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Hi - Thanks much for a very informative discussion group!

I recently sold my old 20' dodge 360 gas guzzler (8.5 mpg
average on trip) and have been looking for a 1988 and newer fuel
efficient rv with a manual tranny. My Class C Dodge Komfort also
developed an unstoppable roof leak after loading 2 kayaks up there
for a little boating fun in Muleghe - Baha Mex.

I have a friend who wants to sell his '84 toyota "New World". I
believe it has a fiberglass body with excellent interior height but
with his auto tranny he is only averaging 12 mpg which is quite a bit
less then the 15 to 18 average I read about here.

If anyone has any leads on a unit that is is good condition, I am
most interested. I am looking only for the units with the heavier
rear axial. The few toyotas I saw under $6000 were older units with
the "guaranteed to fail when least expected" wimpy rear
bearings/axial.
Another friend loves his 1988 Dolphin with a 4 banger 22R engine and
manual however I wonder how durable that body is compared to the
fiberglass ones? Has anyone had problems with roof
leakage or structural integrity?

My first rv was a '74 fiberglass body dodge class B Xplorer 224
(factory van conversion) with a 360 engine. It averaged about 13 mpg
on a trip. That unit was built like a tank, never leaked and it could
easily cruise up mountains at 60 mph. I'll have some "adjustments"
to make in my driving with a 4 banger but the gas prices
are "encouraging" me and many other folks to downsize into more fuel
efficient units.

Finally (sorry to be so long winded) is there much performance
improvement in toyota's 6 cyl engine compared to the 22R 4 cyl ?
What about fuel efficiency? I've heard some rumors that the 6's are
not as reliable and had to be recalled. Your comments are most
appreciated!

Happy Rv'ing,

allan

Owned a Toyota Chinook for a couple of years, camped in Big Bend and
enjoyed it immensely. Several years ago I saw an early model Toyota
Mini-van that had a pop-top camping conversion done to it, similiar
to a Volkswagen Westphalia, only smaller.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with one of these
mini-vans, or know where I might be able to purchase one? Think it
might be a nice dingy (toad) behind a Class A motorhome.

Well, I thought I had found a loophole there...

As it turns out the Sunraders were actually made by Gardner Pacific.
After Gardner Pacific closed shop, they were supported for a while by
Sunrader Inc.

Looking under Gardner Pacific, they are subject to the same axle
recall as all the rest of the Toyota units.

Sigh!!!

Regards,

Bob Hupp the Toyotaless

Hi,

With all the axle discussions, I just thought I would double check
something with the group.

I am currently looking at an early 80's Sunrader. I don't have a
specific one in mind yet but I like the fiberglass coach body as
opposed to the frame and metal that most of the other RVs seem to
use. This may change when I start looking in person but...

In the interests of education, the Sunraders were actually built by
Sunrader Inc. of Elkhart IN. Looking throught the recall list from
the NHTSA, the Sunraders are not listed there for any year. Does this
mean that they are not subject to the axle recall that has been the
primary discussion topic lately?

As a cross check, I took a look for Winnebago, Dolphin (National RV),
Sea Breeze (National RV) and Huntsman and all of these are listed for
one year or another.

Anyone have any better information?

Regards,

Bob Hupp the toyotaless

Also the correct address for DOT on recalls is


I'll never again make a post before I have my morning
coffee. It seems I can't spell before 9:00AM, as well.

Sorry friend, but you had better go get another cup of coffee.

The address is

Also, I've seen pictures of a couple of toyota based RVs with what
looks like a tag axle set up. Does anyone have one of these and does
anyone know if that helps the 1 ton axle issue?

Regards,

Bob Hupp the Toyotaless for now

I have found two floating axle replacements in California. I guess I
am going to order one (oh the pain) they are 1,000 a peice. If
someone else wants one just let me know and I will send you the info.

Benton

I just read yopur e-mail and found that we have similar campers. . Mine is
an 84 Dolphin every thing works but I have no manuals for the box. { If you
have I would love to get a copy } The engine is probably a 22r [ very
reliable ] Mine has 87 thousand and jhust purrs.
One thing I am interested in is what id the watts and amps of the roof Air
conditioner in my 20 foot box.
Have a good day and keep in touch.

C. Howard Walker
Phone= 704/549-6568

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-----Original Message-----
From: edfam [mailto:edfam98@...]
Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2001 10:28 PM
To: toyota-campers@...
Subject: [toyota-campers] Hello Group!


We just found your group while at the Good Sam Site surfing around.
Glad someone thought of this. My family and I live in California and
have just recently aquired an '80 Toyota Dolphin. I say aquired
because it actually belongs to my uncle. Two years ago his tail pipe
sort of rusted off without his knowledge (or permission, I'm sure)
started a wee fire at the back end of the mini. Melted the holding
tank,left turn signal/brake light unit and back exterior wall and left
the license plate bare of paint and tags. It has since been parked at
the rear of his house, being used as a storage shed of sorts.
When we decided to go on a winter camping trip to see the Monarch
Butterflies (At Santa Cruz Ca.) I could NOT face another round of the
"tent from hell" OR sleeping on the ground. I decided to go to my
Uncle and bring the old mini back to life. A real quick patch
job,(Thankfully he had got a non-op from DMV)a quick smog (passed with
flying colors after just an ordinary tune-up)spray painted the burnt
license plate, paid DMV for tags and we were on our way!
We were amazed at the smooth ride, got 16 miles to the gallon, and it
ran like a top. The only bad thing is...I'm afraid that my Uncle isn't
going to get his Mini back anytime soon. Last week we took a quick
ride, and are planning our May vacation, to slowly amble north up the
coast and into Oregon and Washington. So I'm afraid it's a case of, I
fixed it- I get to keep it.He's such a good guy, I might let him
borrow it occasionally ;.)

I have no idea what engine it has (other than a 4 speed) or any of the
other things you guys have been posting about...I DO know that it has
8 tires that I should think about replacing soon, and we'll definately
need to find a new holding tank ( those late night treks to the
campground potty with a five year old grandson have got to stop!)
but, even with all the work still to do...we love the little Dolphin
and couldn't be happier...unless that is, if we had more time and $$$
to use it alot more often.
We have friends here in our town in the Motorhome Repair business and
we'll be sure to put up a notice about this group! Happy Camping in
2001!


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
toyota-campers-unsubscribe@...

Michael and list.

Here is a great site on RVing in Mexico. Try


Also the correct address for DOT on recalls is


I'll never again make a post before I have my morning
coffee. It seems I can't spell before 9:00AM, as well.

Jack A2

Welcome new members! Edfam I am glad to hear you rescued that poor
toyota and brought it back to life. Let us know of any further
repairs you do to it. I agree with you, if you fixed you should get
to keep it. Like you said he can always borrow it. Happy traveling!
Nate

We just found your group while at the Good Sam Site surfing around.
Glad someone thought of this. My family and I live in California and
have just recently aquired an '80 Toyota Dolphin. I say aquired
because it actually belongs to my uncle. Two years ago his tail pipe
sort of rusted off without his knowledge (or permission, I'm sure)
started a wee fire at the back end of the mini. Melted the holding
tank,left turn signal/brake light unit and back exterior wall and left
the license plate bare of paint and tags. It has since been parked at
the rear of his house, being used as a storage shed of sorts.
When we decided to go on a winter camping trip to see the Monarch
Butterflies (At Santa Cruz Ca.) I could NOT face another round of the
"tent from hell" OR sleeping on the ground. I decided to go to my
Uncle and bring the old mini back to life. A real quick patch
job,(Thankfully he had got a non-op from DMV)a quick smog (passed with
flying colors after just an ordinary tune-up)spray painted the burnt
license plate, paid DMV for tags and we were on our way!
We were amazed at the smooth ride, got 16 miles to the gallon, and it
ran like a top. The only bad thing is...I'm afraid that my Uncle isn't
going to get his Mini back anytime soon. Last week we took a quick
ride, and are planning our May vacation, to slowly amble north up the
coast and into Oregon and Washington. So I'm afraid it's a case of, I
fixed it- I get to keep it.He's such a good guy, I might let him
borrow it occasionally ;.)

I have no idea what engine it has (other than a 4 speed) or any of the
other things you guys have been posting about...I DO know that it has
8 tires that I should think about replacing soon, and we'll definately
need to find a new holding tank ( those late night treks to the
campground potty with a five year old grandson have got to stop!)
but, even with all the work still to do...we love the little Dolphin
and couldn't be happier...unless that is, if we had more time and $$$
to use it alot more often.
We have friends here in our town in the Motorhome Repair business and
we'll be sure to put up a notice about this group! Happy Camping in
2001!

--- In toyota-campers@..., theeagle@k... wrote:

Took my camper for a little drive today and it got me thinking or

"dreaming" of summer. It aslo didn't help that I saw roughly 10
motorhomes heading southbound on I75 yesterday. I'm here in Ohio
counting the days until the ground thaws and the school year ends so I
can hit the open road. Planning several trips this summer including
going out west again. I think this year we are planning to hit
northern California and Oregan. I was wondering if anyone else has
been dreaming summer and the open road? Nate


Nate.

I'm ready too. I saw a bunch of RVs heading South
on US 23 and the guy ahead of me in the tire shop
told me he was leaving directly for Fla.

So I went home, dug a path to the old Sunrader, and
just sat inside awhile.

Yep I'm ready!

Jack A2

Does anyone know the answer to this question. Are these axles a one
size fits all?

Benton

adfam98@... writes:

.I DO know that it has
8 tires that I should think about replacing soon, and we'll definately
need to find a new holding tank ( those late night treks to the

8 tires you say???

Paul/Calif

George
Being a fellow Arkansan I can definatly appreaciate your desire for
the open road now. We have certainly had some cruddy weather. We are
also planning a little trip to Florida soon via the Sunrader and this
last 3 days of beautiful sunshine has had me prepping and cleaning. I
have definatly got the fever to hit the road.

Benton


--- In toyota-campers@..., "george oviatt"
<george_oviatt@h...> wrote:

You bet Nate, we are leaving icy Arkansas the last of January for
Sanibel/Captiva in Florida for a week of sun, sand, beach walking

and good

food. They have a campground for 30 a night amongst those

250/night cabins!

George

From: theeagle@k...
Reply-To: toyota-campers@...
To: toyota-campers@...
Subject: [toyota-campers] Open Road
Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2001 23:28:35 -0000

Took my camper for a little drive today and it got me thinking or
"dreaming" of summer. It aslo didn't help that I saw roughly 10

motorhomes

heading southbound on I75 yesterday. I'm here in Ohio counting

the days

until the ground thaws and the school year ends so I can hit the

open road.

Planning several trips this summer including going out west

again. I

think this year we are planning to hit northern California and

Oregan. I

was wondering if anyone else has been dreaming summer and the open

road?

Nate

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at

You bet Nate, we are leaving icy Arkansas the last of January for Sanibel/Captiva in Florida for a week of sun, sand, beach walking and good food. They have a campground for 30 a night amongst those 250/night cabins!

George

From: theeagle@...
Reply-To: toyota-campers@...
To: toyota-campers@...
Subject: [toyota-campers] Open Road
Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2001 23:28:35 -0000

Took my camper for a little drive today and it got me thinking or "dreaming" of summer. It aslo didn't help that I saw roughly 10 motorhomes heading southbound on I75 yesterday. I'm here in Ohio counting the days until the ground thaws and the school year ends so I can hit the open road. Planning several trips this summer including going out west again. I think this year we are planning to hit northern California and Oregan. I was wondering if anyone else has been dreaming summer and the open road? Nate

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at

--- In toyota-campers@..., msmith@s... wrote:

Hi All,

I'm new to the group. I recently purchased a 84 Sunrader. It only

had

40 thousand miles on it and was super clean. I must say I'm a little
bumed after reading about the axle problems. I went out and counted

my

inner lugs.......5. I feel sort of like Nevil in Omega Man with
Charlton Heston " five are you sure five....five brother five".

My wife and I were planning to drive down the Baha. Now I'm not so

sure

that is a good idea. Will the bearings just go out or is the axle
likely to break off with very dangerous results?

Michael Smith

Michael.

My errors. In my post change NTSB to NHTSA.


Also there is some question on safey
recalls on the Toyota vrs Chev-S10. See
happy campers.com

There is no question on Toyota bearing failure,
just a question as to the wheels coming off.
Check it out.

Jack A2

--- In toyota-campers@..., msmith@s... wrote:

Hi All,

I'm new to the group. I recently purchased a 84 Sunrader. It only

had

40 thousand miles on it and was super clean. I must say I'm a little
bumed after reading about the axle problems. I went out and counted

my

inner lugs.......5. I feel sort of like Nevil in Omega Man with
Charlton Heston " five are you sure five....five brother five".

My wife and I were planning to drive down the Baha. Now I'm not so

sure

that is a good idea. Will the bearings just go out or is the axle
likely to break off with very dangerous results?

Michael Smith

Michael.

We have just started to geather data (for the Archive)
on the millages at the time of bearing failure. My
friend's 85 went out at 77k but probably should have
been replaced sooner. Nate's failed at 90k.

A lot depends on how well the the bearings were maintained,
and the previous owners attention to tire pressures etc. So
it's a crap shoot. The recall by the NTSB was for safety, as
these things were losing wheels/axles while going down the
highway.

I lived in LA for 18 years and drove down into Baha many
times. No way would I take that machine down there without
at least replacing both bearings and carrying lots of spares
(axles, bearings, etc.)

IMHO, your best bet would be to re-sell it and get a later
model or one converted to the full floating axle. Or you might
convert yours, if you can find the parts in a boneyard, or buy
a trashed out one in your local area and make a deal with a
junk yard to take the hulk after you (or your mechanic) has
stripped out the axle/spring assembly.

Good luck and welcome to the list.


Jack A2

Jack, would this axle fit a 79 Sunrader?

Benton



--- In toyota-campers@..., "Jack Redman" <jack_redman@h...>
wrote:

I saw an ad in the Recycler (Recycler.com) for a '86 Toyota 1 ton
dually with front end damage for $800. The phone number is 909

7676

0220. There are also 9 ads for Toyota motorhomes.

Jack

Michael
I am ina similar predicament. I will thell you what I have done
until I am able to locate a 1 ton axle. I am having 295/50 4 ply
tires put on this week. They are a rather large tire and should
perform about the same, but without the danger of extending the axle.
If you want I will send the exact info on the tires in a couplke of
days, they were very difficult to locate. I would have prefered 6
ply, but there just was not a really wide 6 ply.

Benton



--- In toyota-campers@..., theeagle@k... wrote:

Michael,
I would not be overll concerned, your unit has pretty low mileage

on it. My dad' s rear wheel bearing did not go out on his 1978
toyota camper until he had about 90,000 miles on it. There are
several toyota campers with alot of miles on them with no problems.
I would not let your concerns stop you from enjoying your trip. You
could have a brand new exspensive motorhome and it could break down
on you. There are no gaurantees in life.

Nate

Michael,
I would not be overll concerned, your unit has pretty low mileage on it. My dad' s rear wheel bearing did not go out on his 1978 toyota camper until he had about 90,000 miles on it. There are several toyota campers with alot of miles on them with no problems. I would not let your concerns stop you from enjoying your trip. You could have a brand new exspensive motorhome and it could break down on you. There are no gaurantees in life.
Nate