The Toyota Motorhome Aficionado

...it's sort of like the legendary barn finds...

2008-05-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

...you see a familiar profile through an 8-foot hedge...oxidized fiberglass and askew marker lights...too small to be anything full-size and too long to be ancient...glossy glare on corrugated sides makes it a later Sea Breeze or an Odyssey with all that gel coat. When I peek through the hedge at the rear I realize how friggin wide it is...has to be an Odyssey...factory chrome simulators and aluminum running boards make it official: a really straight little Odyssey waiting to be collected...the green shadow behind the side cabinet screen tells you it's an Onan generator hiding value in there.

You push your long hair back and pat your jeans back pocket to make sure you have your cash to take a run at this motorhome...knock knock knock..."excuse me, sir, do have any interest in selling that old motorhome that's leaning on the hedge out there? I have a friend who's homeless and we're trying to find some old thing for him to live in and get him off the street..."

...it's gasoline or it's diesel but it's all about...

2008-03-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

...the money...and how you want to spend it. With diesel at $4 and gas close behind, you really have to take a new look at what's real and what's not when it comes to economizing. Even in a little motorhomes with 4 or 6-cylinders like ours the cost of crossing the country and back is more expensive today than the same trip in a full size motorhome 2 years ago...eeek...and the equity line that supported your travel habit is challenged by the erosion of the actual value of your home. We still want to live our lives to the fullest, but wow...is this a new puzzle for the economy class traveler? Airstream trailers have to be pulled by a V-8, so that's out...we could buy a Sprinter/Mercedes van and convert it but we'll be out 32K before we even install a toilet...or we could sell our V-6 Winnebago Toyota and look for a Toyota MH 4-cylinder stick and stay away from the mountains. All worthy plans but not really that comfortable for me or anyone else who covets various sights (i.e. traveling)...and eating on occasion as well. I think the new frontier will be an inventive guy who installs mini-camper interiors that fits into a Toyota Previa: when I was in Hawaii last winter I saw an classified ad for a Previa that described it as a "stealth Hawaii camper"...you see, the authorities aren't big on mainland surfers who live off the land and camp by night and surf by day (the missing shift is the non-existent work thing) ...so they discourage Californians from shipping motorhomes over and just hang out...I know...I tried it...and it's even harder to camp than in coastal California. Anyway, I like the stealth camper thing for the obvious reason: streamlined...no friends stay over(usually)...economy plus...hard to spot when camping on the street...wait, wait...you could make it like stealth submarines and aircraft where all camper systems are hidden and shockingly quiet...and deflect radar but catch a great internet air-card signal...hidden but conversational at the same time. Well...it is a new idea, right? I'll sleep on that one and re-weigh it for merit in the morning on a triple cappuccino...

When you're out searching for that Toyota motorhome...

2007-07-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

...it's more important to be right about the motorhome than being right about the price. If you've been on the hunt you know that you run yourself (and your significant other) ragged finding the coach of your dream...especially if you're not in a highly populated area where you can look at 3 or 4 within an hour's driving time. If you've done some homework and gotten a feeling for the basic things you require in your future motorhome, and you actually find yourself standing in front of a really correct coach that gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling...don't get too wound up on "comps" or stories or prices you've seen online because you probably haven't seen those motorhomes or driven them or smelled them so comparing them doesn't really serve you here. I've bought near identical motorhomes at a $7000 price difference because they all had the same irreplaceable value that all nice Toyota coaches have...it was just the sellers discretion that dictated the price. Did 2 very similar Toyota MH's go through Ebay last month with one bringing $22000 and the other sold with a "Buy It Now" of $11000? Absolutely. Do we really care what someone else paid for their motorhome if we're only going to buy one Toyota motorhome...to love and cherish and fill all the cubby holes with our favorite stuff and great books and surf wax and compass and maps to places we've never even heard of...and take (with confidence) on great adventures while listening to Jackson Browne and be warm and cozy inside it when winds howl?...Do we really care what someone else paid? Absolutely not...not even a little.

...you can always skip a step or two...

2007-04-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

...but when you're talking about installing those nice MaxAir vent covers it's not gonna work for you. Yesterday, I went to look at a nice little low-mile '90 Dolphin that had obviously spent considerable garage time because the suspect Dolphin graphics hadn't faded or alligatored and the aluminum bright-work was super clean...the interior and carpet was original and as new but the only flaw was some light ceiling moisture marks around a couple of the vents. It was a little surprising considering the obvious care so I hopped up on the roof and found the answer: Max-Air covers had been installed throughout but, rather than installing using the L-shaped brackets that mount on the side of vent base, they were caulked and screwed directly to the roof. I know it's a little more work to read the directions and mount the covers so they're elevated above the roof, but that's the only way they work properly...because they're not intended to be 100% water-proof...and the slight elevation of the cover is to allow water that sneaks into the cover-vents to escape and keep the area draining properly. I grabbed a screwdriver to remove the interior vent frames to make sure the wood framing was rotted...but it was perfectly dry in all three vent openings. I bought the Dolphin, took it home, and took the Max-Airs off to find the culprit: though slight, the water that entered the Max-Air was trapped and eventually found it's way into the holes made in the roof...not to mention the moss and lichen growing around the vent which indicates the presence of moisture. It was an easy fix with a clean-up of the basic vent area and re-sealing the holes and vent base (just in time before the rain started)...and tomorrow I'll visit the RVTS place and buy new Max-Airs so I can make a correct installation that works as it should and give the little Dolphin a bright new roof line...

...I'm getting ready for Toyota motorhome separation anxiety...

2007-02-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

...I know that the Sunrader 4x4 has some issues, most of which I solved mentally in the first day I owned it, but I bonded to this thing like Super Glue...and I went shopping for the fun cosmetic stuff that take some little effort and expense but make such a huge difference. 16 new clearance and marker lights that are bright and fresh...replace a missing frig door...buff the Toyota part of the coach...remove clutter stuff and decals...and bought it a new Adco waterproof full cover. Cruising around Coronado...showing it off and recognizing some clear approval: it is so very unique. Compact but very stout like only a 4x4 dually can be... aggressive but economical. Then I start talking to a nice guy who's a surfer and an excellent sports photographer who fancies my Sunrader... and we start brainstorming about a photo deck on top for his adventure surf shots and, well, he looks like a good candidate for the 4x4. Is it a match? Probably. Will he keep it the rest of his life? I would think so. Will his Australian Shepherd love this wonderful thing. OMG he will. Will I miss it? Completely.

...the rare and exciting 4x4 Sunrader...

2007-02-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

...once in a while you have to just take the leap...and I did...to buy the 1985 4x4 Sunrader that you see here on my website. I weighed the condition and known issues against the rarity and obvious eventual value...the unique and wonderful lines against cost of pending improvements and unknown stuff...the really nominal original investment against the obvious upside potential. It's beautiful high-gloss fiberglass body looks more like a new $125K Chinook than a 22 year old motorhome...and that's the caveat: even though it boasts fabulous looks and appearance, the same issues visit this motorhome that are present in all 22 year old motorhomes. Newer appliances update what is a really nice original interior but a soft floor in the aisle will eventually dictate new underlayment and a choice for Pergo wood or new carpet. Considerable expense already made this month to repair all plumbing and propane leaks. The usual 18' Sunrader rear roof droop will require a simple curb seal improvement but is an opportunity to introduce a roof-deck that's been in the back of my mind for years...a place for substantial storage for rough stuff, surfboards, kayaks, beach chairs, etc. If you you look at a side picture of the Sunrader you can see the rear elevation area...perfect base for an aluminum diamond plate deck with fittings for new vents and roof-air and off-road lights to light the scene, etc...you with me?...the Toyota 22RE/5-speed/4x4 drivetrain is functional now but will be visiting my Toyota guy to bring it to cross-country condition...window regulator for the drivers side on order...new clearance lights all the way around bought and ready to install. So much to do and so little time, but these Toyota motorhomes are all a labor of love. Feel free to step right in and take it from here...I've got horses that need riding and bunches of other projects on my plate...and in the mean time, it'll be my daily surfmobile...it makes hot coffee and hot showers and that's the important stuff...Kirk

...the endless search for outside storage...

2006-12-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

It's always a battle in these little coaches to find suitable outside storage: full size basement-designed motorhomes have exterior doors that allow for wet, dirty, and awkward items which we all try to keep outside and away from our pristine (?) living spaces...but Toyota motorhomes generally have none or the only mentionable space is occupied by the generator. The Odyssey-built Toyotas actually have the largest exterior cabinets which are built to accommodate an Onan 4.0 (which is relatively rare and desirable) and if you have one without the gen you have a nice exterior space. Some Toyotas are seen with permanent or receiver-based cabinets or tool boxes that are mounted on the rear that unfortunately ruin the clean lines of the coach and turn a Toyota 22 foot rv into a mid-sized 25...and we lose some of our driveability, not to mention parking. Receiver-mounted storage allows you to run around without that thing on the back for a run to the beach or drive to work, and then slide it back on when you go cross country or on vacation where you'll be dragging alot more play-gear. This reminds me of a 1991 Winnebago 6-cylinder I bought maybe 6 years ago that came with the most spectacular rack known to man: a 3-receiver hitch-based custom rack that began at the receiver with a diamond plate platform for bikes or a motorcycle...then dual 2-inch tube ladders on each both side of the rear (not touching the coach) and curved to horizonal on the roof and headed forward all the way to the beginning of the cab-over. Cross-bars framed around the roof-air and rear vent for access and the whole beast mounted with L's that bolted at the outside edges of the roof...in otherwords, the rack never touched the rear or the roof except for the edges (the strongest area) . When I sold the Winnie on E-Bay I got hundreds of emails about that wonderful and unique rack and where to buy one...trust me, this thing was a piece of art and I've often thought about duplicating it...maybe in aluminum instead of steel for weight issues. Add all your brackets for bikes and surfboards and kayaks and you've created a real rig and given up only 18" overall length.

...put a little chrome on your Toyota...

2006-12-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

...one of the cheapest ways to jazz up your motorhome is to put on some nice stainless simulators to cover your older painted wheels...these simulators are the same ones you see on the big boys and even the 10-wheelers. They're easy to install because you don't need to pull the wheels like you do on the bigger rigs...you just remove every other nut (carefully considering the location of the tire valves) and then install the simulators and let the replace nuts keep it in place. Easy to wipe clean and it'll keep you from looking like you're homeless! These only fit the true 1-Ton Toyota chassis from 1989-1994 . Find these beauties on the internet at www.wheelsimulators.com and use your favorite credit card or phone 1-800-215-8007...you'll appreciate the quick service and the difference it makes in your rig...

...ones man's opinion on the air-bags thing...

2006-11-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

...the first time I drove a Toyota motorhome with inflated bags over the rear axle it was about 6 years ago and I was driving a 1992 Dolphin on the 56 freeway in San Diego...there was so much wheel hop in the back everytime I hit a seam in the concrete surface I thought I was going take flight for good. I had driven alot of Toyotas with the bags empty because the things have a life expectation of a few years ( if you don't snag the plumbing in something before that) and I hadn't felt deprived up to that point...and I sure didn't after that. Air bags have always been a "tongue weight" adjustment for compensating for the weight of your slide-in truck camper or the weight at the hitch when you pull two or three horses in their 2500#(empty) horse trailer...keeping the truck level when there's a inordinate weight source at the tongue area so the hardware at the hitch doesn't drag or ruin the level ride. When our Toyota's were built on the true one-ton chassis the suspension was adequate to spring the weight including our stuff...and over springing the rear end on a little motorhome like ours you'll get some pretty bazaar performance. Unless you've taken to pulling considerable weight on a trailer of some kind, chances are your Toyota motorhome already has a sufficent suspension system in place. If you're just bored and you want to repair or install your bags on your rig, inflate them in very small increments and test them in all driving conditions...I've always felt most comfortable at speed without that rear-end hop.

...I got another call about towing with these things...

2006-11-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

...and the very fact that the manufacturers installed them at the factory has alot of people wondering if they're just being chicken not towing their boat to the lake with their Dolphin 6-cylinder. The truth is that, given enough flat ground and time to accelerate, you can tow pretty much anything within reason...the problem is whether or not it's safe. The motorhome has enough mass and dual wheel stability to pull a small boat or trailer straght down the road with the substatial class three hitch that's often seen on the coaches...and the coach isn't going to get whipped around like you might see a Jeep CJ or Wrangler 6-cylinder trying to tow a small boat. The question is what are the other factors involved: hills and steep boat ramps...steep freeway on-ramps where you'd be a hazard to everyone within 5 miles...long grades that would kill that poor motorhome...only you know what your planned route is like. Attention: If you have an Odyssey 3.0/5-speed, you're excused from this discussion because you can pull pretty much anything within reason because of your increased torque. My friend Joe launches his little boat on a pretty steep with his Dolphin and , really, those 3.0/automatic drivetrains by the millions have pulled unbelievable stuff while disguised as Toyota pick-ups/ 4x4's/ and 4Runners from 1989-1995. A girl at our stables tows her horse and trailer with her 1994 Toyota 4x4 all over the place...you just have to get a feel for what your motorhome will pull and pull safely on your individual route. And remember that the receiver has other valuable functions: storage platforms that fit into the receiver that can be storage for extra stuff and fuel for your Alaska trip...quality bicycle racks...and some new hitch based ladder and rack systems for your Kayaks and surfboards.

What about those little 70's Dolphins...

2006-11-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

I admit to preferring the luxury of the most current 6-cylinder Toyota RV's but we have have to note the importance of the first generation versions of the Dolphins...17' long and extremely compact and cute as a bug. The cabover bed is still functional in size and design and the 20R motor matched with a 4-speed transmissions probably performs equally with the later 6-cylinder/automatic configuration. All the Toyota motorhomes are hovering in a status similar to Airstream Bambi's in both price and funtionality, but those smallest of the clan will probably take the lead in value relative to fully-depreciated price. Keep an eye out for a nice one for me if you're out there looking and buying Toyotas: I'd like to have one to use as an interesting surf-mobile...the possibilities are endless.

Looking hard and long for the little Toyotas...

2006-11-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

...when you're fielding a bunch of calls and emails from prospective tourists from US, Australia, and Europe who want the dependability and economy of the Toyota motorhomes, you've gotta look at alot of coachesin hope of aquiring them...there are way more buyers than coaches...and nobody wants to fly to California to buy a rough, dirty, inoperative little motorhome. I know there are Toyota motorhomes in Southern Califonia just waiting to be plucked, but only a few of them are for sale at a time: people like these warm and fuzzy little traveling casitas and when they finally decide to sell them, it's reluctantly...even tearful. That resistance to sell and the realities of the condition of the coach collide head-on when it gets to the money, and it's hard to make a viable deal. People forget how nice that coach was years ago when they bought it, and they can't see clearly how much the coach has depreciated cosmetically and funtionally. Most of the coaches I look at have in-op appliances, water damage, and exterior damage and weather damage...and most of them I just can't buy because, regardless the usual hundreds of hours I spend on them, they can't be saved for my purposes. Yesterday, I looked at a 1992 Winnebago Warrior that was on Ebay for auction and was available to see locally before the auction ended. Let's be clear about one thing for sure: digital on-line photos make everything look better. I was so sorry for the people who would fly or drive some distance to meet this absolute distappointment...very rough cosmetically and most of the appliances didn't work. Very sad...and my first instinct was to buy it and take it home and give it a better home...but once they're on Ebay it's retail city and the buyer will have to see this one for themselves. Take your time if you're in this market...like a horse trainer we know told a clinic audience last week: look at a thousand horses and, then, buy just one.