Tim Buktu

Some screws (and mounts) on my Toyota Dolphin's rear ladder have been pulled (completely) from the fiberglass body. The ladder is still attached at the roof mounting and bottom mounting. However the four center brackets (with four screws each) are now hanging free! This makes the ladder bounce a good deal. I hang my bike on the ladder so this issue needs to be resolved. Everything was fine until I backed into a tree! I tried screwing the bolts back in, but they won't go. It seems there is only styrofoam backing for them to go into! What's more the ladder is now bent and does not want to sit flush. I am at a loss. Appreciate any help from other users who dealt with this issue. The ladder was strong enough to support my weight and the bike. I can't believe it was only screwed into styrofoam! Thanks!

Ps inverter is only 4 years old.

Solved. Toggling remote switch (behind my head) solved it. However I can only turn Xantrex inverter on from main switch. Have tried remote with main switch in both on/off and it doesn't seem to be working.

Xantrex 1750 inverter just stopped working. It's about 8-9 years old. Install by previous owner. Is that normal life expectancy? Note: Lifeline AGM Batteries of same age just had to be replaced. (Switched from two 12 volt parallel to two 6 volt in series.) Install done by Powerstride in Corona CA. Have used new batteries + old inverter for two days straight with no issue. Ran my laptop for hours last two nights + this afternoon. Wiring is very thick gauge. Bigger than my thumb! All fuses and breaker on positive line are OK. This happened in Lowes parking lot while i boondocked in rain. Bought 800 watt replacement inverter with alligator clips. Works on all terminals from battery to breaker to input on old inverter! Must be a bad inverter, no? My computer and peripherals ran off new inverter just fine! (It consumes under 200 watts continuous). Still I didnt want to give up on old inverter. Maybe just low batteries from no sunshine today? Maybe 1750 Xantrex inverter has a capacitor that got drained? So I got out 1,000 watt Honda Generator. Charged on shore power until batteries were back up to 13.2 volts. Tried toggling old Xantrex inverter again. Nothing! Only other thing I noticed. Not sure it helps...When inverter first cut out I toggled on/off switch. Mostly nothing happened. But 3 separate times it turned on for a split second. I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks!

Going for my first oil change on a (new to me) 1993 Toyota Dolphin V6. What size engine, how many quarts, and what type oil do I need? (I am in Southerly climate this winter). P.s. My Xantrex 1750 inverter just stopped working. It's about 8-9 years old. Is that normal life expectancy? Batteries of same age just had to be replaced. (Switched from two 12 volt parallel to two 6 volt in series.)

Thanks for all the feedback. I offered $8,000 but was turned down. The owner says he will probably just keep it. I think he'd go for $9000. Will look for a 1986-89 4 Cylinder with lower miles I guess.

I get about 18 mpg if I drive conservatively in my B250 6 Cylinder Dodge. 10 mpg? You must have had a V8. It's been fairly reliable save typical repairs on a 20 year old vehicle (catalytic converter, transmission, oil leaks, starter, alternator, belts, hoses, etc.) Another question for you guys. How much are the extras worth? I've come across some interesting extras but have no idea what their value is: -80 watt solar panel (two of these) -house batteries (2 AGM) -transmission cooler -CB Radio -Ham Radio -Multidirectional antenna (Winegard) -Dash & seat covers -Custom shelving -LED TV on wall mounted swinging bracket arm -RV Cover -Window Covers -Bike rack -Honda suitcase Generator 1000 What's the value for each of these or total added value?

Hi all, I'm full timing it in my van for several years now. I've gotten used to living with no running water and electric. My rig is basically just a bed and place to store my things. Simple. But not very comfortable. On the upside I don't have water tanks or appliances to worry about. I push my travels so there are occasional freezing night temps. I go to the gym or use couchsurfing to shower. I winter in warm areas and head north in summer. I have a 1992 Dodge Ram B250. It's well maintained. But needs it's second rebuilt transmission. With 121,000 I'm thinking this may be time to upgrade to a new rig. A friend turned me onto the Toyota Dolphin. I'm also learning about some other popular models: Winnebago, Sunrader, Itasca, etc. Everyone seems to have a favorite floorplan. I was unaware of the debate over fiberglass vs. aluminum body. It seems to be mostly about leaks and noise. I'd prefer a V4 for the better gas mileage, but a V6 would be OK. Though I am concerned with statements here that the V6 is less reliable?? Well maintained, how many miles can I expect from a Toyota V6 engine? I was originally considering mid 1980s models around $5k. But I've looked at some well maintained 1990s models around $10k. I'd like your opinions on a V6 1992 Dolphin with 102k miles on it. Owner asking $10k, but would probably take $8k. Well maintained mechanically with lots of extras. No leaks that I can tell. But high mileage concerns me. I put on about 15k miles a year. Would I be lucky to get another 10 years of use? What would my maintenance costs be? Would like to hear any and all thoughts. Thanks.