Dodge Diplomat class C R.V.
Frank Sprungala
I just recently bought an 23' 1978 Diplomat class "C" R.V. Just
wondering if any of you have any opinions on this motorhome, or what on
an R.V. of this vintage should I look out for maintinance wise?
It seems to be in very good condition and has about 81,000KM on the
clock with a 440cid engine.
Thanks for any and all info.
Frank.
Gary L. Smith
years. However, if you plan on some major trips in it, and on a regular
basis, I would expect you will need to perform major surgery on the entire
running gear (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, brakes,
etc.). First thing you should do is check the mfg date on the tires. They
could be far beyond needing to be replaced. If they are over 5 years old,
start planning their replacement. If over 7 years old, you may need to
replace them before you go anywhere.
"Frank Sprungala" <fspru...@sasktel.net> wrote in message
news:3CABA374...@sasktel.net...
PJ
Oh well. I see another poster has given you some pretty pessimistic advice
about the old dude. On the tires, he's probably right. On the rest of
it -- if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I just sold an old Dodge chassis motor home that was a 73 model with about
45,000 American on it. It still ran fine, and the transmission was sound.
I took it on a trip to Texas and back and another trip through the Rockies
to Yellowstone when it was about 25 years old. The only mechanical problem
that I had was my wife busting one of the sliding windows by slamming it
shut too hard.
Common problems with these dudes -- exhaust manifold will crack. This is
noisy and bothersome. My old MH was so "air loose" that I never worried
about carbon monoxide, but I had some problems passing vehicle inspection at
times.
Remember that a lot of these old codgers are used to spending from 50,000 to
200,000 on their "camping" vehicles, and call the dealer or manufacturer if
it won't start. If you are a broke guy like me who still likes to camp and
ain't afraid to get his hands dirty, you probably have the rig you need.
Good luck and happy camping.
Phil
Horst
<fspru...@sasktel.net> wrote:
=====================================
Correctoin
I meant I'm somewhere in between Gary and
PJ.....................................
--
1975 American Clipper
See some at www.americanclipper.com
Horst
=============================================
I'm somewhere in between Frank and Gary on the "advice" scale.
I would at least check out the tranny, motor, radiator brakes, etc. before
heading more than 200 miles from home. Definitely check the tires.
Best tip I can give you for a vintage 440 - slow down. They'll go 65 to
70mph (100 - 115kpm) no problem - but you'll pay the price - horrible fuel
economy, shortened engine life, warped manifolds, etc.
And there's the "white-knuckle" factor.
Most 1970s Class C coaches like ours came out of the factory overloaded,
or near the limit, not even counting cargo and passengers, full water
tank, etc.
Driving slower is one of the best things you can do for your safety, and
for the life expectancey of your new motorhome.
The Diplomats (and Executives) I have seen from this era are pretty well
made - but most still used the aluminum skin siding system, so you should
definitley inspect all of your roof edge seams, as problems tend to
develolp there.
Happy camping!
Gary L. Smith
but chances are that an engine of that vintage with that few klicks on the
odometer has not been maintained well, and should certainly be inspected my
a good mechanic to get a better opinion that we can give via usenet, sight
unseen. I would feel more comfortable (if it were mine) if it had 200,000
KM on it, as chances are better that it has received more regular
maintenance and doesn't have rust on the cylinder walls, or rocker arms, or
crud in the oil returns from the head. After all, Frank was asking for
advise on what to look out for, maintenance wise.
"PJ" <pyou...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:uanhoti...@corp.supernews.com...
Frank Sprungala
to have the drive line checked out before any long trips. As far as the
tires go, they are new Goodyear radials, so no problem there.
And Horst, you are right, anything over 55 mph just plain feels wierd.
Thanks again,
Frank( Soon to be on the road again )
