77 Toyota Chinook Camper dually pop up camper all propane appliances fiberglass

Description

Three noteworthy changes with the 1975 model was the addition of a steel reinforced frame, frame-mounted step bumper and the larger 20R cross-flow engine. The frame added dimensional rigidity and durability to the entire vehicle, which was a natural safety selling point with Toyota dealers. The peppy 2.2 liter 20R engine also gave the Toyota-Chinook the power to perform both on the highway and in city traffic, with either manual, or a newly added automatic transmission.

The newly enhanced Toyota-Chinook sported an upgraded chassis built specifically for RV use; the truck’s 101.7-inch wheelbase was stretched to 110 inches and equipped with an 8” ring and pinion third member (AKA heavy duty) and stouter tires, compared to the standard 7.5” rear gear on the earlier models. The larger platform took care of weight and handling issues and the Chinook team took care of the rest. The coach builder fitted the diminutive chassis-mount camper with the sleek fiberglass shell that concealed an impressive number of comforts without presenting a cumbersome profile.

With a base price of under $7995, the Toyota-Chinook line was considered three vehicles in one: Economy car, station wagon and motorhome. Featuring the legendary Toyota “R” series of powerplants, the Toyota Chinook – sometimes affectionately referred to by its owners as “The Toy”, “Toynook”, “Chinyota”, or “Little Chinook” – was one of the most popular recreational vehicles on the road during the mid-70s, particularly with the Southern California surf and action sports culture.

For starters, it offered excellent fuel savings: up to an astounding 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 mpg in city driving despite meeting stringent California emmission standards. For any type of RV today with current powerplant technology, few could match it, including the new class B van conversions based on the diesel-powered Sprinter chassis that manages 16-22 mpg (albeit somewhat heavier than a Toyota-Chinook).

It was also compact. Not quite 17 feet long and 77 inches high (closed), the Toyota-Chinook offered weekenders a stainless steel two-burner butane gas stove, 2.3 cubic-foot icebox, a long six-foot, eight-inch convertible L-shaped dinette and sofa that turned into a full size bed. An optional, pull-out extension for an over-cab bunk allowed for two small children to sleep in the vehicle, once the spring-latched pop-up top was unlatched – the design of which owed much to the original push-up tops seen in the full-size van conversions. Open, the coach boasted six feet of headroom for an adult – once parked – to stand up and move around inside the mini-camper; Closed, it offered a low profile which contributed to its car-like handling and fuel-saving economy, as well as a possible mounting location for roof racks to carry surfboards, kayaks or skis.

Granted, it still had a few drawbacks. For starters, it didn't have an enclosed bathroom, although a “porta-potty” toilet was now available as an option. It also ran on DC power exclusively and the sink “drain” consisted of an outside fitting to which owners attached a hose leading to a container. However, it also was capable of traveling more than 250 miles on a single fill-up of its 13.7-gallon gas tank, and could sleep up to four people in a vehicle just under 18 feet long.