Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

No Reserve! 1976 Dodge B300 Coachmen

This clean 1976 Dodge B300 Coachmen needs some love to return to regular use but did serve as the seller’s daily driver until a brake issue forced him to park it. It seems like an unusual choice for a daily, especially considering these old vans aren’t exactly fuel-efficient, but if you lead a lifestyle where there’s plenty of time spent on the road or looking for the next great campsite, it starts to make more sense. This Coachmen conversion shows off plenty of original details inside, and despite needing some further mechanical sorting to be right as rain once again, there are lots of positives to focus on – including the no reserve listing. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $3,650.

After spending 14 hours in a van on a recent road trip, I can honestly see why so many folks are completely comfortable taking them on the open road. The captain’s chairs make long drives a pleasure; the spacious cabin and walk-through center aisle keep your passengers happy; and while it’s far from quick, you also don’t get pushed around as much as you would in a smaller car while battling interstate traffic. The Dodge shown here is from another era entirely than my 2003 VW Eurovan, and it’s loaded with far more in the way of the comforts from home. The wood-coated cabinetry, stainless steel sink, and straight-out-of-the-70s countertops all look to be in good shape.

The Coachmen features a full bed, plenty of daylight, and curtains for added privacy. The seller notes that he decided to part with the Coachmen when a brake line went out and the list of small-but-necessary fixes it needed seemed too long to want to deal with. All of the issues he mentions seem pretty minor, from a leak by the sunroof to the original air conditioning system no longer working (but all the components are still present.) The water pump and interior lighting still work when plugged into land power. The propane and water tanks are present, but the seller claims – despite using the van as a daily for months – that he never tested the appliances or propane systems.

Image courtesy of eBay

I feel like a lot of RV and mini-campers say this, which is along the same lines as the A/C just needing a charge. It’s as if not flipping a switch somehow absolves you from admitting that a critical system that is central to using the van as intended isn’t working. Oh well – it’s listed at no reserve, which should leave room in the budget to make those repairs as needed. The original Coachmen advertisement shows the wide range of camp-ready vehicles the company made and seeing one of them surviving in such original condition is a testament to the integrity of the conversion. The Dodge does have some quirks when it comes to running conditions, but nothing that will stop you from getting back on the open road in short order once the brake line is repaired.

Comments

  1. Avatar Fahrvergnugen Member

    Well it certainly would be more comfortable to eat your sandwich in at lunch than in a small car.

    Like 4
  2. HoA Howard A Member

    I’ve mentioned before, my old man had me take his Dodge Maxivan to a place in Indiana, where they cut the top open and screwed one of these tops on. It instantly transformed a decent van into one of the worst handling vehicles I ever drove. Cross winds and oncoming semis would almost put you in the ditch. Mileage dropped in half, even the old man wasn’t too happy and went with a regular motorhome. I thought of becoming a “gypsy” with something like this, but with the fruitcakes driving and LIVING in motorhomes these days, I think I’ll just stay put.

    Like 8
    • Avatar Eric B

      Eric…..Don’t say ok boomer, don’t say ok boomer, don’t say ok boomer……

      Like 8
  3. Avatar Henry

    we used to a 1977 coachmen cadet. lovely trailer but was too heavy for our ’99 suburban

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Steve Clinton

    Put a couple of red crosses on the sides, a flashing light on the roof, and you’re in business!

    Like 2
    • Avatar TereyC

      Captain Chaos approves this message 👍

      Like 2
  5. Avatar Jpatrix

    Uncle Rico Approved!

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Charles Mann

    WHY list it now when the auction “Ended:Yesterday, Jan 06, 2021 , 5:46PM”?

    Winning bid: US $5,000.00

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

      It was featured yesterday before the auction ended.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar stillrunners

    So I was told…..one of the cheezez comments a seller can use. Also -Runs well and might need a tune up – on the brake side – northern cars are know for brake lines rusting thru after a few decades…..but hey it sold – so there !

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Fahrvergnugen Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.