I just purchased a 1976 Dodge Chinook 18 Plus 2

[Zayvier]

Hi. I just purchased a 1976 Dodge Chinook 18 Plus 2 motorhome. It has two 6 foot sofas along each side window. 1 sofa can be a dinette.

Motorhome info:

Model year 1976
Make chino
Series/body. 18P/MH
RES-CO 17
INC/UNINC I
VALUE-CODE/YR
12625 75
DEPRE 1
MO-REG 12

Chinook by Trail Wagons, Inc


1976 Dodge chinook 18 Plus 2 or
18P/MH
Concourse 18 Plus
1976 Dodge B300 360cubic engine
5.9L V8 motor 1 ton dually
It came form the factory with no catalytic

It has 56,000 miles on it
I added 6 new tires
Mechanic did the once over and did fluids, tranny, plugs, brakes, steering is tightened up, etc.
Emissions work, new gas tank and gas linesand now it smog compliant in California
Two new maxxair fans
New car and house battery

Here is info for the house systems and appliances:
RV refrigerator
Dometic Model RM66E
LP-Gas and Electric
Stove and oven aka Range
Brand: Suburban
Model: SR-40 SB
Furnace
Brand:Suburban
Model: Dyna-Trail
Model #: NT-12FC
Converter
Brand: Phillips power converter
and battery charger
Model: PC-301-A-1

Interior lights work, changed to LEDs
Added 12v and USB outlets

Refrigerator is missing a know inside that you pull to light the propane when it’s on gas. I manually lit the propane on the rear of the fridge and will see if it get a cold. If it does then I will check shore power and the 12v to cool the fridge.

The furnace turns on, blows heated air. Does this mean the furnace is totally ok?

Water pump makes noise when turned on but need to fill fresh water tank and check if it pumps.

Gas range burners all work but I can’t figure out how to light the oven.

I have to check the hot water heater.

The previous owner added a brand new A/C

I relaxed the house battery with this new battery- but it’s a car battery so I am not sure if this is ok
New battery specs
Specs
Height (in.) 9.44
Cranking Amps @ 32F 1185
Terminal Type A
Width (in.) 6.81
Reserve Capacity (minutes) 195
Length (in.) 13
Group Size 31
Voltage 12
BCI # 31
Weight (lbs) 60
Height (mm) 239
Length (mm) 330
Right Or Left Hand Positive Right
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) @ 0F 950
Width (mm) 173
Wet or Dry Wet

I’d like to add some simple yet scaleable solar to start- unless the fridge can easily and efficiently run off the LP or 12v from 1 house battery.

I have a lot of paperwork and manuals form the previous owners.

Sorry for the lengthy post- I have so many questions.

Thanks,
Charlie

[chin_k]

I can tell you that the fridge won't be running long on the DC mode. You need to use the LP to keep things cold, unless you are running on genset, or have shore power.

[Zayvier]

Thank you for your reply.

[kcatton]

Would you be willing to share the general manuals etc...for the 1976 chinook 18plus?

I bought one and starting restoration but I find very little on this model...

thank you so much,