1981 Toyota Sunrader 4×4 Motorhome for Sale | 22R, R151F 5-Speed, Solid Axle 4×4, Toyota Sunrader for sale, 100% Trusted, Buy Now!
$15,000.00
Description
If you’ve been looking for a classic Toyota camper that feels like it was built for getting away from the pavement, this one deserves a serious look. This Toyota Sunrader for sale is a rare 1981 4×4 motorhome with approximately 78,000 original miles, a Toyota 22R four-cylinder engine, R151F 5-speed manual transmission, solid-axle conversion, and a long list of upgrades that have already been completed.
This isn’t a brand-new RV, and it isn’t being presented as one. It’s an old-school Toyota camper with character, history, and plenty of mechanical work already invested into it. The original camper interior has been retained rather than gutted, while important systems have been updated to make it much more useful for modern camping. Toyota Sunrader for sale
For someone searching for a Toyota Sunrader for sale that can become a genuinely unique adventure rig, this is a very interesting starting point. Toyota Sunrader for sale
A Classic Toyota Camper With a Serious 4×4 Build
The first thing that separates this Sunrader from an ordinary vintage motorhome is the chassis underneath it. Toyota Sunrader for sale
This Toyota Sunrader for sale has been substantially modified for four-wheel-drive and off-road use. The build includes a Trail-Gear Toyota Solid Axle Swap (SAS) Kit, 4-inch springs front and rear, Bilstein shocks, cross steering, an IFS steering box, Toyota 1-ton axle, 4.88 gearing front and rear, custom driveshafts, and heavy-duty 8-lug wheels.
It’s the kind of build that will appeal to someone who looks at an old Toyota camper and thinks, “I want to take that somewhere the average RV can’t go.” Toyota Sunrader for sale
Engine & Transmission
Under the hood is Toyota’s well-known 22R four-cylinder engine, paired with the desirable R151F 5-speed manual transmission.
The odometer shows approximately 78,000 original miles, and the seller reports that the motorhome runs great.
The drivetrain includes:
- Toyota 22R 4-cylinder engine
- R151F 5-speed manual transmission
- 4.88 gears front and rear
- Solid-axle 4×4 conversion
- Custom front driveshaft
- Custom rear driveshaft
- Sky’s Off Road driveline emergency brake
- Toyota 1-ton axle
For enthusiasts who specifically want an old Toyota platform, the combination of the 22R and R151F is one of the biggest attractions here. Toyota Sunrader for sale
Solid Axle Swap & Suspension
A major part of this Toyota Sunrader for sale is the solid axle conversion.
The owner used a Trail-Gear Toyota SAS Kit with 4-inch springs front and rear. The steering setup uses cross steering with an IFS steering box, and Bilstein shocks were added to the suspension. Toyota Sunrader for sale
Suspension & Steering Upgrades
- Trail-Gear Toyota Solid Axle Swap Kit
- Solid front axle conversion
- 4-inch front springs
- 4-inch rear springs
- Bilstein shocks
- Cross-steering setup
- IFS steering box
- Toyota 1-ton axle
- 4.88 front gearing
- 4.88 rear gearing
This is not a stock Sunrader suspension setup. A lot of thought and fabrication has gone into making this vintage camper into something much more capable than it was when it left Toyota decades ago. Toyota Sunrader for sale
Axles, Wheels & Tires
The motorhome uses a Toyota 1-ton axle with an 8-lug configuration.
The build also includes Motorsport Tech custom adapters, IFS front hubs, front wheel adapters, heavy-duty steel wheels, and BF Goodrich tires. Toyota Sunrader for sale
Wheel & Axle Equipment
- Toyota 1-ton axle
- 8-lug heavy-duty steel wheels
- Motorsport Tech custom adapters
- IFS front hubs
- Front wheel adapters
- BF Goodrich tires
- 4.88 gearing front and rear
The front adapters bring the front tires outward slightly so they line up with the rear tires, giving the finished truck a more purposeful stance. Toyota Sunrader for sale
The Original Sunrader Interior Is Still Here
One of the things I really like about this Toyota Sunrader for sale is that the interior wasn’t completely stripped out and turned into a blank shell.
The original camper interior remains substantially intact.
That means you still get the personality and layout that make these vintage Toyota motorhomes so cool, while benefiting from a number of newer components and improvements. Toyota Sunrader for sale
It has the feel of an old camper rather than a modern RV, which is exactly what many buyers are looking for. Toyota Sunrader for sale
Kitchen & Living Area
Several parts of the kitchen have been replaced or upgraded, including:
- New Dometic refrigerator
- New sink
- New faucet
- New butcher-block countertop
- New butcher-block table
- New PEX plumbing
- New flooring
The butcher-block surfaces add a warm, simple look that fits the vintage character of the camper instead of making it feel overly modern. Toyota Sunrader for sale
Electrical System & Interior Improvements
The electrical system has received substantial attention as well.
The camper has a PowerMax PM35 power supply converter, new AC and DC wiring, a new fuse box, and upgraded LED interior lighting. Toyota Sunrader for sale
Electrical & Ventilation
- PowerMax PM35 converter
- New AC wiring
- New DC wiring
- New fuse box
- LED interior lighting
- Fantastic Fans
- Updated electrical components
The Fantastic Fans are especially useful in a small camper like this. Anyone who has spent time camping in an older RV knows how valuable good ventilation can be.
Bathroom & Composting Toilet
The bathroom area remains part of the original camper layout.
A composting toilet is included, but there is an important detail for buyers to know: the composting toilet has not yet been mounted and installed.
The original black-water tank was very small, which is one of the reasons the composting-toilet setup was chosen. Toyota Sunrader for sale
This is one of the remaining jobs for the next owner, along with checking the operation of the various camper systems. Toyota Sunrader for sale
Plumbing & Flooring
The plumbing has been updated with new PEX plumbing, along with the new sink and faucet. Toyota Sunrader for sale
The interior also received new flooring, giving the camper a cleaner foundation while preserving the original interior structure. Toyota Sunrader for sale
These are the kinds of improvements that make a difference once you actually start using an older motorhome instead of simply looking at it parked in the driveway.
Approximately 78,000 Original Miles
This Toyota Sunrader for sale has approximately 78,000 original miles, which is an attractive number for a 1981 Toyota-based motorhome.
The seller believes they are the third owner, and there is a substantial stack of receipts documenting work that has been performed.
Those receipts are worth keeping with the vehicle. On a heavily modified vintage rig, having paperwork showing parts, repairs, and previous work can be extremely helpful to the next owner.
This Is an Adventure Project, Not a Brand-New RV
It’s important to be straightforward about the condition.
This Toyota Sunrader for sale has already had a tremendous amount of work completed, but it is not being represented as a completely finished, turn-key modern RV.
Some camper systems have not yet been fully tested. The composting toilet still needs to be installed, and there are a few smaller items that need to be tightened up or completed.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
For the right buyer, it means you get to finish the details yourself and build the camper around the way you actually plan to travel.
The difficult mechanical foundation is already there. The next owner can concentrate on finishing, testing, personalizing, and enjoying it.
Optional Toyota Tacoma Engine-Swap Package
There is also an interesting option for the serious Toyota enthusiast.
The seller has a Toyota Tacoma with a 3.4L V6 that was intended as the donor for a future engine swap. The Tacoma may be available as part of a package deal if the price is right.
The Tacoma’s exact year, mileage, transmission, drivetrain, and condition should be verified separately before being considered part of the primary vehicle specifications.
For someone who already has a vision for taking this build even further, however, it could make for a very interesting project.
Why This Sunrader Stands Out
There are plenty of old campers around.
There aren’t nearly as many like this.
This Toyota Sunrader for sale combines the compact fiberglass body of a vintage Toyota motorhome with a heavily modified 4×4 chassis underneath it.
You get the classic 22R engine, manual transmission, solid axle, 1-ton axle, 4.88 gears, upgraded suspension, custom driveshafts, heavy-duty wheels, BF Goodrich tires, and a camper interior that still retains its original personality.
It has already passed the point where someone would have to start a complete build from scratch.
The major components are there. The next owner gets to take it across the finish line.
Perfect for the Right Toyota Enthusiast
This Toyota Sunrader for sale would make sense for someone who wants something different from the typical large RV.
Think:
- Overland travel
- Backcountry camping
- Boondocking
- Off-road adventures
- Vintage Toyota collecting
- Weekend camping
- Long road trips
- Custom camper projects
- Toyota restoration
- Adventure travel
- Remote camping
- A one-of-a-kind 4×4 motorhome
It’s compact enough to be interesting on narrow roads and trails, yet it still gives you the basic comforts of a camper.
Buyer Inspection & Important Information
Because this is a 1981 vintage motorhome that has been heavily modified, buyers should inspect the vehicle carefully before purchase.
A qualified mechanic or experienced Toyota/RV technician should inspect the:
Mechanical Systems
- Engine
- Transmission
- 4×4 system
- Axles
- Steering
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Frame
- Driveshafts
- Wheels and adapters
- Tires
Camper Systems
- Electrical system
- AC/DC wiring
- Converter
- Plumbing
- Water systems
- Refrigerator
- Fans
- Sink and faucet
- Holding tanks
- Bathroom
- Interior appliances
The fiberglass camper body should also be inspected carefully for age-related issues, previous repairs, water intrusion, cracks, or other concerns common to older motorhomes.
Buyers should verify all measurements, weights, capacities, equipment operation, and specifications before purchase. The exact current weight and dimensions should not be assumed from generic 1981 Sunrader specifications because this particular vehicle has been substantially modified.
The Bottom Line
If you’re searching for a Toyota Sunrader for sale because you want something with personality instead of another cookie-cutter RV, this one is worth putting on your list.
It’s a 1981 Toyota Sunrader 4×4 with approximately 78,000 original miles, a Toyota 22R, R151F 5-speed, solid-axle conversion, Toyota 1-ton axle, 4.88 gears, 4-inch springs, Bilstein shocks, custom driveshafts, heavy-duty wheels, BF Goodrich tires, and a surprisingly extensive list of interior upgrades.
The camper still has its original character, but many of the important mechanical and interior components have been upgraded.
There are still things to finish. That’s part of the story.
For the person who enjoys old Toyotas, fabrication, camping, and the idea of taking a vintage motorhome somewhere unexpected, this could be the beginning of a seriously memorable adventure rig.
Quick Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1981 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Sunrader |
| Type | 4×4 Motorhome / Camper |
| Engine | Toyota 22R 4-Cylinder |
| Transmission | R151F 5-Speed Manual |
| Mileage | Approx. 78,000 Original Miles |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 / Solid Axle Conversion |
| Gearing | 4.88 Front & Rear |
| Axle | Toyota 1-Ton |
| Suspension | 4-Inch Springs Front & Rear |
| Shocks | Bilstein |
| Steering | Cross-Steer / IFS Steering Box |
| Wheels | 8-Lug Heavy-Duty Steel |
| Tires | BF Goodrich |
| Refrigerator | New Dometic |
| Plumbing | New PEX |
| Converter | PowerMax PM35 |
| Lighting | LED |
| Ventilation | Fantastic Fans |
| Toilet | Composting Toilet Included, Installation Needed |
| Interior | Original Interior, Updated |
| Documentation | Stack of Receipts |
| Ownership | Believed to Be Third Owner |
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