We recently featured an odd creature of the ’70s, a crudely-converted ’72 Chevy van. If you were put off by the potential rust issues but still wanted a custom hauler, Barn Finds reader Robert R spotted this professionally-converted 1978 Dodge Dreamer here on eBay with 1 bid and the reserve unmet. This one looks to be in decent shape, though the seller acknowledges the wiring is a bit of a mess. The body appears solid and a repaint in a cream color works well. The 440 powerplant should prove to be a good runner and hauler, especially since these Dodge vans were originally converted by an RV company specifically to tow 5th-wheel motorhomes. If I were of the lifestyle to own such a recreational vehicle, you can be sure I’d choose a vintage truck like this one as my workhorse. Are any of you R/V types? If so, would you use this Dreamer van for towing?
Cool but having a class C rv with the same engine get a heatproof sock for your right foot they crammed that engine in there but good
Very Cool….just wouldn’t want to have to pay for the gas this thing would use with that 440 V8!
Would be cool as a fifth wheel car hauler but for the repairs still needed 5K would be my tops. Wiring issues are a nightmare to deal with even though I would rather do that then chasing a noise under the vehicle while driving.
On a ’78 wiring would be as basic as you could hope for.
Love these things! A few converters made them, my fav on a Ford like this;
What is this it looks awesome ?
I really am into these;
Gas hog
I have a buddy with one of these………great idea and works great. The wider back seat gives you enough room to lay down on the couch or seat 4 people across. I think they were quite expensive new although I find the van configuration difficult to work on in general.
Hello every one. I cant help but notice that the vin rivets are round. Red flag!!
There are other odd things about this one too. The PW switches are from a later model, maybe both doors? The seats and pedistals are from a later model.
But hey maybe its just a trip to the boneyard for some later model stuff.
The VIN however is another issue.
I remember a 70’s econoline van done like this years ago in west Springfield pa. Always thought it was a neat idea. Never had a use for one though.
I like it, altho I am not familiar with these drivetrains to know whether this is a good one. What I like is the ability to tow using the hitch mount at the back, plus cargo space for the extra parts you sometimes get with a car. Just bring rope and a tarp to cover it and you have a great way to go.
That said, I’d much rather have a diesel drivetrain, altho if you could get this much cheaper than a good late model diesel pickup you could use the savings to buy the gas. Plus you can sleep in the sleeper if necessary, which I’ve had to do twice after missing connections, and my pickup cab just wasn’t wide enough. I’m guessing the sleeper on this would be.
Apparently it’s rare. 1 of 100. Used as a promotional piece by Dodge
can’t imagine how bad the mpg number is….
if you watch the video, the seller leaves the driveway with a full tank..
.after four or five short passes, he brings it back into the driveway….because he’s running on fumes….
I had a 2001 class C motorhome on a Chevy chassis with a 454 v8. I got about 10 mpg.
I love all the mopars I’ve seen on hear.
This would be nice as a light truck for around town.