noonesperfect

Temporary bridge is expected in mid June, with final replacement expected sometime in September. Of course, you can't count on anything being done on time, but those are the current government estimates.

I'm on Whidbey Island, and although our rig needs a ton of work on the inside (water damage around the windows), we're ready to camp. Deception Pass park is beautiful, and easy to get to using the Deception Pass bridge. It's also only a ferry ride away from Port Townsend and Vancouver Island, although I wouldn't take the RV on the ferry - too pricey.

I have the same rig and it had the same size tires as yours when I bought it a couple years ago. I replaced the tires with the Hankooks with no negative consequences. I have noticed that the ride is smoother and quieter, and the odometer reads very close to the same as with the old tires. brad

Oops - yes all the part numbers start with 34. brad

The Bargman part numbers for the replacement lenses are as follows (they are on the packages for the lenses I bought): red lens - part # 4-14-010 backup lens (red with clear center) - part #34-14-711 amber lens - part # 34-14-014 The packages show these as replacement tail light lenses for the 1400 series - by the way, I bought from RVplus.com, not RVshop.com like I thought - the prices were better. brad

The original triple light fixture is a Reflect-O-Lite model 1400. There is no direct replacement that will fit exactly into the opening you currently have, but if you use the search function, there have been people that used one of the current Bargman flush triples and fabricated a plastic "spacer" that eliminated the gap that would have been the result of different sized units. The only way to get a replacement 1400 is a junk yard or someone that is parting out their unit. I'm not sure what part numbers you are looking for, but if you let me know, I can check on my Toy later today. brad

http://www.rvshop.co...10_p_72204.html http://www.rvshop.co...11_p_72205.html Bargman bought Reflect-o-Lite many years ago, but has discontinued the triple that is used on your rig. It is getting very difficult to find replacement lenses nowadays, but some sites still have old stock available. I have not been able to find any of the amber lenses, but I recently purchased replacements for the solid red and the red-with-clear (for backup light) from the above site. brad quick edit - i purchased from RVplus, not RV shop - the prices at RVplus.com were significantly better, if I remember correctly - something like $6 per lens

Thank you for a very easy to understand primer - I'm going to copy it and keep it in a binder along with other how-to information. Needless to say, you will fill your gray and black tanks doing this. Where do you drain the tanks? Are the neighbors likely to freak if I drain the tanks into the street? brad

I ran into the same thing with my 85 Sunrader. I assumed it was a poorly executed installation by the previous owner since the radio I replaced was not a stock Toyota unit. I now have a standard Toyota harness. brad

I was looking at the brochure for the 1985 sunrader - it shows the 26 gallon tank as a factory option. Would this still be an aftermarket tank as far as the mounting issue you referred to? Thanks. brad

http://www.sunbrellarvcovers.com/ These are custom covers, and cost about double the price of the typical covers you would get from Camping World or similar places. However, they are made to the exact dimensions of your RV (they send you a drawing of a class c and you fill in the dimensions in the blanks on the form). brad

I like the Sunrader also, but it is narrower and lower than most of the others. The rear dinette setup on mine also does not sleep five, since only the dinette (2) and the cabover (2 more) convert to beds. The rear bath models feel like the living space is wider too, and some of them have a couch that converts to a bed as well as the cabover and the dinette. Look for a newer ('89 and later) chassis so that you can get the true one-ton chassis (6 lugs on both front and rear axles). Really check around all the windows and vents for soft wood or water damage. The owner hid it on the one I bought by using new wallpaper to hide the stains, and I didn't know to really poke around. Regarding the chassis - Toyota made the chassis, but they were not designed for motorhomes, so their ability to handle all the weight is questionable, especially on the older or longer models. The cabins were added by third parties, that, as you mentioned, put their names on the product. The Sunrader was made by Gardner/Pacific. The Dolphin was made by National, I think. At any rate, the name on the RV isn't the manufacturer's name, but it is a trademark of theirs. Unfortunately, none of them are in business anymore.

I went to the orientation at Camping World. I have mixed feelings on the results. Since it cost nothing (coupon for free class was part of my Good Sam membership package), it was definitely worth what I paid. They had someone walk us through how to turn off/on all the appliances and how to adjust temperature, etc. I probably should have insisted they actually light the pilot light on the water heater and the stove/oven - I'm sure they would have, but I didn't think to ask. They talked us through it and showed us where everything was on our rig, but didn't actually follow through. As I said - my fault. The showed us how to open and close the awning (a very manual process for our 24-year-old box awning). This alone was worth the trip. All things considered, I am now comfortable that I know how to use the appliances, and I can probably fill and empty the various tanks. I didn't think to ask about basic maintenance, but the guy who was walking us through everything seemed willing to cover any topic. We'll try this issue more once we know what to ask about. For a first time RV user, I think this was worthwhile, but I wish I would have known what to ask about. brad

The only one I know of in the area - in San Martin (just south of Morgan Hill).

Camping World offers a class for $50 to provide you an introduction to your RV. I'll be taking it next Saturday - I'll let you know if it's useful. brad