T.A.J.
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Posts posted by T.A.J.
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I went with the Hankook RA08 185R14 load range D and couldn't believe the improvement in ride and sound reduction. I included an alignment and the ride is sweet.
T.A.J.
So now we own an 84 Dolphin motorhome.
The tires have perfect tread, but were manufactured in 1998... I want new tires.
I called around for a set of LT 195 75R 14 tires... I'm learning that they are difficult to find. I have a quote from Les Sch**b (I usually trade there and have been satisfied) of 1000 for a set of six, cooper tires, have to order and wait 6 days.
I'm also seeing that some use ST rated 185's (trailer tires). They seem to be less expensive.
Anybody got any wisdom/experience pro/con with putting ST tires on their rigs???
My speedometer is "right on" with the existing 195's.
Thanks,
Fred3
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My '84 Dolphin w/22R engine w/ a weber two barrel, a tuned header, and K&N filters will run 75 to 80 MPH all day long on the flats and 55 MPH up the Mt. mountain passes, (I live in Butte Mt.). I've had the Dolphin for two years and am impressed every time I drive it! What fun and a head turner.
T.A.J.
I'm very close to buying a 1987 4 cylinder with a 22RE motor.
I typically accelerate VERY SLOWLY in my passenger cars. I drive like that. SLOW accel, slow stops. In fact, my grandmother outruns me off a red light (true story).
So obviously acceleration speed does not concern me.
What concerns me is "cruising highway speed".
Can I go 60mph down a Interstate with a 4 cyl?
What speeds can I expect going up mountains with moderate grades?
Again, I'm not looking to win any races, but before I buy I want to be sure these units can go into the rocky mountains without having to slow to 15mph going up steep mountains or something like that.
I just want it to be practical and usable.
Experience and stories appreciated!!!
Thanks everyone.
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My '84 Dolphin hauled a Honda 90 on the rack and pulled a VW Bug before I purchased it and my pre-purchase inspection shows "0" damage anywhere. These little rigs are amazing for performance and comfort.
T.A.J.
Hello, I am absolutely new at this, just got a 86 21' Sunrader RD with the 22RE Auto last Friday, my first RV. I have been camping out of Toyota pickups with canopy pulling a motorcycle trailer for the last 28 years, it is time to move "indoors" now. I have seen photos of "Ken's 4X4 Sunrader" http://www.toyotamotorhomes.com/ken's_4x4_sunrader.htm
wherehe has a Honda XR 400R mounted on the back, and I see 1 discussion here about a rear bicycle rack. Perhaps there are some other topics here that I don't know about ? Can someone point me to some links on the subject, either front or rear mounted, storebought or homemade. Thanks for the great site! -
I've got an '84 dolphin w/ the22R and standard tranny.I got to 16-18 MPH by using a Weber two barrel carb., a tuned header, and Mobile One full synthetic oil. I also use K&N filters. The machine amazes me. 75-80 MPH is easy all day, but the 15-18 MPG is @ 65 MPH.(I live in Butte Mt. and Mtn. passes are every day.)Good luck!
T.A.J.
I know that the best fuel savings can be obtained by driving slower. However I live in Salt Lake City, and tend to drive long distances... any freeway leading out of my area has a speed limit of 75 (even 80) mph. I need to drive 65 as possible and spend lots of miles doing so.
So far, my Odyssey is averaging only about 10 or 11 mpg, and I'm about to get a good tuneup; however I realize that the drag of driving a brick down the highway is a function of both forward wind resistance (which I can do little to affect) but also the rear vacuum pressure. I have discovered this "Airtab" product which seems like it has reasonable science behind it and people are claiming increased fuel efficiency and wind handling.
www.airtab.com
Here is a video:
Using their values of 3 airtabs per linear foot across the top and sides of the rear of my Odyssey, I can see that about 60 airtabs would be required. Another place airtabs could be installed would be the rooftop AC unit (an additional 10 airtabs), so 70 airtabs all together. At a cost of $2.75 each, the total cost of the airtabs with sales tax is very close to $200. Assuming that I might go from 11-mpg to 12-mpg, and an average fuel cost of $3.00 per gallon (I think it will actually go higher soon but gas prices in Utah are $2.80 and CA are over $3.00 currently), I get a savings of about 7.5 gallons of fuel per 1000-miles traveled... or about $22.72 per 1000 miles traveled. Therefore the tabs would pay for themselves at around 8,800 miles... in theory.
Has anyone had any experience with Airtabs?
Yes yes yes, I know... slow down! But I live in SLC, my kids live on the coast, I make this drive (1500 miles) about 4 times a year and the freeway speed is 80-mph in Utah and much of the Western States.
I really don't want to go faster than 65 or 70 due to vehicle handling, but 11-mpg is killing my sensibilities.
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My '84 Dolphin had 78,000 miles and synthetic in the engine for many years before I bought it.
It doesn't leak or use a drop. I use 5/30 Mobile one with a quart of Lucas full synthetic oil treatment.
The treatment is to prevent dry starts,(it sits through the winter months), and I add 2000 more miles between oil changes.( every 7000 miles)
Works for me and I will continue the same routine.
T.A.J.
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I've got an '84 Dolphin w/the 22R. The folks I bought it from said theytowed a VW Bug and hauled a Honda 90 on the rear rack. I believe them.I saw the Bug w/tow hitch and the rear rack is still on the RV. I don'tthink towing would be an issue with a small, lite weight trailer aslong as your hitch is well secured to the frame. My rack is fastened tothe frame not the receiver hitch.
Good luck!
T.A.J.
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Hi I have a 89' Warrior with the 22R engine, I'm wanting to tow a 125cc Honda scooter behind it can I use a A Scooter Carrier by Pentagon Tool XC1 motorcycle carrier or can I use a Handi-Hauler that fits into your receiver,
Thanks,
Rita Hatch
I've got an '84 Dolphin w/the 22R. The folks I bought it from said they towed a VW Bug and hauled a Honda 90 on the rear rack. I believe them. I saw the Bug w/tow hitch and the rear rack is still on the RV. I don't think towing would be an issue with a small, lite weight trailer as long as your hitch is well secured to the frame. My rack is fastened to the frame not the receiver hitch.
Good luck!
T.A.J.
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Couldn't find the kit, any link?
Thanks.
I've got a Warner two barrel carb. with a K&N filter that came with a chrome bottom and top plate that say K&N right on them. This little 22R breaths and runs great. I would suggest you go thru K&N filters and match the filter to the carb. you have instead of to the vehicle.
T.A.J.
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Gonna be changing the fluids Sunday and curious how people maintain their rear axles. Do any of you change the fluid in your rear axles? Never crossed my mind until now and wondering if changing it could open a can of worms. Should I just check it and add some if it needs it? 125,000 miles. Only put 2,000 on myself and it runs good so far. Thanks, ILIA
I changed the rear end and transmission,(4 speed standard), at 80,000 miles using Mobile 1 75W,(full synthetic)and the drop oil was pretty dark. Flipper seams to shift easier.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
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Hi all,
On our last trip, the gas guage got sort of intermittant. When the tank was full, the guage would go from full to empty and then back to full. This continues as the fuel is used from the tank. It sounds like a sender problem, but the previous owner had the original sender replaced about 40,000 miles ago. I have not heard that the the senders have been a problem with the Toyota pickups. How are the wires coming from inside the tank connected? Is there a plug or a terminal post? I can't see up on top of the tank to determine this. My theory is that there is a bad connection between the sender and the fuel gauge and this is a likely spot. Anyone out there had this problem?. The rig is a 1982 Sunrader with the stock tank and 22R engine. Thanks for any info.
Bill
Bill, Hi.
Replace the fuel gauge. All mechanical fuel gauges have, lets say a brake?, that keeps the needle stiff so that it doesn't flip back and forth as the gas sloshes around in the tank which is what yours is doing now it sounds like to me. I've got the same issue with the gauge in my '75 chevy pickup. As the needle moves from full to empty and back over many years, it wears the little brake out. You probably notice that needle flips less when the tank is completely full as opposed to half a tank or less due to less room for sloshing.
Good luck, I hope this helps.
T.A.J.
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Do the Timbrens provide any lift to the rear or just stability?
Stability and zero spring sag.
If your RV is level while sitting on level ground you really don't want to lift it.
Do you?
T.A.J.
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I just replaced with Hankook 185 R 14's @ $85.00 each.Hello we have a 1986 dolphin 300 series
we are wondering what size tires other dolphin owners use with the rear tires we have 185r14 in the front and 195/14 in back looking at getting 185/r14/d but not sure if I should get the larger 195r14 wich seems harder to find tires for it...
When I bought the truck I handnt realized their was a few bubbles in the sidewall of the outer right rear wheel, Im going to purchase the 185 r 14 unless anyone can suggest other.. I also found out...
last night when I broght it to a mechanic friend who then showed me I have air ride along with my leaf springs and sure enough the right rear is flat not sure if that could go along with the damage to the tire so pretty confused at this point, going to try an fill it in the morning... anythought on the tires? what do you run? size, brand...
also anyone replace a boot or the air ride before? were can I even find out about them. Are they aftermarket?
The ride is very good. As far as the airbag. no one could find bags to fit my '84 Dolphin so I went with Timbrens.
Talk about stability. No lean on corners! Look them up @ Timbrens .com.
T.A.J.
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Hello we have a 1986 dolphin 300 series
we are wondering what size tires other dolphin owners use with the rear tires we have 185r14 in the front and 195/14 in back looking at getting 185/r14/d but not sure if I should get the larger 195r14 wich seems harder to find tires for it...
When I bought the truck I handnt realized their was a few bubbles in the sidewall of the outer right rear wheel, Im going to purchase the 185 r 14 unless anyone can suggest other.. I also found out...
last night when I broght it to a mechanic friend who then showed me I have air ride along with my leaf springs and sure enough the right rear is flat not sure if that could go along with the damage to the tire so pretty confused at this point, going to try an fill it in the morning... anythought on the tires? what do you run? size, brand...
also anyone replace a boot or the air ride before? were can I even find out about them. Are they aftermarket?
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The Weber carb., intake, and K&N filters should be available at most parts houses. (NAPA,Carquest,O'Rielly's,etc.)
The tuned header was on when I purchased the RV and I'm not sure where to direct you for that.
The K&N filters is a good starting point. I've got them on all my vehicles. They'll pay for themselves!
T.A.J.
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I've got an '84 Dolphin with the 22R and a four speed.
It's got an upgraded intake manifold, Weber carb., a tuned header, K&N filters, and has run on full synthetic oil for many years. I've had it for two years now. I run Mobile 1 with one quart of Lucas full synthetic oil treatment. This little engine runs so good. I'm in Mt. and have plenty of passes to travel over. (50 mph) I generally drive 60-65 mph and get 15-19 mpg. Pretty amazing engine.
T.A.J.
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That tells me that if you set your new odometer to the setting of the old one, you are completely in the clear and no note is required.
The key is that the indicated mileage of the vehicle is not being changed.
You'll have to do the following:
Lets say the new one says 136459 and the old one says 85041.
Disengage the main drive gear. This is often accomplished by bending a small tab that holds the gear's axle in place, then removing the gear.
Carefully turn all wheels simultaneously until the odometer reads 025348. If it doesn't click easily, stop. This means the wheels will have to be removed from their shaft and reassembled at the desired indicated mileage.
Turn all wheels simultaneously EXCEPT the hundred thousands wheel until the unit reads 081904.
Turn the thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones (and tenths if it has it) until it reads 084237.
Turn the hundreds, tens, and ones until until you pass from 904 to 015, at which time the geneva gear will rotate the thousands wheel over to read 5, bringing the display to 085015.
Anyway, you get the point. To do it without removing the wheels from their shaft, you have to disengage the drive gear and work it like a Rubik's cube. Just remember to reinstall the drive gear or it will be a dead odometer.
Is it possible to swap the two odometers?
If you've got it out to roll the wheels, stick the other odometer in. No mileage to change.
T.A.J.
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I've run Mobile 1 full synthetic with a quart of Lucas Pure Synthetic Oil Stabilizer
so I never have a dry start. This works great for my '84 Dolphin. Has never used a drop of oil.
To each his own.
T.A.J.
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Do you have any pictures of this?
I'll take some pics this fall when I reinstall the cover.
It completely covers the over head back to the windshield and straight down the sides leaving the bottom half of the windows uncovered for light in winter.
I really like it.
T.A.J.
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Any reccommendations for covers, for our 22'er? Assuming no one makes a smaller version and would have to adapt something. Kind of like a big oversize suit!
I had a custom tarp made at Montana Canvas in Belgrade Mt. It's made of the same material that the truckers use. It has "D" rings down each side and across the back. It has a zippered flap over the door for anytime access. I tie it on with rubber rope as truckers do and I'm able to drive down the road with it on.
They tell me it will last at least 20 years. $400.00 and well worth it!
T.A.J.
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Hello everyone,
I'm so stoked to find this site. We just purchased an 84 dolphin and love it so far. It needs some tweeking so you might see me asking a few questions over the next few weeks. It didn't come with a generator or AC so my first question is
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??
Thanks
I've also got an '84 Dolphin and this year bought a Powermite 1850 at Costco for $224.00 and it works great. I don't have roof AC but it powers all else fine and is only 6 db's louder than a Honda 2000.
T.A.J.
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I have to get new tires for my 91 dolphin and would like more of an all season tire rather that just a summer type ...thinking of going with the Hankook RA08 185R14 as it is an all season 8ply load D and being a former VW camper bus owner they like this tire ...do you have any choices that would or could help with some potential snow...I live in Wisconsin and may need to get out of here with some snow but don't want a winter tire. Cooper has an all season tire SRM II radial LT but I have no reviews on how folks like It appears lots seem to like Yokohomo but that is very difficult to get right now. I can get a Contimential Vanco 2 put the WT is the lowest on this tire. OTher concern is what tire pressure should I run these at. Max is 65 psi but reading lots of areas in regards to psi to run inf rear & front. Want to get a tire purchased & on with some travel..so Coopers at $705 or Hankooks at $650. Thanks for all your great advice with this group.
I, two weeks ago put that exact Hankook tire you are asking about on my '84 Dolphin and love them.
The ride improvement I could hardly believe. I don't put maybe 5000 miles a year on my RV, so the price, the tread pattern, and the availability was perfect.
I highly recommend the Hankook.(keeping in mind that I've not tried other brands)
T.A.J.
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Does anybody know which firestone airbags work in a 1992 Toyota Itasca? far as I can tell the 2115 airbags would work? Also can anyone recommend another brand that is comparable quality for a better price? Thanks much in advance!
Go to Timbrens.com
I had these installed on my '84 Dolphin.
They made it very stable. No sway.
Life time guarantee and zero maintenance!!!
T.A.J.
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Hi,
My airbags are not holding air. I am having them looked at on Monday but if they need to be replaced, about how much do they cost? Is it better to get different shocks than the air ones? I had the "regular" shocks replaced last week - what's the difference? I can feel every pebble in the road with the way it is now - probably worse since the new "regular" shocks were put in.
I have a '92 Rockwood Roamer.
Thanks so much for your continued help!
Colleen
Look at Timbrens.com
I put them on my '84 Dolphin. No more sway!!
T.A.J.
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The shop is having trouble locating tires for replacement, is there a site or distributor the board uses? Also having the tranny extension housin bushing inspected transmision rebuild 150 miles ago but warrant not transferrable gonna see if I can pay for it tho. 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
Hey, I just had six 185R14, 8 ply, load range D installed at American Car Care here in Bozeman Mt.
Tires are made by Hankook. Good tread design and made a world of difference in the ride.
$91.00 each, installed. I highly recommend.
T.A.J.
wherehe has a Honda XR 400R mounted on the back, and I see 1 discussion here about a rear bicycle rack. Perhaps there are some other topics here that I don't know about ? Can someone point me to some links on the subject, either front or rear mounted, storebought or homemade. Thanks for the great site!
Shoveling snow off the roof
in General Discussion
Posted
I had a custom truckers tarp built at Montana canvas that locks down under the over hang, straight to the back covering half the windows, and folds in the back like a wrapped gift. It has "D" rings sewed in all the way around just like the truckers tarps and I bungi it down tight with rubber rope. There's a zipper either side of the door and the tarp rolls up to ties that hold it up there. I have to remove the ladder each winter for it to fit down tight. I'm able to drive down the highway with it on. It's the best $400 I've spent since I bought this '84 Dolphin and they tell me the tarp will easily last 20 years. I even had a choice of colors. It was -20 below last night, ( 1-1-2011), and the tarp is still real pliable. All my vent covers even made it through a sever hail storm last fall.
T.A.J. in Butte Mt.