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New here, Just got a 78 Chinook MPG


TEC3

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Hey guys,

Just purchased a pretty well running 78 Toyota Chinook MPG.  From best I can tell from my good friend google it has the Gaucho setup... I am first wanting to get as much info as you may have on these models. 2nd I would really like to know more about the interior.  Ours is in fairly good shape, but missing some items.  

No house battery/ wiring under hood has been pulled.
fridge is missing. what type should I replace it with?
The bed setup is sad. Could someone post photos of how they setup the inside of theirs?  The goal is to make it a weekend get away vehicle for the wife and I... maybe occasionally take the kids.  We do a lot of adventure traveling in our Tundra and land cruiser, this is more for festivals and shows... that is until we go 4wd with it.IMG_5862.JPGIMG_5863.JPG

This is how we travel now...
IMG_5860.JPG

 

This is our goal in the future for it...
IMG_5864.JPG

Edited by TEC3
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Here is a video of a guy that redid one of these has a nice bed setup for the space. This video was what got me interested in Toy homes. Sadly he hit a dear with it and it messed it up pretty bad.

As for fridge I'd defiantly get a propane fridge as I don't think you have an inverter for 110.

 

 

 

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8 hours ago, TEC3 said:

Hey guys,

Just purchased a pretty well running 78 Toyota Chinook MPG.  From best I can tell from my good friend google it has the Gaucho setup... I am first wanting to get as much info as you may have on these models. 2nd I would really like to know more about the interior.  Ours is in fairly good shape, but missing some items.  

No house battery/ wiring under hood has been pulled.
fridge is missing. what type should I replace it with?
 

Neat rig. I also have a 1978 MPG.   Came with either an ice-box or a Dometic RM211 three-way refrigerator.  I have an extra I'd sell cheap if you want to fix it up.  A small 12 volt DC Norcold out of a Winnebago Lesharo will fit in its place.   Extra "house" battery goes under the hood.    I don't see too many Chinooks with good interiors.  I re-engineer a Futon from Walmart to use in my Chinook.  

chinook-mpg-standard-features.jpg

coyotes.JPG

Image3.jpg

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That is the interior of mine, but it has been altered a little.  I have the spot for the house battery but no battery and the wiring is suspect at best.

 

I think I am going to have to pull all my interior and rebuild fresh... Anyone have a suggested layout?  Also anyone have plans for the cot bunk beds that came with some of these.  We are attempting to family camp (4 kids) with her.  I love this little thing!

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The hanging bunk-beds are pretty complicated, not easy to set up. and heavy.  Especially the two cross-beam steel supports.  I had two complete sets but could not imagine ever wanting to use them or lug them around.  I sold one set to a guy who comes to this forum now and then (Damon Krane). Not sure if he ever used them. I also left a pair behind in NY when I moved, in a junked Chevy Chalet (also made by Chinook).

I've been thinking about using my 78 Chinook for a trip cross-country with two adults, one big 13 year old kid, and an old fat dog.  I have been considering just getting a small pop-up camper-trailer to tow behind us.
I cannot imagine taking trips with four kids in a Chinook. I know the Japanese are good at stuffing them selves into little compartments.  Some of us others, not-so-good. 

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So after that I think we are going to pass on the bunks.  What is the tow rating on the chinook mpg?  I have the small adventure trailer pictured above. All aluminum and weighs in at 550 dry weight.

you mentioned a fridge for sale.  How much? Where are you/ it located/ and what repairs does it need?

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  • 3 weeks later...

Got her all cleaned up.  Still no electrical ran, but should be doing that in a few weeks.  Going to try and do a tester/ overnighter next weekend.

still no fridge but a member here is checking on one.  I am going to put a hitch on and remove the bumper ball.  This allows me to carry bikes or tow our little trailer.

 

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