linda s
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Posts posted by linda s
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If the opening is above the fridge it might be a fridge roof vent. Looks like this or rather one of these cause I don't know what yours should look like but these are the only long narrow vents I know of
Yes cover your rv immediately until you fix the hole. You might have a lot more damage inside the walls already
LS
Hi Gang! Another Toy newbie joins the fold. My Widget is a 1986 Conquest. 71K miles with a new rebuilt engine that has less than 2K on it.
I think I paid okay for it, about $4K by the time I got it home, but almost every day I'm discovering the seller was a lying sack of you-know-what on the condition of the cab. Blessedly, all the electrical works great and, other than the raunchy carpet, the interior is very nice.
Here's a big surpirse, lots and lots of undisclosed water damage. Today, after 4 days of torrential rain, I went inside and found a puddle on the kitchen table. But, not here to complain, I'll be reading all of your custom threads for the long term repairs. Here's my stupid newbie question. On the roof on the right side, toward the back (just in front of the door), on the edge of the roof, is a long narrow rectangular opening in the roof. Mine has no cover.
What the heck is it?
Is it supposed to have a cover?
Where can I get one or what is a good kludge?
All of the old water damage is on that side of the coach. Could this be at least part of the culprit? Other than that, the roof is fairly clean - other than the sag from the accumulated damage. I have a second story balcony and got up and looked down.
Good to meet you all. Terri
Here's my Widget . . .
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The weight rating for the C load range is 1600 lbs. The D load range is 1850. The C gives you 6400 lbs in the back and 3200 in the front. More than enough for any Toyota motorhome I've ever heard of.
The D is more readily available so thats what people recommend but it's not the only tire that will work.
LS
linda s
A 195 tire is not needed on your camper. 185 is fine and c load range is fine too. C load range is not a car tire. The only companies that I know of the make a true snow tire in the sizes we need are Nokian and Verdestien or what ever that name is. Here's a link to some onlinehref='https://www.tiresbyweb.com/tbw_tiresearchadv2.aspx?treadwidth=185&profile=&rimsize=14&Winter=1&Pageindex=1&choice2=All' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>https://www.tiresbyw...x=1&choice2=All</a><br /><br />Another option is a good all season tire like the hanhook ra08 and bring chains for when needed. If you go with the snow tires I wouldn't stud them. Need to stud all tires and can't use them many places.
I wanted to go with the 195 tires but didn't because they are also bigger in diamater, and the last thing these RV's need is gearing up. I see some of the RV's are using these tires on the front, if so go with the 185 for a spare, that will fit on the front in a pinch. I will convert to the 195's if I change the rear end ratio, which I am now planing to do as I also want a locking rear end, kill 2 birds with one (expensive) stone.
When I was shopping for tires,(got the 185 Hankook's) I was told load range D only or look at the load factor in pounds and match to that.
vanman
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A 195 tire is not needed on your camper. 185 is fine and c load range is fine too. C load range is not a car tire. The only companies that I know of the make a true snow tire in the sizes we need are Nokian and Verdestien or what ever that name is. Here's a link to some online
Another option is a good all season tire like the hanhook ra08 and bring chains for when needed. If you go with the snow tires I wouldn't stud them. Need to stud all tires and can't use them many places
LS
I am going to be taking my '85 Dolphin for a winter trip this year and would like to get winter treaded tires. Trouble is, I am having difficulty finding 195 R14 C winter tires. Has anyone put winter tires on their Dolphin, and if so, did you find this size, or a compatible equivalent?
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They are expensive but PPL RV parts has replacement doors. Need to enter parts store and find your fridge but it's there under mian door. Cost 137.00
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-refrigerators/rv-refrigerator-parts-instr.htm
LS
Does anyone have a refigerator door for a dometic 2400 ? its for a 1986Toyota Dolphin Motor Home
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These are not meant for this kind of temps but if you have no choice. Cover all windows with refletix insulation. 2 sided foil looking stuff from home depot or other hardware stores. Can't hurt to roll some down on the floor too. One battery will not run the heater all night. need 2 or plug in somewhere. Propane buddy types need an open window. too much heat loss. Pour 1 cup of salt down sink and toilet drains. Might not be enough at 0 degrees but better than nothing. Number one rule, don't be stupid. By the time you realize you are too cold it might be too late to get to safety. Spend some money and get the most expensive sleeping bag you can. Some of the down ones are rated to below zero. Might save your life. Good luck
LS
Hi All,
Just wondering if anyone has boondocked, in the winter, in a very small 1990 warrior? Or in something similar.
Mine only has one small heater vent and the original gas generator. I am new to RVing and may have to boondock it next winter.
By winter I mean nights that are somewhere around 0-32 degrees F. I would really appreciate any advice, stories, etc.
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Owner of toyota-campers group on yahoo had the same problem. He figured it out. out should post there and ask him. His name is Turtle
LS
My on-the-column gear shifter is stuck in park and won't move on my 1994 Winnebego/Toyota Warrior. I disassembled the column covering and kick panel and checked if the key release/lock is functioning and it is. It releases the shifter when the key is in but the shifter still sticks in park. The only thing I can think of is that there is some sort of brake solenoid release/electrical issue hanging it up. I can shift after about 50 tries (shaking it around violently) or once every 10 starts and stops (putting it from drive to park). Any idea what this could be?
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Thank you John for adding the technical explaination. You said it much better than I could have
LS
I think the one factor that is missing in this conversation is vehicle weight.
It would be worth a few bucks to drive the RV across a scale and get weights for the front and rear wheels.,Then a more intelligent decision could be made as to the risk.
Some of the lighter Toyhouses may do just fine with the single fixed axles (AND single tires), because they're operating under their design limits (Gross operating weight),
The single axles should have a reasonable safety factor, but when the fake dullies are installed, it shifts the center of load on the bearing surface, The bearing isn't designed to be loaded like this, so the safety factor and the Gross Vehicle weights all go out the window,.
The bearings should be loaded so that the rolling load on the bearing is centered on the surface of the roller.
When the center of load is moved off the bearings center, it puts a twisting moment on the bearing, The loads on the bearing roller are now focused on the outer edge of the roller instead of across the entire surface of the roller. This will lead to premature bearing failure as the bearing isn't designed to operate like this.
IMHO - The fake dullies improve tire loading, but at the cost of premature bearing failure due to asymmetrical bearing loads.
I think if I had one of these vehicles, I'd run it across the scale. If it was at or slightly above its Gross weight, I would remove the fake dullies and put the best quality truck tire on it I could find. I'd monitor and religiously change the rear end fluid.
JOhn Mc
88 Dolphin 4 Auto
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What Chinook owners. I have no knowledge of a Chinook axle recall and have been unable to find one. Chinooks have single wheels and are under the GVWR of the trucks they are on.
Have never heard of an axle failure there other that axles can fail for other reasons. Like being 30 years old and maybe rusted out.
No I am not calling the make shift wheel fix the answer. Of course the full floater is the best case scenario but on lighter vehicles like the Sunrader shorty or Mirage a single wheel might be the better answer if
you don't have a grand or more to upgrade. The later 4x4 Odyssey's have the standard truck axle with single wheels and I have never heard of a failure. Granted the axle in the v6's is a slightly heavier duty axle but still not a 1 ton or a full floater.
LS
ps, They blamed it on the wheels because they were an intrinsic part of the failure. The wheel changes made on the Huntsman in 85 proved that by not being part of the recall.
Recall happened in 92 so they had plenty of time to include it if it was warranted
Linda, respectfully I disagree. To me it seemed they blamed the wheels because they were not made by toyota( fake duallies) . I will now underscore the arguement referencing Chinook owners whom had recalls without the duallies but on half ton axles with single wheels and or failures on half ton axles with the 6 lug adapters. Your argument implies the owner can get away with adding a 5 to 6 lug adapter and be ok with a pair of dual toyota 6 lug rims. We all know that is fatally flawed logic (pun intended). Do you disagree?
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This is one very clean machine. I know you have a lot of work to do but when your done your going to love it. My kids say I love my campers more than them and they might be right.
Never thought I'd be having this much fun at this time in my life. I owe it all to a little Toyota Sunrader. Hope yours brings you as much joy.
LS
Hello all,
Perhaps an odd duck instead.
I first mentioned this little birdie in the following post found in the general forum. New Owner "New" addition to manufacturer list? Well, I finally moved forward with the purchase and have some additional pictures. See below. My family is very excited to start our adventure. For now it will stay where it sits until spring. I meant to post this in "What's your rig and where's it at?" topic. Perhaps a moderator can move? Thanks for looking. -
Here's the recall. Clearly states failure was caused by the bending movement of the after market duallies
making the bearings fail and breaking the axle.
http://www.automotix.net/autorepair/recalls/19697-recall/
Linda S
the fake duallies weren't the problem it was the lack of secondary bearing. That much weight on one set of bearings == fail. The contact point of the weight still hits the same place; the bearings no matter where the hub is in the assembly. Personally I dont think the type of wheels used would matter.. fake duallies would be better than one wheel on a single bearing set but you still have only one set of bearings. now what I REALLY want to see is the mythical 5 lug full floater rumored to exist. I think its a folk lore story that used RV salesmen tell to buyers to make them have hope that they will be the chosen one; but guess what ; no you are not NEO and the Matrix rules will break the single bearing axle. LOL I heard that Elvis's toy home has the fabled full floating 5 lug axle; but he never leaves his campground in Springfield.
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The key words here are open recalls. The axle recall is no longer open, it doesn't mean it didn't happen and that your axle wasn't recalled.
With single wheels and a smaller RV you might be fine but trust me, your axle was recalled along with all the rest.
LS
If you go to www.toyota.com/recall you can enter your V.I.N. and they instantly reply by telling you what that number applies to i.e year and model and wether or not there is a recall on it.
I just bought a 1983 Rader 17 footer with a 5 lug axle equipped with a 6 lug adapter and single wheels.
According to my V.I.N. there is no recall on thmine. Here is what they answer looks like.
Safety Recalls/Service Campaigns for My Vehicle
Vehicle: 1983 Truck JT5RN44D7DXXXXXXXXX
There are no open Special Service Campaigns or Safety Recalls on your vehicle.Let us keep you up to date on other important information about your Toyota. PLUS, get exclusive access to interactive videos, online owners manuals, service discounts and more. Register Today!
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No curtains out there that will fit your windows. You need to make them or have them made. Don't know how yours are hung right now but
probably snap tape. If track is still in good shape you can buy new snap tape at rv store. If not you need new track and glide tape or switch to regular curtain rods.
I used curtains from Walmart. Valance curtains are the right length for the overhead windows and cut full length curtains for the rear windows. If no sewing
you can use something called fusable bond available at fabric stores and iron the hems but the tape must be sewed on for strength. Might be time to call Mom or girlriend
or maybe sweet little old lady down the street for help
LS
Hey guys,
I have plenty of work ahead of me before I even get to this point... BUT I like to be ready for the future! Where can I Find curtains for my Toy. I have been searching the internet... all I get is shower curtains and windsheild curtains!!! Thanks!
-Dylan
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Don't think that is going to happen. Extensive talks on the Toyota-campers site have failed to resolve the issue. I do believe it wasn't the axle that changed
instead a better wheel set up like you have. The extreme offset of the fake duallies put so much stress on the bearings they eventually failed and that is what broke the axle.
The fake duallies are mentoned repeatedly in the recall notices. That is why I asked to see your wheels in more detail. See where the weight center is in relation to the bearings.
No matter what you will be safer with the full floater. Love to see what your rig looks like too. Post some pics of this before unknown rig please
LS
At this point I have secured a six lug from a local salvage yard. I have asked for all hardware including wheels, tires, housing, and springs. For me, the five lug is now just a matter of curiosity. I would really like to put the mystery of the non-recalled five lug to rest.
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This guy describes installing a 3600 Onan but the 2800 should be very similar. he also has links to the onan installation instructions at the bottom.
Looks like you might need a under floor install kit but I didn't go throught the whole thing
http://www.klenger.net/RV_General/Electrical_Generator_Installation/index.html
Also his is LP but gas lines should be easy to figure out
LS
I just bought a used Onan 2800 Microlite generator and want to install it in my 1993 Dolphin. Does anyone know where I can obtain a copy of the installation instructions. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Yes you have the 5 lug axle but you do not seem to have the same wheels that came with the dangerous axle
I see an adapter and a wheel that looks to have a different offset than the conventional bolt togther duallies.
Huntsman used this same format in 1985 and was not recalled for that year. The described heavy duty 5 lug
to my knowledge has never been seen by anyone but maybe they miss described it and this is what they were talking about.
Love to see that wheel in pieces
LS
I started a thread in the general section about my pending purchase. New Owner "New" addition to manufacturer list? At this point I am looking for some help to definitively confirm that this rig has the recalled 5 lug. I took the following picture.
Any information appreciated.
Thanks!
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Are you talking about the front or the rear. Toyota's are known for their clunking in the front on sharp turns doens't usually mean anythings wrong. Have never heard of the rear going out.
What makes you think somethings wrong. An 89 will have the full float rear end which is the good one. They are pretty tough. Axle seals could go bad but you can
always just check the differential fluid and see if it's full.
LS
Hi there! First-timer at this. Checking out a 89 Sunrader--has 89K. Please let me know if
there is any kind of driving technique or trick to see if an axle has gone bad. Abvious clunk
sounds and visual leaks but any thing else. The only nervous point I can see in buying a
used Toy! Any tips would really help. Thanks alot! Boulderader
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Quality wise they should be looked at like a Dolphin not a Sunrader. They are stick built which means a wood frame
and any water intrusion can cause major damage. Check everywhere carefully for soft wood or paneling. Repairs can be
costly and sometimes impossible. Make sure all appliances work and make sure it has a full floating axle with 6 lugs in the rear.
85 or older might not have the right axle and can be dangerous to drive.
LS
Does anyone have experience with the Toyota Clipper? I haven't seen anyone mentioning one. Does anyone know if there is something specific with them to watch out for when buying or are these, quality wise, to be viewed like the Dolphin and Sunrader?
Looking forward towards an answer, Thanks!
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87 and up should be the newer one still available
LS
not sure if i need and old or new. it's a 1990 dolphin. the cover itself is 4.25 wide, 2 1/8 tall. there are two tabs top and bottom (the long sides). when mounted the bottom is open to the handle. now quite sure how to describe. if it were a box, and turned it open side up, the bottom has no side, the two sides and top have side than slant out from the bottom. hope that makes sense. if the measurements match up i would love to hove it. here's the picture too. wouldn't want it not to be what i can use. thanks for the offer either way, let me know.
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Air bags if there will look like 2 fat rubber doughnuts or a large rubber tube directly above the rear axle on each side. You should be able to see them even if they are deflated.
Look for the fill valves too. Look just like tire valves. Follow air hose from bags to outlet.
Axles can be found at car-part.com
Don't put in your year. Put in any year from 86 to 92
rear axle and housing
dual wheels. 2wd
Even though any of those years will work it's best to try all of them because they don't
list them all together. Easier to find one closer. You need to find the dual wheels too and you
can use the same site.
LS
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What you have is a Sprint motorhome made by General RV. They are super nice. When General went out of business very close to the time yours
was made they sold their fiberglass molds to new Horizon which renamed it the Nova Star. Slight differences in the windows and I don't know
what your interior looks like. The Nova Stars are known for their ultra nice teak interiors. Price of course depends on condition. If yours was mint I'd
guess best case senario would be 5 to 6 grand. The only other ones I've seen have been on a Nissan chassis. If yours is a Toyota
it needs to have the full float axle upgrade to be worth that much.
LS
1983/84? Toyota motor home made by general RV industries. All fiberglass exterior. It has 16,000 original miles and lived in a garage its whole life.
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Since I know custom work is your business there are quite a few Sunrader 4x4's out there that still have 14 inch wheels in back and 15 on the front.
Another alternative to buying all new custom wheels in the back would be a great resource. If you like the results of yours it might be a good idea to offer them
to others. I have suggested Sprinter wheels in the past but your the first person who took me up on it. By the way there are a numer of adapter companies out there that will
make adapters to your specs. The old Dodge power wagons, the m715's and 53 to 66 ford f350's all use a 6x7.25 lug pattern to so they are in the same boat. I didn't suggest
you use wheels from these though because they are either split rims or locking rim widowmakers. Also they are too wide to ever fit the duallies in a Sunrader. Post pics
when your done
LS
I dont think any adapters are made with a 6 to 6 pattern especially the odd 6's.
I can have a steel ring water jet cut with Toyota bolt pattern in it and set it just inside the sprinter wheel, bevel both edges nicely for weld penetrarion and weld the center ring into the wheel (weld both sides of the ring) I have done a few sets of chevrolet rally centers for friends chevelles and camaros so they can have a factory wide wheel.
some people do 5 mph welds and some people do 100+ mph welds (meaning only trust the 5mph welds up to 5mph and the 100mph welds up to....) my welds are the 100mph ones lol.
I am picking up a sprinter wheel tuesday and starting on it. I have a waterjet cutter/local shop that cuts my flanges for exhuast that I will draw up my rings and have 4 cut for this project.
Again, thanks Linda S for pointing out the sprinter wheel- I have oodles of automotive sources and knowledge but I was unaware of that wheel and its specs. you saved me from recentering a wheel using Toyota centers and chevrolet rings
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$4500 is a good price already. Any you can bargain down from that is just a bonus. Please check the appliances though. They can be pricey repairs especially the fridge
Cooling units you can replace but the parts are still 400 plus. Water heater and furnace can be costly also. Escapers are nice aluminum frame coaches
LS
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Lug pattern on the Sprinter wheels is 6x205 and the center hub is very large. I don't think there is room to drlll a smaller lug pattern which is why I suggested adapters
Look here. No room for smaller. These are 15's but lug pattern is same on 16's
http://shop.wheelsexpressonline.com/15-SPRINTER-DUAL-WHEEL-15-SPRINTER-DUAL.htm
LS
thanks Linda S. I will look into that for sure, I can weld the existing holes up and redrill new 6 lug pattern.
EDIT- these are 6 lug, after hours of searching I still have no answer on wheel bolt pattern. this could be very promising, no fab work or welding whatsoever. I may run to a local salvage yard that has a set monday and pick one up for some R and D
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Some Dodge Sprinters come with dual wheels in 15 or 16 inch wheels. The 16 inch is on the 2007 and newer ones. They have a large center hub opening
and even a larger lug pattern than the Toyota full floater. All you would need are 2 adapters to fit to the Sunrader. This place in Texas has some. Says call for price
http://broncosalvage.com/default.aspx
LS
It look as if I will be making a set of 16s then.
I will contact custom wheel to see if they will sell me just the centers, if not car-part.com has some I will buy 4 of then remove the centers (all but the wheel itself)
I can use a commercially available 16 inch wheel then make a jig to space them correctly and then weld the 2 pieces together.
it will open up more tire choices and availability as well for me later when I swap in a solid axle converting it to 4wd.
I first mentioned this little birdie in the following post found in the general forum. 
shower pan replacement
in General Discussion
Posted
Camping World is not the best place to look. They only carry a small selection. Try here. They are not cheap but it would be all new and easier
http://www.pellandent.com/RV_Products_List.aspx?CategoryID=164
They also have surrounds for most of the pans they carry
LS