How Can I Save My Aging Toyota Sunrader Motorhome

By Luise Volta on March 4, 2006 in Senior RV Camping & Camping Clubs, Troubled Teenagers

Question: Hi Luise: I’m having some trouble with the wiring in my older, (1990), Toyota Sunrader motorhome. I love this vehicle. It has been like a member of my family. It is also getting a little rust. I hate letting it go. I have not found another vehicle like it. I know you had one that you loved, too. Do you have any suggestions? Should I fix it, or do you know of another vehicle that I would love as much? Thank you, Martha

Answer: Dear Martha: Yes, we can sure love the old and the familiar, can’t we? I always give my RVs a name and get kidded about it. But they actually became dear, dear friends to me.

When you own an aging RV you either need a lot of luck, inside storage or an on-site handyman. All three would be great! It sounds like you are not going to be able to skate by on luck since you already see definite signs of aging. And I’m sure the rust comes from not having inside storage. So…do you have someone who can redo your wiring and fight the good fight with rust for free? I have found it totally impractical to hire on-going maintenance for an old RV, unless you have unlimited funds. If you do, go for it!

Another thing you might do is to replace it with a similar model that has had the benefit of inside storage. Look on the web, and see what’s out there. Any 1990 Toyota Sunraders in cherry condition? Can you afford one? If so, you will have to create inside storage from now on. It just goes with the territory when you have a geriatric RV.

I agree with you that certain rigs just fit. My 1971 Argosy Airstream is my “baby”. I keep it in the Port Susan Camping Club and I love using it there. It’s my own, personal retreat. When I was on the road, it was my Toyota Sunrader motorhome. Some marriages, (and purchases), are made in heaven! Blessings, Luise

About Luise Volta

Luise’s long life has brought her to being the great grandmother of four teenagers. Born in 1927, the miles in between her teens and theirs have been full of falling and getting up, learning and growing and then falling and getting up again. A normal, though not simple, process. She has had diverse careers in nursing, teaching preschool, interior design, Real Estate sales, insurance adjusting and dairy herd testing. She’s lived in the Mid-west, South and West Coast. Luise is married to the love of her life, Val, born in 1911. Their little terrier, “Rosa,” makes most of the major decisions at their house, (or thinks she does).

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62 Responses to How Can I Save My Aging Toyota Sunrader Motorhome

G. and R. February 17, 2010 at 12:42 am #

We just purchased a 1984 Sunrader to take across country. It’s in great condition but needs a replacement oven and refer. We’re having trouble finding parts. Anyone out there have any ideas? Thank you.

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A. March 2, 2010 at 11:32 am #

Dear
I have got a camper Toyota Sunraider of 1980. I live in Sardinia (Italy). I have a big problem: the glass right door is broken. Can you help me, for this problem? You know where I can buy a new glass? What business can sell me that glass? I thank you. Please let me know Best regards. A. e-mail ransca@tiscali.it

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- Luise March 7, 2010 at 9:47 pm #
  
  Here’s hoping you get a reply. It’s a long shot, but who knows? Blessings, Luise
  
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J. November 14, 2010 at 6:06 pm #

We have a toyota 1980 sunrader but we have only 1 problem we lost our power to the moterhome and do not know where the power box is for it can you help us? If so email me and put in subjest moterhome….Thank you J.

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e June 3, 2011 at 3:19 pm #

I am looking for a sunrader or a dolphin please some 1 tell me where i can get 1 in good shape

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Deborah FrankByrom August 8, 2011 at 2:52 pm #

http://www.toyotamotorhome.org has RVs listed for sale. They also have a discussion group that individuals can join. The members are well informed, and I have found answers to any questions that I have about my 1986 17.5′ Sunrader. They are really special people, and I know that you will enjoy both sites.

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B. October 19, 2011 at 3:44 pm #

I just bought a 1983 18 foot Toyota Rader motor home.
It has the 6 lug rear but single rear wheels. Is this supposed to have duallys? B.

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- Luise October 20, 2011 at 8:26 pm #
  
  B. To the best of my knowledge, they didn’t make a single rear wheels model.
  
  Reply