rickjames8

Wow, wow and wow. I've been busy for a couple of days and haven't been able to check in here. What an amazing wealth of information. Thank you all. Based on what I've read, I feel pretty good about expanding my search to include all models, 22re or V6, fiberglass or non. Like all vehicles, I think the easiest way to get better mileage is to adjust the nut between the seat and the steering wheel. Thanks again for all the lengthy replies. Its people like you who take the time to write out that kind of reply which makes me know I'm choosing the right type of MH. Someone mentioned a meta-search engine. Do you have any good recommendations? I currently use searchtempest. I search nationwide and will travel to go look at something that seems like it has what I want and is well cared for. I search regularly now to get an idea of what prices toyhomes are listed for so when it comes time to buy I know if it's reasonable. -Rick

So are the 21ft sunraders about the same weight as the 21ft non-fiberglass (dolphin, sea breeze, etc)? -Rick

Stamar, Thanks for the info. I also prefer EFI. i had read that the manuals were fewer, but didn't realize they were that rare. My wanting one was to be able to maximize fuel economy. I know some people swear by their 22r's, but I much prefer the EFI to a carb. Skydancer, This is exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for - thanks. I know peoples claims are all over the board with MPG, but it seems like people who track their economy get slightly better with the 4cyl, but only by 1 mpg or so. I'd also seen some good articles on how to maximize the FE of a 22re. Are there a lot of aftermarket goodies for the V6 (headers, exhaust, etc?) to give the engine a little better performance/economy? -Rick

Hello all, My name is Rick and I've lurked on this site for quite some time. I've been a full time traveler in one way or another for the past decade or so. I'm currently living in France, but will be moving to the USA sometime in June with my wife. We're landing in to Philadelphia (where my parents live) with plans to buy a motorhome, then drive it around the country for a few months, and end up on the west coast, driving around looking for a place to live. So we will probably be living in our RV full time for a year or so. After that time, I can see it being a vehicle we hang on to and use for adventure trips from time to time. I've always been in love with Toyota motorhomes. The closest I've come to owning one was converting the back of my 88 4runner in to a mini-camper. I had a bed and a mountainbike in the back with tons of storage under the bed. I planned to take it around the world (I outfitted it with airbags, a second gas tank, aux lights, beefed up suspension, to name just a few) but it was stolen while I was in LA. Things happen. So I finished the trip by bus. Toyotas just run in my blood. My dad has owned a dozen since the 60s. I've owned a couple too and just love the way a toyota feels/sounds/drives. There really is no other motorhome I'd consider getting. So I've done a fair bit of research and decided what I'd love to find is a 21ft Sunrader with a 22re and manual trans. My 88 4runner had a 22re. I found it a capable motor and easy to work on. I owned a 92 4runner V6 which I found disappointing. Somehow the V6 seemed less powerful than the 22re. Can anyone who's driven comparable 22re/V6 motorhomes comment on the difference. Maybe with a camper on the back the V6 comes in to its own? What I'm finding is that if I limit myself to just 22re's, I'm going to have a harder time finding one. But it seems like V6 owners are happy with the power. So then I thought that if I wanted to stay with a 22re model, I could look for a non-sunrader model. Although I like the idea of a fiberglass MH. Lighter, less prone to leaks, and (perhaps I'm mistaken here) water damage can not damage the frame of the MH, as in non-fiberglass ones. But is it worth the trade-off of paying more? (and having to search longer/farther). I am looking for the most economical full-sized (non-chinook, etc) MH. I just figured with the lighter weight, the Sunrader should get better mileage - is that true? I'm willing to spend the time needed to find the right MH, and also willing to travel. Well, within reason. I know that the time of year I'm looking will not be a buyers market so I want to broaden my search criteria if I can. So my questions are: 1) What are peoples thoughts on 22re vs v6 in terms of reliability, power and mileage. 2) How important would it be to chose a manual over automatic? 3) Sunraders seem to be priced at a couple thousand more than other toyhomes of similar condition. Are there enough advantages to justify the extra cost and extra searching? Lastly, there seems to be a lot of very knowledgeable people on this forum. Perhaps someone could make a sticky (pin) called 'Toy Homes for Noobs'. Going over some of the basics of models offered, the options, the engines, the differences. Perhaps it exists somewhere already and I just didn't see it. If so, if someone could point em to it, that'd be great. -Rick travelhead.com