The Toyota Mini Motorhome – A Quirky RV With A Strong Following
Benjamin | Jun 04, 2010 | Comments 74
In the 1970’s and 80’s the RV boom hit America hard, and with it came motorhomes and camping trailers of all different shapes and sizes. Most people are familiar with the mammoth bus-based Winnebagos and pickup-truck mounted camper attachments, but few people remember that Toyota also got into the camping game in its own unique fashion. Unlike other major RV players who battled over maximum trailer length and interior square footage, Toyota decided to keep things small and compact. In doing so, they almost cornered the market on affordable and practical camping.
Toyota's Mini Motorhomes are an interesting and perhaps forgotten chapter of Toyota history
The Toyota Mini Motorhome first hit American roads in the mid-1970’s, and was based on a version of the Toyota Hilux compact pickup truck. In the U.S. this truck was given several imaginative names over the course of its lifetime – Truck, Compact Truck, Pickup Truck – before eventually becoming the Tacoma in the mid-90’s. A range of different four-cylinder engines were fitted to the Mini Motorhome Hilux’s, offering power ratings that hovered around the 100 horse mark for most of its production, and a V6 option available towards the end of its run bumped horsepower up to nearly 135 (shown above).
The combination of low engine output and the additional weight of an enclosed RV unit perched on the back of the Hilux didn’t exactly translate into a vehicle that set hearts and highways afire with its blazing speed. That being said, Toyota’s Mini Motorhome did offer enough motivation to get happy campers from point A to point B in a reasonable amount of time, and the vehicle enjoyed an unexpected popularity in an industry where size was almost always king. The Toyota’s fairly reasonable fuel mileage and easy to park and maneuver dimensions offered a different sort of RV experience that appealed to campers not necessarily interested in taking it all with them when they ventured out into the great outdoors.
Everything you need to live a spartan life on the road.
Five main floor plans were offered with the Toyota Mini Motorhome, and the actual living compartments were built by a wide range of big-name RV companies under contract with Toyota. Coachman, Winnebago Industries and Chinook are some of the more recognizable figures involved in building the Mini Motorhome, while other organizations such as Dolphin, Huntsman and National also enjoyed popularity with buyers.
Cramped or cozy? It's all in the eyes of the beholder.
A number of Toyota Mini Motorhome clubs – both online and offline – flourish to this day, despite the original run of the vehicle ending in the early 90’s. The Toyota Mini Motorhome is a much more appealing option for downsized camping than similar efforts from Volkswagen from the same era, due to better reliability and ease of repair. Strange as it may see, the Toyota campers also enjoy a power advantage over their German campers.
Striking out on the road in one of these Toyota Mini Motorhomes is a fun way to not only see America, but also connect with a good group of people who enjoy both camping in and talking about their unique recreational vehicles.
*Special thanks to ToyotaMotorHomes.com for help with this article and for supplying the images you see.
Search terms people used to find this page:
- toyota rv
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- toyota camper
- Toyota Mini Motorhome
- mini motorhome
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- TOYOTA MINI MOTORHOMES
Popularity: 18%
Filed Under: TundraHeadquarters.com
OOOOOOO I want one.
my family use to have one….. sold it in the mid 90′s… the ONLY problem was the narrow wheel base…. can you say “ROLLOVER FACTOR”?
Jeremy – They look cool don’t they? Found one on eBay for $3800 and thought “maybe i can talk the wife into a winter trip down south…” Then I woke up, LOL.
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Beez – Any more insights? We had a hell of a time finding info…
I could use that as a mobile command station for my bid to TAKE OVER THE WORLD (Thunder in the distance)
I remember those. I thought they were very useful. I had a 13 ft Rockwood popup camper that I bought brand new in 1981 for $2300. It was great except no bathroom onboard. I still liked it.
My neighbor had one! I thought the coolest feature was the ability to step in and out of the camper from the cab!! I believe the drivers and passangers seats were swiveling captains chairs, correct me if I’m wrong.
Jeremy – I will be on your team.
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Mickey – I think no bathroom might be kind of nice…no chemicals, no BS, less maintenance. Of course, I’ve never owned an RV or camper, so I might be all wet.
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Dez – The photos seem to indicate as much, but again we really didn’t find a lot of info on this one. Benjamin gets a gold star for coming up with as much as he did!
i can safely say, i’ve never seen one of these, but i think it’s cool.
Jason, with regard to your bathroom comment, I thought I would throw my $.02 worth in.
We currently own a 23′ Outback travel trailer. (Which our Tundra CM tows effortlessly, by the way.) Though it is not a particularly large trailer, as trailers go, it at least has a full bathroom. After all those years of tent camping and camping in a Coleman pop-up, I would never go back. Yes, there is extra maintenance and cleaning taking care of that black tank, but it is well worth it. Especially at 3:00 in the morning, it’s raining outside, and nature is calling.
danny – That’s exactly what I thought when I first saw one.
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BobG – Makes perfect sense.
Try taking that over the rockies…lol. I remember it like yesterday, my buddies parents had one and we all thought it is was the best thing since popcorn. Didn’t they sing about that in the song “convoy”…lol.
rich – I think they did…and chickens. I remember chickens.
Lived in one for five years. Really have fond memories of beingthere.
Kathryn – It sounds like a cramped but pleasant living situation – thanks for sharing.
Had a 1976 Toyota Chinook. Neatest camper I ever had by far. Wish I could find one now.
I have owned a Warrior for the last six years and it has been one of the best buys I have ever done. We use it all the time even just for an overnighter in the forest or tailgate parties. I live in it for work for weeks at a time. The full bathroom is so worth it, even when your still on the highway. Once your in it your always on vacation because you won’t get there fast. It’s easy to park and maneuver even in downtown settings. Maintenance isn’t expensive either. Keeps life simple:)
By the way… Off to Yellowstone tonight for nine days in the Warrior… Road trip…
View of The Peaks – Cool! You make a very compelling case for the Warrior. Have fun in Jellystone.
Where can we join a club of travelers for the Toyota minis?
Hi to all above…. some answers:
the old chinooks are all over the place especially in the northwest , try Oregon craigs list…
I am remodeling one just like the pictured, ran it down I-5 at 80mph, peppy lil 4
It has rust from former owner in California who was mean to her and I have a bunch of fixes, but hard to destroy the 22R and toy tranny
I also would like to join a mini camper toy club let me know!
Bought a 1991 Toyota RV in Jan 2010 for $5K with 50K miles, V6 and love it. Left Needles, CA to Pismo Beach, CA RV site. For 2 people it is just fine. Its a Toyota and that in itself says a lot. I have 2 other Toyota family vehicles and NEVER complain about them. If you want one I know where to find them and a site for you once you own one. SUPER friendly people.
Pat: toyota-campers@yahoogroups.com You will love the crew feedback on the website. What kind of Toy RV do you have?
Dennis – Sounds like a nice trip. Good tip on the Yahoo group too – thank you for commenting.
I’m looking for a camper and am very interested in the toyota. Can you tell me which model and year has the v6 motor. I live in Florida if anyone has one for sale.
There are many places to list a vehicle online for sale…the comments on this article are not one of them.
Thanks.
I just bought a 1979 toyota sunrader in South Dakota off craigslist, go figure! My girlfriend and I are in our early twenties and plan on traveling out to Oregon and live in it. We are both in love with it. Anyone want to tow us over the mountains?
I acquired a 1981 Toyota Rader Motorhome through my best friends, coworkers divorce liquidation sale. My camper had 52,000 original mile two years ago when I got it. Its been very reliabale and a lot of fun to camp with. The best part was I only paid 600.00 for it. I’m interested in talking to others about these mini motor homes and the strong little 22R they put in these(Mine is pre fuel injection, and I think rated less that 100hp) Amazing, it gets about 20mpg on a trip. My email is Ryanowski02 [at] yahoo.com if anyone wants to talk.
I own 1987 4cyc L.G.motor, auto, air,sunrader all fiberglass rear air bags,about 18miles per gal.if you stay under 70 miles pr. hr. and have a great time in it.growing out of it,and it might be on the market.keep lookin on the web and you’ll find the toyota mini motor home club,we go out to the pacific coast all the time and it’s like frist class,easy parking and people always asking about the toyota.happy camping.
My wife and I tried one out in a road trip to Las Vegas last weekend. Reliable, not bad on gas (14 mpg), and cozy, including space for our small pooches!
Oh, and this is the National RV Dolphin version, with the 2.2 engine, manual trans, and evap cooling in the RV body.
I have owned both a 4 cylinder, Toyota Coachmen with a rear kitchen that I lived in for almost a year down in Key West and a 6 cylinder, Toyota Sunrader. Both engines appear to be bullet-proof and I full-time in each. I can’t imagine owning anything else. Easy to operate, virtually maintenance-free, with readily available and inexpensive parts, when you do need servicing.
I thought about purchasing a RoadTrek (Class B) Van, but the price sticker was essentially around $65 to $75 thousand, so I decided against it and I’m glad I did. That price difference buys a whole lot of fuel and years of traveling throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. If, one these Toyota Campers are within your budgets or experiences, you won’t regret it. Think of it as a cross between an SUV and a minivan on steroids.
My wife and I bought our 1993 Winnebago Warrior from Craig’s list about 1.5 years ago. We paid $5500 for it. We go everywhere with it. It’s great for an after work trip to the beach to have dinner and watch the sunset. We’ve traveled from Cape Cod to Virginia Beach and not a bit of trouble. We get 13-15 MPG at 55 mph. Lots of people stop us to talk about our little Toyota RV. Many have made offers to buy it! It’s one of our the best investments.
I have a 16 foot Toyota dolphin with only 2 tires in the back. I have had a hard time keeping it on the road. It wanders a lot. I have called around and asked if there was away for me to put duallys on the rear, and I was told there was really not a way to do this, and it wouldn’t make much difference. They said it came this way??? Well they suggested maybe asteering stabilizer. Has anyone had this problem and then fixed it? if so how?
Make sure all the tires are of the same size and same Brand . I bought a Dodge Van Conversion Once I Couldn’t Drive It Over 25 Mph Switched All Tires & rims With My Pickup Then it Drove Like a New One But I couldn’t Keep Mu Pickup On The Road LOL
great little camper. just purchased a 1978 dolphin and have taken 2 short winter trips.GREAT!!!!will write more as i learn more about it larry
Am looking at 87 toy mh. 4 cyl low miles looks good. Have been told some that have duallys had problems with tranny. Anyone know about this. Sale is pending help please
I need a toyota sunrader any 1 got 1 near MA or in MA
We have a 1987 Toyota Odyssey, 22R, EFI that we bought 2 years ago. Took a 4066 mile trip in Sept. 2009 from TN thru KY, OH, IN, IL, IA, NE, WY, CO, TN, OK, AR and back to TN with most of it on back roads. We went thru mountains 13,000 feet. Yeah, it is slow going up but keep on chugging. Even averaged 15 mpg. They sure don’t like high ethanol gas. Had a great time! Would like to find a mini club in the east.
I have a 87 Toyota Escaper,22r,EFI.I have enjoyed camping,and day trips,great little camper!I would also like to find mini club in the east.
We have owned two Toyota Dolphins. We drove the first one over 200K … went everywhere. When we bought it it was on recall to get the rear end upgraded. We took it to Paris, CA where the Toyota people did 3000K upgrade on the rear…that RV never let us down…went to Canada etc. was super great. We sold it and got a bigger RV and hated it. We liked the smaller 21 foot RV because we could get into any store parking lot…you are almost invisible. We have a 1989 Dolphin now…built with the corrected rear section…it is a heavier model. We average 14.5 mpg. My husband is now 86 and we have to sell it. It has under 100K …runs great, clean, never been smoked in, and we’ve replaced a lot of the things in it. It wouldn’t take much to finish the restoration we began. We hate to sell it. Make me an offer. I’ll send you pictures and location if you ask. Thanks…just sign me a Dolphin lover. Ellen McKinsey
Where do you live?
i am on the toyota mini motorhome site.I now own a 1999
toyota sienna which i love-i hate the idea of towing anything-does anyone know if toyota has a small rv you can tow that has sink,bed etc-i have been camping most of my life in a tent and can always sleep in the van if it rains-
is an rv difficult to maintain-thanks-
For Ellen McKinsey: Is it still for sale? Do you have pictures? Does it have a Generator, A/c. Manual or Automatic?? Any info would be great. You can call me at 504-656-8222. Where are you located?
Thank you
Jamie
I’m looking at a 81 with a diesel are they any good
The largest concentration of these motorhomes are in the Florida and Washington State regions. The NY/NJ/CT areas have a few of them too!
I bought my 1993 Toyota Winnebago Warrior in 2009, in NJ, for $5500. You will not find too many 92-93 motorhomes in that price range now. The prices have actually risen. People are selling 92&93 Toyota Pickup trucks for $5000 that are in good shape. Not the motorhome model…just the truck.
Last week I was at a Jimmy Buffet tailgate party on Long Island and I had 4 people that wanted to buy my motorhome.
Good luck with your motorhome search
I have a chance to buy a 1975 Mini-Mirage camper. I can’t find any info or pictures on-line. Can anyone help?
DG
I recently purchased a 1988 Escaper with 33,000 miles on it. It is loaded except the dash air does not work,YET. I have been using it and LOVE it. Getting ready for manditor retirement next year and the wife and I are looking forward to traveling.
I have owned several other Toyota vehcles and loved therir reliability. I also really like the 17 mpg that I get. My friend owns a 35′ RV and it cost him almost $1 to put gas in it. He hates my Toyhouse.
is your motorhome still 4sale if so i am interested in some more info on it along with some piks inside and out my name is maria i live in wash. state
sorry did this wrong this mess is 4 ellen mckinsey just wonderin if yr motorhome is still 4sale if so u can call me at 360 691 7575 are u in wash state where is yr location if sold or 2 far then u dont need 2 respond thanks if so after 2 oclock pm is jzt fine
Still haven’t heard from anyone regarding a 1975 mini-mirage. Does anyone have information about this little camper?
I am the happy owner of a 82 Toyota Dolphin with 39 K original miles. Regretfully I am soon to be in a position to have to sell her. If anyone is interested in the particulars leave a massage.
Just bought a 1983 Huntsman in really good shape and ready to travel America. The gentleman I bought it from did everything needed to be done such as the furnace taken out, cleaned and serviced. The rug taken out and replaced with Pergo flooring. All brakes replaced and new tires, all six of them. Both ceiling vents replaced and sealed. The list goes on and on with the things he did as a project starting 2 years ago because he’s retired and needed something to do. I feel as though I lucked out because the Huntsman only has 68,000 miles on it and runs like 1983, smooth, tight and straight as an arrow. If anyone out here has any advice for me I’m receptive because I’ve never own one and like to hear from people with experiece. God Bless and Be Safe.
Anybody who either owns or wants to own a Toyhome (as we often refer to them) MUST join the Yahoo group for other owners – TONS of useful info and discussions:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/.....a-campers/
and also
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/.....ckcampers/
You will find many more of these out in the western states – specially California since most of the various manufactureres were from California. In general, except for a variety of floor plans, they are all pretty much the same inside. The manuf’s all bought the same items to build and equip them: toilets, refridgerators, ovens, water pumps, battery charger/converters, etc. Very helpful since everybody is in the ‘same boat’ when problems come along.
greetings thrill seekers
i am enjoying my ‘mobile cave ‘ aka toyota dolphin…remodeled the first one then found my present ’85…i have lived in it for seven months parked inside the vintage jaguar restoration shop i worked at doing full off frame restorations….i pull a small trailer with my bmw sidecar rigged motorcycle, toolbox[ tools of my trade] ‘spare gold bullion vault’ aka gasoline can,
since mine has a gen set, i can carry mig welder, 110 volt impact gun, and plan on installing a 110 volt compressor…
i love to travel, the road, overnight’n in rest areas and enjoy the slow pace and descent fuel economy these units provide…. not having to eat in restaurants and stay in hotel/motels off sets
could write volumes on my trips, experiences and the wrinkles caused by the smiles this rig causes… i smile just peccking this out on my netbook using my cell as a modem…
tail winds to you
sie
Just got my 21 foot Toyota Dolphin Mini-Motorhome 2 months ago. Its a 91 and was well cared for. Everything
works and it is a joy to take to the beach and hang out with. Plan on doin some overnites soon. Still have to pinch myself everytime I get to take it out.
It is time to replace the rear axle brake shoes for my 1986 toyota motor home..has a full floating axle..local mechanic claims all his warehouse suppliers have no source for supplying the replacement parts..where can I go for parts & service..home area is northwset Iowa..will winter in New Mexico..will appreciate any help or advice..thanks
I love my 83 Toyota sunrader with only 37k miles on it! BUT I left it sit this summer and now nothing in cab or engine works, click or anything. The house works fine. It is plugged in seperately.
I am finding that there is a fusible link somewhere..But where?
Any help would be apprciated.
ps…yes, I’ve tried to jump it. At first, the dome light came on..that was 85 tries ago…
andrew – ebay? No idea man, sorry.
notsandy – If the battery was completely drained, it just won’t work no matter how much you charge it. You probably just need a new battery.
hi there, we just bought a 1990 Toyota Warrior V6 & while the truck part (engine & body) seem great, the interior is in rough shape. Does anyone have experience with replacing the ceiling? There is extensive water damage and sagging so I figure I will have to rip it all out. The few generic rv sites say that you need to remove the top of the camper from the outside to get at the insulation & plywood to redo-replace it but I’m wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to do from the inside? Also any hints on where to find a manual?
What about rhinoliner spray on?
Just stumbled into the Toyota mini-rv world from CL ad and this discussion forum has been great. Thanks to everyone for sharing!
I missed the rally in Quartzite, AZ a couple of weeks ago. Any comments from anyone on how it went and photos.
Great site! I spent 2 years back in 00-01 traveling North America and living in an ’86 Dolphin with my 2 dogs. It was a life-changing experience, made quite comfortable by all of the great features packed into my Dolphin.
My favorite thing about the Dolphin was the size and maneuverability. I’m not a campground camper, so I drove my Dolphin many miles up countless narrow mountain dirt roads in Alaska and Canada, across open desert in the Southwest, on beaches and across praries, and even “camped” in downtown San Francisco one night thanks to the ease of parking my rig.
Life changed some after all that and I sold it rather than let it waste away in the driveway, but I’ve got a strong urge to pick up another one…
I had a Toyota Chinook and I am sorry I ever sold it. My only problem was the roof would leak. I went over the Rockies several times and drove from Michigan to the Gaspe in Canada. We drove to Florida three times too. We went to Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. I bought it with 72 K and put another 40 K on it. All this from a 2200 CC engine
with a stick shift and no fuel injection.
And I forgot 19-20 mpg on the highway.
we have a 1987 e/z ryder toyota camper, does anyone who built it? can’t find any info on the e/z ryder
I had a micro-mini toyota dolphin motorhome in 1988. It had the bathroom in the back. After traveling fom AZ to Ak and back I sold it. Biggest mistake I ever made. I’m looking for another one… this time for keeps! If anyone out there knows of one that is in good condition please contact me through this site.
I’m still looking for a micro-mini toyota dolphin motorhome with th bathroom in the back!
HELP!
Hi, Just bought 84 Dolphin/Toyota, Hellix 2.4, Manual Tran, Unusual floor plan….Side Kitchen with Oposite built in Dinning Booth with removable Table, Rear Full Bed with Closet above Foot Area, Front Overhead Bed and
Side Bath with Potty and Separate Shower w/ Sink.
Really Cute. Route 66 Deco and Drapes Very Clean 38K miles
Averaged 18 mpg in Mountain Driving COOL!!!
Like to Know of Clubs Also for Toys
Any one know of where to buy used Oven Parts need new control or mercury sensor?
I’m in Palm Springs, CA. I’m looking to buy one. any leads will be appreciated.
Supplemental info for 84 Toy/Dolphin,
Oven is a Wedgewood, Stainless Steel Exterior Finish
I have the 1988 Toyota mini exactly as above photos. Our trouble is – where in the heck can you find parts – like the little grommets for the stove eye covers?
We have having a lot of trouble. Also need the strips across the top to hold the inside ceiling pieces. Two are missing.
Help! We are in southern California.