I've been looking into a Toyota Chinook as an alternative to the VW Westfalia Camper I've recently sold.
Any information/experience/wisdom?
thanks.

 

It's a 2wd truck with a camper on it...By the lack of info on your question that's all I got for ya............

 

rumor of rear axel problems. I don't see many listed for sale (because they don't last too long?) Problems going up hill with the 4 cylinder engine?

 

What are you using this for? mountain driving, cross country etc?

Not sure on the rear axle problems but I have seen some pretty sweet conversions with a 3.4 swap. Go to the advanced search and search titles only with chinook should give you some good threads to look over

 

Considering I have problems going uphill with my 4Runner I can't even imagine what something like that would be like...

 

Yea considering the weight its carrying all depends on what your going to use it for, they just weren't practical by any means but again cross country might be ok Being is your used to VW I might be looking into a Vanagon, guy in my area has one that's pretty neat.

 

I have only seen pre 83 chinooks...Both 2WD and 4WD.

Start your search here
http://www.toyotamotorhomes.com/

 

been to that site. I'd be using it for local (ish) over nights. or some 500-1,000 mile trips. I've got daughter's in California. Not going 4 wheelin'. but also don't want to go 40mph on the highway (I have had that with my Westfalia Camper).

 

91 with a 3.4 thrown in..it would motivate a small motorhome.
http://ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181509

any motorhome you look at be sure to inspect the frame. Some conversions were not exactly what I would consider "well engineered"

 

I had a co-worker who had one in the early 80's. Fuel economy was good, but it was pretty anemic on the hills. Not sure you'd be happy with it for long trips on the interstate.

 

Isn't the Chinook pre 83? If that is correct, the ones I have seen look small and I wouldn't think they are over loaded. I imagine they are still under powered.

The Dolphins Campers I have seen or 85 an newer that have the 22re with a double axle is just to much weight to be pulling. We have two of them in the boneyards with lowww miles and the motors are blown on both of them. Make great parts trucks as the overhead part of the camper protects the interior and the low mileage on other parts.

If you want to look into the a newer model, my brother has a 92 Dolphin with the 3.0 auto and it does alright. Not sure I would want to take it across country or get into the hills with it. I don't think you could get 70 miles per hour out of it on a good day as it has to much wind resistance.

 

I have a 1990 Winnebago Warrior (Toyota Truck based). It has the 3.0 V6. I've driven cross country twice and numerous trips in the southern and mid-west states. Loading is a consideration; they come from the factory close to max load, 6,000 lbs. The rear axle is "floating" type and hubs are packed with grease. A small seal at the wheel end of the axle shaft keeps the differential oil from entering the hub. The seal is known to fail/leak, so repacking the rear bearings every two or three years is good practice. My engine has 78,000 miles and runs pretty decent. I replaced timing belt, water pump, and adjusted valves at 70K. I change oil every 3000 miles and use fully synthetic 10W-30. When climbing steep grades, I drop it down to second gear and get in the truck lane. (35-45 mph).

 

yall are nuts... these Toyota mini motorhomes are the jam... assuming your not a family trying to sardine it... ive owned a 1986 Toyota mirage..super hard to come by, and that guy did have the rear axle issue, it was a 400 dollar swap, and I put a 1ton single axel on, with wide tires (tolls are doubles for duallys on long journeys) and the single held up great, and never had a problems after the swap great on gas, plenty of room for me, my boyfriend and our two dogs (and theres always room for another traveler) its still rockin after 5 years on the road...


I NOW own a 1975 Toyota chinook and im super impressed, although its teeny tiny, its got everything ya need to be comfy, and it fits a full bed. no signs of any rear axle issues, runs awesome, plenty of power, theyre light, so no strain on the engine, and I travel mountains easy. I get like 22 mpg, in something I can travel long distances comfortably, with all the convienences besides a bathroom... parts are wicked cheap, and super easy to fix, fiberglass bodies are alooooot less likey to be leaky...


jump on it...

 

Three weeks after my above post, I sold my 1990 Winnebago Warrior. Sold it while in California after buying a 2010 Tundra. The 3.0 never let me down.

 

I like the replies so far... I have only found "gutted" & "needing lots of work" Chinooks so far.... at least within a reasonable driving distance...

 

i used to be heavily into air-cooled vws, and i drove a couple of type 1 vans(1968 & 1970) as daily drivers... they were both full-length bubbletop vans, about the worst thing you can do.

they both had 1776's in 'em tho... even so, they sucked on the freeway, even on flat ground.

the 22re will be an improvement on flat ground, because of fifth gear, which the vans don't have... you'll still get killed on the hills, tho.

 

The rear axle problems are not an issue with the Chinooks, it's a Toyota Hilux pickup and has one rear axle not the dually which is a Dolphin problem. I've owned a few Westfalias and I would recommend the Chinook over them in a heartbeat, More reliable and a better set up.