underwatervolcano

Its the 8000 series if that makes any difference.

I have a Coleman Mach AC unit on my '85 Dolphin. Looking to deinstall and replace with skylight/fan. I'm not sure if the AC unit is original, or new, because it looks like it's in great clean shape. Haven't turned it on myself but previous owner said it works well when I bought it a month ago. How much do you think it can sell for? Thanks!

Beautiful luck! Thanks for the info, as usual I'm going to try to charge it and see from there...

Solid conclusion. Any recommendation for a different battery, in case this one has to be dumped? Mid range best bang for buck type of battery, if such exists..

Thank you Linda. I just turned on the engine and the water pump, and water went through faucets after a couple seconds, shower and faucets ran fine. But without engine on, the water pump won't run. According to my control panel, my battery is low. (It means house battery, not car battery, right?) Not sure if it's misreading battery levels, because it can barely detect that my fresh water tank was nearly full. Also there are two exterior drains, both on driver's side. One is what I believe is a water hookup (when I turned on my engine + water pump, it spilled out what must be fresh water, until I turned off water pump). I need a cover for that, to stop the spillage. The 2nd drain is looks like it's meant for convenient drinking water. Its old and broken and I had to use a wrench to set the plastic switch to off, so my water doesn't spill into the ground rather than my sippy cup. So...is my battery actually dead(ish)? Or could the control panel possibly be deactivating it to preserve it from a full death? Questions, questions.

Yes, about 3/4 full.

Running into similar issue. Tried to turn on water pump, makes sound as if its on (with some scratchy sounds every now and then— inside fan of water pump?), but when I turn on any faucet or shower, absolutely nothing. Checked my breaker, have my 15 on and my 20 off (no need for AC and also not connected to shore power). Thinking the water pump is powered by house battery, right? What could be my issue? Please SOS Linda!

Right on, then I'm ready to go! It's 11pm here but I got a headlamp and the energy!

Hahah! I cleaned it up pretty good and feel it’s nearly ready for the butyl tape and sealant. Just wondering now if there’s any need to plug the previous screw holes that are empty now, because they don’t line up with the new roof vent. I saw on some video they skipped that part without saying anything about it. Is it unnecessary because of the butyl tape seal?

Thank you Linda. You're becoming a household name over here.

Okay here we go (screenshotted images to reduce quality so I can upload!)

Hey, just wanted a 2nd opinion. I got rid of what appears to be the majority (95%?) of the old sealant and butyl tape. What remains is the gray really really hard material from previous (or previous previous previous) owner. Am I good to begin installing my vent? Or should I scrape further? Any thoughts appreciated 🙏 For whatever reason the website won’t let me post photos on this so I will try as a separate comment in same topic.

You guys rock, thank you sooooo much for the tips. Poop bag says it all doesn't it!

Hi everyone! I’m wondering what other people are doing in terms of storing valuables. I was thinking to get a safe and drilling it down (somehow), but they can be a bit pricey for something quality. Also it’s a little tough to find something with the dimensions I’m looking for (to fit 2-3 laptops and maybe some cash) and I don’t want anything too heavy, obviously. I’m considering making a little compartment within the framework of our bed over the cabin (or have a carpenter who will already be helping with a separate project). Or maybe to install a false floor of some kind in the storage compartment of our back bench. I figure that if it’s tucked away enough that it might remain safe and won’t need to be locked? What do you all do? Any suggestions for us Dolphin newbies? :D

Wondering the same. Haven’t checked my potable tank yet (just got a new 1985 Dolphin), but considering either cleaning or replacing, filling it anywhere on the road, and using a Berkey filtration system, which seems to range in the $400-$500 zone. Or, if a used one is on the market, I’d consider that. Would love to hear about anyone’s drinking water system

Fred, thank you, I appreciate your insight. I don't have any water at all in it yet but once I do I'll reread your instructions and try it out! Was definitely thinking to hold onto unused parts. I'd consider getting a new toilet when selling if the demand on these goes down... ha!

Thanks for the tips. Will debate with the wife, who insists on its removal. She hates the idea that there's fecal matter from the late 80s in there, ha. Thank you for the ebay link. I found one for just the left, it looks the same but can you confirm? God bless, WME 🙂 https://m.ebay.com/itm/Corner-Signal-Light-for-84-86-Toyota-4Runner-Pickup-2WD-Chrome-Driver-Left/313155951297?_trkparms=ispr=1&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1

Gary M, Is it typical for the sink and shower to drain into the black tank, or would that be a mod from a previous owner?

Hello, new here, I recently got this lovely '85 Toyota Dolphin, 4cyl 22r-e with 68k miles. I'm seeking some septic advice... We're planning to swap out our toilet for a compostable toilet (that we'll build ourselves) which renders our black tank useless. We are probably going to live out of this motorhome for about a year, so resale value is important. However, the black tank looks pretty ugly and dirty, it's gotta be the original from 35 years ago. Should we deinstall it? Is it easy for the unexperienced? It also had a pretty bad smell when we removed the toilet this morning. Previous owner cleaned it out but I think it just retains accumulated years of black tank habitation... if anyone could shed some light on this I would greatly appreciate it!!! Also, if anyone reading this happens to know which Toyota headlight marker fits the Dolphin from 1985, please tell me. Someone else mentioned other trucks from '84-'86 will do (4runner maybe) but I'd love another opinion before I buy it. I also have a mystery cable dangling under the rig (looks celebrational), thought I may as well include that - any ideas as to what it is? Huge thanks in advance to any reading this far who can help shed some light on the varied topics mentioned... UnderwaterVolcano

Tropicstar, What a list of upgrades, super inspiring and very ambitious. It's been almost a year since your post, I'm curious how much you've accomplished since, how much you've spent on revamps, and how much more to go, if you care to share. How much of it do you do yourself vs hire out? I just bought my first toy home, 1985 Dolphin with 68k original miles on a 22r-e engine, auto... Around same price as yours. Drives great.. could do better mpg-wise (simple math and guesswork told me im getting some range of 15-17mpg). Looking to renovate interior (though significantly more minimalistically than your plans--unless hyperambition, superluck and true-friend-help kick in) and keep my expenses under a total of 10k, including price of the Dolphin. Ideally well-under 10k. I should mention, I'm absolutely new to every single thing about this. Take good care. YK

still available? can a 6 foot tall woman walk in the cabin without scraping the top of her eggshell? TIA 😊