Fully renovated & remodeled 1986 Off-Grid Toyota Dolphin Tour

[@silaslongshot941]

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

[@stonedog23]

This takes me back to my freshman year in college, a classic! This thing inside and out is hideous, but in a nostalgic way. Great reno.

[@danielratner]

Thanks! Can't imagine what I would do as a freshman in one lol!

[@youtubeokay5769]

​@danielratner u would fuk alot pussy that's what

[@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

[@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

[@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. 👍🏻

[@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

[@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.

[@Becky_One]

I had to sell my 2003 Class C because of health reasons. This really makes me miss it. This is so cute. I wish you happy travels in it! ❤

[@danielratner]

I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can one day adventure again. Thanks for the wishes!!

[@swamperdog4558]

You did an incredible job renovating this RV! It's the nicest Toyota class C I've seen.

[@danielratner]

That's very nice of you, thank you!

[@67FORDTRUCKF250]

I would agree, neat and clean.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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

[@rdstobbart]

Very well done. Nice to get around in

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much!

[@TheRealDrGreenbaum]

My parents had a 1992 Dolphin. When they sold it more than a decade ago for $2k it had 16k miles. I can smell the fabric in the front seats when I saw your video, lol! Thank you for the memories

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

That is super nice. I would have been 23 when it was made. I can tell you we never saw many of these on the road. Back in the day we had auto stores that would lay a nice plastic flooring down over carpet to protect it. Same as with the seats. The plastic did a great job protecting the seats but the bad thing was if you were wearing shorts your legs would stick to it in the heat

[@danielratner]

Thanks for sharing that lovely story! I wish that the previous owners of this dolphin had the foresight to do something similar. Unfortunately the carpet was completely destroyed by years of much and dirt. Carpet seems like a cozy option, but man does it get gross fast!

[@tamos6546]

That is a sweet little motorhome.

[@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

[@asapstan]

Nice job.ive got the same rv.youve inspired me to get mine back in shape

[@danielratner]

Awesome! You should it's so much fun! Let me know how it goes

[@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! ✌️💛

[@stephenrobbins9901]

Nice ,never seen so much stuff in that size vehicle!

[@danielratner]

Thanks! Really tried to get in as much as possible

[@floswason8776]

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

[@danielratner]

Thank's so much :)

[@pepejuan2924]

I’ve looked at several of these and I like the configuration and character of yours the best, very cool thanks for posting 👍

[@danielratner]

That means a lot to me, thank you so much!

[@lbl9066]

This is very nice on the outside. The cab colors are beautiful. Love, love the kitchen, very clean, clever dining table, bedroom looks comfortable, you did a great job and very detailed.

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it

[@effkay3691]

Now that is hideously gorgeous. Takes me back to my childhood

[@danielratner]

Thanks! Lol

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@suzannecranford6819]

What a fabulous renovation! Thanks for the tour!

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much! That's very nice

[@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

[@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! :)

[@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❤

[@Das801E]

Omg this is the BEST WELL PLAN DESI AND INTERIOR COLORS! I t was the best Tour and love the inside colors that help your camera reflect the awesome walk thur❤ Thx 4 Sharing❤Luv❤It !

[@danielratner]

That's really sweet, thank you so much!!! Not everyone has liked it but I am glad some people do :)

[@Beautiful_Mess]

Very nice little camper. You did a great remodel.

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@beverlyhigh620]

You got the good Toyota engine, the SR-22 is the sought after engine in the rock crawlers. It never quits. The cabin looks great.

[@danielratner]

Love it! It's the 22RE engine, one of the most robust and reliable engines ever made. (The SR-22 was a trim package). Thanks for the compliments

[@maggiem.2919]

You did an excellent job. Enjoy!

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much!

[@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

[@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

[@ceetwyce335]

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

[@danielratner]

Thanks haha! I appreciate it

[@erikvaldur3334]

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

[@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

[@texas2cv]

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

[@danielratner]

That's very nice, thank you!

[@paulchristiansen7014]

sweet vintage style camper, nice up grades too..

[@danielratner]

Much appreciated thank you!

[@wiggieest.8415]

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

[@danielratner]

Thanks! You will one day!

[@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 !!!!!

[@RichardNaslund]

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

[@jacobdupree8802]

Awesome job! You're very talented!

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much!

[@jacobdupree8802]

@@danielratner you're welcome

[@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

[@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!

[@ScaredShiftless91]

Great job I've always liked the Toyota RV's

[@danielratner]

Me too! Thank you!

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

I love this!!!! Man I see you’re in the Bay Area too. I live in the east bay. Love the clock!!!

[@danielratner]

Hell yeah love the East Bay too! Thanks for the love

[@gabrieltorres8562]

“Over here, A little night area you have your tissues your lotions whatever you need for your night stuff” 😂 @12:21 🧴🍆🧻

[@lifeslight980]

I'm coming with you on your next trip. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@jeremyetchison948]

Not with all that tissue and lotion next to his bed lol.

[@Jason_Phillips3679]

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

[@danielratner]

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

[@Bob-hf1ol]

Tissue and lotion next to the bed, Huh ...I wonder ... 😂 Nice rig bud. 👍

[@danielratner]

🤫 hahaha thank you I appreciate it!

[@1019buster]

Nice job, I really enjoyed the tour

[@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

[@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!

[@glennda1939]

Fantastic remodel! Great job!

[@danielratner]

Thank you that's very much appreciated!

[@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

[@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

[@brianbiro9094]

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

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much!

[@jeffreyvasby3230]

Awsome, Restore kid's😎. God Bless all your life adventures and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@danielratner]

Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@nancyhannan1977]

I used to own one of these I loved it. Easy to drive and park. Nice job. Mine had a 22R Motor can't kill em

[@danielratner]

Best motors on the planet! Emphasis on easy to park especially when you have a rear view cam

[@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

[@ronfryer818]

Looks great , lots of storage

[@danielratner]

Thanks! much appreciated

[@robt4466]

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

[@danielratner]

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

[@marcussilva9623]

this was an epic watch, thank you for sharing. I might be closing the deal on my first dolphin next week and I’ll be taking tons of inspo from your vid. hows it been running lately? any tips/things I should look out for before buying? I’m looking at an 85’ 6-lug, 4 cylinder manual build with a 22R-E engine

[@Happypucks]

Thats totally awesome, good job

[@FPfreddyyy]

the interior looks beautiful

[@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.

[@TheChaptersofOurLives]

This looks amazing

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much!

[@gryphonlaw2138]

Always wanted a dolphin. Good job dude

[@danielratner]

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

[@aaronerskine3401]

amazing it could drive under its own power with all the added weight -- can't imagine doing mountains in colarado

[@danielratner]

That's true! I would drop it down to second and climb verrrryyy slowly

[@ArmyGirl-lz3qd]

BEAUTIFUL 🤩 job well done 👍🏽

[@danielratner]

Thank you :)

[@markbrown8790]

Manual transmission and hand crank windows!! . I like it

[@danielratner]

A lot more simple and less stuff to break!

[@sandypawz645]

It looks beautiful great job!👍👍

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much!

[@hectorquinones2443]

Love it. Great job DUDE.

[@danielratner]

Thanks a ton!

[@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)

[@edgarrumbo8547]

Excelente job..!! Congratulations

[@danielratner]

Thank you very much!

[@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!

[@patmurphy389]

I used to have a 1976 toyota dolphin, it was extremely small inside, big enough for two people only. It had a toilet, stove, sink, refrigerator that ran off of gas or electric, I really miss that camper. I ended up selling it to a lady from new hampshire.

[@danielratner]

It's really the perfect size. I will miss it for sure!

[@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

[@rosabivins2558]

Beautiful gorgeous awesome job!!

[@danielratner]

I really appreciate that, thank you!

[@denisestewart5440]

Nice job!

[@danielratner]

Thank you!!

[@jasonpicano1199]

very very cool.. i am impressed. great job

[@danielratner]

Thank you very much!

[@donnakrauss94]

I really like it. Excellent job

[@danielratner]

Thank you so much!

[@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

[@ginavagabond]

Love this!

[@danielratner]

Thank you!!!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Always wanted one of those.

[@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

[@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.

[@kaleta036]

Beautiful Tyeota

[@danielratner]

Thank you!!

[@bebokiroshani1683]

Aslamualakum mashallah zabardast ❤ im from Islamabad Pakistan ❤

[@lindamerchant4431]

That's one great truck trailer

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@gloria2619]

Love it!! Did a Great job!! 👍

[@danielratner]

Thanks so much!!

[@MaryM-xz5fs]

IMPRESSIVE!

[@danielratner]

Thank you!

[@tonyv1505]

just noticed at the end of the video you have it for sale all that work and the way you talked about it i thought you was going to enjoy it long term

[@danielratner]

😂 I didn't even realize people would get that impression considering I was traveling with my gf

[@susansharp112]

Very nice

[@danielratner]

Thank you!♥

[@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.

[@janeysiegrist5061]

Adorable..someday I'll have one 🥰

[@danielratner]

You will :)