Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 23 hours ago
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.com/share/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. youtube.com/newjerseyoutdooradventures?sub_confirmation=1
New Jersey Outdoor Adventures With Patrick Botticelli Website
newjerseyoutdooradventures.com
Follow New Jersey Outdoor Adventures on Social
instagram.com/patrick_njoa
facebook.com/newjerseyoutdooradventures
NJOA Merchandise
youtube.com/channel/UCZ4P6JaFzImeSWPAr3gGGCQ/store
Thumbnail Art by
motivedezign.com
Music By Epidemic Sounds
share.epidemicsound.com/7r0ua5
All content owned and distributed by NJO Rental Adventures LLC.
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.com/share/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. youtube.com/newjerseyoutdooradventures?sub_confirmation=1
New Jersey Outdoor Adventures With Patrick Botticelli Website
newjerseyoutdooradventures.com
Follow New Jersey Outdoor Adventures on Social
instagram.com/patrick_njoa
facebook.com/newjerseyoutdooradventures
NJOA Merchandise
youtube.com/channel/UCZ4P6JaFzImeSWPAr3gGGCQ/store
Thumbnail Art by
motivedezign.com
Music By Epidemic Sounds
share.epidemicsound.com/7r0ua5
All content owned and distributed by NJO Rental Adventures LLC.
