Volkswagen did produce a camper version of the Vanagon. However, Toyota tried its own hand at a camper car in 1972. It was the Toyota RV2, a station wagon with a retractable tent in the rear. It was a bizarre take on the current fad of “converting a van or pickup into a camping vehicle.” Sadly, it was only ever intended to be a concept car and never truly got on the road.
At the time, Penthouse exclaimed, “This car seems to be the ideal choice for a fast getaway or a leisurely road trip because it is small and well-kept. Although no firm marketing strategies have been revealed, based on the positive response from consumers throughout the world, it shouldn’t take long for this prototype to be produced on a production line.” In their exuberance, they weren’t quite so innocent either. The NSFW (!) spread is available here.
Even though there was 100% less exposed breast in the March 1974 issue, we reported it then:
This wonderful image of a roof-top camper hitch can be seen in the same issue:
Toyota possessed something that no one else could equal, thus it’s unfortunate that this endeavor failed. The Winnie Wagon was a van despite its claims to have station wagon dimensions. However, the RV2 continued to be wagon-sized, which may explain why it didn’t seem like a very comfortable camping trip. Even so, it appears to be far more comfy than the American Leisure Systems Penthouse Sleeper:
Maybe, just maybe, no one really wanted to sleep in a station wagon in the first place, which was the downfall of the RV2. a van, yes. A pickup, for sure. A Jeep during an emergency A station wagon, though? Most likely a cat snooze. There was still a hint of being “in a fetal position” to the idea even with the seats down.
In This Article...
RV2: What is it?
Real-time tracking and digital video recording are offered with the RV2 Video Tracker system. The RV2 processor for video gathering and data storage receives video streaming from the Gigabit camera. On separate hard drives inside the RV2, location data and image data can both be kept and transferred in real-time to a RZ processor for exact synchronization with other recorded data, such brain signals.
Exists an RV 2?
Yes, this is unlike anything you have ever seen. One well-known journal called it a “jazzy-looking station wagon,” a description that Toyota has never used again.
The RV-2’s clamshell roof in the back half opened up to make room for the four passengers’ leisure activities. Stripy green canvas was installed for maximum functionality. It appeared to be really jazzy. Toyota estimated that four individuals could sleep in the RV-2, although you would assume that they would need to be extremely close friends. After all, that was the 1970s.
Are there any RVs from Toyota?
Toyota is well renowned for producing incredibly dependable cars. Even though Toyota stopped producing motorhomes in 1993 (at least in the United States), you can still find them EVERYWHERE. This demonstrates the high caliber of these RVs.
Toyota mini-motorhomes frequently have original engines that have well over 200,000 miles on them. In fact, the Toyota 22R-E engine, known in the auto industry as one of the longest-running engines ever produced, is found in the majority of Toyota RVs.
Only 41,000 miles have been put on our 1989 Toyota Dolphin RV, and it still drives like a brand-new truck. When we are travelling hundreds of miles through the Mexican desert or exploring the wilderness in search of a boondocking location, it gives us confidence to know that our vehicle will function mechanically.
(Are you considering going camping in Mexico? Grab a copy of this vital manual, please!)
Sincerely, we would still save a ton of money by driving a dependable car even if we just camped in cities. The cost of mechanical work is high!
Our Toyota RV has made us so delighted that we would unquestionably suggest it to everyone as the best little motorhome on the road. There are several different versions of Toyota RVs, including the Toyota Chinook, Toyota Sunrader, Toyota Winnebago, and Toyota Itasca.
The Toyota RVs are all small motorhomes like our Dolphin. The quickest approach to find Toyota RVs that are for sale is to search for “Toyota Dolphin RV for sale” or “Toyota small motorhome for sale” on Google. These will return MANY choices. Finding a Toyota RV locally can also be done by looking through your local Craigslist.
Which tiny RV is the best to purchase?
The Top 8 Small RVs for Year-Round Living
- Ekko Winnebago
- John Swift
- Leisure Travel Vans’ Unity Small RV.
- Winnebago’s Porto Small RV.
- By Winnebago, revel.
- Airstream’s Interstate Grand Tour Luxury Small RV EXT.
- Thor Motor Coach’s Chateau Small RV.
- Small RV from Winnebago, the Navion.
How trustworthy is a Toyota RVS?
The fact that Toyota motorhomes are so extremely reliable was another key factor in my decision. The 22R engine is one of the most dependable engines ever produced, and if properly maintained, I frequently hear of these RVs lasting well over 200,000 miles. I personally have never owned anything other than a Toyota and have never experienced serious auto problems; the same was true of this vehicle.
Despite a few minor issues that required a new crank seal, alternator, and water pump, we managed to travel 20,000 miles over the course of six months in a 33-year-old car essentially incident-free. It will be difficult to accept anything less dependable than a Toyota after this experience.
What number of Toyota Sunraders were produced?
There are several different Toyota RVs available. Up to 50,000 are thought to have been made between 1972 and 1994.
Businesses ordered the Toyota truck without the beds so they could affix their own campers to it.
The Toyota Chinook, Toyota Dolphin, Toyota Sunrader, and Winnebago Warrior are a some of the more well-known examples. Others wear badges with less well-known names including Slumber Queen, Blue Marlin, Pioneer, Americana, and Belair.
Toyota Chinook
These early versions were created through a sort of collaboration between a Californian business and Toyota. Other American vans and trucks that the firm had previously transformed into RVs.
The early 1970s oil crisis gave rise to the experiment with the smaller Toyota automobile. At that time, petrol costs unexpectedly quadrupled, driving Americans to seek out smaller, more fuel-efficient automobiles and trucks.
In 1973, Toyota began selling its first Chinooks. Built on a Toyota long-wheelbase half-ton truck chassis with a Toyota 18R powertrain and a regular rear axle, they included pop-ups for added headroom.
Toyota Dolphin
From 1979 through 1990, National RV produced these. Many of them are so kind that they essentially have a cult-like following.
A recall involving axles severely hurt the business. Some of the campers that were being manufactured were too hefty for them, which led to the recall.
A 22-foot Dolphin Model 500 with complete gasoline, propane, and freshwater tanks and options like roof and dash air conditioners, cruise control, and AM/FM stereo is described in a 1985 review that was obtained online as having a 775-pound cargo capacity.
The Dolphin has a fully functional galley despite its small size. This micro-mini, which is based on a Toyota design, has a payload capacity large enough to comfortably fit a small family.
Toyota Sunrader
This one, which was produced by the Gardner-Pacific Corporation, came in 18-foot and 21-foot variants and had a fiberglass shell.
In 1985, a four-wheel-drive variant was released. In addition, it included a wide picture window and a dinette in the back.
A 26-gallon petrol tank and more external storage were possible improvements for the Sunrader Classic, which also had cedar closets with lighting.
Don’t pass on these vintage Toyota RVs if you’re searching for a motorhome. They provide a lot of campers in a compact form!
They would undoubtedly rank on our list of the Best Small Class C RVs if they were still being produced.
They can get you into some of the most confined camping spaces, are tall enough for you to stand up in, and have their own restrooms. They are trustworthy and dependable, like we indicated, and they also have a bit extra. They stand out from the crowd because they are unconventional, retro, and cool.
Which RV requires the least maintenance?
Try the ModVan CV1 even though it’s probably not what you picture when you think of a camper. You might enjoy it.
Driving this car is pretty comfortable because it has RV-style components. Yes, even though it’s smaller than most RVs you’ve driven, you can bring the entire family because there is space for up to five passengers in total.
The CV1’s floorplan is pretty amazing. There are closets, electrical and heating options, pop-up windows, a cooking area, a bathroom corner, and even space for a couple beds (bedding areas for two children and four adults according to ModVan).
The above is merely the top of the iceberg. Let’s talk about a few of the interesting things the ModVan CV1 has to offer:
- a keypad for remote keyless entry
- fuel-saving V6 engine
- A Spaceframe chassis with a chassis generator and a 2,000 watt pure sine wave inverter is supplied.
- LED illumination
- An externally installed propane furnace with 7,000 BTUs
- 1,500 watt electric heater
- a three cubic foot refrigerator with a compressor that is designed to be energy-efficient
- Water systems, including a 10-gallon freshwater system, a 6-gallon graywater system, and a 6-gallon black water system with 56 flushes each
- a 7,000 BTU propane heater and a 10-gallon propane system
- a 10,000 BTU rooftop air conditioner
- a bathroom closet for seclusion
- A solar power charging system of 300 watts
So yes, the ModVan CV1 does have a silly appearance, but appearances may be deceiving. You can get all the amenities of an RV with this camper, but it is just half as big. How about it for low upkeep?
Did I also mention that the CV1 is customizable? You can choose the exterior paint colors (some of the most intriguing options include Race Red, White Gold, Green Gem, Caribou, and Blue Jeans), the color of the leather seats (gray or black), the cabinet trim, and even the fabric for the walls.
Additionally, you can decide if your CV1 has the following features:
- starting remotely
- a braking controller for trailers
- Powered boarding steps
- Driver’s alarms and lane-keeping alerts
- assistance for reverse parking
- An AutoLamp that senses the presence of rain
- increased capacity to haul cargo
- 3.5L EcoBoost Direct Injection Twin Turbo V6 engine
- The 300-watt solar power setup
- cell phone signal enhancer for 4G/LTE
- conversion to four-wheel drive at 44
The ModVan is the option on this list with the most inexpensive price, starting at $65,000.
Which state has the best prices on RV purchases?
Arizona, Texas, or Florida are reportedly the least expensive states to purchase an RV. But that only includes the buying price; there are also pricey aspects to take into account. Arizona, Texas, or Florida are reportedly the least expensive states to purchase an RV.
Roadtrek SS Agile Class B Motorhome
Although it can sleep 5, the 2022 SS Agile by Roadtrek is perfect for two people. Due to its enormous van-like size, it is simple to drive. All of the comforts of a large motorhome are contained into this compact Class B RV.
A wet bath, a sizable closet, an air conditioner, a gas furnace, a 400 AMP lithium battery system, an underhood generator, and many other features are among the comforts.
Gulf Stream Conquest 6245 Class C Motorhome
advertised as having “luxury and style on a family budget. Gulf Stream’s Conquest 6245 has a ton of standard features, such as a seamless EPDM rubber roof, in-dash air conditioner, 35,000 BTU furnace, updated interior materials, prepared for solar, and much more!
Coachmen Galleria 24FL Class B Motorhome
Small but formidable, the Coachmen Galleria 24FL is a Class B motorhome. It has a 3.0L Turbo V6 diesel engine with a 24-gallon fuel capacity and is constructed on a Mercedes chassis.
There are a ton of conveniences in this tiny mobile home as well. The Onan QG 2500 LP silent generator, aluminum wheels, Oxygenics Fury handheld shower head, Remote Access Eclipse App (which lets you operate the Firefly system when you’re not in the RV), high gloss oak cabinets, and so much more are just a few of the standard amenities.
Pleasure-Way Plateau FL Class B Motorhome
Class B van options are widely available from Pleasure-Way. The 2022 Plateau FL has a distinctive design with two living spaces, making it ideal for families or RVers who work full-time. You can construct an RV right there on Pleasure-website, Way’s which is a cool feature. You can then customize it with any unique features, finishing touches, and colors to create the ideal RV for your way of life.
Two Smart LED TVs, a Bose soundbar, MCD blackout roller blinds, a closet, an enclosed wet bath, a 2.5 KW Onan LP generator, and much more are included as standard equipment in this tiny RV.
Thor Chateau 22E Class C Motorhome
The Thor Chateau 22E may be constructed on either a Ford or a Chevy chassis, with only a six-inch length difference. Additionally, this is your best option if you’re looking for a compact Class C motorhome without slides. The sleeping section with this layout comprises a queen bed and cab-over bunks.
The 84-inch interior ceiling height, pressed laminate kitchen worktops, solar prep, stainless steel wheel liners, Winegard ConnecT 2.0 WiFi, and a lot more are some of this compact motorhome’s standout features.
Winnebago View 24D Class C Motorhome
The Winnebago View 24D is a diesel Sprinter chassis with Winnebago quality. This Class C RV has a lovely interior and plenty of conveniences. A 32 HDTV, USB charging ports, Oxygenics showerhead, toe kick lighting throughout, and many other features are included.
The murphy bed in this particular type has a queen mattress. In this model, Winnebago was able to increase the bathroom’s size, which is unusual for compact motorhomes.
Leisure Travel Vans Unity Rear Lounge Class B Motorhome
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Cab Chassis is the foundation for the Leisure Vans Unity Rear Lounge. Back of this model contains a Murphy bed measuring 57 x 75. In this fashion, the small motorhome provides a principal bedroom at night and sitting throughout the day.
Another small motorhome that you can customize on the manufacturer’s website is this one. Everything is available for selection, including the upholstery, exterior paint, and add-ons. A lithium battery update, 4 point leveling jacks, aluminum wheels, and many other innovations are among the features.
Thor Gemini 23TW Class B Motorhome
The 2022 Thor Gemini 23TW is ideal for both short-term and seasonal campers. One substantial slide is provided in this small motorhome’s layout to increase space. It has a dinette, a bed that flips up, a bathroom, a refrigerator, a microwave, and even an integrated skylight.
All-wheel drive, frameless windows, an Onan 4000 gas generator, a tankless water heater, the Ford Safety Systems, and many more technologies are included as standard features on this Class B RV.
Airstream Interstate 19 Class B Motorhome
The Interstate is the Class B diesel RV that sells the most. Although it is the smallest tiny RV on our list, the new Airstream Interstate 19 has all the comforts. Look no further if you’re seeking for a hassle-free, simple-to-drive Class B.
This vehicle boasts more than 50 best-in-class standard features, according to Airstream. A Truma Combi Furnace and Water Heater, a rear camera, a microwave, Ultraleather seating, side and rear screen doors, high-end Italian cabinetry, and many more conveniences are among them.
Winnebago Ekko 22A Hybrid Camper Van
This year, a brand-new tiny motorhome called the Winnebago Ekko 22A will be available for purchase. This hybrid RV, according to Winnebago, combines the efficiency of a camper van with the space of a Class C RV.
The features of this brand-new tiny motorhome weren’t skimped either. It has a distinctive outside style and two contemporary interior color options. A 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gas engine, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, tinted dual-pane euro glass windows, roof wiring access ports, USB charging connections, LED lighting throughout, and many other features come as standard on the Winnebago Ekko.