John H

IF it is immaculate, the engine runs well and the transmission operates well AND if it has the 6 bolt full floating axle it is a reasonable price. John H SW OH '86 21' Sunrader 22RE, auto

You need a horizontal certified tank to fit into the enclosure. Google for a site: Here's one: http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/lp-gas/...CFc0a3godNzJOiQ John H SW Ohio '86 21' Sunrader 22RE, auto

For the Furnace, lights, TV you could get by with a 1,000 watt generator. However, if you use an electric heater or AC then at least 2,000 watts AND if you have a large 13,500 BTU AC then you need even more. Remember that with a minimum generator you may not be able to operate an AC and microwave at the same time. My generator is 1850 watts and it operates the small AC and more with ease but not both the AC and microwave at the same time. John H SW Ohio '86 21' Sunrader 22RE, auto

I have an '86 21' Sunrader. The drain for the main water tank is next to the tank under the couch and just before the water pump is connected. The valve opens by pulling it up. It takes a long time to drain. JH SW Ohio 86 21' Sunrader, 22RE, auto

1986 Sunrader 21ft. I have a Coleman 1850 generator mounted in the generator compartment. The compartment is quite small and I've sized it for a Honda 2000i and the Honda won't fit. I'm not sure the new models of Coleman will fit either. The 1850 watt generator works fine with a 9,000 BTU air conditioner. I did measure the compartment but have misplaced the dimensions. It has lips near the door and is recessed so the door measurements do not match the interior space. John H SW Ohio '86 Sunrader 21 ft. 22RE, auto

I just had a new tank built in Fort Wayne, IN. They could get an original but the price from CA was $1200 plus shipping and handling. So they had one built at a radiator shop nearby. Cost about $800. The suggestions for getting one at a junkyard are good, just be sure it's not rusted badly. The advantage of having one built is that you can install a larger capacity tank, depending on the dimensions of your gas tank void. John H SW Ohio '86 Sunrader, 21'; 22RE, auto 58K miles

Re: 1986 Sunrader, 22RE, auto, 58K miles; Recently the Sunrader stopped moving on US#6 in Indiana. The engine would run but no power. Had it towed to Fort Wayne and the diagnosis was rust in the fuel system. Had the tank removed and found it was too rusted to coat. So had new tank built, replaced injectors and had fuel rail cleaned. The injectors were corroded and plugged. Only one was admitting fuel. The fuel rail was very badly clogged with deposits and only one orifice for the injectors wasn't completely blocked. So, check your fuel rail when convenient. It's better than experiencing what I did. BTW, the Sunrader has more power and runs much smoother than before the repairs. John H SW Ohio

Hi; I bought new 185R14 LT-D tires at a local service center. They are Yokohamas. The shop checked Gateway Tire in Cincinnati and Tire Rack. Found them on Tire Rack and had them shipped from Georgia. Tire Rack has a list of installers all over the country. The cheapest route is to order them from Tire Rack have them shipped to you and take them to a participating installer. I've heard stories from members about receiving tires which are four or five years old and sold as new. I don't think I'd accept any more than two years old. After the year 2000 the last four numbers after the DOT indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured. ex; 0807 indicates 8th week of 2007. My tires were coded for 2007. John H SW Ohio '86 Sunrader, 22RE, auto

Thanks, Moosepucky. I've inquired about the adaptors. John H '86 21' Sunrader 22RE, auto

Where can I get a 5 to 6 lug adaptor? I now have two spares, one 5 lug and the other 6. Don't want to carry both and want the 5 lug spare on the rear carrier. John H 86 21' Sunrader 22RE, auto

I recently had my Sumitomo load range D tires replaced with Yokahoma load range D tires. The Sumitomo's were 13 years old and looked like new. Lots of tread and no visible sidewall cracks. The tire intaller told me that the tires had adhered to the rims and were disintegrating from age. So, age is significant ! Even if the tires look new they may be 'old' on the inside. John H SW Ohio 86 21'Sunrader, 22RE, auto

On the drive from MI to OH we noticed the 22RE was not starting at the first key turn. Had the "cold injector switch" checked and found it was not operating. Note that the mechanic could not test it if the temperature was higher than 90 degrees. Now it starts on the first try even after sitting for a few weeks. Mechanic told me that the part from Toyota was 1/2 the price of auto supply stores. Said that some auto supply stores purchase the switches from Toyota, rebox them and sell them for double the cost. I'll be interested if the fuel consumption changes. Usually get about 16mpg. John H SW Ohio 1986 21' Sunrader 22RE Auto

A local tire dealer has several Federal 185R14D tires manufactured in China. I've heard that China requires manufacturers to suppy a full working set of machinery to register with the government. Then they use that to copy the tools to produce products. Has anyone bought Federal tires? What is your assessment of them? John 86 21 Sunrader, 22RE, auto.

I was told by my mechanic that he couldn't swap the five lug spare under the motorhome to a six lug because there was a hold too small. I'd wanted to have the front wheel spare on the back bumper in case of a flat.

Buy that Chinook ! The price is very good and if it runs it's a good buy. John '86 21' Sunrader, 22RE engine, 43D auto, 46K miles

The tires are 185-65R14 load range "D" Sometimes the tires have LT listed (light truck) Sumitomo, Michelin, Hankook and Goodyear may have tires in this size. Be prepared to shop around since they are not popular sizes. Tire Rack will offer them for sale and will ship to a tire mounting shop you specify. John '86 21' Sunrader, 22RE, 43D four speed auto, 46K miles

How would you raise the roof? Posts inside would be intrusive, lifing cradles would detract from headroom. I suppose you could add a couple of inches to the midseam but what a job that would be! I wouldn't advise cutting the fiberglass so you could add an insert at the roof line...too much engineering required. I'm 6'1" and I've learned to duck from time to time. Also do fairly well getting in and out of the cab...that's a potential head knocker. John '86 21' Classic Sunrader; 22RE engine; 43D auto; 46K miles.

Consider a carbon monoxide dectector, a smoke detector and an LP gas detector. Many Toyota motorhomes come with an LP detector, look for one. John '86 21' Classic Sunrader; 22RE engine; 43D auto trans, 46K miles.

Look in the topics for this website. You'll find manuals for most of your appliances. The manufacturers also will send manuals via the web. You should also find a Sunrader manual under the topics section. Good Luck, John '86 21' Classic Sunrader; 22RE engine; 43D automatic transmission; 46K miles

Leakage = who knows? Depends on how much occurred and where. It shouldn't delaminate like bonded fiberglass stick built coaches and you may not visually observe water stains inside. I'd check the floor for damage. 6 bolt axle = It's doable if you can find a used axle. Try Ebay and used Toyota parts sights on the web for price. I imagine you could lift off the coach but be careful....4X4's are not usually 21 feet in length so if you're looking at that length it may not fit on the 4X4 chassis. AC = newer Sunraders have additional roof supports. My '86 does not and the roof is still sound. Just be sure not to add too heavy a unit. One with 8500 BTU's is usually adequate. One member added supports...use "search" to find the description. Don't know about adding 5 speed trans. I don't think the Onan Microlite would fit in my generator compartment....have a 1800W Coleman now which fits. Thetford toilets are referred to as 'marine toilets' that's probably what's installed. The H2O tank is inside. The two holding tanks are outside and not insulated. Insulating them would be quite a job. GOOD LUCK ! Sunraders are GREAT!

Be sure the bolts holding the AC to the roof are tightened properly. I had a unit where there were leaks and that was all I needed to fix the problem. Over time the bolts can loosen. You may not need a new gasket. Tighten the bolts and check for leaks before trying to install a new gasket. That saved a LOT of time. John H '86 Sunrader 22RE, auto

The previous owner installed a Coleman 1800 watt generator in the compartment behind the driver's seat on my 21ft '86 Sunrader. I have never operated it since it sputters but does not run. Think the owner left fuel in it too long without running it. It's an older Coleman purchased at a Sam's Club. The newer Coleman's are the same physical size but slightly different styling. The cost is approximately in your $500 range. Expect pull start and a small gas tank which will serve for about 6 hours run time. It's also important to have the smaller AC unit with 7 to 9000 BTU output for this 1800 watt unit. John H SW Ohio 21 ft. Sunrader 22RE, auto 1986

To WME; That's a neat procedure. I think I'll follow Dutch's advice and keep closer to 65lbs than 40lbs but will adjust some for ride. My tires are load range "D" tires and have max=65lbs on the sidewall. Thanks, all for your replies. John SW Ohio

I think Pat and Bufbooth are on target. I also think 32lbs is too low. I have a tire pressure/load table and yes, 32 lbs will cover the weights I sent to the tire representative but I'll increase the pressures until the ride gets too harsh. Drove the Sunrader with four people several hundred miles in July with temperatures near 100 degrees and 45lbs in the tires and upon stopping felt the tires and they were not hot. John SW Ohio '86 21ft Sunrader; 22RE, auto

Here is a note from an allied representative of Sumitomo Tires regarding tire pressures and loads for a Toyota Sunrader, 21ft. with reported scale weights of front = 1780lbs and rear = 4040lbs. Mr. Huntington, Thanks for your recent inquiry about the correct air pressure for your 185sr14LT tires. According to the weights you gave, I suggest you use: 32 psi (cold) in all your tires. The weights given will be supported by using 26 psi, but with highway speeds, an extra 6 psi (cold) should be added. In all cases, air pressures should only be checked and changed before moving the vehicle any distance. Or to wait one hour after coming in from a trip. This practice will give the most accurate reading, and allow tires to operate at their best. Hope this helps those of you who over inflate your tires. I've found that the ride is a bit harsh when inflating to the stated sidewall pressure of 65 lbs (load D tires) John SW Ohio