My Chinook

[Manitou]

I'm new to the Chinook (any Rv for that matter) family. Here's my 2004 concourse. Needed some maintenance after sitting for basically 3 years. I'm researching a 4x4 conversion I can afford now.

[Blue~Go]

Nice! 2004 had some nifty features - I bet you are going to love it. I was going to add a photo of mine, so we could have a "Here is my Chinook" thread, but after poking around.... I can't see how to add a photo (read the FAQ, looked at the attachment area in my profile, etc.). Can you advise? (Maybe I need an album?) I see the Img tags, but now how to upload a photo.

[Manitou]

It was permissions on this forum software. Everyone should be good to go now. (I'm trusting spammers haven't found this forum yet)

Can you elaborate on the "nifty features"? I have heated tanks, but not the nifty hot/cool cup holders

[Astrodokk]

Well, here's mine. I'm in a minority since it seems that most Chinookers have rigs newer than 1990s. Nonetheless, mine is in good shape and it won't stop running in the event of an EM burst like all yours will lol.

[Blue~Go]

Can you elaborate on the "nifty features"? I have heated tanks, but not the nifty hot/cool cup holders

One of the main ones I was thinking of were the improved/fancier storage compartment doors. At least I think it started in 2004. Looked like they slid the propane tank further under the rig and gave you a good sized storage bin on the passenger side, plus still retained a storage bin on the driver's side, both with one handed latches that were more "real" than the two little thumb screws on most of our rigs (which still work but not as slick). Then you have a tachometer on the dash (I think), and a few other things I can't immediately think of. The storage compartments were the main thing that caught my eye.

On the hot/cool cupholders: I always though those would be so neat! Then I bought my Chinook that came with it (called "Beverage Mate"). I hated it and replaced it with the "big" console from a mid-2000's era Ford van (maybe that's what you have). Here is why I didn't like it:

1) You can only fit special hot mugs (that come with it) or tiny things that are the size of 12 oz. pop cans. Nothing I regularly drink out of is that size.

2) Where you would normally have other storage on top, there are big cutouts for heat vents that you can't block. So no place to set anything down (except in the two cup holders themselves).

3) Then there is a tiny, tiny little "glove box" compartment on the front.

Now maybe you would have loved one, but... just figured I'd give you the downsides so maybe you would not miss it so much I sold mine on eBay - perhaps if this forum had existed I would have posted it here instead (would like you to have had it if I had known).

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Edited to add: More information on the Beverage Mate and console replacement in general in this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=19
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Astrodokk: Love your classic Chinook! I hope you'll post more photos in other threads; it's so fun to see the details that haven't changed (plus those that have).

Thanks for fixing the photo function. Here is my rig not long after I bought it last winter:

[Astrodokk]

Ok, perhaps I'll start a thread for these older gals. I know of a couple of folks who have them. I love the way your generation of Chinooks look, especially knowing that they have factory generators. Mine doesn't, and it certainly looks dated, but I like vintage stuff that still functions well, and it's fun to drive around.

[jvanwezenb]

I also am new to RVing and in late May adopted a 2004 Chinook Concourse. Have done 6 or so short trips (Under 200 miles 2-3 nights) and have learned alot but still have alot to learn. Does your 2004 Concourse have driving lights and do they work? Haven't figured out how to get mine to work and still looking for a fuse.

Thanks,
John

[Blue~Go]

Does your 2004 Concourse have driving lights and do they work? Haven't figured out how to get mine to work and still looking for a fuse.

Hi John,

If you don't mind, I'm going to take the above and start a new thread. That's 'cause I have driving lights questions too, and don't want this to go unnoticed in (what seems to be) the "Here's my Chinook!" thread (would enjoy seeing a photo of yours, btw).

Edited to add: I did start a thread in the Electrical sub-forum. Here is a link:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=24

[Manitou]

Mine aren't there anymore. I was told the 1st owner (I bought from the 2nd owner) was in a fender bender. You can see the front bumper is a little tweaked. That blew out one of the lights and rather than fix it, the 2nd owner removed the other one to pass state inspection (if they're there, they have to work).
I do see a switch near the generator start up that says "driving lights", but that's as far as I've dug in. Let me know what you find out please. I think I'll be putting a different bumper on would like to add some lights back on that switch.

[Manitou]

Just a little day dreaming.

The second pic represents a major requirement I had. The ability to fit in a normal size parking space.