Sunrader 81

Hey everyone, Thanks so much for your replies. I ended up unhooking the propane tank and putting it in the tiny compartment sideways for driving. Then when I stop I just have to pull it out, put it vertical, and rehook it. Not ideal, but until I can get a better fitting tank, it feels a lot safer. I managed to squeeze one spare tire (on it's rim) behind the passenger seat, also not ideal, but O.K. for now. The second spare tire (no rim, just a tire, cause they are so dang hard to find) I tied to the top of the camper with rope. We'll see how sturdy it is, I will probably add a ratchet strap before any long journeys. I haven't managed to look at the electrical, yet. Tomorrow, hopefully. Really, I'm trying to get it in shape to maybe sell it. Which is hard cause I love that little camper, but it makes more sense for me to get a 4x4 and a tent at this point in the game. I keep ended up at the ends of roads that my little rader can't go. Thanks so much and if you think of anything else let me know! Rader 81

Well, it's one of those knobs that you have to push in and turn and when it gets to its proper location it "locks" into place. So with the pliers I have to grip the exposed nub in just the right place and then squeeze in, turn it to where I want it, and release it.

Hi friends, I'm a bit embarrassed, but I hit a curb in Austin, TX, on my last cross country trip, pretty hard, and ever since I have had these weird electrical problems. Let me explain. I have a 1981 Toyota Sunrader. I hit the curb near the rear dually tires on the passenger side, it left a bit of a scrape mark on the lower part of the Rader, but other than that was O.K. Ever since the lights in the coach, the water pump for the sink, and the fan for the heater will not work off of the marine battery. When the rig is running they all work fine, but not when the rig is stopped. I'm not super electrically inclined, but would appreciate any help you could give me. I'm REALLY HOPING that an easy to reach connection got knocked loose. Also, I'm looking for a place to store my spare tires (I have 2) without having to install anything complicated. I was just thinking I would tie them or ratchet strap them to the top since there are those metal bars up there, unless I could figure out a way to tie them to the ladder. Any suggestions for a quick and dirty fix? and one more thing... I have a vertical BBQ style propane tank (20 pounder) that does not fit into the compartment. I'm thinking I would ideally have a horozontal tank, but those cost 200 bucks and I can't afford it. The previous owners just build a really janky wooden box around the outside of the too-small compartment and had the vertical tank bobbling dangerously behind the rig. So if I ever get rear ended or backed into something the tank would hit first, get smashed and explode. I just really like the convenience of running my fridge while I drive, which I stopped doing cause I didn't want an explosion. Any suggestions? Oh, speaking of my fridge, It's a 30 yr old Norcold and it works great. Only thing is, the control knobs that toggles between "gas-elec-off" is all rounded out on the inside and doesn't work. So I have to turn it with a pair of needle nosed pliers. Anyone know where I could get one of those knobs? It would sure make life easier. As always, thanks in advance. I feel grateful to have such a team of experts to help me. Thanks! Rader 81

Oh, and does anyone know where I can find a wiring diagram? Many Thanks! Sunrader 81

Hello all, The break and turn lights work fine. I can borrow or buy a volt/ohm or multi meter. Learning to use one is the tricky part! Thanks!

Hello all! My 1981 Toyota Sunrader's reverse lights do not work! I checked the bulbs, they are in good shape. I have checked the fuses (both under the steering wheel, and in the back near the water tank) and they look okay (though I'm no expert). I also took the plastic plates off of the tail lights and all the wires back there are pretty dusty, but seem to be connected. On the driver's side the wire coming out of the bulb is connected to a different colored wire by some kind of connector. Could this be the problem? What else can I try? Thanks in advance, you are all so helpful. Sunrader 81

Thanks everybody! I really appreciate all of your sage advice. I have to admit, I'm starting to think I am in over my head with this purchase and these problems, so it's great to know that I'm not alone, and that there are folks out there that love their sunrader! I got down under it and looked all around and couldn't see any dark stains or leaks on the outside of the gas tank. I replaced the part of the filler vent tube that I could reach that looked broke down (2 bucks) and checked the filler tube (it seemed fine). I can BARELY reach where the filler tube and filler vent tube attatches to the gas tank, I touched all around it and my hand smelled like gasoline after, but I didn't notice any damp spots. There is no way I could reach this connection to change anything, though. My sunrader doesn't seem to have that riveted panel on the outside under the fuel intake tubes; bummer! The weather has cooled down considerably since two days ago, so while the smell is still there, it is much fainter. I've been sleeping in the rv with the window right by my head open so I get plenty of fresh air and I use the stove only after opening all the windows and doors and airing everything out. I guess I just need to drive it around a ton to get some of the gas used up. I contacted a mechanic and he said that the next step would be to drop the tank and check the connections there. That it would be a 2-3 hour job on an EMPTY tank of gas. So I need to use the gas up! Thanks again for all your help! This is the first question of many that I'm going to post here, you better believe it! Warmly, Sunrader 81

Hello all, I just bought a 1981 Toyota Sunrader, and it's more of a fixer upper than I bargained for. I don't have a lot of money, so I'm trying to do as much as I can myself, but I don't know that much. When I bought it, it had under a quarter of a tank of gas. I slept in in happily for several nights, then went to fill it up with gasoline at the gas station. BIG MISTAKE. Ever since, it reeks so badly of gasoline in the little RV that I am afraid to sleep in it, I can't even sit in it for more than 15 minutes. I'm starting to get a headache just sitting here typing this. I called the guy who sold it to me and he said he just always kept the gas low in it, and it wasn't a problem. The smell is primarily coming from (it seems to me) one of the two tubes that runs from where you put the gasoline in the the car to the gas tank. One tube is large and one is very small (and exhaust tube maybe?) The larger tube does have a darker stain on it where gasoline could have leaked. This tube runs right under the stove/oven (brilliant planning) near the door. One section of the tube is readily accessible by taking off a panel near the oven, but the part that connects with the tank is not accessible (by me at least). I've taken it to the auto parts store and the RV store and they say that a leak in that little tube would not cause the smell. One guy said it was the carburator, and one guy said that it was probably the connection to the tank. I'm getting desperate! Any ideas? What should I do? Should I just change out all the tubes I can reach and see what happens? Can I still run my stove with these awful gas smell? Can I siphon the gas out of the tank until I can figure it all out? Should I hang out in here at all? Sorry, getting lightheaded. Gotta go find somewhere else to go. Thanks so much for your help! Sunrader 81