Dodge RM400 440engine, wheel base 178". 1973 or 1974?

[rm400]

I just ordered a 1973 parts manual and I found that the largest engine in the book is a 413.  My Dodge rm400 has a 440 in it.  I have posted the VIN# below. Did dodge make a RM400 in 1973 with a 440 in it, or is it actually a 1974? The MH was bought in Sept of '73.  Do I need a different manual? Thanks for the help!- Rod

VIN# R59CA3J022754

R5 = RM400, R400, (M500?)
9 = forward control and motorhome chassis
C= weight 10K-14K lbs
A= 440 - 3 engine
3= model year 1973 J Series
J= Canadian Built
022754 = Assembly location all plants

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Are you using the manuals downloadable from the store here?
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?action=store;sa=view;id=144
Full 69-77 coverage requires
73 Service manual
74-75 Service Supplement
69-79 Parts manual
The 73 440-3 is covered in the 73 Dodge Service Manual (pdf page 275; manual page 9-32).  Both 413 and 440 are addressed together.

Not sure what manual your looking at but both my Dodge Class A Parts and Service manuals indicate 440-3 was available in 73.  My service manual says the  RM400 came standard with a 440-3 (1st section - Introduction and General Information)
For reference, Dodge used the RM300 through RM400 designation in 73-74.  In 75, Dodge redesignated those as follows:
RM300 = M300
RM350 = M400
RM400 = M500
Dodge continued that format till they stopped making a Class A chassis
Thats all detailed in the 75-77 Supplement.
You need to know all that information for parts searches.  Really saves you a lot of pain.

Dave

[rm400]

Hi Dave-

I originally purchased the manual off ebay- guess it was only for the 413.  Thanks for the tip- in the process of downloading manual from the store here!

Best regards,
Rod

[Brownfamily]

My vin tag decodes as a 72 m400 chassis. Is it the same as a rm400 for manual purposes ?


Rm350? Or is it just like it says 72 m400? Appears the manuals don't have a 72 m400 covered unless I am missing something.

[73dodgeTitan]

I have a 1973 and it's a 440-3.

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

For 73 and 74 Dodge used the RM350 and RM400.  So that is what you see in the most manuals.  In 75 the redesignated that to M400 and M500 making it retroactive to 73.  So, M400 is the same as RM350 and RM400 is the same as M500.
So the simple answer is, if you have a M400 chassis use the RM350 material.  You will also find you sometimes have to use the RM350 designation for parts searching also.

Dave