what size of a quiet generator to purchase?
I have seen these small Honda generators,seems convenient for lifting out of the motorhome and placing outside for use.
We camp in backwoods country, not rv parks.

What a change this will be after years of truck/cabover camper, then
last few years of tent/tarps camping. I doubt we will every give up all our tarps,chuckbox etc. LOL

We are in the process of getting the ladder and luggage rack mounted. And me going thru years of camping gear.

Glad you started this thread about Dodge Classics!!!

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