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Chinook expectations?


argonaut

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Thinking about getting a Chinook but haven't seen one in person so I have a couple questions. What is the bed length? Can it sleep two adults? I am 6 foot, am I too tall? Is there room above the cab for people to sleep or is this for storage only? What is the average cruising speed on the highway for Chinook, 55 - 60? Really want one but not too many in Nebraska to go check out. Thanks!

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Can't speak to interior accomadations, but, I would think that a chinook shouldn't have much trouble making your cruising speed wishes since they have a substantially smaller cross section that other toyhouses. Actually, is anything like other states in the area with steady strong westerly winds, I would say you'll have no trouble making these speeds when eastbound. Going into a 30 mph wind might be different.

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I'm no expert (never even seen one outside photos) but I think there were a couple of different layouts available. Here are pictures of one:-

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotachinook/photos/album/676890616/pic/list'>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotachinook/photos/album/676890616/pic/list

Notice that there's a specific Yahoo Group for Chinooks, not that you aren't welcome here.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotachinook

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Can't speak to interior accomadations, but, I would think that a chinook shouldn't have much trouble making your cruising speed wishes since they have a substantially smaller cross section that other toyhouses. Actually, is anything like other states in the area with steady strong westerly winds, I would say you'll have no trouble making these speeds when eastbound. Going into a 30 mph wind might be different.

Here are some nice Chinooks. Get a towel ready for the drool on your lower lip!

IMG_0056_1_2_6.jpgIMG_0053_1_1_13.jpg

brnatocean.jpgMvc-017s.jpg

http://toyotamotorhomes.com/nolan's_76_chinook.htm

and

http://toyotamotorhomes.com/nolan's_blew.htm

and a 91

http://toyotamotorhomes.com/91_4x4_chinook.htm

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The bottom line is that you are going to have to make a bed that is easy to make and put away. The Chinook has a HORRENDOUS stock bed design with cushions, table posts and all sorts of other crap that needs assembling. Personally, I would build a hinged sofa/bed with a ONE-piece cushion. Think of a futon sofa/bed. That should be your goal. Unfortunately due to the layout any bed too wide, will seriously intrude on your center galley access leaving you no choice but to get in and out of bed via the foot. I think the interior designers really failed in laying out a lot of these small campers and need to take some elementary design courses at their local community college. The Chinook did a decent job in attempting to layout all the cabinetry to one side (which provides for ample counterspace), but failed miserably on the opposite side. :)

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  • 2 weeks later...

Have to agree, the bed is a bit of a hassle. There are two different layouts that I am a ware of. the one with the bed down the passenger side is plenty tall enough (i have one and I'm 6'2), the other has two couches on either side that fold into a bed... won't work for you (us). Mine didn't come with the table so I tend to just leave the bed down as a single all the time when I'm out on my own. I made an additional piece to replace the table section to extend the bed out for when my wife and I are on the road. it does mess up the space arrangements and it is a bit of a pain getting out of bed (especially if we both want out at the same time!). It's tight, but I like that ok. the area over the cab is good for storing soft stuff, or a small kid of you build a rail. It cruses at 60 without breathing hard... until it hits an incline. but I've had it up some pretty steep grades at 35 -40 and it has not let me down yet. I have also taken it out into the boonies where you can't take a bigger rig and it's been plenty strong enough to get me to some amazingly fine places.

The main thing you want to think about is the condition of the engine, the tires and brakes, the electrical systems and if there has been a leak in the back door area (check the floor for soft spots). Otherwise. I say grab one if you can and start having fun! just remember that like everything else, you will find some really good things about it and some things that will just boggle you... Good luck!

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  • 6 years later...

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