Chinook RV

I finally was able to follow instructions and get logged in. Thanks, Jason, for being patient with me.

I am an old goat, about five months past eighty but last year I decided that I needed a camper and the Alaskan was going to be the way to go. I did a lot of searching but not much good luck so I settled for another brand of the pop - ups even though I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to like it so my Alaskan search kept going. Finally located a 10' OTC model in excellent condition so the one I had bought was quickly sold and I'm off to pick up the dream.

By the first of March this year and 11,000 miles later, I decided I needed something a little more convenient. Like a small motor home but not too small. I like to haul lots of junk with me so it had to be something with enough room. I lost my wife of more than fifty years six and a half years ago so all my travels would be solo. I started reading all I could about several brands but Chinook was the one that kept entering my mind so another search was launched.

Finally, about five weeks ago, I found a 1988 Concourse 18+ model built on a Ford chassis with the 460 engine so off to Idaho for a look. Excellent condition ! Less than 42,000 miles and had spent most of it's life in a shed of some sort. It has everything except a generator so now another search. What generator would be like what was installed at the factory? I have been told to simply acquire one of the small portables that are easy to find but I like the idea of having one installed in the compartment that is intended for one so I would appreciate some info as to what I should be looking for.

Thank you ahead of time.

sliderock

Glad you were able to make it in Sliderock. After a few posts, things will pop up immediately instead of needing "approval".
I don't suppose you feel up to posting some pictures of your new rig? Sounds like a beaut!

As for the generator, I believe chinooks always came with a Onan of some sort. I have a 4k unit, but my chinook is a 2004. If mine ever really dies, I'll replace it with a honda 3k. I believe they are strong enough to do everything the 4k did for us (just can't run microwave AND roof A/C at the same time. (Turn off the A/c for a min. while you nuke something.. then turn t back on).. I think that's what I'm supposed to do anyway.. I rarely nuke anything.
The honda is much quiter and even better on gas. There are a few specialist out there that can install it with a remote start and a remote gas feed. In my case, that would be great since I'd like to continue using my ford gas tank and the remote start switches already installed in my rig.

Welcome Sliderock! I have an '02 Concourse and it has the Onan 4000 as well. If you can find a Honda generator that'll fit there you're probably better off. Onan carbs are a pain and varnish up easily apparently. I've heard of people with Honda generators who let it sit for a full year and can fire 'em right up. Mine's acting up again and it's no fun trying to fix it without having to make a service call.

Where ya from?

Billings, Montana is where I call home nowdays. Been here for almost eleven years. Prior to moving here, Cody, WY, was home for twenty six years. Mighty nice country out this way but I like to wander around to other places just to see what's different.

I'm pretty sure I don't know how to put up a picture but I will give it a try.

Sweet ol rig! I grew up with an 83 f150 that your van reminds me of. Good times.

Man, that picture is HUGE and I don't know how to downsize it. Better do some more studying.

I don't suppose many motor homes are economy vehicles but I would like it if that old 460 wasn't quite so thirsty. Gets about 9 1/2 which could be much worse.

I have a 21" computer screen so your picture looked perfect on my tired eyes. Looks like yours has avoided the peeling clearcoat that mine has all over. I envy that!

I did figure out how to downsize a picture so I will do that next time.

That old Chinook has spent more nights out since I bought it six weeks ago than it had for all the rest of it's previous life. Wonder what kind of polish would do the best job of protecting the finish?

sliderock

Love that pinkish interior.

Interesting fabric color. Mine is a light gold color. I see you don't have the coffee maker. Did you remove it or did it not come with it? I'm wondering what to clean/spruce up the dinette table with. Needs a good cleaning but I don't want something that'll harm it.