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  1. After a complete successful rebuild of the entire passenger side of my baby summer/fall 2014 the northeast had a SERIOUS amount of snow (like over 10 feet in 4 weeks) well, I live in San Francisco and the motorhome is stored at my mother's in Connecticut - do the math. Came back east to go up to New Hampshire and rebuild the interior and found the lyrics to The Grateful Dead's 'Brown Eyed Women' ringing in my head as I viewed my poor Dolphin : "Snowed so hard that the roof caved in." https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s6zbz557naukc3f/AABreFk9-ckj_NoiGdNuZOMya?dl=0 I am fully not kidding one bit when i tell you that I literally called the local dump and asked if and how they would take my R.V. off my hands...THEN just on a whim I went on Craigslist for the Hartford Connecticut area, typed in R.V. repair or something, and found this AMAZING DUDE that comes to you with all tools needed for around $30 an hour in his awesome little redone sweet 1978 motorhome and does R.V. REPAIR. Together we jammed it out in like 3 or 4 days. Very much easier to write about it and read about it, but basically we peeled back the aluminum top like a sardine can. Assess the wood on the top of each side's wall. I had just completely rebuilt the passenger side wall and thank God the driver side wall was still in decent shape. Making sure to create and restore the convex shape of the roof,we used one of the original pre-shaped cross-sections as a template and replicated it using about 8 to a dozen 7 Foot pine wood 1 x 2 boards. We matched or improved upon the construction around the middle vent and the forward vent. We put quarter inch plywood on top of the cross sections- and then did my best with the ripped aluminum -banging it out tucking back in the creases etc. Stapled it down and replaced the moldings with a set of new screws. Make sure to have a pad of paper masking tape anything you can do to write down the routing of the wiring and label the wiring as you will have to drill holes in these cross-sections 2 route the wires. EPMD self leveling sealant by dicor over the Staples and the cracks and the holes and the seams.
  2. Hi everyone, I've spent around 10-15 hours on this forums and others reading about toyota motorhomes and decided they were the best choice (gaz, realiblity and price) wise. Fast answers would be great since I'm meeting the guy again the 24. They're pretty rare in quebec, canada. Today I've found one, really well maintened with a nice guy who loved it. He has in his garage the Upgraded axle (true 1 ton) 6 nuts. He is asking 4000$ cad for the rv (93000 miles) standard all in working order exept the water heater. I just want to make sure that the axle it has right now is the dangerous one ( see the photo in black) , if so I will try to discuss with the guy and find a deal, I don't want to kill my girlfriend and I if it snaps off. (He never overloded it and always checked and greased the bearing, but what about the others owners, I don't want to take any chances. Do national rv still honor their warranty? Two main questions: 1. If we change the rear axle for the safe one, are the 5 nuts in the front safe enouph ( I don't plan to overload and I will will check the bearing for any loose, grease them 1-2 time during long trips, etc). Are they hard to change in the front? 2. Any guides, info out there to help us change the rear axle? Around how many hours? He thinks he have everything we need exept a few bolts that we should be able to get from toyoto (hopefully). I'm going to meet to guy again on the 24 and depending of what kind of deal we have, buying it on the 25 if I can/or we can do the upgrade. Thanks a lot for the input and I'm looking forward to be lucky enouph to drive this jewel ( we'll do 10 000 -15 000 km in 2 months ) this summer so we want something safe. Cheers! -Emmanuel
  3. This Dolphin was purchased less than a year ago, in August 2015. Renovation began immediately, with complete removal and replacement of the floors, upholstery, refrigerator, toilet, kitchen countertop, swivel chair, lights (to LED), cushions, handles & hinges, curtains/blinds, and new paint throughout. It's gone from 80's style to modern in 3 months of renovations. We had it completely re-plumbed and we resealed the roof. We worked day and night to make it our own (total DIY)! Enjoy looking through the before and after pictures of our project. Let us know if you have any questions, we'd be happy to answer them!! Thanks for looking! B&B
  4. Hi Folks I just bought a 21' 1990 Dolphin V6 last night and am trying to find an operation manual for the cabin. The prior owner was selling it for their elder parents and knew nothing about it. Seeking info on heater, refrigerator, auxiliary battery and 12v system, water system and tanks and other basic operation procedures. My apologies if this is a common post but I've spent some time trying to dig it up on line and am striking out. Thank you for your help and looking forward in contributing to this forum in the near future.
  5. Hi , I just purchased a 1987 Toyota Dolphin with a Chevy Camaro v8 engine in it. It has 30, 000 miles on it. I know * nothing* about engines other than what this guy told me..so I am asking here to see if anyone has thoughts or advice about this. He said I could drive it around a few days and if I didnt like it..could return it. I didnt want to turn it down as it seemed like a great deal that i should snatch up..so I went for it. Can anyone tell me about this engine and weather this sounds like a good swap for the original Toyota 22 ?
  6. This is a Renogy 100 watt kit. Under $200. I'm quite happy with the results, though I had to do some things to make it work better as a portable system. The main problem was that the wires from the battery and the solar panel had to be screwed into the controller. This would be fine for a nonportable setup but since I wanted to use it as a portable, it was too much work. It took too long and it was obvious that I would eventually strip the head slots on the set screws rendering the controller useless. Now the solar panel rides in the cab bed and it only takes about 5 minutes to get it working. The wires from the panel came with disconnects so I screwed them tightly into the controller and then squirted a bead of epoxy around each wire where they entered the controller. These wires are very stiff and would eventually work loose with movement without some serious stress relief. Hopefully they're attached permanently now. Then for the battery. I'd like to thank the person on this forum who pointed me to the needed quick disconnect. That's the little grey box in the picture. Actually I think I bought one size too big. But better too big than too small. For that I had to cut the battery wires and torch solder four connectors onto the wire ends. These connectors come with the the quick disconnect and snap into the gray box to provide good contact. If you do it right it is henceforth impossible to connect the battery with the wrong polarity. After soldering I snapped on the two halves of the gray plastic connectors. Then I tightened and epoxied the two short pieces of wire into the controller, making sure polarity was correct. After that it was simple to attach the the long wires onto the coach battery, again triple checking polarity. Now I just snap the disconnect together and I'm juiced. You have to connect the battery first with this solar controller. Then the panel or else it gets all confused. In the picture I have the controller hanging on the battery door with velcro tabs. I also have velcro on the back of the solar panel and that's where the controller rides when not being used. They give you a lot of wire with this kit and I can lean the panel anywhere around the Dolphin to get the best sun. I haven't had to deal with high winds yet. I might have to lay it flat on the ground for that. So this solved my main problem. Which is that I can't plug in where I park at home. I was lugging a generator up there and running it for a few hours. Now 3 or 4 hours of sun and I'm fully charged. The refrigerator is long gone out of my Dolphin and all I have is one of those 12 volt TE coolers. I've found that with the solar and a couple jugs of frozen water, I can boondock all weekend and everything is still cold. If I unplug the cooler at night. Those TE 12 volt coolers are better than an ice chest but the problem is that they run constantly. I hope to be able to afford a regular 12 volt refrigerator by next year. I've heard that the 12v. refrigerators actually use much less battery than the coolers because they shut themselves off. I know that a propane refrigerator is the best way to go but like I said that's long gone. The vents are boarded up, I'd need a new propane line. Maybe in the distant future. Too many other things to fix first. So this old man is happy with his first solar project. It's like magic to me.
  7. Having a hard time figuring out if the rear axle on this 78 Dolphin is safe. It's a 5 lug single axle. Guy wants to trade it for my slightly larger 85 Dolphin with the upgraded dualies. If this one is good to go, I'd rather have the smaller rig with the single tires on the rear. Seems to have better clearance and would be easier to lift a bit for travels in Baja. Thoughts?
  8. I have a 1990 Dolphin with a fridge (Dometic RM 2401) that is not working. I plugged it in to electric while the RV was on power and it "ran" but did not get cold. Also lit the propane and ran with that on max cold and it did not get cold. After running a bit I opened the door to the fridge and could smell ammonia. I mentioned this and was told that any ammonia smell means the unit is dead. After this I was told: I am going to give this a try as either way the fridge needs to come out as I have an AC dorm style fridge I plan to put in there and use with an inverter. I am wondering if anyone has advice on the easiest/best way to remove the unit. I am particularly concerned about the gas line. My plan was to turn off the propane at the tank and then unhook the fridge, but I am not sure the proper way to cap the pipe or hose that runs to the fridge if there is no valve there. Thanks!
  9. Last month my family was given a 1990 Toyota Dolphin has only 20,000 miles on it from our family in the midwest. My wife's father bought the RV new off the lot in 1989 for a family tour around the country and after the epic family vacation it saw very little use and has been sitting parked in the driveway for the last 20+ years. This spring in preparation to hand it off to us it went into the shop and has some work done to make sure it was in safe operating condition. Mechanically the truck is in great shape and drives well with the only minor issue being that it can be difficult to get into 4th gear(manual transmission). Due to limited use it also has many of the original interior features in near-new condition which is amazing, but there are some issues that need attention. After an inaugural trip last weekend we developed a list of projects including: Dealing with rot in the rear wall on the passenger side (for many years it sat within the spray range of the yard sprinkler near the driveway) A grey water tank that will not drain- I think the release valve is stuck/jammed Plumbing issue where draining water into the right side of the double kitchen sink floods the shower with stinky water Fridge does not get cold, either on gas or plugged in We also have come up with some "nice to have" projects on our wish list: Install solar panels Remove bathroom like Wapiti did - our RV look almost identical Add LEDs and buff the paint like DirtyPatches did - our RV is nearly identical Change to a 12V modern fridge and run it off the solar I have spent lots of time reading through this forum and see many instances of issues similar to mine and will probably post in the appropriate places as we dig into each one. Just wanted to say thanks to all the people who have posted all the helpful information and that I look forward to hanging out here more.
  10. I have just purchased an 86 dolphin and it needs major rebuild I have not been able to find the floor plan for this particular model it has a lot of water damage, possibly fire damage? due to past electrical problems. Looks like old owner tried to re-wire certain parts, I feel like the rv is missing a couple things My 86 Dolphin is an Efi with the table in the very back, as soon as you enter on the side you immediately hit the bathroom and on the sides are the sink and other side is the oven If anyone can help much appreciated! ive uploaded some pictures
  11. So I got my dolphin a month ago and slowly working on repairs needed to get it in liveable shape. I would love any help/ input on things many of you might have dealt with already. First up...
  12. While I was eating my pop corn with my fine Jamaican rum, I was thinking about making my winni leak proof. I think have over a dozen marker lights in the front and rear of the camper (I have a 90 winni). I am thinking of plugging up the all the lights and keep just the min required by DOT. So what can do here? just 1 at each corner?
  13. Greetings All, I am a total noob. I just purchased my very first motorhome, a 1983 Dolphin with the 22R truck. The floorplan has the door, stove, and bathroom in the rear. Any help I could get with any aspect of the thing would be greatly appreciated. I'm such a noob, I don't even know how to drive the thing yet (its manual), so that is my first step. I am also going to be cleaning it up and putting in new window coverings and possibly wood veneer floors in the meantime. The bad: There are some old water stains around the roof The gas gauge doesn't work The good: It runs! Only 38,000 miles (supposedly) All of the appliances work (supposedly) I have very little clue about how all of the various components of the motorhome work, so I am researching them, but if anyone has any basic tips (e.g., how to hook up to electricity, water, etc. and pump waste) I would be ever so grateful! Once I can drive the thing, my plan is to take it to the local RV mechanic and have them look it over to see what it needs. I can do some engine work on my own, but given that it seems to run fine and that I just bought it, I am going to have a professional address any immediate or major needs and give it new fluids, etc. So, anyway, if anyone has experience with this year and model and wouldn't mind holding my hand a bit through this initial phase, that would be fantastic. Either way, I am very glad for this fantastic forum and all of the great info/people in. Cheers!
  14. 1985 Toyota Dolphin Motorhome. Owned since 1998 . Totaled by an F150 (right rear) fall of 2005. Re-man engine in 2007. Collision with a MOOSE June 15,2008 (right front) Time and pressure led to bowing and opening up a good bit. BEFORE : https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v0psst7xu30l7dw/AAAD2CG8PIJpNRIXcLxtNOm0a?dl=0
  15. I have a 17ft 1979 toyota dolphin. Code named "Mr Jones". A little back story to start things off. I am 25 and the fourth generation to own this camper. It was my great grandfather the original Mr Jones, who bought it new. Each male in my family has owned it since. So it has great sentimental value. I myself have called it home several times in my life. Unfortunately it has come to a point where Mr Jones needs to be retired. The dry rot is terrible, most of the appliances don't work. However...the pickup is in running shape, it just needs a new clutch kit. All the men in my family appreciate the value of hard work. As the truck can still be of use the surviving members of my family believe stripping the coach is the best course of action. Even so, my father burst into tears the first time I suggested it. So keeping in mind that this truck is as much of a member of my family as it is a tool, I'm looking for opinions and tips on how to best strip the camper away with the most respect I can. As an add in. Tips on how to seal the cab once the camper is gone would be extremely helpful.
  16. Hello everyone, First post ever, so I'll introduce myself. I'm 33-years-old, single guy, a hopeful writer who pays the bills as a website/app designer, able to work anywhere with Internet. Just arrived back in the States from a couple years abroad, the last year living in Goa, India. While in India I learned the joy of living simply--cold showers, no furniture, power cuts--and after living the past few years out of a suitcase mostly (longer story), I feel little fear in living longterm (or at least until Life changes my path again) in a small space with few things. The only small fear might be of loneliness, but that's a familiar foe So about a month ago, I wake up on my mattress on the floor in India, and there is the urge to go back "home," to America. And the next thought is of one of my favorite books, Travels with Charlie. So now, here I am, at my parents' in Missouri, looking for a reliable cost-friendly mode of transportation for my next adventure. I know this will likely not be a short drive in the woods. I'm expecting to be on the road for 1-2 years minimum. Possible destinations are anywhere that can be reached, possibly Alaska or Mexico or even South America if I have the nerve. All my research has led me to the mid-80s Dolphin models. I feel reasonable sure, that with patience, I can find one around $2,500-$3,500 in reasonable condition. Reading your helpful forum, I know to look for one with the upgraded 1-ton rear axis. Since I will probably be traveling up and down mountains, possibly the 22RE is better than the 22R? What I'm not so sure about is whether to look for a V6, or the 4-cylinder with better mileage? What is the difference between, say, a 1983 Dolphin and 1989 Dolphin other than engine? The layout with rear kitchen seems well suited to a single traveler, but also intrigued by the rear-dinette layout. Wondering how hard it is to rip all that seating out and make it into a little desk and office space? I'm not expecting much company. Sorry, guys, if my questions are mundane and have been asked a hundred different times. I'll probably ask more in the future ... I'm a novice, and fortunate to have a father who is mechanically inclined. I'm looking forward to working on this with him, especially since we haven't had much time to do things together in the past couple years. Thank you for any help or advice you can offer. Safest travels! Tumbleweed Joe
  17. Rollin with Bert ... Movie San Carlos coast .. Mexico
  18. Renovating my 82 Dolphin this summer and could use some advice on how to repair the rot in the cab over portion. ive rebuild the entry step and re welded the aluminum door frame. took out black water tank for new straps and all new fittings/ grommets. It all looks like really simple to repair but leme know what to look out for ! and what to replace wile your tearing it apart and have things exposed. mods or upgrades !
  19. This is the 1st Toyota in about 4 months since I bought mine. http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/rvs/4436193879.html Dana
  20. We will be installing 3 100W solar panels on the roof of our new 86 Dolphin. Panels are 47"x21". Each panel comes with 4 brackets and each bracket has 2 holes. It means drilling 24 holes if I go simple way. Seems kind of a lot. Any alternatives? Maybe I could get two aluminum rails and install them parallel with just 4 holes in total. Then mount the panels on two rails. How do you find the best place to drill in the roof? The top layer of the Dolphin roof is aluminum, or am I wrong? Maybe somebody can advice what is the sandwich of the roof? Is it wooden beams-plywood-aluminum? Thanks a lot for any advice.
  21. 1985 Pretty darn clean ....no leaks....66,000 mi, ...doesn't have axle upgraded...but was told she's in great shape. Just don't want to travel with my kids in it...
  22. Good evening. I am considering purchasing a Toyota Dolphin for a cross country adventure. I will plan several local trips before beginning the adventure. I want the rear dinette model for better light, better seating, and less weight in the back. I know to check for leaks and to make sure the rear axle has been upgraded. I have found a 1983 Dolphin (107k mi) and a 1985 Dolphin (61k mi) both of which seem to be in good shape, both under $5k. What gotchas should I look for besides axle and leaks? What are the differences that ought to be considered? What are the most important upgrades that I'm likely to want? I've heard about LED lighting, a backup camera, and extra cooling what else? And if there is a different year that I should be looking for, please point me in the right direction! Thanks in advance for all or your help. cheers, Ellen
  23. Hello! I am new to the forum. Anyone have any experience with the 1980 Dolphin model with the dead axle? I have been on the search for a new mh -- specifically a dolphin. I am aware of the recommendations to upgrade the rear axle from a 5 over to a 6 lug 1ton ff; and so I have been searching appropriately until I found a couple instances of this 1980 model with the dead (aka lazy) axle. I was considering changing tires would be facilitated without the dual tire axle. Not sure the axle situation with this model, I have only seen photos and none up close. Recommendations? Cheers and thanks!
  24. We are looking for a Dolphin, but want to find out if there are any production years which are better/ worse than others? We are new to these, and are hoping to find the perfect rig, for 2 adults, and a of couple dogs. Your input is greatly appreciated!!
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