Xplorer Fans?

[westlanddave78]

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone else here is into Xplorers...one of the original Class B's. I've got a 1988 Xplorer 228 myself.

I'm especially interested in the history of the company.

Some of you might recall that Xplorer was founded by Ray Frank, who built the world's first commercial motorhome in 1958. Frank's wife is credited with coining the term "motor home" because she didn't like the then-popular "house car" name. Apparently, "motorhome" caught on and stuck! (The space between "motor" and "home" got dropped sometime in the '70s I think.)

Cheers!

Dave

[thefredx]

Hey Dave,
I just picked up a '77 Dodge Xplorer 224. It's my first RV.

Fred

[markopolo]

Welcome to the Class B Forum Fred. First RV - that's exciting. Ask as many questions as you want. Our member list is growing so someone should be able to answer them.

I stumbled on this link that had some interesting photos of Xplorer vans and brochures:

http://www.jaycronen.com/vehicles/xp...motor-home.htm

[jdeitch]

I just purchased a 1976 Xplorer 224 and will be doing a complete restoration. I hope to post many highlights.

[Joe]

We have owned a Dodge Xplorer 230 for a little over a year and love it! It only had 17,000 miles on it. My wife and I own a camp ground membership in Frnot Royal Va. We always got a rental until we bought the camper. Will be retiring in 17 months and will be checking out the country then as I am still getting out som bugs. It had sat for 3 years or so and I had to put some money into it. Tires, brakes, batteries, ball joints and such.

[stxal]

Howdy fellow Xplorer fans. In a moment of weakness, and unsupervised weakness at that, I bought an '88 Xplorer 221 on eBay. I have just returned to my Virgin Islands home after having moved the beast from Wisconsin to central Ohio where it's going to live for the winter. I hope to drive it to Canada next summer.
I've only put 500 miles on it so far, but I like the way it drives. I got about 11 mpg on the trip. I'd love to hear any Xplorer stories, lore or insider info. This is my first RV although I rented a Pleasureway a few years back and even put together a web site about that experience. If you're interested, the URL is http://www.aldorsa.com/RV/page1.
Let me see if I can attach a pic of my ride to this posting. BTW, I live in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.... a great place to visit in the dead of winter... perennially 85 degrees.. come on down and spend some money!
Regards to all,
Al

[aalgeo]

Looking for any help with any information about all electric units put in xplorer 230 models, I have located a 2003 unit that is for sale but it does not have any propane> All extra's operate by electric via a converter. Is there anyone out there who has this type of arrangement ? Is it better or worse then propane? The unit does have high mileage on it, 107k, price range is about 20k. What does any one who knows about the 230 models think? Thanks

[Joe]

My 1998 230 has a converter. The Ref. is Propane, electric or 12 volt. The stove, furnace and hot water heater are also propane. The roof top air conditioner also has an electric heater. It is equiped with a small solar panel for topping off the battery I believe but it does not seem to work that well.

[markopolo]

An "all electric" model must have been a custom order.

2003 xplorer 230 listed specifications:

DIMENSIONS
Exterior length 20'11-3/8"
Wheelbase 127.6"
Exterior width 7'4"
Exterior height 8' 9-3/8" (top of vent)
Interior height 6'1"
GVWR 9200 lb
Ground Clearance: Rear Axle 7-1/2"
W/Adjustable Rear Air Springs

CHASSIS-3500 Dodge
Dodge 5.9L (360) V-8 Engine
Transmission - 4 speed automatic w/O.D.
Fuel capacity - 35 gallons
Chrome bumpers w/black cap
Chrome grill with halogen headlights
Custom wheel covers
Radial tires
Dual wheels w/s.s. liners/valve exts.
Spare tire carrier under unit
Limited slip rear axle
4.10 Rear axle ratio

EXTERIOR BODY
Color - White with three tone graphics
Unibody construction, steel reinforcement
Floor-steel & plywood, and carpet
Insulation-sidewalls-R-19 and roof foam
Rustproofing-all metal conversion
components
Aerodynamic fiberglass roof (low profile)
Sandwich construction w/urethane foam
Awning type windows, safety glass tinted
with screens
Large power mirrors
Wide fiberglass running boards with wide
wheel flares & tailpiece
Extended entrance door opening
Trailer hitch W/12V connector-7 pin-
4000 lb. rating
Awning*

DRIVING COMPARTMENT
Drapery - windshield on track
Engine cover tray
Deluxe highback seats, w/arm rest, lumbar
adjustment
Swivel recliner seats (driver & passenger)
Inside day/night mirror
Tinted glass, windshield & front doors
Power windows, cab only/power mirrors,
power door locks - all doors
Air conditioner-automotive, dash
mounted
Tilt steering wheel
Steering & brakes - power assist
Cruise control
AM/FM radio, cassette/CD w/4 speakers
and clock
Radio, C.B. 40-channel*
Heater - automotive, fresh air

INTERIOR
Colors-3: blue, sage green, tan
Walls (vinyl, paneling, and fabric)
Ceiling, textured fiberglass
Fantastic Vent, thermostat/rain sensor
Fabric blinds - all side windows
Draperies, windshield, side & rear doors
Plush carpeting
Florescent lights
Deluxe drawers - hardwood
Overhead storage cabinets-"hold open" door w/painted mirrors
Padded door panels
Closets, full length and shirt closets
6'-1" standing room
Oak vinyl clad doors
White laminated cabinets w/raised panel
doors and drawers*
Wide aisle
Linoleum floor*

KITCHEN
Microwave
Sharp microwave/convection oven*
Stove, LP gas, 2 burner - white
Refrigerator, 3cu. ft, 3-way, 12/110v/LPG
or 2-way electric AC/DC
Sink, white with s.s. backsplash
Hot and cold water faucet - white
Sink, filler/cutting board
Countertop, color laminated mica
Hardwood cabinets
Spice rack

SLEEPING
Twin beds-75"x30" or king bed 75"x80"
Queen size bed-queen model 55"x80"
Electric rear sofa w/twin beds or queen bed

BATHROOM
Private facilities-full fiberglass liner
Full shower, wand-single control, water
saver, push button type w/flexible hose
Wash basin - stainless steel
Toilet, marine flush
Privacy doors
Power vent fan
12V lights
Wood bathroom doors
Shower curtain
Medicine Cabinet
Window-obscure glass
Waterproof tissue storage area

HEATING/COOLING
Furnace, LP gas, 16,000 BTU, forced air
thermostatically controlled
LP gas tank, 35 lbs. 80% safety stopfillvalve
Air conditioning, 12,000BTU* w/built-in
heat pump w/9,000 BTU heat*
Air conditioning, 10,000 BTU*

ELECTRICAL
12V and 110V
Power plant - Onan 2.8 or 4KW generator*
-electric, air cooled with special sound
proof compartment - remote start
Lighting, interior, 12V, dome, driving
compartment, front & side door courtesy
Outlets, 3, interior, 110V
Outlet, 1, exterior, 110V
Exterior inlet, 30 amp, 110V, weatherproof
30 foot shoreline cord
Converter, 45 amp
Battery charger meter
Battery, auxiliary, 80 amp with isolator
TV, color, 9", 13"
TV/VCR, color, 9", 13"
Video cassette player*
TV amplifier w/dual built-in antennas
Solar battery charger - 10 amp.
Cable TV-phone hook-ups
Battery disconnect, house

WATER
Automatic pressure type, inside motor home
Fresh water tank, 22 (twin) 26 (queen) gal.
polyethylene plastic-inside vehicle
Hot water heater, LP gas, 6 gal. capacity
with motor-aid heat exchanger-with by-pass
-inside vehicle (Note Std. hot water htr.
w/rear power sofa is 110V elec. 6 gal.
capacity) LP is N/C option
Water pump, demand type, 12V automatic
-inside vehicle
Holding tank, grey water, 16 gal. w/remote
termination drain valve
Holding tank-black water-8 gal. w/remote
termination drain valve-inside vehicle
City water hook-up, outside
Termination hose carrier
Exterior shower
Electric Waste Valve*
All Features Standard-
*Denotes Available Options
Partial listing of standard & optional
equipment

equipment subject to change without
notice
Made in the U.S.A. 5/15/03

[markopolo]

2002 xplorer 230 XLW / XLWT spec look pretty much the same.

[aalgeo]

still would like more info on the value of a (non propane) 230xlw if any one knows

I have another question about shore line power hook up.

Can the xplorer unit be hooked up to 110 (normal household outlet) and still run the air conditioner?
the airs description is
Dometic Duotherm andldquo;Cool Catandrdquo;
110 volt air conditioner with heat pump is mounted in rear of roof,
rather than on top, so it is more aerodynamic and keeps the roof clear of clutter

the dealer is telling me I need a 30 amp hook up to make the air work

and has anyone else heard of a heat pump on a class b unit?

[markopolo]

I really need propane in my RV. Propane is used by my fridge, water heater, stove and furnace. I couldn't do without it because some of my favorite places to camp don't have hookups.

I'm not sure how accurate NADA is but here's what they show:



I had a Duo-Therm Cool Cat Heat Pump in my Roadtrek. The air conditioner manual indicated that it would draw 12 amps ac after it had started so it would pretty much use up a 15 amp house circuit. The installation instructions specified a 20 amp fuse. Basically you would not be able to run your fridge etc. at the same time. A 30 amp connection would be better.

[Joe]

When I was checking out our camper before buying I noticed an adapter attached to the end of the 30 amp cord for a 110 plug. The adapter was melted. I ask the owner about it and he saidit was from trying to operate the air conditioner using the adapter to plug into 110. When I hook in my back yard and want to run the air conditioner. I start the Onan Gen. set. I would not try and operate it without a 30 amp hook up.

[e28ranch]

I have owned a 1973 Xplorer since 1993 and I don't ever want to sell it. However, I am now converting mine to all electric.

Because of a bad propane regulator, there was an explosion inside. I was able to put out the fire before any outside damage occured. I have since repaired the inside but I will Never buy or use propane again.

With today's advances in RV generators and solar panels, there is no reason to use a danger like propane.

Now, I know why boats don't use propane.

[Joe]

Last year just before we started to use for camping I smelled propane around the fridge. I checked all the lines but could not find a leak. I took it to a dealer where I live and it was the control knob on the fridge itself. No further problems with propane but I sure do respect it!!!

[thedoodaa2]

Explorer fans : has anybody installed an rear vision camera in an explorer? if so what kind of camera and where did you get it .are you happy with it? Did you have to drill any holes :sure don't want to do that if I can get out of it. Also can anybody tell me what the big red switch under the passengers seat does ,I have put it on and off and don't see what is working or not working. thanks Walt

[Mike]

Originally Posted by aalgeo

still would like more info on the value of a (non propane) 230xlw if any one knows

I have another question about shore line power hook up.

Can the xplorer unit be hooked up to 110 (normal household outlet) and still run the air conditioner?
the airs description is
Dometic Duotherm andldquo;Cool Catandrdquo;
110 volt air conditioner with heat pump is mounted in rear of roof,
rather than on top, so it is more aerodynamic and keeps the roof clear of clutter

the dealer is telling me I need a 30 amp hook up to make the air work

and has anyone else heard of a heat pump on a class b unit?

I realize this is a bit late to reply, but our 2002 Roadtrek 190P came with a
heat pump. I think it might be the only year they made them with a h/p, instead of
an a/c unit (draw your own conclusions?). It does a reasonably good job of cooling
the B but I can't help thinking an a/c unit would be better in the extremely hot places
we've visited. I'm not an electrician but, if your outlet is fused/breakered for 30 Amps
and delivers 110V, I'd think you should be able to run your a/c or heat pump just by plugging in.
Apologies if I've "Noahed" this thread in any way.
Mike.

[Mike]

x

[thedoodaa2]

Has anybody put a sway bar on a Dodge one tun duly van? Our 03 Xplorer has firestone air bags, and I think that may cause some of the sway.Don't know if a sway bar would help ,OR maybe heavy duty shocks . The shocks should not be bad as the van only has 36K on it. But a quality shock may help in a cross wind. If anybody has been there and dun that let me know what you did and if it helped.

When I figger out how to post a picture and get the profile to to work I'll get er done ,meanwhile my name is Walt and live in Corpus Christi TX.

[tony]

Hay , i just bought a 1991 dodge 230 xplorer, it has 51,000 miles, over all pretty good shape, but has a few things i cant figure, the microlite onan would not run, found that the fuel pump had quit, it still made noise, but would not pump,installed new pump , (that was a new experance) had to use a floor jack to lower it out the bottom of van, anyway am checking the roof ac, its a emerson 7000 btu, and has two looks like 1/2 inch pipes just below the bottom of ac unit, like they were drain holes, anyway cannot get any thing to go through, (bees have built dirt nest, i have tried to rod out but will onl go in about 2 foot and stops, i tried water and air, no go, any ideas as to what they are, and if drains how to clean them? p/s if you answer that one i have a few more ha. tks tony