They Built This 1985 RV Better Than any Modern Motorhomes

What is the best feature of the 1985 Holiday Rambler Imperial 33? The most impressive aspect of this vintage Class A motorhome is its all-aluminum framing and riveted sidewall body, which completely prevents the sidewall rot and delamination that destroys most motorhomes of this era. Step inside an incredible rolling time capsule from 40 years ago: a 33-foot 1985 Holiday Rambler Imperial Class A gas motorhome built on the heavy-duty Chevrolet P30 chassis with a tandem tag axle and a Chevrolet Big Block 454 engine equipped with Banks Power upgrades. While modern camper van builds and modern trailer tours lean heavily into Scandinavian minimalism, lightweight composite cabinetry, and massive lithium battery banks, this vintage RV embraces unapologetic 1980s American luxury. It features plush Flexsteel captain's chairs, thick green shag carpeting, genuine oak cabinetry, tambour roll-top roof lockers, and retro brass accents. In this deep-dive, point-of-view walkthrough, we explore every corner of classic RV life. We inspect the exterior Mor/Ryde tag axle suspension, high-end power hydraulic leveling jacks, the massive 80-pound propane tank, and a full-size original Goodyear spare tire. Moving inside the coach, you'll discover wild retro luxury features that were ahead of their time, including a NuTone built-in countertop food center, a central vacuum system, twin drop-down cab-over sleeper bunks, an ice maker, dual Coleman rooftop air conditioners, and a full-size residential-style bathtub. Stick around until the end where we take off the engine doghouse, prime the four-barrel carburetor, hook up a jump pack, and see if this 454 V8 and the onboard Kohler 7000-watt generator will fire back up after sitting idle! Key Takeaway: Classic RV construction quality often outlasts modern builds when aluminum framing is used instead of laminated wood. With an all-aluminum superstructure, high-end mechanical components like Mor/Ryde tag axles, and a simple carbureted big-block drivetrain, a well-maintained 1980s motorhome can remain fully functional, roadworthy, and repairable decades after rolling off the assembly line. Chapter Selections 00:00 - Introduction: The Ultimate 1980s Luxury Time Capsule 02:14 - Chevrolet P30 Chassis & Big Block 454 Specs 03:22 - Vintage Front Cowl & Quick-Release Grille Access 05:00 - Hydraulic Leveling Jacks & Rust-Free Undercarriage 07:18 - Kohler 7000 Generator & Dual-Tank Waste System 09:02 - Why Aluminum Framing Prevents Deadly RV Delamination 11:02 - 50-Amp Electrical Setup & Vintage Intec Backup Camera 12:10 - Risky Roof Ladder Climb & Rooftop Systems Inspection 14:43 - Massive 80lb Propane Tank & Performance Exhaust Headers 15:48 - Manual Carefree Patio Awning Deployment Test 18:21 - Power Step Entry & Interior System Monitor Panel 20:46 - Cockpit Controls, Split Wipers & Flexsteel Swivel Chairs 25:02 - Secret Pull-Down Overhead Bunk Bed Mechanism 26:40 - The Built-In NuTone Kitchen Appliance Center 29:46 - Convertible Dinette, Central Vac & Vintage Ice Maker 32:46 - Walk-Through Wardrobe & Full Bathroom with Bathtub 34:32 - Retro Twin Bed Suite with Rear Window View 36:30 - Carburetor Priming: Will the 454 Big Block Fire Up? 40:43 - Firing the Kohler Generator & Exterior Sound Check #rvlife #vintagerv #motorhometour See Facebook Marketplace Listing - Recently Reduced Price Too! Facebook: 14qRtzbpefh This channel explores the exciting world of vanlife, with your host Patrick Botticelli, showcasing custom camper van builds, 4x4 off-road adventures, and DIY conversion projects. Join Patrick for in-depth RV tours and inspiring travel stories! New videos every Saturday at 10am eastern. Please subscribe for more awesome video tours. https://www.youtube.com/newjerseyoutd... New Jersey Outdoor Adventures With Patrick Botticelli Website https://newjerseyoutdooradventures.com/ Follow New Jersey Outdoor Adventures on Social Instagram: patrick_njoa Facebook: newjerseyoutdooradventures NJOA Merchandise @newjerseyoutdooradventures Thumbnail Art by http://www.motivedezign.com/ Music By Epidemic Sounds https://share.epidemicsound.com/7r0ua5 All content owned and distributed by NJO Rental Adventures LLC.