83 Sunrader newbie

[83 SunRader]

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.

[uthorns]

Congratulations! I own a '85 Sunrader with the 22re and automatic. Good luck moving from a house to the toyhouse.

[Derek up North]

I'm downsizing from a house and still trying to get all my gear to fit, ...

I'm a newbie so any advice is always welcome.

I've never done it, but Andy has!

http://www.andybaird.com/travels/

I found it very enjoyable and informative read.

[Totem]

sweet looking rig! I have an 85/86 sunrader too' like uthorns and Alan

[Eve "n" Stephen]

Great rigs,

We own an 84, but it's only an 18 footer or we might try it too!

Steve

[aptruncata]

exact same unit here but 84 and no wheel covers...wow those things make a difference!

[Totem]

does it have a full floater, 83SunRader? can't tell from pictures.

[83 SunRader]

Derek up North - Thank you for the link that is very helpful!

[83 SunRader]

Derek up North - Thank you for the link that is very helpful!

exact same unit here but 84 and no wheel covers...wow those things make a difference!

The previous owner purchased those. He said they are just some cheap covers he found somewhere. I agree, they do give the RV a clean look.

does it have a full floater, 83SunRader? can't tell from pictures.

Are you talking about the rear axle? If so, the previous owner replaced the old axle with a 1 ton, dual wheel, 6 lug axle. He also installed heavy duty shocks, extra springs and 2 air bags over the rear axle. This really helps to eliminate the "boat ride" feel when driving.

[May]

I have the ‘83 21 foot Toyota sunrader with the original recalled 5 lug rear axle. Any suggestions for replacement axles? Will any 1 ton 6 lug rear work, or does it have to come off another RV? Any advice for this upgrade is helpful, total newbie here. May peace be you! -MZ

[extech]

hi may.  you will need to come up with a toyota 1 ton rear axle.  there were many trucks(flatbed) and motor homes with the axle you need. search wrecking yards

[fred heath]

First thing to do is determine the weight over the rear axle. This should be done with everything you intend to carry along with a full tank of gas.

 

If the rear axle weight is 4K or under, you could switch to single rear wheels which would open up many more axle combinations available to use.

 

If over 4K pounds, your best bet is to try and find a Toyota 2WD 6 lug ff axle. There are some out there, but getting harder to find.

 

Last ditch effort. Linda did find a source for foolie axle shafts. These are factory new. By replacing your current foolie shafts with these, it would buy you time to find a good axle.