Some peoples dream is to be on the open road exploring North America in a classic vehicle. This 1969 Dodge M300 Chinook Motor Home might be that opportunity. This example is located in Tempe, Arizona. The timeless appeal of this 1969 Dodge Chinook Motor Home can be yours for only $28,500. It is listed for sale here on Craigslist and has only been on the market for 4 days as of this writing. The odometer shows 97,000 miles.
In the world of classic recreational vehicles, the 1969 Dodge Chinook Motor Home stands as a testament to both craftsmanship and nostalgia. With only 1,500 models ever produced, this vintage motor home possesses a unique attraction that resonates with enthusiasts of all ages. What sets this motor home apart is its exceptional attention to detail, evident in every nook and cranny. It boasts more storage capacity than most modern counterparts, offering a practical kitchen, bathroom, and amenities such as air conditioning, propane space and water heaters, and a full refrigerator with freezer, complemented by an ANON generator—all in original, working condition.
One of the charming features of this motor home is the inclusion of the original owner’s documents, including the purchase receipt and manuals for all components. This thoughtful preservation adds a layer of historical richness to the experience of owning and restoring such a piece of automotive history. It would be ideal for camping, van life, and spontaneous adventures, this motor home has traversed the scenic landscapes of Phoenix, with excursions to Flagstaff and Joshua Tree, and I am sure it was the only one like it around. For enthusiasts of vintage vehicles and restoration aficionados, this vehicle presents an exciting canvas for rekindling the past.
Recent updates include brand new tires, radiator replacement, dual-speed shrouded fan installation, engine housing lined with Dynamat to reduce noise, and a new water pump. Equipped with a 40-gallon fresh water tank and a solar panel with converter kit, this vehicle is ready for off-grid adventures and sustainable travel. The new owner will also received a spare windshield, a grill, bench seats, and various parts will accompany the sale, providing a comprehensive package for camping.
She’s a beaut. Your thoughts, Howard?
Um no, its not worth the asking price, and personally I would prefer a class C
What is everybody looking at me for? Oh, right, my recent vagabond ramblings as I wheel into the sunset,,,( screeching tires, back up alarm sounding) I’ve had one of my many change of hearts, and while I think this could be really fun for someone, I just got a Roku TV( by mistake) and am going to invest in a new recliner,,,,
I mean no disrespect to our Native Americans, but we always called these “Shnooks”, but really Chinook has nothing to do with them, I don’t think. It’s a type of salmon, or a wind. I don’t think the price is too out of line, considering what it is, and totally usable. The new owner will find out toot-sweet what a single axle Dodge dump trucks drove like, and shouldn’t really be taken far. It’s a cool retro unit someone will love. Automatic seals the deal!
Chinook was a tribe in the Pacific Northwest, FYI
Thanks, I couldn’t find any reference to that, perhaps for a reason? Kind of like the Jeep Cherokee kerfuffle. I wonder if they take offense to this?
Yep ask is a little on the high side with limited driveline history and detail.
If this wasn’t so nice and therefore so expensive, one could remove some of the furnishings, add an extra stove and come up with a nifty little meth lab.
Terrry, You’re correct, you’re just not right. Lol
I’m not espousing anyone should make a meth lab!
No mention of the drive line. I worked on one for a friend and it had an ONAN generator, I think.
“She’s got 8 cylinders and uses em all, got overdrive, just won’t stall” If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say it’s a 318 with 727 transmission on a 3/4 ton chassis.
M300 is one ton, but could very well be a 318 in it, I have a 1970 Coachman on a M300 chassis and only has a 318 in it
These vintage coaches are great conversation pieces, many of us here can enjoy their period design and even the decor, while appreciating the relative simplicity of their humble underpinnings, though this ain’t a “Dodge Chinook”, it’s a Chinook coach built on a Dodge “cutaway” chassis (yeah I know, I’m keenly aware of my annoying obsession with detail.)
But before the uninitiated get too dreamy-eyed here, if considering such a purchase, beware of the (many) potential pitfalls. In my humble but seasoned opinion, to own such a critter and really drive it and use it safely, you really should have or be willing to develop a good base of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and even carpentry skills because you’re going to eventually need them. And you will likely need the ability to improvise some of the time.
Those skills along with patience and a willingness to proceed down the road at a leisurely pace, it ain’t gonna ride, accelerate, cruise, handle, or stop like anything other than its cousins, the beer and bread trucks of the time. Long trips down interstate highways at today’s pace surrounded with our barely conscious “steering-wheel-holder” contemporaries could be tempting fate too much.
That said, noodling down a quiet two-lane enroute to a favorite fishin’ hole, or hanging with family or pals at a campground for the weekend, or tailgating at the local game would not be asking too much of this old artifact. Even taking a back road cross country trip, through hamlets and villages, avoiding the high speed mayhem of urban and throughway traffic could be fun.
This particular rig looks pretty sound. It is a shorter more nimble length, and though true it may have more storage than some of the more current Class C’s and B’s, or even old schoolies, it is nothing like the huge bays of vintage motorcoach conversions from that period. But to me the price is very optimistic.
An interested party who has experience will obviously check it out thoroughly, not to necessarily beat it up, but to assess what it might need. And of course, a novice should have a pro evaluate it and then think hard about what they are getting into.
Very cool! Assuming that the coach is sound, and the mechanicals are in decent operating condition, I’d drive this pretty much anywhere. Nice size. Fair amount of interior space, but small enough to get around in. 318s are tough, as are 727 transmissions- but not overly powerful. Probably cruise along OK on the flat, but mountain passes will give you lots of time to enjoy the scenery.
At 97k, the engine may need a refresh before any long journeys are contemplated.
If originality didn’t matter, you could probably shoehorn a Cummins ISB to wake things up a little.
Price is lowered to $25,000 and is listed on fb marketplace here with some more photos: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1787983585002543/?mibextid=6ojiHh
Absolutely beautiful vintage bread box!
Probably just me, but I get a vibe that these folks don’t know much about RVs, especially the attention required to all things mechanical.
If I didn’t know how old it was, and it was demonstrating an overheat proclivity, I’d replace the (engine’s) water pump & thermostat, and check/change the fluid & filter on the Torqueflite; brakes, running gear, U-joints (a Chrysler feature!); go through the Onan generator, etc.
Granted, the videos are showing her off more than setting up for a sale, but the ad directs a potential buyer there, so…
Lastly, my antenna goes up on ‘forced sale, leaving the country.’
Probably just being a paranoid old, but he’s asking a fair chunk.
Didn’t they put the 413 in these after they stopped putting them in the 300’s after 65? Some of the later Dodge Campers had the 440, I believe.
The writeup sounds like an advertisement but has very little real information.
“how ta make 2 pic look like a doz.” as there really are only the 2. (“AND here we are @ the desert.”)
A shame as I like the way the thing looks (outside. Would like less rear-over
hang tho). My same ol, same ol: “Needs 12v & allison.”