Newbee Question

[68camaro]

Hi, first post, I am ooking to buy a 18 or 21 Chinook and I was hoping forum folks could answer a few really basic questions I couldn't get clear answer on elsewhere? RV will be used as fishing basecamp on east coast mostly.

Are these all duallies, or did the make single axel rear wheels in 18/21's.
Can the duallies be upgraded to 4x4?
What is the hierarchy for models for the 18 and 23? Ex. is Concourse top then premier etc..?
What options are more desirable for axels, gears, engines etc....
What are biggest areas to be concerned about and checkout closely as they are quite a few years old?

Thank you in advance

[Manitou]

Others will probably reply with more detail, but here's what I think I know:
They were all dually rear axles.
They can be converted to 4x4 (I had one) and a few (Baja models) came 4x4 brand new. I believe even those were converted... possibly by the sportsmobile folks. There's an "expedition portal forum" site worth looking at. A bunch of guys convert the e350 to 4x4 on their own.

My 2004 was 4.10 gearing and I was happy with that and the triton v10.
As for issues.. there's going to be some for sure. I would look out for how I felt about the engine (now that I have experience with the v10.. I like it. I hear great things about the older dodge 318 though), any water damage to wood (because I suck at cabinetry), and rust. Surface rust doesn't phase me, but these things are heavy.. I want a solid tough frame... especially if you are going 4x4 and that implies additional stressful moments.

[Blue~Go]

Hello and welcome,

As Manitou said, I haven't ever seen a 21-footer (or an 18+ although I haven't seen as many of those) that was not a dually.

In the 21' era, the Premier is the "lower" model and the Concourse the "upper." I think right at the very end (mid-2000's) they made one even "more lower" model. Maybe it was the Eagle? I don't think there would be very many of those. I remember that in the one or two I've seen photos of they had different cabinetry and no window over the sink.

I'm not too familiar with the 18+ era on engines, but I have seen them on both Dodge and Chevy chassis, Dodge more often.

In the 21' era up to the mid-90's all I have seen were Ford chassis, and I think most (all?) had the 460 engine. Not sure if any had a smaller engine. Then with the Ford "modular" engine beginning in 1997, I believe they all had the 6.8 V10 for some time, and then later on some had the 5.4 V8 standard, but you could upgrade to the V-10. I think that last may only have been the Premiers and maybe the Concourse always had the V-10?

I have a '99 Concourse and it has a Dana 70 rear with 4.10 gears and Limited Slip. If you go to the reference section you can find brochures and manuals for many years, and I think those lay out the engines/axles for that year, and whether there were any options. At least some manuals do.

As Manitou says, they can be converted to 4x4. At least one of the converters that did the "factory" Chinook 4x4 option is still in business (Quadvan). I believe Salem Kroger did others. I'm not as familiar with them but I think they are still in business but with another name maybe?

What is most desirable is in the eye of the beholder. For example I wanted the manual rear step, even though I suppose the electric step would be "above" that. I also wanted the non-swoopy paint job, so that means I didn't look for the newest one, even though you could argue that newer is better (swoops started around 2002-2003). Otherwise of course newest and most expensive when new and in best condition could be considered the "best."

What to look for.....

1) Overall condition of engine/chassis as a pure vehicle.
2) Water damage (although this is less extensive a concern as other build methods, it can still happen). Usually this will be pretty obvious (smell, cabinetry looking funny).
3) Tire date codes (not a problem to replace, but a $ factor).
4) Any specific things you want or don't want (color, layout, etc.)
5) Exterior condition (paint if Concourse or swoop; vinyl stickers if pre-swoop Premier).

[b6fischer]

Welcome.

I'll respond to the 4x4 aspect as I thought I would want to convert mine. I use mine all year and ski all winter often storm chasing so poor traction conditions. I was gung ho on converting to 4x4 but found it is not necessary. Better tires and increasing clearance gets it done for most applications.

Best east coast place for a performance/handling 4x4 conversion is www.ujointoffroad.com in NC. I hear that Quigley conversions do not handle as well. Budget to have it converted - $11,000 to $16,000. Kits are available for DIY applications at Ujoint.

The first year I installed 215/85R16 Goodyear Duratrac tires. These are slightly narrower and a bit taller than stock providing awesome mud and winter grip. My CHinook has a limited-slip differential and is all that is needed with the Duratracs. I have carried chains the past 4 years and have yet to put them on.

This winter (Jan/Feb) we drove over 10,000 miles from VA, to CO, and into British Columbia. The NW had a huge snow season and even crossing Teton and Kootenany Passes several times. No issues. We've decided to not convert to 4x4.

[68camaro]

This winter (Jan/Feb) we drove over 10,000 miles from VA, to CO, and into British Columbia. The NW had a huge snow season and even crossing Teton and Kootenany Passes several times. No issues. We've decided to not convert to 4x4.

Are you based in VA, I am located outside Richmond and would love oppty to check yours out if you are willing. 4x4 is in plans but I guess if lift only works and maybe locker that might be fine.

[68camaro]

Manitou and Blue-Go, thank you for reply. The info was helpful, the journey is half the fun so hopefully the right unit will come along. I went through a lot of the reference material last night so have better idea on what was available on what units.

My other serious option is Provan Tiger and maybe B class but narrowness of B class has me a little concerned.

[Blue~Go]

My other serious option is Provan Tiger and maybe B class but narrowness of B class has me a little concerned.

Glad you found it helpful. I mentioned it above (and maybe that's what you were reading), but some of the manuals and brochures can give you good info. I especially like how they lay out the electrical, plumbing, and propane systems (plus more). There is also information on options, etc., usually at the back (or the 1998 brochure compares Premier and Concourse).

On the choices, well I can relate. Six years ago I had a campervan, now I've had the Chinook for a few years -- and I looked seriously at a couple of Tigers. They all have their good and bad points, some objective and some subjective.

[kdarling]

The post 70s models go like this, in increasing length and base price order:

21' Eagle, Premier, Concourse, Baja
24' Maverick (externally looks kind of like a side door Cascade)
24' Cascade, Destiny
25' Glacier (one slide)
27' Summit (two slides)

The Baja came with 4wd, which was a relatively rarely used option for other models. You're more likely to find ones converted by owners later on.

Common two-letter standard option package designations per model were Premier/Eagle LT, Concourse/Destiny XL, and Glacier LE. Basically the suffix indicated the addition of at least a color TV, VCR, antenna, and microwave. Depending on the model & year, the packages also included things like nicer countertops, nicer vent fan, coffee maker, safe, vacuum, rear CD player, running boards, stronger hitch, etc. However, many Chinooks were custom ordered, so always check listed options.

The Sport package was a $13k addon that made a Premier look kind of like a 2wd Baja. Only seen a few online. There was also a Ski Team version which replaced the sofa, dinette, oven and sink, with rows of bus passenger seats. We've only ever seen one of those.

[68camaro]

The post 70s models go like this, in increasing length and base price order:

21' Eagle, Premier, Concourse, Baja
24' Maverick (externally looks kind of like a side door Cascade)
24' Cascade, Destiny
25' Glacier (one slide)
27' Summit (two slides)

The Baja came with 4wd, which was a relatively rarely used option for other models. You're more likely to find ones converted by owners later on.

Common two-letter standard option package designations per model were Premier/Eagle LT, Concourse/Destiny XL, and Glacier LE. Basically the suffix indicated the addition of at least a color TV, VCR, antenna, and microwave. Depending on the model & year, the packages also included things like nicer countertops, nicer vent fan, coffee maker, safe, vacuum, rear CD player, running boards, stronger hitch, etc. However, many Chinooks were custom ordered, so always check listed options.

The Sport package was a $13k addon that made a Premier look kind of like a 2wd Baja. Only seen a few online. There was also a Ski Team version which replaced the sofa, dinette, oven and sink, with rows of bus passenger seats. We've only ever seen one of those.

Awesome, thanks.

[pdemarest]

Greetings and welcome - a couple of thoughts from a relatively new owner (bought mine a little over 2 years ago). Some of the model designations can be a bit misleading. I have a 2004 Premier that was optioned-up to have almost everything that the Concourse has, including the V-10, so you'll need to check the actual unit out to see how it was equipped rather than just looking at the model name.

As far as things to look out for obviously you'll want to check out all the systems to see if they're working. Most RVs spend more time in the driveway than on the road and age alone can take its toll. Brake pads can starting to crumble over time and tires with lots of tread can be dangerous if there more than 5-6 years old. Most of all, before you buy see if you can find a reliable RV service shop to get advice on your purchase. My RV only had around 23K miles when I got it but it was already 12 years old. Change all the fluids (tranny and rear axle as well), have the belts and hoses checked out thoroughly or just replace them.

Finally, as you go on your search don't be shy about running your options by this forum. The only RV I owned before I got my Chinook was a tent trailer and I've found this site to be invaluable. The people on this forum are very knowledgeable and helpful.

As far as the Provan Tiger I looked at those but decided against it for two reasons; Its smaller inside than a 21 foot Chinook and its powered by a V-6 which is simply not adequate for an RV. Good luck and good hunting!