TEC3 Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 (edited) Hey guys, Just purchased a pretty well running 78 Toyota Chinook MPG. From best I can tell from my good friend google it has the Gaucho setup... I am first wanting to get as much info as you may have on these models. 2nd I would really like to know more about the interior. Ours is in fairly good shape, but missing some items. No house battery/ wiring under hood has been pulled. fridge is missing. what type should I replace it with? The bed setup is sad. Could someone post photos of how they setup the inside of theirs? The goal is to make it a weekend get away vehicle for the wife and I... maybe occasionally take the kids. We do a lot of adventure traveling in our Tundra and land cruiser, this is more for festivals and shows... that is until we go 4wd with it. This is how we travel now... This is our goal in the future for it... Edited September 29, 2016 by TEC3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zulandio Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 Here is a video of a guy that redid one of these has a nice bed setup for the space. This video was what got me interested in Toy homes. Sadly he hit a dear with it and it messed it up pretty bad. As for fridge I'd defiantly get a propane fridge as I don't think you have an inverter for 110. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 8 hours ago, TEC3 said: Hey guys, Just purchased a pretty well running 78 Toyota Chinook MPG. From best I can tell from my good friend google it has the Gaucho setup... I am first wanting to get as much info as you may have on these models. 2nd I would really like to know more about the interior. Ours is in fairly good shape, but missing some items. No house battery/ wiring under hood has been pulled. fridge is missing. what type should I replace it with? Neat rig. I also have a 1978 MPG. Came with either an ice-box or a Dometic RM211 three-way refrigerator. I have an extra I'd sell cheap if you want to fix it up. A small 12 volt DC Norcold out of a Winnebago Lesharo will fit in its place. Extra "house" battery goes under the hood. I don't see too many Chinooks with good interiors. I re-engineer a Futon from Walmart to use in my Chinook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 If you look at the interior of this 1978 Gazelle - it is exactly how my 1978 MPG Gaucho is laid out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 This is what a 1978 Chinook looks like under the hood when all the OEM parts are there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC3 Posted September 29, 2016 Author Share Posted September 29, 2016 That is the interior of mine, but it has been altered a little. I have the spot for the house battery but no battery and the wiring is suspect at best. I think I am going to have to pull all my interior and rebuild fresh... Anyone have a suggested layout? Also anyone have plans for the cot bunk beds that came with some of these. We are attempting to family camp (4 kids) with her. I love this little thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 The hanging bunk-beds are pretty complicated, not easy to set up. and heavy. Especially the two cross-beam steel supports. I had two complete sets but could not imagine ever wanting to use them or lug them around. I sold one set to a guy who comes to this forum now and then (Damon Krane). Not sure if he ever used them. I also left a pair behind in NY when I moved, in a junked Chevy Chalet (also made by Chinook). I've been thinking about using my 78 Chinook for a trip cross-country with two adults, one big 13 year old kid, and an old fat dog. I have been considering just getting a small pop-up camper-trailer to tow behind us. I cannot imagine taking trips with four kids in a Chinook. I know the Japanese are good at stuffing them selves into little compartments. Some of us others, not-so-good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 A few photos of parts from the Chinook and Chalet twin-bunk system. Photos are from a 1977 Chinook I scrapped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC3 Posted September 30, 2016 Author Share Posted September 30, 2016 So after that I think we are going to pass on the bunks. What is the tow rating on the chinook mpg? I have the small adventure trailer pictured above. All aluminum and weighs in at 550 dry weight. you mentioned a fridge for sale. How much? Where are you/ it located/ and what repairs does it need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC3 Posted September 30, 2016 Author Share Posted September 30, 2016 So I have brackets that may have been where the bunks were mounted. Where do you store them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC3 Posted October 17, 2016 Author Share Posted October 17, 2016 Got her all cleaned up. Still no electrical ran, but should be doing that in a few weeks. Going to try and do a tester/ overnighter next weekend. still no fridge but a member here is checking on one. I am going to put a hitch on and remove the bumper ball. This allows me to carry bikes or tow our little trailer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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