martinwalsh

Hello, I just got back from a trip to Salt Lake City from Portland, OR in my '78 Chinook. My gas mileage was 10-11 mpg each way. I believe I should have gotten much better mileage, as there wasn't much weight in it and I did no exceed 55 mph all that much. This Chinook has huge tires on the back (275/60/R15). I want to ditch these and get 185R14 D rated tires on 14" rims in the rear. I know this will change my final drive gearing, but will it change my gas mileage? If so will the improved gas mileage be significant enough to warrant the effort? Thanks! Marty

Just took my first trip from Portland, OR to Salt Lake City. I brought my Chinook to the garage to have the rear suspension looked at and it was fine. The reason that my back end was bouncing all around was because I only had 1 bolt remaining holding the carriage to the frame!!! My mechanic replaced the bolts and it handles SOOOOO much better. The trip was extremely slow going and my gas mileage was awful. 10 mpg. That's my next thing to tackle. Had the timing dialed and the valves adjusted....new air filter etc. but gas mileage still sucked bad.

Hello Everyone, I'm getting to head on a trip from Portland, OR to SLC, UT in my Chinook. My roomie is twisting my arm into bringing some of his belongings down there. My Chinook has had the bathroom and water tanks removed, and I'm planning on dragging about an additional 400lbs of his "stuff" in the rear, should I be concerned about carrying too much weight? Thanks, Marty

I would not be against that. Are the 15 inchers not standard?

correction....2149 lbs

Uh oh...this sounds like it's gonna be tricky. Tires are P275 60 R15 107H 2749 lb capacity

thanks for the replies. this is helpful. It has a front spare underneath the vehicle. the rear tire is about twice as wide as the front, and i imagine the rim would be wider too, but not 100% sure. Also not sure about the front shocks. The backs are just obviously shot i suppose. I've looked at airbags but don't want to get too over my head so early in the game. I'm don't have much disposable income and don't wanna spend the money just yet. I'll make sure my tune-up needs are taken care of and see if that helps my mpg. thanks again! -Marty

Hello, Wow....this is a really great forum. SO glad I found it as I am the proud new owner of a 1978 Chinook Omega. I'm super excited. I've ripped out the interior built new benches and am doing the walls this weekend. I have three questions that I hope I may be able to find some help with. 1) I am going on a long trip in a month and a half, and there is no rear spare tire with the vehicle. Does anyone know the dimensions of the back rim, so I can visit my local tire bodega and pick one up? It's 5 lug single wheel, but thats all I got. 2) I believe it needs rear shocks. It doesn't sag much in the back, but rocks back and forth with super ease when I'm driving. Think i need something a little stiffer. I can get KYB Gas-A-Just shocks put on at my local Les Schwabb, Is this the right move? 3) I'm getting 15 mpg so far since I've owned, is this acceptable? There's not much extra weight in the back (just appliances, no b'room, empty tanks), and the carb has just been rebuilt, valves adjusted, and new air/fuel filters, and just over 100k on the engine. Some people say they get 20-25, which seems ridiculous. I appreciate any input. Thanks!! Marty