Advice: Live in a Dolphin the next year

[aktundra]

Currently I am in an apartment paying $800 a month. I have always loved Toyota Dolphins, Sunraders, Chinooks and had this idea I could live the next year in a mini-motorhome! Being that I have a full time job to tie me down, I would need to stay in an RV lot. I found two in my area that cost $340 a month. One is close to work, but essentially it is a gravel parking lot. The other is 20 minutes from work but along a river and nestled in trees.

By moving into a motorhome, I would save $460 a month minus the associative cost of a ToyHome, maintenance, and insurance. Still after one year, I would have my own Toy Motorhome, and could do a month long road trip back home! I got insurance quotes for some motorhomes and it looks like the cost is very low (between $250-$1000 a year).

I have owned several Toyotas before and can do basic maintenance. I have searched this forum and the yahoo group extensively for Toyota motorhome specifics on buying the first RV. I also found a mechanic in the area two RVs are located that I would have inspect the RV (whichever one turns out to be nicest). Are most sellers ok with having a mechanic inspect? I would be paying for the inspection. I have seen some Toyota motorhomes sell pretty quick, but I really want a thorough inspection by me and a mechanic before I put my savings into a new Toyhome.

So am I crazy? I am one to think most people put off their adventures until they are older. I found three RVs I will be looking at in the next week, with a budget of $5,000. The Toyotas I am looking at are priced between $3,500 to $9,000. I really need advice from others besides my close friends and family (although my sister is all for the road trip next year!).

Thanks

aktundra

Edited June 4, 2012 by aktundra

[5Toyota]

check with these rv parks some of them have age restr ions on rv for parking by the month by that i mean the age of the rv. I have stayed in some that told me 4 days to a week was ok but by the month no my rv was too old others have had this happen to them.

[stamar]

absolutely.

I actually got mine for 300$ and i recomend you spend much less actually. get a motorhome and dont move it much, use a car for transportation.

If youre stuck renting a place for 800, and you dont even have kids? thats money straight down the toilet.

Rv life and skills dont come overnight but they are worth their weight in gold.

I personally just always parked my rvs legally on the street. Id never pay for an rv park.

take showers at gyms. put money aside. The last thing you want to do at your age is waste your life paying rent.

[waiter]

If I was going to put up in an RV park for any length, I would consider a trailer.

Every Toyhouse owner uses theirs a little different. I selected the Toyhouse mainly because of the fuel economy and small size. i.e. I can blend in with normal car traffic. i.e. parking lots, streets, etc. I can get the Toyhouse into and out of places I could not get a larger vehicle or a trailer.

The chief disadvantage for me, If I want to go into town, or just drive around, I need to break camp. If I have a trailer, I just disconnect.

We occasionally camp at one of the state parks 50 miles down the road. When we do, the wife follows me over in a car so we can drive around or explore and don't need to pack up the Toyhouse.

****************

If you have a vehicle that can tow a trailer, consider buying a trailer. This also solves the problem of how do you get two vehicles up to Alaska.

We bought our Toyhouse specifically for our Alaksa trip. We considered a trailer, this would get about the same gas mileage as the toyhouse (small trailer) but would be cumbersome and limit us on several of the roads we wanted to travel on. In the end, the Toyhouse was a good decision for making this trip..

John Mc

88 Dolphin 4 Auto

[aktundra]

If youre stuck renting a place for 800, and you dont even have kids? thats money straight down the toilet.

Rv life and skills dont come overnight but they are worth their weight in gold.

I personally just always parked my rvs legally on the street. Id never pay for an rv park.

take showers at gyms. put money aside. The last thing you want to do at your age is waste your life paying rent.

That's exactly what I think about rent! I know there will be a big RV learning curve. The area I am at doesn't really allow side street RV parking. I figure if anything I will be in an RV park a month until I can find a better parking spot to move to.

If I was going to put up in an RV park for any length, I would consider a trailer.

Every Toyhouse owner uses theirs a little different. I selected the Toyhouse mainly because of the fuel economy and small size. i.e. I can blend in with normal car traffic. i.e. parking lots, streets, etc. I can get the Toyhouse into and out of places I could not get a larger vehicle or a trailer.

If you have a vehicle that can tow a trailer, consider buying a trailer. This also solves the problem of how do you get two vehicles up to Alaska.

I can't do the trailer option as I have a car. My car is a commuting car that I will sell once I head back north. Plus once I'm done with it this year, I would use the Toyhome in Alaska to base different adventures out of (avid hiker, skier, rafter, and fisherman). The only downside in Alaska is I will be the slow RV clogging up all the two lane highways

I realize the Toyota is smaller on living space, but I like the mileage and how small it is for driving.

The motorhomes are 6 hours away that I will be looking at this weekend. If I can find a Toyhome in the next month that works and the RV lot option works, I think I am going for it!

Edited May 21, 2012 by aktundra

[aktundra]

I plan on seeing these motorhomes this week. I have looked at alot of motorhomes throughout the country on craigslist. The lowest prices on motorhomes seems to be in California. What do you guys think on these prices and motorhomes? Thanks!

1986 MiniWinni, $7400 22re engine, automatic, 45K. Inside is pretty much redone with new interior, fridge, water heater. Also comes with a generator. I like this one, but I would have to negotiate price to a workable amount. I also was reading the auto with the 22RE isn't the best combination.

Obviously the lower priced, 76K, new tires, new transmission (also auto), new brakes and exhaust. The pictures aren't great, but it doesn't look as well cared for. Price is $3800 but the guy wants it gone. I think $2500 tops on this one, but maybe the pictures are deceiving. The rest would depend on water damage, rust, and mechanical.

1987 18ft Seabreeze camper, 22R, auto, 80K, 4000W generator. new roof vents and roof resealed. Exterior peeling (repainted), new tires. $5,300

I think this one is also a little overpriced. The roof resealed has me thinking water leaks. Based on previous Toyota purchases, I don't like new paint jobs, since some people will paint over anything. I won't be able to look at this one this weekend, it is also 6 hours away.

This one has the most mileage 136K, it is 87 Escaper with auto. They want $6,000

Edited June 4, 2012 by aktundra

[Totem]

I plan on seeing these motorhomes this week. I have looked at alot of motorhomes throughout the country on craigslist. The lowest prices on motorhomes seems to be in California. What do you guys think on these prices and motorhomes? Thanks!

1986 MiniWinni, $7400 22re engine, automatic, 45K. Inside is pretty much redone with new interior, fridge, water heater. Also comes with a generator. I like this one, but I would have to negotiate price to a workable amount. I also was reading the auto with the 22RE isn't the best combination.

Obviously the lower priced, 76K, new tires, new transmission (also auto), new brakes and exhaust. The pictures aren't great, but it doesn't look as well cared for. Price is $3800 but the guy wants it gone. I think $2500 tops on this one, but maybe the pictures are deceiving. The rest would depend on water damage, rust, and mechanical.

1987 18ft Seabreeze camper, 22R, auto, 80K, 4000W generator. new roof vents and roof resealed. Exterior peeling (repainted), new tires. $5,300

I think this one is also a little overpriced. The roof resealed has me thinking water leaks. Based on previous Toyota purchases, I don't like new paint jobs, since some people will paint over anything. I won't be able to look at this one this weekend, it is also 6 hours away.

This one has the most mileage 136K, it is 87 Escaper with auto. They want $6,000

For me the first one is ruled out because it still has 5 lug front hubs... unless they have an adaptor for spare I'd stay away from that one.The second one if it really has new tires and transmission is a good deal; assuming its frame ain't rotten it could be fixed up to tastes. The last one is high mileage; however that could be a good thing... has its second timing chain been done; does it have new motor and trans?

22RE s (1985-1993) mated with automatic are a great combo I think if you know how to drive it. Could a manual mated to a 22re be better? sure I guess if you can find one. My rig is a 22RE auto; and I like it just fine. so to recap; I would rule out the first one; then the last threee would be how low could they go and whittle them down based on service records namely timing chain, mileage, trans condition etc.

[Derek up North]

So, you're somewhere in (or near) Alabama.

This isn't really the right time of year to get a 'bargain' RV. But I guess you want to get started ASAP with you plan!

[Totem]

If I was going to put up in an RV park for any length, I would consider a trailer.

Every Toyhouse owner uses theirs a little different. I selected the Toyhouse mainly because of the fuel economy and small size. i.e. I can blend in with normal car traffic. i.e. parking lots, streets, etc. I can get the Toyhouse into and out of places I could not get a larger vehicle or a trailer.

The chief disadvantage for me, If I want to go into town, or just drive around, I need to break camp. If I have a trailer, I just disconnect.

We occasionally camp at one of the state parks 50 miles down the road. When we do, the wife follows me over in a car so we can drive around or explore and don't need to pack up the Toyhouse.

****************

If you have a vehicle that can tow a trailer, consider buying a trailer. This also solves the problem of how do you get two vehicles up to Alaska.

We bought our Toyhouse specifically for our Alaksa trip. We considered a trailer, this would get about the same gas mileage as the toyhouse (small trailer) but would be cumbersome and limit us on several of the roads we wanted to travel on. In the end, the Toyhouse was a good decision for making this trip..

I've been fascinated with the idea of an alaska Trip; Waiter how long does it take to get there and back? I think I read you went from Toledo and I would be starting off not too far from there.

John Mc

88 Dolphin 4 Auto

[waiter]

If your planning on driving it to Alaska, Make sure to put tires in your cost equation. Tires over 6 years old aren't a big deal when sitting in an RV park, but could become an issue when traveling, and particular on the Alcan and other Alaska roads.

Good tread is good, but tire date trumps tread. Tires will cost about $100 each.

John Mc

88 Dolphin 4 Auto

[waiter]

Totem,

We hustled, 12,000 miles in 30 days, We seen a lot, and didn't spend a lot of time in any one place. This was like a recon mission, go up look around, then plan the next trip accordingly.

Here's a blog of our trip, you can click on the photos and map to make them larger.

Waiters Alaska Trip

and a short article I wrote regarding the Alaska Highway

Not your Fathers Alaska Highway

John Mc

88 Dolphin 4 Auto

[Totem]

Totem,

We hustled, 12,000 miles in 30 days, We seen a lot, and didn't spend a lot of time in any one place. This was like a recon mission, go up look around, then plan the next trip accordingly.

Here's a blog of our trip, you can click on the photos and map to make them larger.

Waiters Alaska Trip

and a short article I wrote regarding the Alaska Highway

Not your Fathers Alaska Highway

John Mc

88 Dolphin 4 Auto

I read that trip blog; very cool; but I guess what I should have asked would be; whats the minimum amount of consecutive days to visit Alaska and have 2 days there then head home do you think?

[waiter]

Up and back, hustle - 21 days.

John Mc

88 Dolphin 4 Auto

[stamar]

Theres a lot of rv configurations, each has pluses and minuses

the toyota truck motorhome is kind of a compromise.

Towing a trailer I have done, and it turns your useful car into a non useful car, and you basically have to pay to drop the trailer off somewhere. For instance you cant drive to disneyland, drop off the trailer in the parking lot and cruise around anaheim seeing the sights.

you are a trailer then, something like a 30 foot non drive through non parking lot thing.

When you tow a trailer you realize that 5th wheel is the only way to tow a trailer. semis do it. Real RVers do it. BUT, now you turn your useful vehicle into a big honking truck. So, even when detached from the trailer you dont have that useful a vehicle for cruising.

I THINK the perfect medium is a useful regular vehicle like an accord or a bmw, and a fiberglass scamp trailer. Those go for 4-5k for the trailer so they are actually in the price range as a whole toyota motorhome.

There is also the class A/class c motorhome and towing a small car. Theres two big problems with this, but the main one is they are unreliable peices of crap. and they get 8 mpg. However you can find them used for so cheap sometimes they can be bargains. When I did this I damaged my tow car. This has the same disadvantages of towing a regular trailer with an suv only its a more unweildly vehicle until you detach, and then usually a very reliable vehicle.

I recomend this route if you can save so much money on the purchase that the gas doesnt matter, and you can find long term parking for the class A/C for free because they are just time bombs waiting to break down. Driving your towed car a lot helps keep the miles down on the american vehicle.

But overall I recomend a regular car and a scamp particularly for a single guy, and then a toyota or rialta type motorhome as the two top picks.

I actually recomend the truck and 18ft plus travel trailer last it will end up being most dangerous and expensive in the end. And I recomend fith wheels second last.

[Totem]

Theres a lot of rv configurations, each has pluses and minuses

the toyota truck motorhome is kind of a compromise.

Towing a trailer I have done, and it turns your useful car into a non useful car, and you basically have to pay to drop the trailer off somewhere. For instance you cant drive to disneyland, drop off the trailer in the parking lot and cruise around anaheim seeing the sights.

you are a trailer then, something like a 30 foot non drive through non parking lot thing.

When you tow a trailer you realize that 5th wheel is the only way to tow a trailer. semis do it. Real RVers do it. BUT, now you turn your useful vehicle into a big honking truck. So, even when detached from the trailer you dont have that useful a vehicle for cruising.

I THINK the perfect medium is a useful regular vehicle like an accord or a bmw, and a fiberglass scamp trailer. Those go for 4-5k for the trailer so they are actually in the price range as a whole toyota motorhome.

There is also the class A/class c motorhome and towing a small car. Theres two big problems with this, but the main one is they are unreliable peices of crap. and they get 8 mpg. However you can find them used for so cheap sometimes they can be bargains. When I did this I damaged my tow car. This has the same disadvantages of towing a regular trailer with an suv only its a more unweildly vehicle until you detach, and then usually a very reliable vehicle.

I recomend this route if you can save so much money on the purchase that the gas doesnt matter, and you can find long term parking for the class A/C for free because they are just time bombs waiting to break down. Driving your towed car a lot helps keep the miles down on the american vehicle.

But overall I recomend a regular car and a scamp particularly for a single guy, and then a toyota or rialta type motorhome as the two top picks.

I actually recomend the truck and 18ft plus travel trailer last it will end up being most dangerous and expensive in the end. And I recomend fith wheels second last.

if i were gonna do what he is gonna do I would go with a 1998 Mercedes E class 300TD and an Amerigo or Casita tow trailer, just like you said. The reason i would do the older merc is the diesel and towing capacity that it affords and the relative ease and price point. In fact I just bought an 1998 3300td and could basically buy the tow trailer and be about the same cost as what i have in my Sunrader... Ahh but the sunrader shines when traveling with another... you can tag team trips and if you have kids there is just no other way to fly. Bathroom breaks are reduced by 75% with a family of 4.

[stamar]

well your mercedes is a tow vehicle, it is the tow vehicle of europe. they dont advertise its tow capacity in the us because of our laws of cars only being able to tow 1500 lbs. A few upgrades and it tows 5000 lbs.

it can tow a regular trailer, so using it for a scamp is over kill. if you want diesel you can get a jetta...

I recomend just a regular car with a scamp or casita. i have a bmw convertible, six cylinder. Rear wheel drive is nice with a small trailer.

basically, whatever car you have. Thats why its top pick whatever you pay for the trailer, and they are usually expensive, you make up for by using it wherever.

And, I feel more confident dropping the trailer off in travels and chaining it to a telphone pole. basically it is perfect.

I have a neighbor who has both, both the sunrader and the scamp. close to permanent solutions.

i wish I could tell you how often there is note on his scamp asking if its for sale. Because its on a main drag pretty much weekly.

[Totem]

well your mercedes is a tow vehicle, it is the tow vehicle of europe. they dont advertise its tow capacity in the us because of our laws of cars only being able to tow 1500 lbs. A few upgrades and it tows 5000 lbs.

it can tow a regular trailer, so using it for a scamp is over kill. if you want diesel you can get a jetta...

I recomend just a regular car with a scamp or casita. i have a bmw convertible, six cylinder. Rear wheel drive is nice with a small trailer.

basically, whatever car you have. Thats why its top pick whatever you pay for the trailer, and they are usually expensive, you make up for by using it wherever.

And, I feel more confident dropping the trailer off in travels and chaining it to a telphone pole. basically it is perfect.

I have a neighbor who has both, both the sunrader and the scamp. close to permanent solutions.

W210 Om606 TD rated to tow 2100 Kilos 4670 lbs in owners manual (in German) with a brake assited trailer; 1500 Lbs non brake assisted and this is stock actually. I also used to have a nice 2000 ALH TDI beetle but their capacity is far less and besides to quote the Doc from back to the future "I figured why not travel in Style".

I got into the e300TD because of the lack of decent used Jettas on the Market. People just wont sell them at reasonable prices.

But hey, at up to 37 MPG the Merc will outgun most if not all hyper mile cars for towing and power and many of today's top cars can't touch its range per tank... 21.xx Gallons means that on a good day and conditions you can run 777 miles before refuel and do it without feeling like you are in a sardine can like a Volkswagen. 14.5 x 48 mpg still wont beat the range of a Merc TD.

I respect the TDI, but the Merc has opened my eyes to comfort and my 98' has almost all the major features that new cars have today which i know was not standard back then.

[stamar]

also I like all your picks

but I like fiberglass body vs aluminum siding and wood ALL DAY LONG.

1000$ on the top right there. paint? who cares about the pain on a aluminum siding body. It doesnt even take paint its mobil home roof stuff with 2 stripes painted over it.

so that considered I like your first one the most.

I hate autos though. so maybe the other ones. lol. But it is easier to change the transmission than the body.

[stamar]

W210 Om606 TD rated to tow 2100 Kilos 4670 lbs in owners manual (in German) with a brake assited trailer; 1500 Lbs non brake assisted and this is stock actually. I also used to have a nice 2000 ALH TDI beetle but their capacity is far less and besides to quote the Doc from back to the future "I figured why not travel in Style".

I got into the e300TD because of the lack of decent used Jettas on the Market. People just wont sell them at reasonable prices.

But hey, at up to 37 MPG the Merc will outgun most if not all hyper mile cars for towing and power and many of today's top cars can't touch its range per tank... 21.xx Gallons means that on a good day and conditions you can run 777 miles before refuel and do it without feeling like you are in a sardine can like a Volkswagen. 14.5 x 48 mpg still wont beat the range of a Merc TD.

I respect the TDI, but the Merc has opened my eyes to comfort and my 98' has almost all the major features that new cars have today which i know was not standard back then.

A buddy of mine has an early 00s 5 cylinder turbo diesel mercedes motorhome..

You know the dodge sprinter act here it is actually

msrp over 100k. anyhow he gets low 20s . Very comparable to our yota motorhomes and about 8 mpg more. Handles so much easier in parking lots though cause of the big front end.

but there you go, mercedes deisel and motorhome all in one. maybe closer to perfect motorhome than ours but too expensive still

[Totem]

A buddy of mine has an early 00s 5 cylinder turbo diesel mercedes motorhome..

You know the dodge sprinter act here it is actually

msrp over 100k. anyhow he gets low 20s . Very comparable to our yota motorhomes and about 8 mpg more. Handles so much easier in parking lots though cause of the big front end.

but there you go, mercedes deisel and motorhome all in one. maybe closer to perfect motorhome than ours but too expensive still

Oh well now YES that would be the chosen one, but alas they are over 90k brand new and can't be found used for under 30k and I just can't devote that much scratch to any one vehicle (yet) in my career.

The older ones had the 5 cylinder but the newer ones have a 6. Same Chasis (long tall dually ) as seen on "American Pickers" then built out as RV. Yep I change my answer to that thought for the ultimate RV; I have seen one with two slide outs believe it or not it got huge inside when they were extended.

[aktundra]

For me the first one is ruled out because it still has 5 lug front hubs... unless they have an adaptor for spare I'd stay away from that one.The second one if it really has new tires and transmission is a good deal; assuming its frame ain't rotten it could be fixed up to tastes. The last one is high mileage; however that could be a good thing... has its second timing chain been done; does it have new motor and trans?

22RE s (1985-1993) mated with automatic are a great combo I think if you know how to drive it. Could a manual mated to a 22re be better? sure I guess if you can find one. My rig is a 22RE auto; and I like it just fine. so to recap; I would rule out the first one; then the last threee would be how low could they go and whittle them down based on service records namely timing chain, mileage, trans condition etc.

Wow good eye. I have been counting lugs on closer pictures of other motrhomes, but I didn't notice that on the first RV. The other pictures don't show a spare tire so maybe that's why. Thanks for the advice. Maybe the auto isn't a bad thing. I had a Toyota 22R pickup which was manual. Never driven a 22RE auto.

This isn't really the right time of year to get a 'bargain' RV. But I guess you want to get started ASAP with you plan!

Yes I know this isn't the best time for a bargain RV. I think aiming for a $6,000 budget is reasonable. I would spend more or less depending on the condition. My plan isn't necessarily ASAP. I'm not going to buy something just to buy it, and I am not an impulsive buyer.

If your planning on driving it to Alaska, Make sure to put tires in your cost equation. Tires over 6 years old aren't a big deal when sitting in an RV park, but could become an issue when traveling, and particular on the Alcan and other Alaska roads.

Good tread is good, but tire date trumps tread. Tires will cost about $100 each.

John I liked your travel blog! Really neat. I have driven the Alcan a handful of times, but never at a leisurely pace.

I found this link on determing Tire age. I planned on $2,500 maintenance buffer including tires for the trip up. The other option I was considering was the ferry up from Bellingham.

also I like all your picks

but I like fiberglass body vs aluminum siding and wood ALL DAY LONG.

I would like a fiberglass too, but can't find one within a reasonable area.

Dodge Sprinter, Mercedes now you guys are really going out of my budget!

[stamar]

ya the sprinter motorhomes are more modern, but for design this is the ultimate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vixen_(RV)

yes I have seen one. it looked nothing like the one in the picture it popped up.

[WME]

Sit on your wallet for now. Spend the summer looking and learning.

Late summer, early fall things will be much cheaper.

[Derek up North]

Since you're daydreaming:-

http://www.gizmag.co...-jet-van/22070/

[stamar]

One thing you have to love about the sprinter, is its really a giant van and it has a huge rear door that opens, not a small rv door like ... an rv.

but you can put large items in it.

I remembered this when I was trying to fit a single size mattress through my rv door the other day.

theyre made to be ups trucks.

[Totem]

ya the sprinter motorhomes are more modern, but for design this is the ultimate

http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Vixen_(RV)

yes I have seen one. it looked nothing like the one in the picture it popped up.

OMG... 30 MPG, bmw turbodiesel.... my toyhome may go up for sale soon...

[Derek up North]

The only 'weak link' I see is the Renault transmission. A pity they couldn't have used something from ZF.

[Totem]

The only 'weak link' I see is the Renault transmission. A pity they couldn't have used something from ZF.

I wonder what other transmissions could be mated to that BMW motor...

[stamar]

heres one for sale

http://fortmyers.cra...2983196523.html

If I had 17k I would go for it. it goes 100 mph. all fiberglass body.

This is a bmw drivetrain. Related to the m20 gas engine thats in my 325 convertible, but it was only sold in the 525d in north america and is basically as rare as this motorhome.

believe it or not a lot of the motorhomes were parted out to the car owners.

the one with the renault drivetrain is the lesharo

http://baltimore.cra...3020908785.html

basically inferior in every way but similar. The diesels are so unreliable and becoming rarer. Most on the road are the gas engines, much more reliable but the gas mileage is just like our toyhomes. the renault truck engine is actually just like a 20r in specs its just less reliable and more expensive to replace.

People with the gas versions can put the v6 from a caravan minivan in there. Those are in junkyards all day.

Basically a lesharo is neat too but Id rather have what I already have. theres one thats broken down that Im looking at.

[Derek up North]

Without doing another search, I'm pretty sure that you'll find that the Vixen also uses a Renault 5-speed transmission with the BMW TD. Possibly the same one as the Lesharo.

[Totem]

Without doing another search, I'm pretty sure that you'll find that the Vixen also uses a Renault 5-speed transmission with the BMW TD. Possibly the same one as the Lesharo.

The Vixen 21 TD and XC transaxle is a Renault UN-l unit similar to that used in the R-30 but with the ring gear on the opposite side of the pinion so that the engine is to the rear for better servicing of the engine driven accessories.

http://www.vixenrv.o...ge=Vixen design

boooooh. Staying with the Sunrader.

[stamar]

you are right its a renault transmission.

the transmission in the bmw car the engine is from is made by getrag and very reliable.

the renault transmission in the vixen isnt listed on any of the stats i see. I dont know if it is the same as the lesharo or not. But if it is, its terrible.

oh wow the transmission is literally the same thing, but backwards, like a vw van.

no easy transaxle swaps other than.... old school vw vans maybe... worse than you even thought you cant even get one from a lesharo youd have to rebuild a transaxle if it went bad.

something from european cars the only one we have like that is the vw van.

I seem to think theres also a mitsubishi van like that we had here.

[85mirage]

I say go for it and forget all the talk of other vehicles go with a Toyota. It is hard to chose from pictures but i sure like the cover on the first one. I spent 3-4 months years back traveling around 10k the country in my Mirage. It was one of the best experiences. I was approached by lots of retired folks in National Parks who admired my youth and told me they wished they had done so earlier in life. So go for it and trust the ever reliable 22re even if it is matched up to a weak auto transmission. Your in no hurry! A 4x4 sunrader would be my ultimate but those are rare and expensive. 2cd, go for a 2wd fiberglass yoda ,3rd aluminum framed smooth sided filon, 4th wood frame smooth filon, 5th wood frame currogated filon like my Shasta. I like 5 speed better than auto. Another major thing to think about is layout which there are many. Good Luck on your hunt!

Ive got post on here about completely rebuilding my Shasta something i would steer away from if i were you.

For me the first one is ruled out because it still has 5 lug front hubs... unless they have an adaptor for spare I'd stay away from that one.

Can you elaborate on the 5 lug front hubs? I have 5 lug front on my SHasta are you saying my spare underneath wont fit?

[Dolphinite no longer here]

So what's the big deal with five lug front wheels? Hundreds of Toyota motorhomes have them and they hold up just fine. Its the back wheels that you don't want five lug wheels on not the front.

John

[Derek up North]

I'm guessing the comment about 5-lug front wheels was made due to the inconvenience of having different wheels needed front & rear in the event of a flat. 1 solution is to carry a 6-lug spare and an adapter so that it will fit on the front.