Pros & Cons of Owning a Toyota Sunrader RV.

I've had this RV for several years now. I must say my love and admiration for it is still the same. I did want to do a video however on the Pros & Cons of owning a toyota Sunrader.
#vanlife #toyota #motorhome

[@jamesonpace726]

Best month of my married life with 1 of these up & down the CA coast....

[@SirDrifto]

That sounds like a dream

[@carbonrrpilot]

That is one crazy nice rig .... I thought I was absolutely dead set on a sunrader I knew I was getting a Toyota regardless but once I looked at a sunrader I realized I was far too tall I'm 6'1 so I ended up getting a 92 fiberglass Winnebago Itasca Toyota [which have a few more inches of headroom] and I love it, I bought it pre pandemic and I've realized lately the the value has tripled since I bought it. i have modified the inside extensively [solar wifi lithium batts flatscreens etc..] and will be posting videos of it soon I hope you dig mine as much as I dig yours!

[@SirDrifto]

I think you made a smart move there. My warrior was much more tall person friendly.

[@homeschoolmomify]

How is it getting in and out of the winnebago also how is the leg room on the 1990-92 I'm 6'3"

[@kalebhatch2058]

I want to see pics of yours

[@reynaorellana7425]

Ando en busca de uno así

[@sameven5118]

Yo man, you never posted those videos. I’m interested in your RV.

[@trentp151]

I believe that smell is actually formaldehyde. It was used in the glues in the 1980s.

[@budgreenjeans]

It was smoked to get super high in the 90’s

[@ryansanyt]

Been following all your Sunrader videos! I just got a 1987 21' like yours but with the rear bath layout. Can you please do a video on the mechanical modifications you've done. More info on some of the parts you used for things like the lift, tires, solar equipment, etc would be really helpful!

[@carlaproko]

I just bought an ‘86 Toyota citation. It’s 16 feet. Enough room for my son and I, but I have some learning to do on the mechanics. Hard to find people with upgrade info on them, but this is the layout. So many dolphins out there! Great looking rig! Can’t wait to see what I’m going to do with mine!

[@jasonday4658]

Great content. Love that interior layout. I wish Toyota still made these or something similar to the Sprinter

[@caitiecm88]

The paint job!!! Sweet camper

[@mollielambert9501]

Thank you for showing this vedio you did a good job love the space n storage

[@flyovercounty1427]

“As a 6’2” person” I always thought RV’s’z should come with tank crew helmets… Your Sunraider is really nice. Thanks for the video

[@stevedenning6345]

Well I appreciate the word on the axles that’s good to know why I guys looking around I see you have the cook with you and the cat catcher catcher thanks so much good luck keep it rubber on the road and the bridges out of the ditches God bless you both make it all three of you happy trails my friend

[@kheangnou8582]

that thing is beautiful!

[@robertclark9]

Spectacularly nice Sunraider! Love the 22R, especially with the manual trans. It’s not about speed in an RV. It’s about pleasure and taking your time. Super nice rig. I’m jealous.

[@SirDrifto]

That's so true. Thank you for watching.

[@MF-cq9hs]

THAT PAINT LIGHTS & BUMPER MAKES IT LOOK NEW NICE SR.

[@stealthyadrian]

These are like the cheap RVs I can find in my area. Looks pretty good to be honest. I'm just trying to get something cheap to live in. Doesn't matter if it's a Ford Ecoline, or this or some studio. Anything to just live a good life.

[@jonathanemocling3826]

Wow! This is the nicest Toyota Sun raider!! Most I see on U-Tube they look had it!! Awesome!!

[@SirDrifto]

Wow, thanks!

[@SongoftheBride]

EXCELLENT review. Wow. Thorough and balanced. Thank you!

[@colonel9990]

I own an '88 TOYOTA 1 ton box version of this. The box will cause the head trauma you keep mentioning. Floor height inside the box is 5'6". I'm 6', & I've lost count of the times I've stood straight up in it at full rise and bashed my head. I've also bashed my head a few times on the roll up door . I actually keep a hard hat right inside the door now for loading & unloading the truck. Recommendation by my 9 year old. 😄 Overall size of the box is 6'5" wide, 5'6" tall, & 10' long. My YOTA has the 2.2R-E with auto trans 153,000 miles on it. Absolutely love the truck. My con for it is, I get so tried of people stopping by my house wanting to know if it's for sale. I've actually had to put a sign in the windshield that says NOT FOR SALE. Had to put 1 in my CUSHMAN too. I'd love 1 of these RVs because of size, and cheap availability of parts.

[@idahodoug1618]

SD - Agree with the below. I can tell you're tech savvy, which means there is the potential to share some detail information for those following you down this path on a Sunrader. Just bought a 21ft 4 speed manual 22R with a crazy 32k miles. Getting started this week and I'm a former Toyota vehicle developer. Sounds strikingly like your project - getting a 1-ton axle delivered Tuesday, would like to lift it slightly for the secondary dirt/forest roads we travel. Even the color you chose is VERY close to the one I plan to apply. Here's a short list of things I'm curious about. Which axle do you have (ratio?), what size tires did you go with F/R (affects power to the ground), did you lift the front by cranking on the torsion springs or another way, did you source window seals and/or the cab/camper seal before painting (would love to know where), stock springs in rear, did you add air springs, how'd you handle the parking brake cables with the swap, did you swap your diff to handle the drive shaft flange issue? I suspect the people watching your excellent vids are pretty tech savvy as they're likely doing research on getting one and following you, or like Ryan below and myself have one and are looking to leverage your knowledge base to shape our decisions as we start writing big checks. So, hope you have the time to elaborate a bit as so many KZbin posters don't check back to see if they can help. I hope you do. Thanks for much for your contributions!!

[@buggyridge]

Where did you get your axle?

[@theylied1776]

I would have done an entire cab and driveline rebuild. I would have converted it to a V6 Tacoma TRD. But I have to say, this is the best Sunradar that I've ever seen.

[@pnwxplored]

Great vid, I have a full walk around of my 4x4 18’ turbo custom Sunrader build out on my channel. I ended up selling mine after 7 years for $65k It was SUPER RELIABLE!! Do I miss it YES but I went smaller and bigger. Have 2 rigs: a diesel pusher Ram 3500 pulling a toy hauler trailer to take kayaks and motorcycles with. And a first gen. Tacoma 4x4 for more 4 wheeling trips in mountains. Building this out with a 80’s Wildernest swing out tent, wood stove for winter too! So I still have an older retro Toyota like you I love the reliability and simplicity and styling. Easy to work on too.

[@SirDrifto]

Your turbo was the holy grail of sunraders. Very cool!

[@safeinmyheart1]

Beautiful Sunrader! 💜

[@KyleLutes-vn1rt]

I wish they still made them. If they did, I would buy one. Why did they stop making such a great camper?

[@bsc1463]

Great job ....looks amazing and love the color. Please let me know if you are thinking about selling it . Thx

[@organiczucchini2313]

You can buy tbi kits to solve carb issues. It might cost you a grand or two, but it will solve those issues 😅

[@hollowdonte]

You should upgrade to an EFI system. You would get even better MPG and could delete a large amount of those vacuum lines

[@SirDrifto]

That's definitely on the bucket list

[@stevenfournier1686]

I love it. Great video. I have an 89 Caddy and those vacuum leaks are miserable. How did you find this camper being that it’s over 30yrs old. I’d be thrilled to find one.

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Great video. I was concerned that Nugget was missing, but then the door opened and there he was !

[@SirDrifto]

Thanks for watching!

[@deandee8082]

glue some padding and outdoor vinyl in a diamond tuck pattern at the head shock areas, side and bottom

[@annmariecuratolo383]

I have the exact same Toyota Sunrader. I am Looking to renovate this year and would love to touch base with you especially around window and door seals.

[@TheHoneyTrek]

How did you shine up your fiberglass so nicely? Also, did you redo your windows and other hatches (like the generator cabinet)....or find them somewhere to buy?

[@kylekaliszewski7869]

You have such a sweet rig! Would be interested if you did a comparison between your experience with the sunrader Vs the warrior.

[@SirDrifto]

I will definitely do one.

[@glennbrooks9933]

Very Very good video, and oh yeah, FUNNY, TOO .Thanks for your insight. My daughter is thinking about getting one.what was the cost for the rear axle, including labor, unless you did the work your self.

[@SirDrifto]

You can find axles for $500-1000

[@dbergan11]

Beautiful rig....I just bought a 93 Itasca with the same rear dinette floorplan and similar fiberglass shell. Can you recommend the lift kit you used and any other suspension/steering upgrades?

[@SirDrifto]

Yes, absolutely

[@ned900]

Nice example. What colour is it please? Its a great colour

[@SirDrifto]

Toyota Battleship Grey

[@ned900]

@@SirDrifto Nice, thank you

[@loudfast1261]

Im looking for wiring diagrams for this camper any links/ rescources? Love the color!

[@AbigailGerrish]

Hi! Awesome video! I'm scheming about getting my hands on a shorty sunrader (long shot, I know) but also considering just a little truck + truck camper. I have a couple of questions about your rig: Did you gut the interior or just update parts of it? How safe do you feel driving this thing on narrow, windy roads (think CA mountain roads)? Do you think the shorty version would feel safer? Do you ever wish it had more power and would you consider upgrades to give it more power (without compromising mpg, ideally)? Thank you!!

[@SirDrifto]

Always could use more power, they are really wind resistant with roll rates. However headwinds slow you down. I love having a walking back cab vs camper on the back of a truck. But that's just me.

[@alinalove4300]

Hi, I have a 1988 sunrader. Working on some updates. Where did you get your lift kit? Also love the paint job. Super sharp looking. Was that done in Colorado? Thanks!

[@ianmangham4570]

😮She's beautiful in and out ,old Toyota Reliable 🤠🙏

[@fastheartmartvideos]

Thank you for this excellent video! How much did it cost you to update that real axle from the "fake dually"?

[@ricardovargas3412]

10/10 on the review !!

[@SirDrifto]

Thank you 🙏

[@MICHAELMEREDITHSR]

Thank you for your video regarding the Toyota Sunrader RV Sir. 🙏🦉 🏞️

[@SirDrifto]

Any time!

[@heisrisen6898]

Geeeee my forehead hurts by watching this 🤦‍♂️ by I still love this freaking RV

[@SirDrifto]

@@heisrisen6898 I know the feeling 😃

[@sunroameroverland]

Love my 18foot, no more head bangs for me. 4x4 conversion on 33’s haha

[@SheWasADemon]

Tell me more about the one ton axle. I have the dually. Just smacked my head

[@SheldonGoff]

I see a lot of people making a big deal over the rear end swap. If it's hard to find why not just grab one from an F250 or something similar and adapt it to fit? Seems easier than finding a rare Toyota rear.

[@SirDrifto]

That's Is a true statement. The GM rear end is becoming a popular swap. I also found the old 5 lug not near as bad as everyone made it out to be. It came down to how much you were truly loading it. Only resson I did the 6 lug full floating is a came across a cheap parts truck.

[@SheldonGoff]

@@SirDrifto I can't imagine that they are that heavy. Just heavy for an old Toyota rear end. I bet a Tundra rear would make a great swap. They are a very heavy axle for being under a half ton truck.

[@firstname7330]

I would suggest a VW Vanagon Westfalia. You can have an external shower and even a toilet inside.

[@chancesareshewears]

Phenomenal job. U must have spent a fortune on this.

[@StageBanndit]

ok the real question.....what did you pay for it and after you got it. How much did you put into it? This is the most upgraded one i've ever seen.

[@SirDrifto]

About $6k additional for both exterior and interior updates.

[@SheWasADemon]

Our cars were so cool 60- 09

[@SereneDJ]

How much did it cost/how much of a pain was it to switch the rear axle?

[@SirDrifto]

@@SereneDJ cost me about $500. 1-10 10 being most severe I'd give it an 8. Just heavy and bulky but bolts right up.

[@SereneDJ]

@@SirDrifto thanks!

[@chancesareshewears]

Stationary, it's great.

[@javierandsarah1]

Is the 6lug axle conversion expensive? What type of price range should I expect and would this be done at an automotive shop or rv shop??

[@23beverly23]

Most people only bump their heads good 3x!! 😅😂😅 hurts too bad to-do it 4x! I have toyota RVs no sunraider YET tho!

[@efrain300]

Sir is there a way you can tell me the fiberglass from outside did you do it or took it to someone do it for you I have same truck camper

[@danischulze8021]

Curious if ur still local in Denver? I desperately need suspension work and would love to ask you about the lift u did. I'm south of Denver, DTC area mostly. If u would be willing to chat about it with me please let me know... Appreciate it. Btw.. urs is a beauty! ☺️

[@SirDrifto]

I am in Denver still, what issues are you having?

[@danischulze8021]

@@SirDrifto hi..I believe one side of my leaf spring may be broken so need new springs and want/need lift...I have air bags but they don't hold air so probably need replaced. I haven't had much luck finding someone who knows what they r doing with these or who will work on her because she very old or charge me some crazy amount....lol..I cut remember did u do ur own work or work with someone locally?

[@tomb5396]

Looks fantastic, can you provide rough cost of restoration?

[@SirDrifto]

I'm about $6000 into various updates both interior and exterior.

[@Waam15]

Any considerations on selling it one day? ;)

[@DrJenniferFee]

I have a pull out step on my 1982 Sunrader

[@gabrielj9860]

What color did you paint your rv? Thank you 🙏

[@SirDrifto]

Toyota cement gray

[@ruxrox]

That's the smell of Studio 54, dude.

[@DUDENOHELP]

whats the mpg on these? For some reason I had a dream I had one last night lol.

[@SirDrifto]

I average 15-17mpg

[@anthonyddomenicus4629]

What did you use to attach the cargo box on the bumper?

[@SirDrifto]

Did a basket carrier attachment.

[@mikemurphy5336]

was this engine made with fuel injection after this model year or are all these 22r toyota engines all carb

[@SirDrifto]

Yes 85 finally got injection

[@GreganDunn]

Surely that bed is freezing cold with all those windows around the bed area?

[@SirDrifto]

Surprisingly not bad at all

[@wheeliebthrifting1035]

Was your red one also a sun raider?

[@SirDrifto]

That was a 93 Warrior

[@joeboyfast7827]

Do the 86 dolphin have a 15 gallon gas tank

[@SirDrifto]

I believe they do

[@SpeakersIsGod]

75 mph is waaay too fast even for a small car. I am happy going 55 or less and being alot more safe with more reaction time

[@petuniab.222]

In Texas the speed limit is 80 . We go 90

[@petuniab.222]

In Texas the speed limit is 80 . We go 90

[@dancooper6002]

Going 55 is more dangerous than going 75. The safest speed is one 5% faster than prevailing traffic.

[@chancesareshewears]

I owned a Dolphin, passed on the Sunrader and picked up a Chinook. ALL are so underpowered are dangerous on any given hill. It's not safe...

[@wolffepack1]

I really hate smacking my shit against the fiberglass whenever I get out of mine (77 toyota chinook)

[@suelizzi1764]

Aorbags ?

[@traviswolf7210]

If only they would have put little 4 cylinder turbo diesel in it from the factory

[@ivlark1]

😂how we fucking in this thing.. I’ll ask the question..

[@stevedenning6345]

Dupee do you know how some garlic bread to go with that spaghetti under the hood quit it it’s a nice looking rig think I’m too tall for it

[@stevedenning6345]

What kind of gas mileage does an animal good does that animal get??? And how much is it?

[@stevedenning6345]

How fast will it go and how much is that turtle that Purdy turtle

[@SirDrifto]

She is happy at 65mph. But will do 75 with a tailwind 🤣

[@stevedenning6345]

It’s just a head knocker quit it