Eric Bureau enjoys camping in Baja but the factory powertrain in his 1975 Avco Grand Lodge motorhome just couldn’t tackle the tough roads.
The RV was originally built on a Dodge M600 chassis with a Dodge 440 ci V8 and 727 Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission. Eric replaced those with a Cummins 5.9 L 6BT diesel inline-six mated to a Allison 2400 five-speed automatic transmission.
Power is sent to all six 315/70/22.5 tires through a Ford F-550 4WD drivetrain featuring a Dana Super 60 front axle and Dana S110 rear axle with a Posi LSD. The RV has a drivetrain improved fuel economy from 6 mpg to 11 mpg. The engine is fed from two 45 gallon fuel tanks. Eric improved braking thanks to an exhaust brake and Hydromax brake booster. The RV also features a compressor with 30 gallon air tank, a hydraulic leveling system, and 12,000 lb winch.
Inside the cabin you’ll find an on-demand water heater fed from two 75 gallon water tanks. There are also three AC units. The one up front is a 45,000 BTU model from a bus used while driving. The other two are 9000 BTU units mounted on the roof and are used while camping.
Sweet ride down to the coast for a little surf fishing.
Great Vehicle.
Wish we had these kind of things in Belgium
If you ever sell it let me know
regards,
Maurice
Belgium – Europe
If you would sell what is the top Number you would got to get for that classic ride?
We just watched your trip to Punta Chivato on you tube! We haven’t been down in 12 yrs but your were camping exactly in our spot. Parked our little boat in the same spot too! We miss that place but thanks for posting your trip! We loved seeing it 😊
Hello Eric,
I have a number of questions about your Avco build for a program I am working on – would you send me an email with your contact information so that I can give you a call please?
martindijkema@gmail.com