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Old-School RV Life: 1977 Dodge B300 Xplorer 224 Up for Auction

Classic Mopar Van Turned Camper With Vintage Style and Modern Updates

If you’re into old-school vans, road trips, or just want something totally different for your next camping adventure, you’ll want to check out this 1977 Dodge Tradesman B300 Xplorer 224 Motorhome currently live on BringATrailer.com. It’s a full-size Class B motorhome built by Frank Industries out of Brown City, Michigan, and it’s loaded with period charm, Mopar muscle, and modern updates where it counts. Bidding ends Wednesday, May 28 at 1:38 p.m. EDT.

Classic Mopar Under the Hood – 

1977 Dodge Tradesman B300 Xplorer 224 Motorhome. (BringATrailer).

This Xplorer 224 rides on a Dodge B300 1-ton van chassis and is powered by a legendary 5.9-liter (360 cubic-inch) LA-series 2BBL V8 paired to a durable A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic. While the motorhome passed a California smog test in 2021, the seller notes it stalls if you give it too much throttle when it’s cold—likely a carburetor tuning issue.

Old School Style, Rebuilt Basics – 

1977 Dodge Tradesman B300 Xplorer 224 Motorhome. (BringATrailer).

The white steel and fiberglass body sports freshly repainted green stripes and brand-new Xplorer badges. The seller has also had fiberglass repairs done at the rear and had the bumper re-chromed. However, there are signs of age with corrosion spots on the doors, body, and undercarriage, along with some discoloration around the rear window. It’s not perfect—but that’s half the charm.

Camper Conversion Done Right – 

1977 Dodge Tradesman B300 Xplorer 224 Motorhome. (BringATrailer).

The original Xplorer conversion added 3 feet to the chassis and a dropped floor for more headroom inside. In the cabin, you’ll find front vinyl bucket seats and working air conditioning (with a new compressor and receiver drier). The cruise control doesn’t work, and the fuel gauge is quirky, but the bones are solid. Suspension updates in 2021 include new front components and an extra leaf spring out back for stability.

Comfy and Functional Interior – 

1977 Dodge Tradesman B300 Xplorer 224 Motorhome. (BringATrailer).

The interior includes a rear sleeping area big enough for a full-size mattress (replaced in 2022), and a convertible dinette bed measuring 6 feet by 37 inches. Sunbrella and vinyl upholstery, new foam, blackout curtains, and new carpeting give the space a freshened-up vibe. There’s also a heater, a closet, and a functional kitchenette with a faucet, two-burner stove, and fridge. A hot water heater is needed, but the propane and water systems were serviced in December 2021.

Bathroom and Tech Touches – 

1977 Dodge Tradesman B300 Xplorer 224 Motorhome. (BringATrailer).

Surprisingly, the Xplorer also packs a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower head. A rearview camera and a replacement gauge cluster add some modern convenience. The original cluster (showing 81k miles) is included, but the new one reads about 89k miles. Total mileage is unknown, though the seller has driven it around 2,000 miles since 2021.

The Bottom Line – 

1977 Dodge Tradesman B300 Xplorer 224 Motorhome. (BringATrailer).

If you’re looking for something cooler than a ProMaster and far more character-rich than any rental camper, this 1977 Dodge Xplorer is a throwback worth bidding on. It’s got vintage vibes, practical upgrades, and a real V8 under the hood. A few quirks? Sure. But that’s what makes it a true classic.

1977 Dodge Tradesman B300 Xplorer 224 Image Gallery:

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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Likely but I expect it to look more like the Airflow

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Certainly not a model for consideration. Personally, my electrification skepticism aside, I am not too impressed with the Charger concept. Seems like a basic design shape that need a great deal of refinement. Doubt we see a two door, though I’d like that choice for Charger. Doubt front end design is practical for a mass production offering. Side desperately needs some interesting styling elements like those cool 1968 or 1971 side scoops. Hopefully Dodge base feedback will produce a better final product. Truthfully must see in person to make a good call. Can someone with computer skills put 1971 side scoops on this so we can see if that works. Bet it does.
Dodge has some tough calls on Charger and Challenger, I’m hoping they do a great job, but the Banshee though very innovative, still is a work in progress.

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