1984 Ranger Motorhome

[Defective]

We've been looking for a small travel trailer or motorhome to take the family camping/fishing. We just need something small for food and changing clothes and diapers and such.


Any opinions on or first hand experience with one of THESE? I don't have any 1st gen experience at all. I've had nothing to do with a 2.8l so far. What can I expect from this setup?

For $2000, Seems like a pretty decent deal for something that could get pretty good mileage.

Thanks!

 

[Shran]

Damn that thing is COOL! It looks like it's in really good shape, too.

I'd say go for it man. The 2.8 is a pretty good motor. I'd guess you'll get mid to high teens for mileage.

 

[snake]

When I first read the topic I was thinking POS but then looked at the pics... looks like a good find and the price is right. Be aware that you will be working on this thing constantly, not because it will be a bit gutless and underpowered, but because its a motorcoach. These bastards need work always- doesn't matter what brand, just the nature of the beast. But still fun. Buy and use a few years and sell it for what you paid!

I wouldn't bet on "high teens" for mileage tho. I'd bet maybe 12. Maybe.

 

[RobbieD]

That is cool. Anybody know what company made this conversion?

 

[Forcus]

That is awesome. I'd hit it in a heartbeat if it was, oh, 3,000 miles closer.

 

[odie1969]

dude I would so do a v8 swap in that thing with a five speed. then you could do a 4x4 swap and small 2-3 inch lift. then that thing would be bad ass.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

dude I would so do a v8 swap in that thing with a five speed. then you could do a 4x4 swap and small 2-3 inch lift. then that thing would be bad ass.

And would tip over in a stiff wind...

 

[kunar]

am i the only one that thinks its hideously ugly? and it at least needs a 2.9, a 4.0 would be better. the 2.8 is just gonna drink gas

 

[Defective]

Going to go look at it tonight.

I was kind of wondering also what it might take to put the camper on a newer ranger, extended cab 4x4.

I also have an extra 4.0 from a 99 explorer, would that get me anywhere in terms of an "easy swap?"

Thanks for the comments!

 

[hihoslvr]

It kinda reminds me of the van from Dumb and Dumber, (lol), but hey "Function not fashion", right?

 

[90rangersuper]

dude I would so do a v8 swap in that thing with a five speed. then you could do a 4x4 swap and small 2-3 inch lift. then that thing would be bad ass.

mabey not a v-8 but a 4.0 should do the trick, with the lift, how many people can say they took their motorhome mudding, still a bad ass find

 

[Shran]

I also have an extra 4.0 from a 99 explorer, would that get me anywhere in terms of an "easy swap?"

No, you'd have to have the Ex tranny, computer, wiring, new fuel pumps, etc... it'd be a ton easier to just drop in a carbed 302.

 

[Will]

I think it's great. Shoot some pictures of the axles for us.

 

[CopyKat]

I think it's great. Shoot some pictures of the axles for us.

Ditto.

More aero dynamic than the one I saw a while back.

 

[AllanD]

Going to go look at it tonight.

I was kind of wondering also what it might take to put the camper on a newer ranger, extended cab 4x4.

DIVINE INTERVENTION

I also have an extra 4.0 from a 99 explorer, would that get me anywhere in terms of an "easy swap?"

NOT REALLY

Thanks for the comments!

then again... if by "newer ranger" you mean a '89-92 yes.
4x4? yes but ONLY by the dreaded crossmember swap

If you were refering to a Gen3 or later? No, the roof profile differences would make mounting and sealing a royal PITA.

any height increase could be more than offset by increased
trac widths by choosing and using the correct axles.
In this case an Explorer disc axle would be SCREAMED FOR
as would a 1995-97 D35 front end.

2.8? worth $0.14/lb

4.0? Yes, but not the 99 engine, wiring an EEC5 engine into
a gen1 or gen2 would be far more work than it's worth.
UNLESS you also went to the effort of using the 5R55E
automatic trans.
But generally speaking swapping a '90-94 4.0 would be enormously easier.

I was looking at a similar Ranger based motorhome several years ago.

It was being sold on ebay by a dealer in southern Michigan with a bad trans,
it eventually sold for ~$900.

That one however was NOT a "pop-up" it was a walk in with a rigid roof
and rooftop A/C

Oh, BTW, one other thing I'd fight tooth and nail to install is a
later model plastic fuel tank in the stock midship location
this would only take enlarging the "Keyholes" in the crossmember
brackets that the straps engage.

I'd also look seriously at a behind the axle fuel tank unless that space is already occupied by a freshwater (or black water) tank.

and for reliability's sake I'd put a 5sp trans into it.

when it comes to motor homes I have an entirely reasonable fear
of FIRE.

AD