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I have an '85 Sunrader. What would be the best window sealant? Also need to prep and seal top and sides of fiberglass. Same as on a boat?

I just recently got a 1979 Toyota Sunrader.. Planning on swapping out the 1/2 ton rear axle for a 1 ton full floating axle.. My only problem is Im not quite sure where to start.. If I get a newer axle, will I be able to convert it to fit my older model? Any suggestion on what to get an axle of of (make, model,ect)m Thanks in advance.

Hello Toyota RV enthusiasts! I'm posting here as I await a test drive and mechanic's inspection of a 1985 Sunrader I am hoping to buy. I would greatly appreciate any info you can share regarding the rear axle issues related to this model. Based on my research it seems some Sunrader RVs have serious issues, depending on the year, 1/2 ton vs 1 ton axle, and other factors. It would appear that Sunraders with 1/2 ton rear axles and floating duallys with only 5 lug nuts are the culprits: so should I therefore only consider a Sunrader that has dually tires with 6 lug nuts on the 1 ton axle? I'm nervous due to my general ignorance of all things RV, the history of rear axle problems with mini motor homes, and because my current van's rear axle broke in 2016, WHILE I WAS DRIVING! I was living in it at the time as well, 2500 miles away from my home base. It took a lot of time and $$$ to fix (ultimately the entire rear end had to be replaced). That is an experience I would rather not repeat! I currently have a '79 Ford Econoline van. The engine has blown and I've decided to retire her and invest in a small class RV, swapping the van reno dream for the very practical desire of standing up inside my space, having a toilet, kitchen and shower. I am ready for an RV; sad to retire my van yet forever grateful for the many months and 25,000+ miles of van living for showing me how gorgeous life is when the whole world is my backyard! And with a Toyota RV, I plan to continue exploring. I started researching Class C RVs when the death of the van became imminent. I thought I wanted a "Minnie Winnie", then fixated on Toyota Dolphins for a while, then had the ultimate epiphany, realizing the Sunrader is perfect for me. I've been reading posts from this forum and decided to reach out for some advice. ANY tips on things to be wary of/mindful for when shopping for a Sunrader, beyond the axle stuff, any general [small Toyota] RV buyer tips, and any full time RV living tips would all be helpful and greatly appreciated by this RV newbie. Thanks for reading and thanks for this awesome forum!! - RoadtripRachel

I just bought a 1984 Toyota Sunrader 21'er. Its a fixer-upper. I plan on gutting the inside to make it the way I want. I have lots of experience with woodworking and fiberglassing (both epoxy and polyester) and plan on avoiding holes through the coach roof if at all possible (well, maybe one hole for the solar cell wires). I'm doing as much of the work myself so I can do it right and also to same money because cost does matter. I have some questions please... 1) Can I step anywhere on the roof without cracking it? I weigh 190 and heard a few slight crunchy sounds as I carefully walked on it. 2) Do I really need those little lights at the top of the coach? They seem like more places for leaks and would rather get rid of them. (I plan on glassing over a few of the existing access doors, etc. so will need to repaint the coach anyway.) 3) What is the purpose of that goofy little railing on the roof near the back of the coach? If it doesn't serve a good purpose then I will get rid of that too. 4) Since I'll be re-painting the coach, I plan on pulling all the windows out and recaulking them. What sealant/caulk will last a super long time in the tropics? Some of that stuff used on boats?? 5) In the area where the back of the Toyota cab meets the Sunrader coach, there is a little piece of trim. In my case that trim is cracked and funky. Can that trim be replaced without separating the coach from the front cab? If not, any suggestions what I could do there? 6) Any suggestions for a simple, cheap, durable, easy to set up awning? (I would rather glass attachments in place than drill through the coach) 7) I have no keys for the side door of the coach and the Toyota doors. Is it possible to have all three locks use the same key? If not, can I buy a replacement lock and key for the side door at a motorhome place (or eBay)? 8) I'm going to tear out the carpet in the front cab area and want to replace it with thick durable rubber material. Any suggestions for durable stuff that I can cut to fit as if it came from the factory? It would have to go under the seats too. 9) I want to remove that funny looking Sunrader trim on the side. Should I fill the channel with Bondo? 10) If I was to remove and glass over the two vent holes in the roof, do you have any suggestions for a cheap and simple way to move lots of fresh air through the coach - and even while raining hard? Thank you very much! Steve

I recently purchased this little beauty. A 1983 21' Sunrader with 22R, 4 speed manual transmission. The interior and exterior are in very good to excellent condition considering she's 29 years old. I will add some more photographs in the next few days. I'm downsizing from a house and still trying to get all my gear to fit, so any interior pictures would be stacked boxes. I'm a newbie so any advice is always welcome. Anyone with a similar RV please email or friend me.