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Does anyone know why they quit making toyota based motorhomes in 1993? Was it something to do with the rear end recall? It would be great if they would have continued making these dream machines.
I guess I'll have to keep my eye on the early 90's models, when someday way down the road I look to retire my 1986 Escaper. Then again that will problably be along time from now, toyotas seem to run forever. However, it would be nice to have the option of newer models.
Nate

Hi Nate, Myself I rarely start mine till spring gets here, the
Odessey is all covered up for winter, and the Chinook is sitting in
the garage with some blankets layed over it. I drained all the water
lines and blew out the lines, removed the water filters, dumped some
rv antifreeze down the sink drains, and removed the batteries, I keep
them in the garage with a trickle charger rotated around from one to
the other. Around here they gravel the roads when it gets snow or ice
and come spring your lucky to have any paint or a windshield left in
your rig.

Hi Mary,

I recently went through the selection process to get the 'perfect' camper. It took me a while to find it after I narrowed it down to a Sunrader, but I did find it, just 25 miles from my house. I paid $5900 for a '86 Sunrader, 21 feet long, with roof air, dash air, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, AM/FM Cassette radio, and 4 cylinder engine.... exactly what I wanted. It did have some problems that I had to fix (leaky roof vent, leaking air bag, inoperative clearance lights, etc), but I enjoy tinkering with cars so it was fun for me.

I looked at the Dolphin, Winnebago, Itasca, and Odyssey but decided on the Sunrader because of its fiberglass construction and quality work. All of the appliances worked and it seems watertight. I did replace the curtains and repainted the walls and ceiling, which made it clean and cheerful. My wife (who was not real keen on getting a motorhome) has grown to love it. She outfitted it nicely with household stuff. She especially enjoys camping in the state parks where you are right there amoung the scenery. We spent a week in the Northern California redwoods and another week in Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona Arizona. We have taken several overnight trips to the beach also.

I hope you can find what you are looking for. I saw one very similar to mine on consignment at a RV lot, but they wanted $12,900 for it, but it was super nice. I think you can get a really good one for around $8000, ready to go. Good Luck.

Jack

From: "Mary Schilpp" <msclp@...>
Reply-To: toyota-campers@...
To: toyota-campers@...
Subject: [toyota-campers] Need an education on Toyota RVs
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 22:52:05 -0000

I had no idea that there were Toyota based RVs. I heard about this
site from the Rialta Egroup site, which I have been reading to gather
info before an RV purchase. I currently have a 1999 VW Eurovan, and
it is already in the shop getting a new transmission (at 16K miles).
I have had much better luck w/ my two previous vehicles- a 1984
Corolla, and a 91 MR2 (which I still have) The idea of a Toyota
motorhome is very intriging, since I've never had any major problems
w/ either of these vehicles. But, I assume that there are no NEW
Toyota based MH's, so what is the last year that they were produced?
I would love to have a new/almost new one, figuring there would be
fewer problems. What can I look for in terms of latest model years?
I see from previous posts that there were Chinooks, and other models.
If there might be a website where I could get this type of info,
please point me in the direction. Thank you for any help you can give
me. - Mar

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Well I took the camper out for a little drive this morning. I figured I haven't took it for a drive in a couple of weeks. It is supposed to start snowing again today here in Ohio. How often do you guys start your rigs or drive them in the winter?
nate

Hi Nate, Heck you went right by the house and didn't even wave, It's
nice country around here, been here all my life so kinda used to it
by now. Were the only state left I think that doesn't have self serve
and true the gas prices are always about the highest around, gotta
pay them gas pumper wages some how. The trip through Crater Lake area
ought to be a nice one for you. Thats some pretty country around
there. Maybe we'll pass on the road somewhere this summer.

Nolan,
I read were you live in The Dalles, Oregan area. I went through that area this summer (August). We were on I84 going eastbound. Very scenic intrerstate with the Columbia River to your left. We were on our way back to Ohio from Seattle and the coast area went through Portland seen Mt. Hood it was great. We got gas aroung The Dalles area a little higher priced and it was different having someone have to pump your gas for you. Really enjoyed the state and wish we could have spent more time there. Next summer we are planning to hit the Crater Lake area and Northern California. My 1986 escaper and my dad's 1978 toyota are ready to head west again.
Freezing in Ohio,
Nate

Thanks for all the input. I checked out the RV Online site, and sure
got to see a lot of MHs. Thanks again- Mary Schilpp

Little frosty in your neck of the woods I bet. I'm in The Dalles
Oregon right in the Columbia River gorge where they do all the wind
surfing, but not this time of year, and no I don't try it I swim like
a rock. I can't recall ever seeing a poptop Sunrader either, I would
like to see a picture of yours someday. Does the top go completly up
like the Chinook? I have seen a Toyota Sandtana tilt top that the
top only went up on one end, looks similar to the Chinook body wise
but the windows in front above the cab were just painted on to give
the illusion of windows. The trader site has quite a few toys
scattered all over the country in all price ranges, some seem high
but I think most people start out there anyways to give them some
room to dicker price wise. Every now and then one comes up that seems
to be a steal but you never know until you see it in person. I just
look and dream anyways my old toys still get the job done and when I
open the hood I can find the motor:)

--- In toyota-campers@..., "Nolan " <rockhound@n...> wrote:

That would be a heck of a deal if you can pick the one ton rear up
for a few hundred bucks Jacka2, when I went looking several years
back I only found a couple used ones in the wrecking yards, and you
would have thought they were gold plated for the prices they wanted.
Your 86 Sunrader didn't have the axle upgrade in it already? Did it
have the old style dual wheels on it?

Nolan.

My 86 was stock with the one ton axle. I bought it from
the original owner. It is a late 86 Sunrader Pop up. So
far, I've seen no others.

That Rv trader site is awesome. I didn't know there were
that many TMHs around. Are they really getting those
prices?

As to prices, I guess I'm way too optimistic on what
that Axle will cost. It sounds like the word was out
to the bone yards in your area. Hope its not universal.
I'll let you know come spring.

Where are you located? Im in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Brrrrr!


Jack A2

Mary I agree with jack, the best place to find the different verisions of the toyota motorhomes is the auto trader website they have over 100 toyotas. The last year was the 1993 model. Between 1989 and 1993 they were made with only the V6. I have heard nothing but great things from toyota camper owners. You can find very reasonably priced early 90's models. Also you will find that the cost to repair this campers is much cheaper than rialta's and lesharo's.
Best of luck in your search. Feel free to ask the group any other questions about these great little campers.
Nate

That would be a heck of a deal if you can pick the one ton rear up
for a few hundred bucks Jacka2, when I went looking several years
back I only found a couple used ones in the wrecking yards, and you
would have thought they were gold plated for the prices they wanted.
Your 86 Sunrader didn't have the axle upgrade in it already? Did it
have the old style dual wheels on it?

Hi Mary, 93 was the last year for the toyota based motorhomes, there
were many companies that built them over the years in many variations
and sizes. Heres a site you might take a look at just to get an idea
as to whats out there and the kind of prices they are trying to get.

when that site comes up type in toyota in the keyword box and hit
search and you'll be knee deep in toyota motorhomes. Have fun :)

--- In toyota-campers@..., "Mary Schilpp" <msclp@a...> wrote:

I had no idea that there were Toyota based RVs. I heard about this
site from the Rialta Egroup site, which I have been reading to

gather

info before an RV purchase. I currently have a 1999 VW Eurovan, and
it is already in the shop getting a new transmission (at 16K miles).

I have had much better luck w/ my two previous vehicles- a 1984
Corolla, and a 91 MR2 (which I still have) The idea of a Toyota
motorhome is very intriging, since I've never had any major problems
w/ either of these vehicles. But, I assume that there are no NEW
Toyota based MH's, so what is the last year that they were produced?
I would love to have a new/almost new one, figuring there would be
fewer problems. What can I look for in terms of latest model years?

I see from previous posts that there were Chinooks, and other

models.

If there might be a website where I could get this type of info,
please point me in the direction. Thank you for any help you can

give me...Mar




Mar, welcome to our list.

No, sad to say there are no new Toyota MHs or campers.
And this site, although new, has most of the info you
seek. Check the Archives.

I ran VW Vanagons for years, but went with Toyota as
VW parts were impossible to find outside of major citys.

If I looking for a later model Toyota RV (they made them
up into the 90s) I would consider a Toyota/Winnabago.
I looked at a 91, 22ft (6 cyl) for $12,500 last summer.
I have seen others in the $14k range. Many of the older
Toyota Mhs are in fine conditon, with low milage.

Check the RV ad sites on line and search the newspapers.
You are bound to find a one owner beauty out there.

Jack A2
86 Sunrader Pop-up 20ft.

Nolan,

Thanks for the come-back.

I went out to the bone yard that had the flat bed,
and they were all locked up and heaped high with
snow. Looks like a Spring project, but I will go
early in case they do "Spring cleaning" and send
that machine to the crusher before I can score
that rear end and spring assembly.

I've bought parts from a couple of Bone yards in
my area and I've found all the stuff to be real
cheap, if you pull the part yourself. In this
case I'm going to try to get the man to torch it
off for me at the spring/body mounts.

I already pulled some stuff off this flat bed this
summer. (Jack, handle, and some dash parts). I hope
it's still there.

I think it was Benton who asked about costs. IMHO
I don't believe a bone yard rear end and spring
assembly would cost much over a $150 + - $50,
as there is little demand for 80s Toyota truck
parts. Most have long ago rusted away up here.

And speaking of rusted away, JC Whitney has
front fenders for our Toyotas - super cheap.
$24 - $29 ea. I bought a pair this fall on
sale at $24. I put the left one on, and stored
the right one for future use. They seem to be
the same gauge metal as stock.

Jack A2
86 Sunrader 20' pop up.

I had no idea that there were Toyota based RVs. I heard about this
site from the Rialta Egroup site, which I have been reading to gather
info before an RV purchase. I currently have a 1999 VW Eurovan, and
it is already in the shop getting a new transmission (at 16K miles).
I have had much better luck w/ my two previous vehicles- a 1984
Corolla, and a 91 MR2 (which I still have) The idea of a Toyota
motorhome is very intriging, since I've never had any major problems
w/ either of these vehicles. But, I assume that there are no NEW
Toyota based MH's, so what is the last year that they were produced?
I would love to have a new/almost new one, figuring there would be
fewer problems. What can I look for in terms of latest model years?
I see from previous posts that there were Chinooks, and other models.
If there might be a website where I could get this type of info,
please point me in the direction. Thank you for any help you can give
me. - Mar

I agree with you. I am all for there being as many clubs or groups out there as possible. When I started this group I was unable to find any groups for toyotas at all. It seemed I could find groups or clubs for every other type of motorhome ever made except Toyota-based. I wanted to get as members as possible in this group in order to build a wide amount of information and experiences. I think the more information we get the more enjoyable this site will be to us and to future members. I have been shocked and excited with how fast our group has grown in just a week, I want to thank everyone who has helped spread the word on this site. I also encourage people to post links to any other sites pertaining to Toyota campers.
Best Wishes,
Nate

Hello members, This disscusion group has had great response and
participation, glad to be part of it. I just wanted to make a
suggestion regarding the club I started under yahoo clubs, the
address is listed under the links page for toyota motorhomes. I don't
want to take anything from this group or run competition with it but
would rather work with it and refer to each other back and forth
beings were the same members on both sites and have the same
interests. Newcomers to one could find the other and the yahoo site
offers the members a place to post photos of there pride and joy.
What do you think?

--- In toyota-campers@..., "Benton " <wildlife@i...> wrote:

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

I was wondering how much your solar panels package cost and how

difficult it was to install? It seems like solar panels make alot
more sense than a generator.

Nate

Nate

You can get a single good unbreakable panel for about 300.00 and
the best battery system is a couple of 6 volt golfcart batteries

tied

together to get 12 volts. These run around 40.00 a battery (at Sams
Wholesale), you might also want to get a 50.00 regulator to stop you
from overcharging your battery. I can be more specific, just give me
an idea of what you are wanting to power. I can also give you some
good ideas on mounting and send some pics as well.

Benton

Benton/Nate

Others (me too) would be interested in the Info on
the solar panels.

If you would post the info here (less pics)it will
go into the Archive.

E-mails between list members are fine, but they do
not add to the overall knowledge of this list's
members.

Let's all post to the list when ever we can. We will
be glad we did in a year or two, when we, and newcomers
to the list, begin to use the Archives.

Jack A2.

I went out to start my camper this evening and the battery was all but dead, might have left the key in the aux. position a few days ago. The coach lights were golden and she wouldn't turn over. It also doesn't help that is about 5 degrees here in Ohio. I guess I'll have to get the jumpers out tommorrow. How often do you guys start your campers up during the winter?
Nate

Hello Benton, You asked me to reply to your E Mail via the club
message board concerning the 4X4 conversion on my Chinook, beings
Toyota didn't build a 4x4 until 79 I took the 76 Chinook stripped it
to the bare frame, cut the frame in half and grafted on the front
frame section of a early 80's toyota 4x4 pickup, built new cab
mounts to fit the older cab, fabricated the floorboard tunnel to
clear the trans and transfer case, bumper mounts had to be fabbed,
inner fenderwells had to be reshaped to clear shocks and steering,
steering column had to be adapted to hook up to the 4x4 steering box,
brake lines had to be built and rerouted, rear differential had to be
changed to match the front, rear suspension needed upgraded to the
4x4 type, plus other fitting and fabricating on shifters, drivelines,
ect. The end results were fine, it drives and handles fine and
typical toyota dependability for going on 13 years now.
As far as feasible to convert your 79 Sunrader? Hard one to call,
depends on wether you do the work yourself or have to farm it out. On
the older model motorhomes sometimes they will call a 78 a 79 and so
on, a true 78 still had the 4 headlights a 79 body had single lights,
if yours is a 78 body the conversion would be basiclly the same, if
its a 79 body the ideal swap would be find a 79-83 4x4 and set the
camper body on that, it would be a lot less work and a fairly easy
4x4 conversion. Sunrader actually built some factory 4x4 motorhomes
in 84-85 on the standard and Xcab chassis's. Hope this helps and
gives you some ideas.