Guest gilly442 Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 Hi, I'm about to buy my first motor home and will only buy a Toyota. A few basic questions; 1. Models and Manurafacturers It seems there are "Sunraider", "Itasca", '"Dolphin" and others. - Can I assume that the name not associated with Toyota (i.e. "Itasca" for instance) reflects the manufacturer of the camper shell? - Are some of the campers constructed better than others? 2. Frame Manufacturer - Does Toyota make their own frame? - I am looking at models between 1984 and 1992. Are there some frames to avoid or any specific ones I should look for? 3. Your Input - Given the years I am considering (1984-1992, all governed by my budget) does anyone "highly recommend" any specific models over another? It must sleep 5! THANK YOU EVERYONE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRG567 Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 Hi, I'm about to buy my first motor home and will only buy a Toyota. A few basic questions; 1. Models and Manurafacturers It seems there are "Sunraider", "Itasca", '"Dolphin" and others. - Can I assume that the name not associated with Toyota (i.e. "Itasca" for instance) reflects the manufacturer of the camper shell? - Are some of the campers constructed better than others? 2. Frame Manufacturer - Does Toyota make their own frame? - I am looking at models between 1984 and 1992. Are there some frames to avoid or any specific ones I should look for? 3. Your Input - Given the years I am considering (1984-1992, all governed by my budget) does anyone "highly recommend" any specific models over another? It must sleep 5! THANK YOU EVERYONE. [/quo by a sunrader,lol,frames are toyota. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shandamac Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 Hi Gilly, Welcome to the forum! Well, I highly recommend Sunrader. (2 piece, fiberglass construction., less opportunities for leaks) However, I wouldn't recommend an 18 foot for 5 people (even if 3 of the 5 are relatively small). The motorhome you want is 21' or larger. (Not sure how many sizes of Sunrader were made.) Happy hunting. shanda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noonesperfect Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 I like the Sunrader also, but it is narrower and lower than most of the others. The rear dinette setup on mine also does not sleep five, since only the dinette (2) and the cabover (2 more) convert to beds. The rear bath models feel like the living space is wider too, and some of them have a couch that converts to a bed as well as the cabover and the dinette. Look for a newer ('89 and later) chassis so that you can get the true one-ton chassis (6 lugs on both front and rear axles). Really check around all the windows and vents for soft wood or water damage. The owner hid it on the one I bought by using new wallpaper to hide the stains, and I didn't know to really poke around. Regarding the chassis - Toyota made the chassis, but they were not designed for motorhomes, so their ability to handle all the weight is questionable, especially on the older or longer models. The cabins were added by third parties, that, as you mentioned, put their names on the product. The Sunrader was made by Gardner/Pacific. The Dolphin was made by National, I think. At any rate, the name on the RV isn't the manufacturer's name, but it is a trademark of theirs. Unfortunately, none of them are in business anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmichaelz Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Some links for RV information: http://www.toyotamotorhomes.com/manufacturers.htm" target="_blank">http://www.toyotamotorhomes.com/manufacturers.htm</a> http://www.nadaguides.com/SectionHome.aspx?LI=1-28-0-5000-502-579-50251&l=1&w=25&p=0&f=5602" target="_blank">http://www.nadaguides.com/SectionHome.aspx...;p=0&f=5602</a> http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?l=1&w=25&p=38&f=5693&gc=rv&any=0" target="_blank">http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?l=1...gc=rv&any=0</a> http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?l=1&w=25&p=38&f=5692&gc=RV>c=MH&ml=S&pg=2" target="_blank">http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?l=1...p;ml=S&pg=2</a> I have a 21' Gulfstream Conquest which could easily sleep 4. Two on the sofa / convertible bed. Two in the sleeping loft. A fifth sleeping area could be made for a short person across the two front seats by filling in the transmission hump with high density foam to the level of the seats. Then laying down a foam pad from door to door. Or a person could go to sleep sitting in the driver or passenger seat in recline mode. My ToyHome has a club / barrel chair which swivels, and travels forward and back. A fully reclining Captains chair could easily be fitted onto this swivel base. A cooler could double up for an ottoman, or they could angle themselves to use a corner of the sofa bed for an ottoman. Install a Roll Out Canopy, someone can sleep in a lawn chair or tent outdoors. Caution: Carrying 5 persons aboard a 21' Toyhome with cargo, food, water, fuel, propane, etc. could easily reach 7000 lbs. & beyond. Toyota stopped supplying truck chassis to American Coach builders for this reason. http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1860&hl=" target="_blank">http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.ph...ic=1860&hl=</a> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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