John H

You can add an AC to a roof vent. They are powered by 110Volts AC just like your home appliances. An inverter operating from your coach battery would drain the battery in a very short time and the inverter would operate at a HOT temperature. To check if the vent is pre wired remove the inside trim and look for three wires near the vent on the side and perhaps into the ceiling. if there are not those wires you will need to run a power line to the vent. Don't use wire smaller than 12 or 14 gauge, and be sure to get three wire cable. You could run the wire to an existing outlet or directly to the power center. A 9,000 BTU unit is fine for areas that are not HOT and HUMID and they will probably operate on a 15amp campground outlet if the extension cord is not too long. it's always better to use a 30amp plug if possible. PPL sells a 9,000 BTU unit as well as 13.500 and 15,000 BTU units. Here's a link to the Coleman low profile 9,000 BTU unit ; http://www.pplmotorh...conditioner.htm Another benefit to the 9,000 units is that they can be operated with a generator putting out as few as 1800 watts. i know because I've operated an AC with a Coleman generator. The larger units will require either a 3.000 or two 2,000 watt generators. TIP: Carry a voltage meter while camping. Check the voltage before and after turning on the AC. If it's several volts below 110 volts don't try to turn on the AC. if it dips below about 110volts after starting the AC, be concerned that that power might damage your AC. i have never encountered a low voltage with a 30 amp connection but with 15 amp plug ins about 10% of the time the voltage is questionable. Old campgrounds often have inferior plug ins. As an alternative, consider a large power fan for the vent...such as a Fantastic, Breeze Away or other brand. These can be wired to your 12 volt system. In a very humid and hot situation they probably wouldn't satisfy many campers. John H SW OH '86 21' Sunrader (with 9,000 BTU AC)

re; refrigerator. Check the burner for obstructions. Check gas line for spider webs. Check thermal shutoff. re; toilet. Yes, the toilet gets water from either the pump or city water inlet. If it's not getting water check valves within toilet. Be sure pedal or handle actually opens valve. re; hot water heater. About the same as refrigerator. BTW, manuals are available from the Yahoo sister site and on the site. John H SW OH '86 21' Sunrader

I'm trying to locate a rear bumper cover. Any help will be greatly appreciated. If it's the aluminum bumper cover they are available at most RV stores. Probably it's a standard 4" bumper. A bumper for a regular Class C motorhome will be too long. Try to locate one that's been cut to your length or the aluminum is not difficult to cut with a hack saw or reciprocating saw. John H SW OH 86 Sunrader, 43D, 22RE, 60K miles

I have airlifts on our 86 21' Sunrader and like them very much. I don't inflate them to the max because it stiffens the ride but I do level the rig by inflating each bag until the measurement from the wheel fenders to the ground is about equal. They do help with sway but in a Sunrader sway is minimal anyway. DO NOT operate the vehicle with no pressure in the bags as this will lead to deterioration. They are easy to inflate with a bicycle pump when a compressor is not handy. John H SW OH 86 Sunrader 21' 22RE, 43D, trans cooler & gauge 59K miles

Hi, Rusty; Welcome to the Toyohome world. I had the same impression when we purchased our '86 Sunrader. While driving it home from Colorado it took just about five miles of driving in the mountains to decide I wished we'd purchased one earlier...after about a dozen trailers and motorhomes. One possible tip for your refrigerator is to install a computer fan (12V) in the outside compartment to move more air to assist in removing heat. I've also heard it's helpful to remove the refrigerator, turn it upside down for a day or so then reinstall. I tried that back in the 1970's and it didn't help. If you're handy you can replace the cooling unit and perhaps save a few dollars. Don't forget, a mecca of parts and appliances are available in Elkhard, IN. Best Wishes, John SW OH, '86 21' Sunrader, 43D auto, 22RE, 55K miles

What size generator have people used? I found a great Coleman 1850, but am not sure if that is big enough to run everything in the rig. Do you think this one will work?? I had a Coleman 1850 installed in a 1986 21' Sunrader. It powered the AC fine but note that my AC has a capacity of about 9,000 BTU's. It powerd everything else fine, including a microwave. We tried not to use the microwave and AC at the same time. They are not designed to be installed in a generator compartment of an RV even though they will fit. Had ours removed for safety considerations.l It's a good generator and we use it for backup. It's much nosier than the Hondas, Yamahas, etc. So, you could get by with a generator of that size IF your AC is not a 13,500 BTU model. John H SW OH 1986 21' Sunrader 22RE; 43D; 60K

The shop is having trouble locating tires for replacement, is there a site or distributor the board uses? Tire Rack is one. You can check on the net for 185/14R load range D tires. Brands that come to mind are Sumitomo, Goodyear, etc. Do a google search for other brands. When I drive it home can I do so leagally with their tags and regestration. While title is already signed in my name and temp INS id number?? Also in my name Not unless you have at least temporary tags. They are inexpensive and can usually be purchased at a BMV near where you purchase. John H

I need other opinions please. And maybe an explanation as I don't really know what this means (except to look for 6 lugs not 4). What else should I check for? Yes, it is an issue with the 4 cylinder chassis as well. The axle should be upgraded to the full floating axle with 6 bolt wheels. Check for leaks around the upper bunk and inside the upper cabinets. Check the roof for cracks in the sealant. Walk on all the floor to check for sags. Open the cabinets that house water tank, sink, etc. and look for evidence of leaks. Check DOT date on tires, if more than 7 or so years replace. Examine the undercarriage for rust, if extensive pass on that one. John H SW OH

i am looking at some new rear tires due to age and may go all around if the front are same model All tires should be 185/14R Load Range D also there is a slight exhaust manifold leak .. To get it home you might consider muffler patching tape available at auto stores. radiator hoses seem to be orignal and should be replaced also If they are rigid or cracked by all means install new ones. ... so i am looking at some cash to make this vehicle reliable for trip. this coupled with airfare, 1200 mile jorney Check out fares on AirTran....even if you travel at the last minute their fares will be at least half the major carriers which charge an arm and a leg for late bookers. Also check SW Air. won it on ebay for 6900 and need to send deposit tonight, a thousand dollar deposit which i dont know how to work out You could sign up for Pay Pal. It requires a credit card account. Or you can go to a bank and arrange to have the $ wired to the seller. , being i will be paying for repairs to a rig thai if for some reason, like far from as described condition there would be a loss of deposit plus money spent on repairs. seems closer to eight grand $8K is what I paid for my 1986. It was in very good condition with low miles and I purchased it two years ago.....so you're not off by far. to get it home, also i know sunrader a better design with fiberglass roof, am i geting a fair buy 88 sunrader classic dosent have the wrap around windows It was manufactured in Indiana. The CA Sunraders have the curved windows. I bet the straight ones leak less. 86k tranny rebuilt 100 miles ago thought and they only owned it since november and put about a thousand miles overall If the rebuild was done properly you should have many thousands of miles to use it. im just nerveracked about getting stuck somewhere stupid Check into some companies that offer towing/repair services.....Good Sam, AAA and many other auto clubs. I had a breakdown in IN and AAA paid for the bulk of the tow which was about 40 miles. all appliances work rear bath 22re That's a real plus. You won't have to spend $ on appliances. no gen or awning 8-8500 im thinking will be cost to get it home reliably so I had a generator that wasn't proper for the space it had been installed. Had it removed and haven't missed it yet. Depends of how you camp. If you usually stay at sites with electricity a generator is moot. An awning is nice but will cause problems in windy times and if not securely fastened can come undone and seriously damage your coach. If you plunk down and stay for a while an awning is nice. .... any thoughts Let's hope it all works out OK. Even if you spend some $'s it'll be worth the cost. If you have overdrive be careful about using it.....only on level and downgrades.....the 22RE in combination with the 43D auto transmission is a reliable team but I wouldn't recommend pushing it too much. I'll keep my fingers crossed for your return trip home. John H SW OH '86 21' Sunrader; 22RE, 43D; 58K

Just returned from a trip to the bluegrass area in KY. During the drive from SW OH to KY the temperatures were in the 90's. The 134b AC retrofit worked very well and kept the cab and some of the coach cool. The Sunrader drove very smoothly. Total trip with side trips was over 300 miles. Averaged 15 MPG. That's a little low but I drove mostly 60 MPH and am sure the heat contributed to the mileage. All appliances worked well, in fact the 24 year old Dometic kept the refrigerator at 40 degrees or less and the ice cubes remained frozen solid. I was surprised how well the Toyota handled on down hills at 75 MPH. I drove it mostly like a truck driver would, feeling the accelerator position and not pushing it excessively while it slowed down on upgrades and speeded up on downhills. If I tried to keep at 60+ MPH up hills I'm sure the MPG would have been lower. I've found the "sweet spot" is between 55 and 60 MPH. John H SW OH '86 21' Sunrader; 22RE; 43D; 58K

My question is two fold, do you agree that this is underpriced? and what do you think I can charge as a finders fee? Oh, Yes, if it's in good operating condition and you can detail the entire vehicle. If it has the full floating rear axle I suspect you can ask $5 or more if it doesn't have lots of rust, an ailing exhaust system and old or worn out tires. That's a $3K "finders fee"....not bad. John H

You paid a fair price. If the axle is not the full floating axle it should be replaced. The cost with labor and parts will about $2k. Rich Carl has one for sale. He's a member of this group. The TLC is common to almost any RV that's 27 years old. Look underneath to examine the frame, etc. for rust. Check the DOT code on the tires for the date of manufacture and if more than 7 or so years old replace them. I think Dolphins are fairly well built. If you park it outside try to park it so water will not pool on the roof and have the freeze/thaw cycles. Good luck and happy Toyota-ing. John H SW OH '86 21' Sunrader 22RE, 43D, 58K

Some are stick built with wood structural members, some have an aluminum frame and the fiberglass models have walls made of fiberglass. The fiberglass models have a no seam roof which reduces the possibility of roof leaks, others have a one piece roof which also reduces leaks. Joints are the most likely source of leaks. Also leaks can occur around cut outs for vents, AC and windows. John H SW Ohio '86 21' Sunrader, 22RE, 43D

Yes, do use the tape. Carefully clean off all the residue from previous installations. Set tape on vent and place it on the roof and screw in the screws. After this I use the self leveling sealant that comes in a caulking tube to seal the screw heads and I put a bead around the edge of the tape and roof. Re: The AC. Sometimes the mounting bolts loosen. Take off the interior shroud and check for tightness. If they are loose tighten them a bit. Don't overtighten or you'll compress the foam seal too much. Sometimes you can see the seal around the edge of the inside opening...if so, watch it while you tighten the bolts and be sure you don't compress it all the way. John H SW Ohio '86 21' Sunrader, 22RE, 43D