77 Chinook in Florida - interesting ad

[zero]

I don't usually find such descriptive ads. I'm kind of amazed at the weight this guy lugged and the fuel mileage he says he's gotten.

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/chl/rvs/3540509455.html

RARE RV CLASSIC FOR SALE
4 speed manual transmission
2.2 Liter sohc 4 cylinder 20R series engine w/ 124k miles
2 wheel single rear axle w/heavy duty suspension

Incredibly reliable and economical. Selling due to retirement (it has outlasted me!) and no longer will be traveling, camping or have need of a truck/RV. Just drove it here from San Diego (it's home) loaded w/1500 lbs. payload and hauling enclosed 4x8 trailer weighing and additional 1600 lbs. w/ kayak and 3 bikes attached. Ran perfectly in 2615 mile trip and got incredible 19 mpg!!!! Comes w/clear California title, Original 1977 Toyota Pick-up Owner's Manual, Chinook Owner's Manual, Sales literature/specificatons, 1975 Camping and Trailering Magazine road test report, and all receipts.. Utility is key here. The original sales lit. has caption "Think Of The Possibilities". This RV was made by Chinook RV Manufacturers on a modified Toyota long bed pick-up chassis. It is a work horse truck, a RV, a mini motorhome, a camper, and a van. It has been getting a good deal of attention driving it around here in FL. Gets between 18 and 25mpg because of low profile wind resistance w/pop top down, relatively light weight, and 20R series 4 cylinder engine w/standard shift transmission.
Logged only 72000 miles on it in 18 years. It has been to Mexico, Sequoia, Yosemity, Las Vegas. Slab City, Tuscon, Phoenix all form San Diego. First owner replaced the engine at 153000 miles w/a used 35000 mile one from Japan. It has 242800 miles and the engine has about 124,000 and there are NO LEAKS. Newer set of U.S. made Cooper 215R steel belted radials on it which now have only 5k miles, recently replaced the starter motor, and newer catalytic converter and engine virtually gives off no pollutants and not a global warming polluter. Always past California smog laws every 2 years. It is ready to go anywhere and wouldn't hesitate to drive it back across the Country. Mechanically the engine and drive train is in excellent condition. Cosmetically it's in fair condition and could use TLC(see Cons below). A functional interior includes stainless steel sink w/hand pump faucet, 3 gallon water and grey water holding tanks, 2 burner propane stove, single bed w/storage below, 2 oak front storage drawers, skylight/vent hatch, factory cushions, closet,and "sun bag" shower stall, All "camper" style but working.
They only made Chinook Poptop Campers for about 5 years and sold them in 3 States so they are extremely rare. Non known in FL. but there still are a few in San Diego and still running strong! Will sell for $2750 Cash only/NO TRADES.

PROS:
Get antique FL. plates and save over $200 reg. fees
Renowned 20R series reliable Toyota 4 cylinder 2.2 liter engine w/ only 124k miles
Pop top low profile wind resistance gets you 18 mpg city and up to 25 mpg hwy with it down and 6' headroom w/it up
Wider rear door option lets you carry a 4x8 sheet plywood
Optional 16 gallon gas tank (12 gal. is standard pick-up tank).
Newer set of U.S. Made Cooper 215R steel belted radials w/ 5k miles, new starter motor and newer catalytic converter
Shower stall for hanging bag "sun ' showers (no plumbing installed)
Cab access through back as in motor home
External storage for gas cans, etc.
Chassis is a Toyota pick-up modified long bed w/heavy duty rear leaf springs
NO COMPUTERS ANYWHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY TUNE IT YOURSELF!!!!!
Propane stove, stainless sink w/ hand pump faucet, closet, storage under single bed, and skylite vent hatch.
Includes: California clear title, original 77 Toyota Pick-up Owner's manual, Chinook Owner's manual and original sales literature/specifications, road test report, all receipts
No Oil Leaks
Built-on Fiberglass RV body will never rust or rot
Truck rear bumper w/step and towing ball hole (Tow rating: 150 lbs tongue weight and 1000 lb. trailer weight).

CONS (Please keep in mind 36 years old!):
Cab has some rust areas and entire RV needs paint job (see pics. below)
Only has a single 30" wide x 6' bed/seat
Needs new curtins
Rear door interior skin damage. Note: Rear ended about 10 years back damaging the rear door and left rear corner fiberglas and tail light. There was no chassis/bumper damage and repairs to the fiberglass have been made (see left side view pic. below).
No A/C
Winshield seal could use replacing
Gas gage sensor not working. Just fill tank every 250 miles city and 300 miles hwy driving
Scratch along right body side
Poptop vinyl has some holes on right side that have been patched.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A CAMPER W/O ALL THE AMMENITIES YOU'D FIND IN A MOTOR HOME
$2750 Cash only. NO TRADES. NO DEALERS. Located in S. Port Charlotte off O'Hara drive near Collingswood blvd. SERIOUS RV BUYERS ONLY PLEASE. Will remove ad promptly when sold. Call 858-336-05 two seven. TILL 5PM. Thanks and hope you have a really good home for it,

[Totem]

I believe him at 19. They have low profile. I do not believe 25 hwy.