I made my perfect motorhome

[Jetav8er]

I have owned a Rialta Motorhome and loved the size and layout. However, the VW powertrain is getting unreliable and parts are hard to find. I considered different powertrain swaps and then decided to just swap the whole front end. I cut off the VW and replaced it with a 2019 Ford Explorer Sport. It now has a 365 HP twin turbo vs the VW 140 HP and has all the conveniences of a modern SUV. I added an Onan 2800i inverter generator for quiet reliable power and replaced the 7000 BTU A/C with a 13,500 RECPRO A/C and heat pump. I removed all the LP and use a 120v dorm fridge with an inverter. I replaced the troublesome rear axle with a 7000 drop axle. It averages 18MPG.

 

[IOS 3]

I love the aircraft seats in the interior - except I never want to sit in one again after living in airplanes the last 12 years of my working life! That's quite a project you undertook. That's serious fabrication work.

 

[Jetav8er]

Thanks for the kind words. The aircraft seat is out of an MD80 and is very light and the right size. I had the seats recovered and used memory foam. They are surprisingly comfortable. Certainly more comfortable than the barrel chair that was stock. There is a joke that the barrel chairs are for unwanted guests.

 

[Eagle5]

Hi Jet Aviator,
This is most impressive work; well done!!!
I love the railroad references (Pullman Car & the poster.) The poster says "Transcontinental Air Transportation," so is that a flying train? (ha-ha).
Also, do I see a 1955 International Pickup Truck in picture #1?
Thanks for sharing this project.
Eagle5

 

[Jetav8er]

Thanks Eagle5. Transcontinental Air had a Coast to Coast "flight" There were two legs that passengers were transferred to a train. Our son is a professional custom car fabricator and did the chassis work. He is an artist! You can see his International project on his facebook page....Pullmann Rods and Racing

 

[4x4van]

That is some impressive work!

 

[Jetav8er]

Thank you. In addition to the explorer swap, I exchanged the old generator for an ONAN 2800i inverter generator and a 35.000 BTU AC/Heat pump swap. It is just perfect for us.

 

[FIRE UP]

Well I gotta say JetAv8ter,
That is the best work I've seen on this forum, EVER! A few decades ago, I helped a neighbor build a 4WD motorhome from a WWII Weapons Carrier. When we were done, it looked identical to the early Winnebagos. It was a serious but fun project. I can see the same with your situation. However, if it were mine, I'd have at least some chrome wheels on it to break up all that black but, that's just me. I'm not a fan of black wheels. You probably have *just a bit* more power now too huh?

Anyway, outstanding work. May I ask, where was/is that really nice looking camp spot along the water there? Probably on the other side of the world from us here in Havasu.
Scott

 

[Jetav8er]

Thanks FIRE UP. I agree that the wheels could use some chrome. It is what came with the Explorer so maybe when I need new tires (it only has 19K on the clock) I will go with different wheels. I was also going to paint it silver but decided to go with the original color of the explorer. Big Mistake. It is tough to cool in the sun. The campsite is Lewis and Clark State park in northern Nebraska on the Missouri River. It does have lots of power! We took it up to the top of Pikes Peak (14,4 feet) last fall and it didn't even break a sweat.

 

[Artie210]

Very cool!!!

 

[Bo Walker]

Wow! wow! Please congratulate your son for the great work. I wish I had a son to make my 1953 Studebaker truck look new again.

 

[BarryLS]

Very nice transformation!

 

[Marine359]

Very impressive!
Can you please fix my MGB?