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: Ballenxj on 06/10/17 04:13pm

Thanks Griff, yeah, I learned all of the above early on from my old Hot Rod days. [emoticon]

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Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 06/10/17 04:16pm

Note: I keep typing "wheel(s)" for a reason.

While I don't believe it applies to people on this thread, I have encounter people who interpret "both wheels" as applying to dual wheels/tires on one side of the axle rather than, in this case, all FOUR wheels/tires on an axle with duallies.

1970 Explorer Class A on a 1969 Dodge M300 chassis with 318 cu. in. (split year)
1972 Executive Class A on a Dodge M375 chassis with 413 cu. in.
1973 Explorer Class A on a Dodge RM350 (R4) chassis with 318 engine & tranny from 1970 Explorer Class A

Posted By: Ballenxj on 06/10/17 04:49pm

Griff in Fairbanks wrote:

Yup, You aint lived (or not) til your MH falls on you. [emoticon]

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 06/10/17 08:53pm

Ballenxj wrote:

Griff in Fairbanks wrote:

Yup, You aint lived (or not) til your MH falls on you. [emoticon]

The whole rear end was up on jackstands when it started wobbling. (I think it was responding to a minor earthquake.) I was just near it, not under it. Even so, I moved away from it very quickly -- faster than I'd moved since someone in college shouted, "Free beer!!"

Posted By: Maya.215 on 06/11/17 06:08am

Ok, quick update I stareted with the passenger front brakes once I finally got the tire of witch took a little heat to get all the nuts loose I immediately noticed the pads warn down almost to the metal once taking off the brake caliper witch was pretty easy I noticed the calipers had rips in the dirt skirts or what ever you would call the rubber on the brake caliper itself so I did some driving and found a set of brakes and calipers at the same store came back and installed I also greased all the fittings and noticed that I will be replacing some of these as well soon, when changing the driver side I noticed that it has recently been replaced so even though it looked good I figured since I had the parts and it's all apart why not just put the new in, now I am on the rear took the two tires off and bam a big drum this is the biggest brake drum I ever took of a vehicle ?? After watching a few videos I got her all apart and of course it needs some new pads and springs so I'm on my way to the good old parts store in the morning lol most of my time went to running around and making sure I was getting the right stuff, and getting the darn lug nuts off man they were tight. So I figured since I'm back there I'm going to change the rear fluids as well any suggestions on type and weight I should use. Thanks in advance

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 06/11/17 06:30am

I always replace the brakes on both sides of an axle. Whoever just did one side was cutting corners and pinching pennies.

While you're in there, be sure to replace the seals and repack the bearings.

I like your attitude ... as long as you're at it, you might as well do the whole job and do it right. It's a sure-fired way to reduce problems and avoid breakdowns. In the end, it means more time to enjoy your motorhome and less time dealing with hassles and interruptions.

BTW -- I get the impression you're enjoying working on the motorhome as much (or more) than taking it places.

Posted By: Maya.215 on 06/11/17 06:51am

I guess it shows yes I'm enjoying working on this rv memories me and my kids will never forget I have a 9yr old Girle that's like my second boy lol she loves getting into a carburator or some grease lol I also have a 14yr old boy that is a straight pretty boy but he still likes fixing are totes just he's more stuck on being a teen and I have a 2yr old little Girle how is always up in the mix of tools and dirt lmbo the joy we going to have with this rv has me really excited to finish so that definitely has some play in it, I've always say when u see the obvious and u can change it why not especially if u can do it, we are going to put some serious miles on this rv and I'm trying to avoid as u say more enjoyment of the rv then being under the hood or body.hey what kind and weight would u suggest I put in the rear I'm getting the gasket when the store opens in a few lol

Posted By: Leeann on 06/11/17 07:45am

Like Griff, I always replace things on both sides. Brakes, ball joints, bearings, idler arms, tie rods, whatever. Always in sets. They're on the vehicle in sets, they were installed at the same time, why wouldn't you replace both?

Good job both on getting the old RV back into shape and teaching your daughter important life skills.

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

Posted By: Maya.215 on 06/11/17 07:58am

I said the same thing on changing both sides makes no sence to do one,I'm on a search for so the oil that goes in the rear differential type and weight?

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 06/11/17 06:45pm

I appreciate that you're not showing any gender bias towards your children.

In grade school, I decided to learn how to cook, do laundry, sew, and do other things that were traditionally female "duties." I caught a lot of heat for doing "girl things" but chose to ignore it. (I grew up effectively the lone male in a household with my mom and three sisters ... and decided I never wanted to have to depend on any female.)

When my children (a older son and younger daughter, roughly two years apart) were teenagers, I insisted they both learn motor vehicle maintenance by actually doing the tasks. In addition to routine maintenance like changing spark plugs, filters, and oil, I insisted they try a few more complex tasks like replacing brake pads/shoes and bleeding the brakes.

I really didn't care if they ever did it again. Instead, I wanted them to know enough to decide whether they wanted to do it themselves or pay someone to do it for them. More importantly, I wanted them to know enough to recognize when a shop was trying to rip them off with overly expensive or unnecessary repairs.

(I often tell about the shop that tried to tell me I needed new ball joints -- on a vehicle that had kingpins instead of ball joints.)

My son largely tried to avoid it while my daughter willingly waded into the tasks. Later, while she was in the U.S. Army, she found herself in the position of the go-to person for guys who had motor vehicle questions. On the other hand, my son now wishes he'd pay more attention and sometimes has to call his sister for advice and answers.

(This is a large part of the reason my son makes a determined effort to have his children spend time with me.)

On another note, I sense you're having some difficulty with terminology ... which is totally to be expected from anyone trying a new experience. A willingness to wade in, make mistakes, and learn is something to be proud of. (I'm more that willing -- even eager -- to absolutely jump down the throat of anyone demeaning someone's efforts to try and learn something new.)

So ...

Disk brakes => pads and calipers
Drum brakes => shoes and wheel cylinders

Finally, for everybody, I'm working on my dissertation on motorhome electrical systems ... but, it's summertime, with a period of good weather, so we're trying (working too hard) to make as much progress as we can on the house we're building. Please be patient, I WILL get back to it. (Actually, when the opportunity presents, I've been drafting and editing the next installment, complete with diagrams, offline rather than on-the-fly online composing without images.)

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