First Camping Trip August 02, 2022, 01:12:23 am After almost a year of tearing a rotting 1987 22.5' up, we got it put together enough to do our first camping trip (some of you may be following the process on the Renovation section). We camped in the desert on a hard-packed playa with zero shade. Temps reached 104 degrees but surprisingly, we were able to get the cabin comfortable. Running fans inside to help circulate the rooftop air unit made it possible. Even though we dirtied it up quite a bit, camping in such conditions helped us figure out what we need to add to the checklist.Curtains are a must. We ran out of time to make those. We realized the grey water tank has a tiny leak. It appears to be metal and assuming something like JB would be a viable product for repair. In the haste to get the rig ready in time, I forgot to secure the refrigerator vent cap. I'm assuming it's on the freeway somewhere and really hoping it didn't cause anyone damage nor injury. I ordered a replacement but still dwelling on the possibility I might have ruined someone's day. It ran well. It will keep a low temp even running hard on hills but will increase quite a bit if it is idling for a while. I was able to spot and repair some plumbing leaks while getting it ready for the trip. It's a real panic after doing so much rot repair to see water violating what you worked so hard to fix. Luckily, it was nipped in the bud quickly and the heat dried things up fast. A few electrical mysteries mid cabin and bathroom where I cannot get the lights to work. And what a bummer LD didn't put an outlet in the bathroom. Maybe they are thinking the proximity to spraying water is too close. The most frustrating part of this motorhome is the gas mileage. It has a Chevy 350. From research, it should be getting at least 7-8 (my altitude is 4,500). But I'm averaging 5. I did get 6 mpg on one leg driving it back from purchasing it in Idaho. But driving at 60, even running lightweight, I got into the 4's sometimes. So something needs tuning. And it's less about the gas as it is the limited distance between stops. Having to fill up at EVERY gas station between cities so you don't run out it frustrating, indeed. In a few months, we are hoping to address that along with making engine improvements. Instead of tuning the carb, we are considering fuel injection. Replacing belt driven radiator fan with an electric one. And hopefully, if there is enough room, add headers.We definitely had a great time, however!Kenny Z 3 Likes
Re: First Camping Trip Reply #1 – August 02, 2022, 07:59:42 pm If it still has the original Quadrajet carb, you might want to consider a new Edelbrock. Pretty good carburator and the old one is probably due for a rebuild.Jon 1 Likes
Re: First Camping Trip Reply #2 – August 02, 2022, 11:42:29 pm Yes, swap that carb out if you can, assuming you are still in NV. I messed with our 85s quadrajet and eventually found a shop here in CA that rebuilt it perfectly. It lasted a good 6-7 years before it started acting up again. Lack of use regularly probably caused that. There were really no options here because of smog laws. They have the FI replacement conversions but were $3k when I looked. 88 or 89 was throttle body FI. Actually I thought some 87s had it. As for the fan, others may chime in but I don't think you will find an electric fan that will move enough air. 1st thing I did when we bought ours was new radiator, fan clutch, hoses, belts, tstat, and waterpump and cooling was never an issue even 95+ degree heat of central CA. Running, Hills or idle. Tha Guage barely moved when climbing grades, the fan kicked in and kept things cool.Ramon 1 Likes
Re: First Camping Trip Reply #3 – August 03, 2022, 01:56:44 am As Ramon pointed out, the real cure for the terrible mileage is electronic fuel injection, your mileage reflects what we got in our 1983 22' FL. The 350 V8 is a low compression truck engine with small valve heads, there is little hidden horsepower waiting to be freed.A more powerful 350 can be installed but runs the risk of exceeding the capacity of the marginal cooling system.The 1983's Q-Jet carb was a constant problem (leaking float bowls and sinking floats) and was replaced with an Edelbrock spread-bore replacement. An available tuning kit helped adjust it and a manual choke was added. While it was dependable, it didn't do much for the mileage or power.It did run much cleaner when smog tested.The distributor centrifugal advance is subject to seizing, and the distributor's inner shaft needs occasional lubrication.In hot weather, the engine is plagued by vapor-lock, especially at higher altitudes, adding a "pusher" 12-volt fuel pump back at the fuel tank will help eliminate the problem. The fuel lines run very close to the exhaust on the passenger side, under the footwell. Adding insulation to the fuel line in that area is helpful.I added aftermarket temperature gauges to the engine and transmission and found that things got very hot on 100+ degree days while driving up I-5 or Hwy 395. The biggest available radiator from Napa was installed along a big transmission cooler.The cooling clutch fails too often, I always carried a spare, along with a full set of fan belts, another hi-failure item. I don't know what year Chevy switched to the more dependable single serpentine belt.Have funLarry 2 Likes
Re: First Camping Trip Reply #4 – August 07, 2022, 03:56:27 pm Thank you guys! There is some great info here! Deep inside I wish I my rig was just few years newer so I'd enjoy the TBFI and overdrive. But definitely going to work with what we've got. I truly appreciate the advice! 2 Likes
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Topic: First Camping Trip (Read 296 times)
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