New Motorhome Project?

[RedRamAndy]

Howdy all!

My wife knows how to play me like a fine violin. Well, in my case it's more like a 'dimestore recorder'. I have for a few years taken great joy and pride in keeping my D250 going strong. Over dinner tonight at a restaurant, she saw an old motor home roll thru the lot. She commented on how that would be soooo cool to have for vacations. I pointed out how it was an old Cheeeeevy abomination and I would approach it differently. I talked of old big-block Dodge motorhomes. She was interested. I then mentioned how I'd work to convert them to Cummins power. It has to rattle!! She loved the idea and greenlighted me on pursuing it! The amazing thing is that I was the only one drinking beer! WOW! Now I know why we've been together for over 20 years... .

You guys have any motorhome ideas?? I know this will probably be destined for another forum, but I've lived here and thought I would start here.

 

[Paychk]

Need to find yourself an ol Travco

 

[RedRamAndy]

Cool! I will start searching when I can. I hoped they already put Cummins's in some motorhomes. I'm definitely in for a DIY swap, but might avoid it if I can.

 

[Paychk]

I think the Travco predated the Cummins by a good number of years:

YouTube - 1973 Travco 270 motorhome with 1993 Cummins 6BT engine.

1975 Travco Engine Swap pictures from trucks photos on webshots

Michigandon is a member or was a member and did the one shown above

 

[RedRamAndy]

Thanks for that link Paychk. What a cool project. I'm thinking though that we may just go with a nice camper trailer that I can drag with the D250 (non-gooseneck). That way we have a vehicle to run around in when we get where we are going. I am going to consider this though. Thanks!

 

[Jgolden]

If you check my signature you can see that some front engine Motorhomes were made with 1st gen 5. 9 Cummins. There are lots of rear engines or pushers, out there with Cummins 5. 9's. The "generation" corresponds with the year of manuf, but keep in mind that date of manuf. for a motorhome usually is a year at least newer than the chassis.



Generally Motorhomes have fewer miles on them than P/U trucks. I bought my 1990 in 2001 and it had 60,000. Lots to check out on the motorhome part of the vehicle but most of the interior stuff is replaceable. Most of the first gen's come with Allison 4sp trans later dates have 5 and 6 speed.



Like any used vehicle it can take a while to get all the bugs out but if you shop a while you can get a very good deal. I would vote for one with a Cummins already in place. Lots out there.



The upside is that if your wife enjoys MH camping then gift giving gets easy. My wife got an intercooler for her birthday and one Christmas she got a very nice turbo upgrade.



PS Just hook a car on the back. Fifth wheel is a practical answer also, the your wife can get a new truck to pull it.



Let me know if I can help.

 

[Philip]

Any MH that had the 413 Dodge engine will take a 6BT with no problems. The 6BT with 1st gen mounts drops right into the same place as the 413 did.



I haven't heard from MiDon yet. If he isn't working the weekend of S. O. P. #6 he will most likely make it down for the meet. It something to think about if you want to see that MH and talk to him.

 

[Garlic]

I have seen several class 'C' units on E-350's (I know it's a FERD) but the van chassis fits a 6BT pretty good. Pulls better and gets better milage than the 460.

 

[Greenleaf]

I really like that motor home he built. I sure hope Don will be there this year. It has the best sound ... ... ... ... ... ...