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: 75Americanclipper on 02/09/07 09:01am

I don't have my vin on me, sorry, but it a dodge Rv American Clipper, built in Gilroy, CA, they use the dodge frame to make these, back in the 70's

Posted By: Retro Cruiser on 02/09/07 11:49am

Hello all, just found this forum. Me and my better half and our dog have been restoring a 1981 (1979 Dodge MB400 chassis with 440) Establishment 22 footer. We've done a lot so far and have more plans. I've read some of the posts here and see that we are like minded about our motorhomes being "classic" not "old". There's just something about them! I will post a pic when I figure it out.
I do have a question. Our rig seems to be geared very low. 60 mph has it really humming. I don't have a tach, but it's obviously turning a lot of rpms. Anybody have this problem? Any solutions without a ring and pinion swap?

Thanks

Posted By: Kendas on 02/09/07 12:30pm

75Americanclipper wrote:

I don't have my vin on me, sorry, but it a dodge Rv American Clipper, built in Gilroy, CA, they use the dodge frame to make these, back in the 70's

When you get VIN just use the info already provided and you should be able to get the correct model, engine, etc.

Let us know what you come with.

Ken

1978 21ft Tioga Dodge 440 Motor,
4.5kw Generac and 80 watts Solar
1984 Goldwing Interstate (Daily driver)
Misc Things I've done to my RV pictures

USAF Retired
To Err is human... To Forgive is not SAC Policy.

Posted By: timmac on 02/10/07 04:05pm

Has anyone here converted there old motorhome to run on E-85 fuel, I have converted mine to a full flex fuel RV, E-85 fuel is something we are going to see a lot of from here on out, your motor runs cleaner and better on E-85 [ethanol], if you are thinking about to change your carburetor RV to a full flex fuel RV I can help with the change, been running E-85 for over a year now in my 1979 Dodge 440 RV and it runs great, last emission test it burned so clean that it even meet the same standards of a mid 90"s motor, check my pic on profile and if you have any questions about the change just let me know...

Note: Due to invalid formatting, all formatting has been ignored.

Posted By: DtommyD on 02/10/07 04:29pm

Hey RETRO
"60 mph has it really humming. I don't have a tach, but it's obviously turning a lot of rpms. Anybody have this problem? Any solutions without a ring and pinion swap?"
I have a '76 Dodge chassis ... (I'd look but its in storage) I think I have a 318 and yes, at 60-70mph its screaming. I wish I had overdrive but I don't. My fix is to not take the interstates. I just drive it within 100 miles so I'm not a long tripper.
Back roads my friend.

Posted By: RobinHoodRV on 02/10/07 11:11pm

75Americanclipper wrote:

anything for an 1975 Dodge American Clipper with a 440 rear kitchen

what are they called, like D100, D200 or D300, which one is ours

I believe that the D series was for Dodge pickups. The B series was vans. The MHs were either an MB series for a MH built on a cut-away van or the M series for the Class A MHs.

When looking for parts for your class c start with the MB model # first (usually MB300, MB350, or MB400) and if that model isn't available, then look for parts for a B300 series van. Remember, the rear of a van will usually not match what you have under your MH. The front should be identical except for possibly suspension components.

-jc

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

Posted By: Retro Cruiser on 02/12/07 05:07am

DtommyD,

Thanks, that's what I do most of the time and 100 miles or so is as far as I usually go, but if I could get the rev's down a bit I'd like to venture farther.

Btw, got the pic on my profile.Upgrades so far... painted the interior, new ceiling, new fabric, new foot operated (highly recommended) toliet, stainless wheel covers, new awning fabric, aux. electric fan, and more. Getting ready to freshen the 440...

Retro

Posted By: MasterBoondocker on 02/13/07 09:16am

RPM toooo much ?? .. YOU Class C guyz are lucky.... with a 4.10 or so gear. Us Class A guys are dealing in most cases with a 4.56 or even in some cases a 4.88 gear !

My solution? .... in my 73 Class A ... I found a complete 3.73 geared axle assembly and will be putting that in to replace that 4.56. Anyone care to guess how many fewer rpms the engine will turn with that shorter gear in it(vs that 4.56) .... during a 6000 mile trip?

On the subject of EFI and a OD trans ...... lots of $$$$ for very little fuel econ. You can tweak carbs and intake manifolds and achieve better fuel econ for the $$$ spent.

Posted By: Retro Cruiser on 02/13/07 09:59am

Too many unknown variables. Give me rear tire diameter and current rpm at 60 mph and we can get close...

I have a buddy with a 79 class A. He can run 65 pretty comfortably. Drive train same as mine (440, torque flite, low a** gears ) I always figured the difference was the class A's taller tires. (19 or 19.5 wheels vs. 16.5 wheels) Mine will go 65, but it's ugly..

Posted By: Leeann on 02/13/07 10:15am

I've got a '73 Concord (see profile for pic) with a 440 and 8 x 17.5 wheels - and I drove it at 72 through PA comfortably (I haven't checked the gearing yet, but I'm pretty sure it's 4.56).

Are you sure you're getting into high gear (3rd)?

'73 Concord 20' Class A w/Dodge 440 - see profile for photo

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