Fudging the mileage by 47,000

[user 423]

Here's a craigslist ad for a '76 Toyota Chinook with '59,000 actual miles' (see pic #4).

Maybe they got the miles mixed up with the price somehow:

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/d/mesa-1976-chinook/7281631674.html

It's a pretty nice old Toyota though and if it's actually 106,000 miles that would still be very low.

 

[highdesertranger]

oops. Highdesertranger

 

[JDub]

I really like those old Toyota based campers. Have since I was a kid. If I were to take on a full restoration of a retro vehicle, that type would be what I choose. Falls right in line with my preferences - small, reliable, shipshape, and crams a lot into limited space. I have the greatest of admiration for the folks here who can / have take a bare bones vehicles and convert it into a comfortable home on wheels but I'm not one of them. I'm the utilitarian "no build" type. I'd just configure a bare bones vehicle with the equipment needed to meet the requirements of a specific trip since I have the storage space for all the "stuff"( already do with my Jeep).

That obviously wouldn't work for the full timers who roll with everything. I have a hard time getting beyond that "just what you need" mentality and I realize I'd like more comforts on long term trips but can't imagine what they'd be (spent too much time in the mil I guess) so I'm running with a small, basic prebuilt trailer that already has everything installed so I won't be kicking myself for not including a feature when I'm spending the summer in Cloudcroft...

Cheers!

 

[MrNoodly]

I can hear the tail dragging from here.

 

[jacqueg]

I don't care how well it's been taken care of - that's a 45-yo vehicle. And I'm not any kind of mechanic.

I do wish someone still made a small, basic class C like this though.

 

[bullfrog]

It was just too much weight for the truck and chassis and therefore built light so they just had lots of problems and didn’t last well in my opinion.

 

[user 423]

^
Yeah, the little 4-cyl. would be overtaxed for sure. I've seen Dolphin Class C's that were huge and still had just the little 4 banger.

It just might be able to outrun an old VW bus though. A good candidate for a 302 transplant.

Last summer in Flagstaff I visited with a guy who had an '86 Toyota fiberglass Class C with the dual rear wheels (I forget the brand).

He regularly drives thru the mountains in CO,AZ,NM and does OK with it.

They have their fans and he's turned down many offers that were several thousands of $ over what he paid for it.

 

[GntlStone]

I came across this 1992 Dolphin 900 last night. 1992 Dolphin

I've contacted the seller and am hoping to hear back soon. Id love to have a cool older unit like this.

I'd appreciate any good vibes sent my way re this camper.

 

[user 423]

That looks like a nice clean unit. The price is very low so it probably won't be around for long.

The ceiling looks like there hasn't been any leaks but that needs to be checked.

A couple things I know about these:

-The V6 engines aren't as reliable as the 4-cyls. and can be expensive to fix.

-Some years/models have had trouble with the dually setup or the differential (can't remember details).

Research on Toyota or RV forums.

 

[bullfrog]

It looks too good to be true so watch out for a scam the price is way too low. Check the front window rear passenger side compartment for damage repairs and especially water leaks. Check the engine maintenance requirements to see if it has set long periods without proper time required maintenance.

 

[JDub]

Airbag system needs a close look. Remember the 90's Lincoln Towncars?

 

[bullfrog]

The gray looks to be an attempt to cover up damage, is the door opening and closing properly? Is the step solid and not flexing? The price is too low for a good one.

 

[B and C]

Make sure the title matches the unit (VIN).

Good luck.