
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 –

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 –

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 –

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 –

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 –

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 –

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.
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