Fully renovated & remodeled 1986 Off-Grid Toyota Dolphin Tour

[@binxthekitty54]

What beautiful job. That transmission is definitely the best. Excellent. It makes me very happy to see a gem of a vehicle like this restored. Absolutely worth it.

[@danielratner]

Couldn't agree more! It's what sold me on the vehicle. Thanks for the comment!

[@dalesmithiii5999]

The 22RE is a great motor too, it will probably out last the camper honestly. It looks great!

[@danielratner]

Appreciate it! Yah that engine is what sold me on the rv

[@dnews9519]

We had one of these when I was young it was absolutely the best camper ever.

[@danielratner]

It is! Toyota reliability while still a full size RV

[@Twofeathers22]

Was it

[@robr2389]

Those are so cool. I wish they were still being manufactured. That would be perfect for myself and the two cats who own me. Very nice job restoring your rig.

[@danielratner]

Much appreciated! I had a little kitty with me too on my adventures!

[@robr2389]

@@danielratner Thanks for the reply, Dan. Ya know, I like dogs too but, I've ALWAYS been more of a cat guy. I simply like cats.😸🤣🐈

[@Beautiful_Mess]

I hope my cat likes his first camping trip this Christmas. He rides in my car without issues. Camping will be an adventure!

[@robr2389]

@@Beautiful_Mess Probably no worries at all. I had a female tabby who absolutely loved camping. Keep a very close eye on him. Surely do not want him getting the attention of a coyote or another animal that could harm him.

[@nomo9344]

Nice, heck of a job. As far as viewability, a wider angle from a distance would be good to see full interior at a glance.

[@danielratner]

Thank you! I appreciate the tip

[@abbe1abbe156]

Yes, the wider angle would be great. Beautiful job fixing it up.

[@lillieclack9203]

Really nice

[@silaslongshot941]

Nice restore! Lucky to find one that wasn't rotten all over because of roof leaks!

[@jeanmarston500]

Very nice renovation hope you get good use

[@danielratner]

Thank you!! ❤

[@michaeldavies9533]

Brilliant thanks for letting us into your Toyota,so glad that you kept the bathroom, unlike another Toyota user you took theirs out, nothing like having the convenience of having a bathroom,,hope you have many years in your build. Regards from Hereford UK

[@jameswilburn6605]

For the age of this has to be the best job of making over that I have seen love it you really have initiative and imagination

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it

[@CDubsJourney]

Very nice review of what all you have done. It looks great! ✌️💛

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much! Very appreciated

[@CDubsJourney]

@@danielratner you are truly welcome! ✌️💛

[@floswason8776]

I really liked it you didn’t forget a thing and it was roomy enough. You did good ⭐️⭐️

[@danielratner]

Thank's so much :)

[@droks510]

That's so awesome, my grandmother and grandfather had one of those and they went absolutely everywhere in it, my grandfather took such great care of it. I wish I would have took it over when they both passed, there were so many family memories in it😞

[@danielratner]

That's awesome. The they are really a product of their times, especially all the carpeting in the original layout

[@Aaron.Seabolt]

Yo this was a video I didn't know I needed to see until it popped up in my recommended. This is beautiful.

[@danielratner]

Thank you~! Very much appreciated

[@matthewedwards3550]

WELL DONE DANIEL!!!... what a great little home on wheels!!!...everything one needs!!! BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO!!! KEEP ON KEEP'N ON!!!

[@danielratner]

That's so nice! Thanks Matthew keep on keeping on lol!

[@phyllisspires1714]

Are you selling

[@JR_SupportOurHeroes]

Very nice job looks fantastic inside and outside. Reminds me of our 1972 Skamper Pop Up camper growing up. Our Dad and Mom did various upgrades and we camped in many parts of the USA

[@danielratner]

Thanks! That's awesome. I love hearing about people memories and travel, it's been awesome making my own

[@67FORDTRUCKF250]

I remember riding in one of these from Colorado to California in the early 80's....certainly wasn't fast but did great on gas and comfortable..... these will be coming up in value because of the Toyota reliability.

[@danielratner]

Emphasis on the slow! But yes good on gas and reliable. Thanks for the comment!

[@richardstaffordii8364]

Love your rig! We have a 1991 with the same layout, its my familys pride and joy, we have 5 kids and use it as our family mobile, as a clock and watch maker we service our home state and it makes for an comfortable self contained way to explore the world with a family. But like anything vintage and it requires respect, patience, and a good amount of mechanical tenacity to keep them moving properly. Its a sailboat for the land, a prairie schooner. Love seeing them on the road and well loved❤

[@lindamarie6574]

That is nice! Looks comfortable and has all you need! I like that it’s open to the driver and passenger. Also nice decor!

[@danielratner]

Thanks Linda! Having it be open makes it a breeze to be stealthy

[@lindamarie6574]

@@danielratner lol, it just looks so cozy too!

[@christophermoser6235]

I love your camper! I travel from California to Alaska for work, I'm searching for the same year camper that I can fix up and make home when I travel

[@danielratner]

Best of luck! That's a long ways to travel so the toyota reliability and gas mileage will help

[@maggiem.2919]

You did an excellent job. Enjoy!

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much!

[@erikvaldur3334]

A lot of nice living space in that little camper. Nice job.

[@flightplan1000]

I owned an '85 Toyota RV with the dinette right at the back but otherwise pretty much the same equipment and engine. I had mine for over 22 years and pretty much fixed or rebuilt everything on it including rebuilding the main door, the cabover bunk, both wheel wells and the roof. My rig was fun and I made trips all over the US but the going was slow and noisy and the original seats weren't very comfortable either. In the repair process, I realized that these RVs were built with mostly junky materials poorly put together. If you like working on your rig, this is the perfect one!

[@suzannecranford6819]

What a fabulous renovation! Thanks for the tour!

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much! That's very nice

[@benjamin48th]

In 1986 I was two but thts clean bro it reminds me of hills have eyes and bro add a ring camera

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much man! Really appreciate it

[@benjamin48th]

@@danielratner I wld tour national parks in the dolphin are u going to upgrade the engine put a V8 in there lol

[@Add_Account485]

I actually really like the sleeping quarters I think would be cool waking up in that little area. Feels snug with all the curtains windows stuff.. It's kinda funny to see modern stuff in an old trailer ??. Like USB holders , led lights , remote control fans? Surround speakers!? and the movable flat screen tv.. etc.. Cause they wouldn't had that back then ; I don't think?

[@collyoung6017]

Here in the UK the early hi - lux's only had the 18R but by 86 most were the 2.2 then 2.4 Turbo Diesel - had a 92 with a demountable Knaus 4 berth - best vehicle I have ever owned - good luck with yours !!!!!

[@Jason_Phillips3679]

It’s awesome. I’ve always wanted this type of rv.

[@danielratner]

Thanks! I hope that you find one they are great!

[@wiggieest.8415]

Super cool man I would love to own something like that good job

[@danielratner]

Thanks! You will one day!

[@thedarkknight4243]

surprised there are so much features on a small truck bed/ camper. Good use of space

[@danielratner]

People are always surprised and say "It looks bigger on the inside" lol

[@ceetwyce335]

Excellent rebuild! I really like the "night stuff" area for tissues and lotion. 😉👌🏿👍🏿

[@danielratner]

Thanks haha! I appreciate it

[@debbiebrantley61]

Wow that was awesome,you’ve really got that thing cozy,I would love to spend some time in it

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much! :)

[@sandycoponen4561]

I own a 1986 Toyota Mini Crusier. So many similarities.

[@danielratner]

Nice! Those 80's toyota RV's came in so many flavors I keep learning about new ones every day

[@bingochoice]

nice job..I wish toyota still made these things..

[@danielratner]

Same they were amazing!

[@pouglwaw5932]

If Toyota kept making them they would all have the small V-6 motor they ended up with. I have the 4 cyl and love it, but nobody now would put up with it bogging down to 35 mph uphill struggling to get that big coach over a steep rise.

[@glendanorman781]

Very nice! Reminds me of the one my mom bought years and years ago to drive to our property in Missouri. I personally never rode in it ( I preferred to fly there!) but my sisters did and they said it was fun! Nice renovation on it! (could you spend a little slower time while panning the rooms? It was a little to fast. Go slower- if you think you are going slow You're not going slow enough! Lol But really a nice job!)

[@danielratner]

That’s a lovely story! Thanks for sharing. I do appreciate the feedback as well, It will help me make better content in the future

[@RichardNaslund]

Very nice job everything looks great beautiful rv for. Sure love to own one myself thanks for the tour awesome job

[@otway00]

Use to work at a store that did all sorts of stuff to enhance your ride from pin strip to trailer hitches and more. Had a person come with a old camper like that. He wanted us to remove the camper section from the truck and place it on a newer version of the same truck ( about a 20 year difference in age ). Got very pissed when I told him that we would not even try as old camper would not fit on the newer truck and even if it did it would not look right.

[@danielratner]

I've seen many videos of people stripping the back and turning them into flat bed Dually trucks. You still would have to deal with the big gapping hole in the cabin. In some instances I could see it worth it. You can find a ruined Dolphin for probably 2k, and salvage that into a truck (vs. buying one for 5-6k or whatever they go for nowadays)

[@jacobdupree8802]

Awesome job! You're very talented!

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much!

[@jacobdupree8802]

@@danielratner you're welcome

[@texas2cv]

Very well done, Very well thought out. Nicely Done. Keep up the good work.

[@danielratner]

That's very nice, thank you!

[@1019buster]

Nice job, I really enjoyed the tour

[@mstrt3749]

Great job on that build sir! I've always loved those Toyota Dolphins. The only thing that used to drive me crazy was how it squats in the rear. I would have to add beefier springs in the back. That's just me though! Well done!

[@danielratner]

I appreciate it! You are in fact correct about the rear sag. It has an air system that has long been out of order. I would have upgraded the leafs and added coils, but it was out of my budget to do. It did scrape occasionally but that's just the life of a Toyota Dolphin lol

[@mstrt3749]

@@danielratner I hear ya brother and thanks for the response! Look forward to more videos

[@LS-gh9hl]

Great reno! I'm curious about the off center placement of the drawer handle under the sink.

[@danielratner]

Because I added that drawer later on, I had to place the handle off center so it wouldn't interfere with the walls of the cabinet

[@Kimberley_Black_White_TV]

Hi! That was a great tour and I enjoyed it very much! If you ever do an updated tour in the future, be sure to do a slow pan around the entire inside, at least at the end, so we can get an even better feel of its gorgeousness! I can tell all the meticulous time you took in restoring this. It's quite roomy, yet cozy, and has a ton of storage. Be safe on your travels! xo

[@danielratner]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll be sure to do that next time. Thanks for all the wishes!

[@christopherlucas1395]

It’s a nice renovation, but I agree with Kim on the interior view. It seems like your using a GoPro attached to your head. The next time try using a hand held device to give your audience a better panoramic view. 😉

[@Add_Account485]

@@danielratner yeah brilliant closeups and details of everything.. but we need long view first to understand where it's situated and how it looks from a distance as you walk up to it . .. None the less.. I got the long view by pausing and rewinding and trying to figure it out. And it's very cute.. I lov the bedroom area the most. So cool

[@philluphardagain4925]

​@@danielratner Hi Daniel. If U don't mind me asking, how much did it bring? As I see n description, "has been $old. Thank You Daniel. 👍🏻

[@glennda1939]

Fantastic remodel! Great job!

[@danielratner]

Thank you that's very much appreciated!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

If I got something like that I would turn the over cab into a micro room. TV surround sound AC heat. Super insulated and power saving.

[@danielratner]

That sounds awesome! Would love to see a design like that

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

@@danielratner I kinda have that minus the supreme insulation Runaway camper.

[@primalentity9824]

Funny I’m watching this from inside mine that’s almost exactly the same. Other than it being the older 22r engine. It’ll still go over 80 in flat ground since I put a Weber 32/36 carburetor on it. It’s kinda crazy how similar everything you did to it is to mine. I mean from the tachometer, stereo, backup camera, ceiling vent fan, the sound system, battery bank, inverter even the tv mount is damn near exactly how I’ve got mine setup.

[@brianbiro9094]

Awesome Camper Man good job setting it up 2🙂👍👍✌🇺🇸

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much!

[@donnacole4227]

Awesome job man I love it Hi from Florida

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much! Love Florida hope to make it out sometime

[@donnacole4227]

Hey come on down man We having awesome weather right now

[@robt4466]

Nice man. Love that it's a stick shift.

[@danielratner]

Me too, that's what sold me one it. Thanks!

[@cassiefriedman1446]

My goodness there's so many doors lol I bet it's nice to have everything separated though

[@danielratner]

It's nice to be able to hide and lock things too!

[@Happypucks]

Thats totally awesome, good job

[@gryphonlaw2138]

Always wanted a dolphin. Good job dude

[@danielratner]

Thanks! I hope that you get on down the road, thery're awesome little things

[@edgarrumbo8547]

Excelente job..!! Congratulations

[@danielratner]

Thank you very much!

[@lindamerchant4431]

That's one great truck trailer

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@tracychamberlin3502]

I had a 1974 coachman I miss it

[@danielratner]

Those are awesome!

[@rcschmidt6]

Great job and a place for one's tissues and lotion. 🤣🤣🤣

[@danielratner]

We won't mention that LOL!

[@jasonpicano1199]

very very cool.. i am impressed. great job

[@danielratner]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelburke6552]

You made an old RV feel loved again good job. Oh and thanks for knowing that its a water heater not a hot water heater. When I heare people say hot water heater I ask why would you heat your hot water?

[@danielratner]

Thanks for that! I get peeved too but I think it's only the dorks like me and you that care enough to say it properly LOL

[@chetrocket]

This is dope!!! Keep it up! My channel is attempting to do the same thing 🎉

[@danielratner]

Awesome! I'll check it out

[@leilal8053]

Don't like that weird Fawcett, but the rest is nice....especially the cabinets. I also love the Floorplan and decor. 😊

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much!

[@robertclark9]

Awesome resto. But if I were going to do any long distance traveling, I would upgrade that rear differential to a six lug. The five lugs are notorious for the axles sheering off.

[@maggieobrien7280]

WOW i could live in that

[@danielratner]

Thank you! It's a dream to live in

[@samuelcantley5500]

Yes that's the motor I need right there

[@danielratner]

Great engine highly recommended

[@samuelcantley5500]

The only difference between yours and mine the sink is by the door and stove is by the bathroom and the sink in the back rest identical but you got an engine in yours

[@danielratner]

@@samuelcantley5500 That's an interesting set up, I have't seen that one before. I like mine better because when cooking you can just open the door to allow the fumes to exhaust. Good luck with the engine by the way! I'm sure it won't be too difficult it's just a matter of sourcing a solid engine

[@charleskoerkel4312]

I can't believe that heavy vehicle comes with a 4cyl not a straight 6cyl, wow

[@danielratner]

It's a beast of an engine!

[@gloria2619]

Love it!! Did a Great job!! 👍

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much!!

[@elaineratner6456]

Very informative video

[@danielratner]

So nice of you thanks!

[@moustachemike7128]

nice review ..wondering if it has the 5 lug or 6 lug axle ....been hearing the 5 is under rated for the size...But that might be from later models..and transmissions.....

[@danielratner]

All 86+ models come with the 6 lug. I would never purchase a 5, and if I had to I would immediately upgrade it. I've seen lots of posts of failed 5 lug rear axels

[@kerrajohnson3203]

Looks like the RV from Friday the 13th Part 6. That image of Jason Voorhees standing on top of it is burned in my memory.

[@danielratner]

Lol! That's quite a memory to have

[@bebokiroshani1683]

Aslamualakum mashallah zabardast ❤ im from Islamabad Pakistan ❤

[@SELAJE-ny2rq]

The 22R-e engine. Beautiful engine the only problem with that motor is the cyl number 3. If you already hit de 300k miles you better be thinking about refresh that bottom end. Other than that its a beautiful rig you have there. El problema de esos motores en especial el 22R-e es el piston #3 , siempre da problemas por la forma en que la biela hace la fuerza en el cigueñal. Se desgasta el "bearing" casquillo de la parte inferior de la biela. Siempre pasa Te lo dice un mecanico especializado en Toyota.

[@danielratner]

Thanks! really appreciate the advice. Fortunately it still has many miles to go before 300k

[@VanventureswithKaia]

This is really nice 👍

[@burly636]

I bought a 1989 12 days ago. It’s not a manual transmission, the engine was rebuilt in 2006 and the inside. I must learn more about it.

[@kevinbalcom1696]

Thank You

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@nildasantiago6330]

I love the camper

[@susansharp112]

Are there screens on the sliding windows

[@danielratner]

There previously were, but we weren't able to save them unfortunately

[@arthenarubin3196]

Totally a Gem

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@Teetoy4]

My dream truck rv v6 though

[@danielratner]

Those are great! Albeit, less reliable and economical than the 4 cyl. Still a great engine though

[@dominicgroomer2004]

Tissue Lotion night stuff 😂

[@sheliamcnair4120]

Very nice

[@danielratner]

Thanks!

[@streetwork5069]

Saw an old Toyota rv on Philadelphia Craigslist..there maybe two ..

[@danielratner]

Hard to find these days

[@gloriaknepp1290]

nice job, lovin it

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@areenakju]

Nice

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@PankyRang52873]

Tissues and lotions huh? Lol pretty cool RV

[@followyourbliss101]

bright and homey

[@tonyv1505]

I noticed on that last panel 15:41 you mention you have a heat resistant cover under the panel door, where you have the 1500-watt inverter, does it get warm in that box wouldn't you want to let it breath let it cool off by putting an automatic heat vent that turns on when the box gets to a certain temperature these electronics start messing up when they get too warm and they'll last longer if they don't get overheated

[@danielratner]

That's a good point. It has passive airflow leading outside, but when I was setting up I did consider adding a fan. It wasn't an issue though even in the summer

[@dripdreezy]

Very cool

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@vanessadeklerk2862]

Very nice and spacious! But please, try to step back a bit so we can get a better idea of the lay out and don't jerk the camera around so much. I often see this in van videos- they show the ports and chargers and what not in minute detail, but you never get an overall idea of the full lay out of the van.

[@danielratner]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@guillermoo5493]

muy hermosa gracias por el video

[@ashebark5729]

Can’t see the overall picture of how it looks. Wish I could havw

[@straightlines7432]

Nice . So how does the motor do when loaded and on hills ? Mpg?

[@patriciamarkham6999]

I just watched your video but you didn't really show the actual location of the refrigerator. All you did was show the inside. Where is it actually located in the dolphin?? You should do a full tour of the inside like the dealers do it on here so we can really see where everything is before you show individual things.

[@andyleo8418]

Very nice. Diamond quilt on the floor looks out of place.

[@danielratner]

Thanks! Fortunately it's a carpet that can be removed

[@texasgirl6000]

It's the color that throws it off, black would have been a better choice IMO.

[@billsultzbach7079]

Loving is showing his little cooby night time area where you can keep your tissues and lotion! LOL guess he doesn't have a girlfriend!

[@bobbiewalts6742]

Your night stuff.. tissues and lotions 😆😆

[@Pinkfairy21]

Lotion and tissues for your night stuff? 🤔

[@kimcampos2396]

Exactly what I want

[@seanmcglynn2476]

Wow what an awesome house on wheels

[@danielratner]

Thank you 🤗

[@angrybadger8136]

Hard to believe that little motor can move that thing.. especially up in the mountains. Probably needs a turbo

[@suarezpn1]

So it operates with batteries, did it used to operate with a generator? Which do you like best?

[@LeNzxCalibur]

how much did you spend all together on this project?

[@danielratner]

All in with the cost of the RV and everything about 18k

[@MegaPontoon]

Stunning

[@danielratner]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@martinlandaverde403]

Is the 22 RE a 6 cylinder??

[@danielratner]

It's a 2.3L 4 Cylinder