Newbie 21ft 1977

[ranger]

Hello All!

I just purchased a 21ft 1977 American Clipper.  When I was looking for a good used motorhome, I was not aware of the "Clipper's" great reputation.  I found it here in Vancouver WA, and it only has 59,000 miles on it.

As usual, I have no idea how anything works.  If anyone has any instruction sheets for the fridge, stove, etc.  Please email them if you are able to.

Thank you, Tim

[epbson]

If there are manuals for the Clipper out there they must be held close to the vest by other owners. I have not been able to locate any on the web for the past 2 years I've been searching. You can get manuals for the Dodge Sportsman chassis for the electrical and mechanical workings of the cab and chassis which range anywhere from $45 to $85. The best advice I could give you is to look for individual name brand appliance names in your Clipper and look for manuals on each of them. A good site for informational diagrams on these is rvdealership.com. You can at least see the diagram of some of the older appliances there. Don't know if they sell manuals for them but at least with the parts diagrams you can figure out how they work if you study them long eneough. Good luck in finding a Clipper manual. If you do would you let me know, I wouldn't mind haveing one to go along with my Bunkhouse.

[ranger]

Thank you for the heads up!

I had a hunch that I'd have to do my homework.

Thank you, Tim Ranger

[caninecaravan]

I have manuals on most of the applinaces in my 78. If you will email what you are interested in, basically the models and items I will be happy to copy them and send them to you for the price of coping and the postage. ACOC 3552 78 21'  "CanineCaravan"

[ranger]

Thank you!

I'll figure out what I need, and I'll let you know.  Question to you or anyone.  When I try to plug anything into an outlet inside the motorhome, nothing happens.  Is there a "master" switch that I need to turn on?  The interior lights work, but the fridge, and outlets do not.  Apparently the previous owner installed a new inverter, I've looked at it and everything appears to be "on".  

Let me know if anyone can help out a "rookie".

Thank you, Tim

[susan-y]

Ranger, the lights are 12v/120. They run off house battery (not engine battery) when you are not plugged into an electrical source.  The outlets are 120... coach needs to be plugged into a house current.  (Hope that was your question :? )

The fridge MIGHT be 12 volt capable... if it is it drains a lot of power.  Fridges normally are propane or 120.  

Should be a very thick power cord under your dinette seat.  Might require an adapter to plug into your grounded house outlet.  Most RV stores or hardware stores sell them.  Might even  be one laying there by the power cord.

We have all had these questions at the start of our RV life so ask away!

[ranger]

Thank you!

My Clipper did not have a generator, I guess I''ll go get one.  I assume that a generator is like "shore" power?  

If not, let me know if I'm wrong.  I'm sure I'll come up with some more stupid questions real soon.  

Also, I notice you're from North Bend!  My brother is a retire State Police Detective, he worked his whole career in Coos Bay/North Bend.  He now works for Security at the Casino to "keep him out of trouble"

Thanks again!

Tim

[susan-y]

Tim, yes a generator would be shore power. Don't make it to the casino.. prefer to put my "disposable" money in the Clipper  :lol:   Little better return!   Sue

[tylerhoodenclipper]

Tim, I too live in Vancouver and have just purchased a 76 Clipper with ALL of the manuals you may need.  I was very excited to find this gold mine of documentation!  Let me know and we can hook up, I can scan the info you need.

[ranger]

Hello Tylerhoodenclipper!

I manage the Krispy Kreme here in Vancouver.  Usually work week days.  E-mail me at tranger@icon.com, and we can figure a time to hook up.  I'll need any manual you have and get some copies of what I need.

Thanks, Tim Ranger

[bnielsen]

Tim, I too live in Vancouver and have just purchased a 76 Clipper with ALL of the manuals you may need.  I was very excited to find this gold mine of documentation!  Let me know and we can hook up, I can scan the info you need.

Tyeler, I was so happy to see someone say they had the manuals and/or documentation for their Clipper.  I just bought a 77, and like so many others here mine came with no information.  If you could even just give me a list of the titles I might be able to track them down myself.  I know it isn't easy to copy and send all that stuff.  Thanks for your post!
Bj