Community Forums

Sethmote · 10-19-2017, 01:06 PM

Hi all I’m heading to Montana to DRIVE my new vintage RV back to Indiana. I’ve never owned any type of RV and know very little about them. I saw this one and liked the vintage look.

Any major things I should know or check before driving this 40 year old beauty half way across the country?

I just found out it’s a 1976 lol.

TripleEEE · 10-19-2017, 01:35 PM

Wow...that is in nice shape. Congrats.

Check all fluids and tire pressures of course. One thing I would carry is a spare "ballast resister'. Most old Dodge owners carry a spare in the glove box. You will know when they fail. You can start the engine but as soon as you let go of the key the engine will quit.They are very cheap insurance.

Plus once you buy one you won't need it....

https://www.carid.com/standard/tru-t...mpn-ru12t.html

http://up.picr.de/23115656yy.jpg

TUCK55 · 10-19-2017, 01:57 PM

I had one just like yours 20 yrs ago and put many many miles on it never had a problem. I know its a lot of yrs later. Check the tires no dry rot need for that long drive.

Sethmote · 10-19-2017, 09:17 PM

Thank you I can’t wait to get her home and have the outside repainted and cleared I think it will really pop then!

Electra 225 · 10-19-2017, 10:42 PM

Holy cow that is super clean! Is it all original? Congratulations on a great find.

Be careful (as was stated) about the tires. Most likely they're aged out already by far unless the previous owner updated them. Make double sure they are safe for that distance, (tire pressures too)....you do not need a tire failure at highway speed....especially the fronts.

Safe travels, keep us posted!

Regards,
W.D.

AudiDudi · 10-19-2017, 11:03 PM

Check the age and condition of the tires. I'd do an oil change unless you know when the oil was last changed. If you're traveling through Montana I'd be inclined to winterize it as you are going to run ito some cold temps most likely. Inspect the rubber hoses in the engine compartment. Maybe toss in some new spark plugs.

Soppy · 10-20-2017, 06:32 AM

I would take it in and get it serviced ,oil change ,air filter, greased and check all the fluids, belts and hoses. Check the dates on the tires . They may look good , but if over 10 yrs old , they should be replaced. Looks like its in real nice shape.

beamisl · 10-21-2017, 07:45 AM

Wow, she is beautiful!

Tires check them. May look good but if over 10 yrs like people have said, get new. This is vitally important to your safety!

When you get home, post some more pictures and then ask questions. People here are very helpful and will want to see more of her.

If it isn't winterized, ask the PO ( previous owner) how to do it. Maybe he will show you how. Have him show you how everything works, where all the electrical switches are (RV industry sometimes hides them), ask him to tell you anything he thinks is important for you to know. He has owned it and should know all about her.

Congratulations, she is sweet! Lynne

F76Marion · 10-22-2017, 11:09 AM

You have an effective sample here, but BIL Matt no longer reads here. We both have senior coaches. His is a 73 GMC and mine is a 76 Dodge/Cayo.

Count on all the rubber being aged out. Not just tires, they are a given. But also, the fuel lines (may not be alcohol compatible), coolant hoses, belts and flexible brake lines. Flush the brake and cooling systems while you have the rubber parts out. Coolant does not cease to be antifreeze, but the corrosion inhibitors are depleted. That can cost you a radiator in short order. Brake fluid collects water. That can both reduce the boiling point of the fluid and cause corrosion of the metal parts. None of this is hard to do and if you can read and your technical capability exceeds that of a yellow canary, it is all things that you can do yourself.

There is no reason that this can't be a reliable and fun coach, but remember it is 40 years old and needs the maintenance that vehicles did 40 years ago like regular greasing and other things.

You should be able to get the service manual for that vintage Dodge chassis. It may not be cheap, but with service costing over 100$/hr, you can buy a lot before you are not cost effective.

Start a maintenance log as soon as you can. Maybe even on the way home. If you do not, you will soon forget things and miss doing essential services.

Frank

Sethmote · 10-26-2017, 09:32 AM

Two buddies and I picked the RV up Saturday in Billings Montana and drove it straight home to Indiana, 1600+ miles without any issues! We kept it around 55mph the entire way and other than one extremely freezing cold night at a rest stop (3 guys didn’t think to bring a single blanket)

it was the best road trip of or lives! I can’t wait to get this baby back out and start camping with my little one this coming season.

Thank you for all the advise I’m sure I’m going to need plenty more over the next season or two!

Podivin · 10-26-2017, 09:41 AM

That's great Seth, glad you had a mostly fun and successful trip!

Electra 225 · 10-26-2017, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podivin

That's great Seth, glad you had a mostly fun and successful trip!

I second that Seth! These are the great things you'll never forget! [emoji106]
Continued safe travels,
W.D.

Apostman · 10-26-2017, 08:48 PM

Hello Seth,

If you were me you'd looked up the tires and wheel rims. If its 8R 17.5 on a dually rear end. LOL I didnt!!!

6x16inside · 10-29-2017, 10:31 PM

Did you use the rear view mirror at all? LOL
Funny to see one in any kind of motor home.
I repainted my 37 ft 91 with exterior house paint believe it or not and it looks mighty good IMHO!!! Huge cash saver in the event of your unit needing anything extreme in the mechanical department.