1987 Dolphin RV Camper with 6 Stud rear Hub.

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The 1987 Toyota Dolphin Motorhome embodies the spirit of 1980s RV travel, combining the ruggedness of a Toyota truck with the comforts of a small home on wheels. The Dolphin's compact design, with a total length typically ranging from 18 to 22 feet, made it an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for an accessible way to explore the open road. The motorhome's relatively small footprint allowed for easy parking and navigation, making it suitable for both urban environments and remote campsites.

The 1987 Toyota Dolphin was built on a Toyota Hilux truck chassis, renowned for its durability and longevity. The motorhome is powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, 22R-E engine, which was known for its reliability and relatively good fuel economy. The 22R-E engine, a fuel-injected version of the earlier 22R carbureted engine, provided around 100 horsepower, which, while modest, was sufficient for the size and weight of the Dolphin. This engine is celebrated for its longevity and ease of maintenance, which contributed significantly to the Dolphin's popularity.

The motorhome often came with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission, depending on the buyer's preference. The rear-wheel-drive layout was standard, providing a stable driving experience, especially on highways and paved roads.

The exterior of the 1987 Toyota Dolphin Motorhome features a classic boxy design typical of the era. The fiberglass shell was mounted on the Toyota truck chassis, with aluminum framing providing structural support. This lightweight construction helped to keep the vehicle's overall weight down, enhancing fuel efficiency and handling.

The RV was equipped with dual rear wheels, commonly referred to as a "dually" setup, which improved stability and load-bearing capacity. This feature was crucial for preventing the motorhome from becoming top-heavy and tipping over, especially when fully loaded with water, fuel, and personal belongings.

Inside, the 1987 Toyota Dolphin is compact yet surprisingly well-equipped for its size. The motorhome typically includes a sleeping area, a small kitchenette, a dining area, and a compact bathroom. The sleeping area, often located above the cab (known as the "cabover" bed), could accommodate two adults comfortably. Additional sleeping arrangements could be made by converting the dinette area into a bed, allowing the motorhome to sleep up to four people.

The kitchenette usually features a two-burner propane stove, a small sink with running water, a refrigerator (operating on propane or electricity), and adequate counter space for food preparation. Cabinets and drawers provide ample storage for utensils, cookware, and supplies.

The dining area includes a table with bench seating, which can also serve as additional storage space. This area was designed to be multifunctional, easily converting from a dining space to a sleeping area.

The bathroom is compact but functional, often equipped with a marine-style toilet, a small sink, and a handheld showerhead. Some models feature a wet bath, where the shower shares space with the toilet area, making efficient use of limited space.

1. **Water System**: A fresh water tank, gray water tank, and black water tank for sewage, along with a 12V water pump, provide water for the kitchen and bathroom.
2. **Electrical System**: The motorhome is equipped with a dual battery setup—one battery for the engine and one deep-cycle battery for the coach. The 12V DC electrical system powers interior lights, the water pump, and other accessories. Additionally, a 120V AC system is available when the RV is plugged into an external power source.
3. **Heating and Cooling**: A propane furnace provides heat for colder climates, while roof vents and windows offer ventilation. Some models may have roof-mounted air conditioning units for added comfort.
4. **Propane System**: A propane tank supplies fuel for the stove, refrigerator, and furnace, offering a versatile energy source for cooking and heating.

The 1987 Toyota Dolphin Motorhome is celebrated for several reasons:

1. **Reliability**: The Toyota truck chassis and the 22R-E engine are known for their exceptional durability and reliability, often exceeding 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.

2. **Fuel Efficiency**: With its compact size and lightweight construction, the Dolphin offers better fuel economy than larger motorhomes, typically ranging between 15-18 miles per gallon, depending on driving conditions.

3. **Affordability**: Even when new, the Dolphin was an affordable option for those entering the RV lifestyle. Today, it remains a budget-friendly choice on the used RV market.

4. **Maneuverability**: The relatively small size of the Dolphin makes it easier to drive and park compared to larger Class A or Class C motorhomes. This advantage is especially useful when navigating narrow roads, city streets, or tight campsites.