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1978 Dodge Dreamer: RV-Ready

dreamer

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?

Comments

  1. Avatar skloon

    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

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Charles H.

    Very Cool….just wouldn’t want to have to pay for the gas this thing would use with that 440 V8!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar JW

    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.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

      On a ’78 wiring would be as basic as you could hope for.

      Like 1
  4. Avatar boxdin

    Love these things! A few converters made them, my fav on a Ford like this;

    Like 2
    • Avatar Tracy Leider

      What is this it looks awesome ?

      Like 0
  5. Avatar boxdin

    I really am into these;

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Rick

    Gas hog

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Dave Wright

    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.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar dbigb1 Member

    Hello every one. I cant help but notice that the vin rivets are round. Red flag!!

    Like 0
  9. Avatar boxdin

    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.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar pontiactivist

    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.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Dolphin Member

    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.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Walter Joy

    Apparently it’s rare. 1 of 100. Used as a promotional piece by Dodge

    Like 0
  13. Avatar krash

    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….

    Like 0
    • Avatar Ed P

      I had a 2001 class C motorhome on a Chevy chassis with a 454 v8. I got about 10 mpg.

      Like 0
  14. Avatar Susan Walk

    I love all the mopars I’ve seen on hear.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Dustin

    This would be nice as a light truck for around town.

    Like 0

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