motorhomemikes

hi, i have a 1985 vanguard with a chev full floating axle, dual wheeled. I installed this myself after a near tragic "factory" ha ha ha ha axle failed. I still see these crap axled motorhomes for sale on Kijiji. Be aware, do not test drive or buy without doing your research. My unit, though low mileage, has been nothing but grief. Failures without warning, of the most un-expected items have led to various tows, and abandonment situations on the highway....... A warning......find a legitimate mechanic to thoroughly check the mechanicals of any unit you consider buying. Then find a legitimate RV mechanic to check the RV part of the motorhome. I got stung because I trusted the seller. HA HA. it has cost me thousands over and above the purchase price, but is almost up to a standard of reliability. Do not buy if they have no documentation of maintenance history, upgrades and repair work done. :angry03: . . On a lighter note, I have noticed a few Toyota Chinooks [1977 and older] four, parked in various places in Alberta. They are parts only, as they are sitting and probably no longer registrable.. they are not mine... and i do not know their status, but I can provide exact locations if anyone is interested.. All the best, uncertain roads ahead...I am currently in Red Deer Alberta Canada....

Sorry to those who have tried to contact me... My chev axle, dually, utility, 1 ton conversion is complete. working welll with the new ratios (I can actually use the overdrive automatic setting on occasion}. The conversion took 3 weeks of planning, research and auto wrecker scouting. Two trips to the tire shop, and about 3000$ Canadian. Also 1 trip to the driveline specialist to have the chev driveshaft modified ( cut, joined, welded, balanced,to mate to the toyota transmission). I am a hobby mechanic, and with help from my brother, the actual work took about 22 hours. Be advised, you may need inspection and or certification, and documentation of the swap for insurance and or registration purposes, depending on the laws and regulations in your state/ province. This may incure additional costs. My rear wheels no longer match my front. I don't carry a spare for the dually, but I check the tires regularily, and carry a pump and plug kit. I still carry the toyota spare for the front.... The chances of having 2 flats on one side of the dually set up is slim, check your unit regularilly.... BECAUSE I DID THE WORK MYSELF, i saved considerable money on labour costs.. If you have to pay a shop to do the work, this is probably not feasible. I would do it again if I had to. the chev axle is reliable, so I never will have to. If you want details I can provide about a 40 step procedure, all the best. AS I SAID IN THE PAST, IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THE AXLE UNDER THE TOYOTA, DO NOT BUY IT OR EVEN TEST DRIVE IT. I ALMOST KILLED PEOPLE WHEN MINE FAILED. DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST.....ASK, ASK, ASK, ...GET ANSWERS. ..BE SURE! BE SAFE! I now have 16 000 km travel on the swap, and am pleased the motorhome is a 1985 Vanguard, 22re automatic that originally had the fake/garbage dual add on rim system that failed....

I am almost done my axle upgrade on my 84-85 Vangaurd. I used a 1 ton dually from a Chev van, and put lower profile tires... contact me if you want details. WARNING....IF YOU ARE NOT SURE OF THE AXLE ON A TOYOTA MOTORHOME.....DO NOT BUY IT OR EVEN TEST DRIVE IT. i ALMOST KILLED PEOPLE WHEN MINE FAILED..........

I met a fellow in Nelson BC a couple of years ago, he said the reason for his divorce from his first wife was a Le Sharo....