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Meet Meg, our 30 year-old, V6 automatic beast that has convinced us of Toyota’s legendary reliability. To put it short, if you are looking for an economical, compact yet spacious motorhome and are willing to put up with some quirks that come with an older rig, this might be the perfect fit. Meg has never failed to start, or left us hanging on the side of the road for a tow and we’ve been on two epic road trips over the last few years, the first about 50 days (7k miles) and the second in May/June about 20 days (~2k miles) throughout Vancouver Island.
Details:
•Engine Type: 3.0L V6 (3VZ-E) (Automatic)
•Averages 13-15 MPG (Worst 10.5 MPG going through Denver, CO, 10k+ ft peaks)
•Mileage: ~83,000 miles
•Cab and Coach AC Both Work
•Length: 21ft & Height: 9'2"
o*MPG NOTE: Fast is slow. Slow is fast. I’ve never pushed or ‘red lined’ Meg. We cruise at 55 to 65mph, I believe this is the best way to increase longevity and attain better MPG. When going up steep hills I always roll in the slow lane and use pull outs to allow others to pass.
Capacities:
•Gas Tank: 17.2 gallons
•Fresh Water Tank: 12 gallons
•Tank 1 (Toilet/Lavatory): 12 gallons
•Tank 2 (Galley/Shower): 12 gallons
•Water Heater Tank Capacity: 4 gallons
Meg’s Back Story:
I bought Meg the summer of 2022. The AutoCheck.com vehicle history report we did shows that there were 3 other owners before us and what we learned from the gentlemen that sold us the motorhome lines up with the report. (email me and I’ll send you the report) He said he bought it and never used it. The person he bought it from was an older Japanese couple that meticulously maintained it for almost 22 years. The first owner, according to the report owned it for 4 years. The motorhome has always been owned in WA State.
Why We are Selling:
We live overseas and were planning on moving back stateside and using Meg more often. However, plans have changed and we won’t moving back now so it doesn’t make sense to keep Meg to use it only one month each year when we come home to visit family.
Is this RV for you?
Here are things you may want to consider:
PROS:
Off-Grid & Low Cost Touring Option: If you want the option to boondock or free camp, the power system allows you to travel without needing to pay $60+ a night for full hookups. You’ll need to find dump stations every 2 to 4 days to fill up fresh water and dump holding tanks but those can be found easily for $5-10 and occasionally for free. NOTE: In winter/rainy conditions with little sunlight, you may need to plug in to shore power and charge batteries once in a while, depending on your power usage.
Everything Works: Cab A/C, House A/C, Hot Water Heater, Stove, Water Pump, Toilet, Shower (and everything else, unless otherwise noted in the CONS section)
Maneuverability: If you can drive a larger car, you’ll feel right at home after a few hours of driving this smaller Toyota truck.
Spacious Rear Dinette (RD): The best of all designs in my opinion with 3 large windows in the dinette seating area allowing you to really enjoy the view of wherever you decide to park.
The Cult of Toyota RVs: Unlike many other used motorhomes, Toyotas tend to hold their value quite well. There is a large and growing number of RVers that enjoy the compact, yet spacious design, ease of driving, and reliability that come with owning a Toyota motorhome.
Increased Storage: I removed some of the older components allowing for increased storage. The old, microwave, generator and propane furnace areas are now large storage areas. The old flip down style sink above the toilet has been removed allowing for a ton of bathroom storage space. I created a cubby charging station with for USB plugs for easy device charging.
CONS & Known Issues:
Age-Related Quirks: Meg has a few things that takes a few days of travel to get used to, but won’t stop you from having great adventures, like the shifter (see below), and the side house door which requires the door to be held tight to lock the dead bolt.
Sticky Shifting: The one of the previous owners had header exhaust pipes installed to improve performance. However, I’ve been told by a mechanic in Hood River, OR that the headers are too close to the transmission box and thus make shifting the transmission from P to D and to R is a bit tricky. As you drive it more it becomes easier, but I hesitate to shift from D to L on the fly and suggest driving up hills in D and allowing the engine to down shift at its own pace. We’ve driven through Denver and climbed multiple 10k ft peaks and just took it slow with the semi-trucks and had no problem.
Previous Roof Leak: There had been a leak around the rear roof vent at some point in Meg’s life. The previous owner said he kept it covered after discovering the leak. I went on online and learned how to fix it properly with Henry Tropicool and Roof Repair Dicor around the rear vent. It hasn’t leaked since, not even one drop, and we’ve camped through some serious weather since we’ve owned Meg. Also it was parked outdoors for an entire winter month in White Salmon, WA in which it rained heavily and even snowed/iced over and the roof proved to be water tight. I know that roof leaks are scary and if you’d like we can do a water test and let the hose run on the roof, we’ve been in a lot of rain the last trip and there is ZERO leaking. In the future, every 3 to 5 years, I would clean and dry the roof around the rear vent where it leaked and put another coat or two of Henry Tropicool just to be sure ; )
Minor Exhaust Leak: Our mechanic welded up some of the exhaust leaks but one of the weld’s came apart and at idle you can smell it, once you start moving it is undetectable. I’ve been told this is also due to the exhaust header job that was performed before I bought Meg. (Note: There is not an emissions test in WA and Meg is exempt in OR since it is 30 years old.)
Minor Oil Leak: As with most 30 year old engines there is a very small oil leak. When I park at a house with a nice driveway, I place a small piece of cardboard under the vehicle as over a few hours it will leave a small quarter-sized dot. Before long drives and every thousand miles or so I check the oil level and add a little 10W-30 if necessary.
Sewage Tank Indicator: The sensor has been stuck a few times and then start working normally after the next dump or two. For example it will show 75% full after dumping the tank. Then after the next dump will work again normally. This isn’t a huge problem though as when you flush the toilet you can see the level and you’ll know if you need to dump or not.
Potentials for Repair: Although Meg has never broke down on us, we have always been prepared for it to happen when going on long road trips. As stated earlier, if you want something that is under warranty and is new or just a few years old, and you are willing and able to spend triple this cost, then this is probably not the RV for you : )
Head Room: Unfortunately, if you are 6ft or over, you may find this rig a bit uncomfortable. I’m about 5’11” and can stand up straight except for under the A/C unit.
Upgrades:
Electrical System Upgrades (~$2,000):
•Solar Panels 600 watts (100w x 6): $600
•Renogy 40a Charge Controller: $150
•Renogy 2000w Converter: $320
•Ampere Time Battery 300ah LiPo: $1,100 (equivalent to ~600ah of AMG/Lead)
•NOCO Genius GENPRO 10amp (GENPRO10X1) $125 (for charging batt when on shore power)
Engine/Mechanical Upgrades in 2022 ($2,500):
•New Tires (Les Schwab 185R 14/8 102/100Q Ranger R101): $900
•New Engine Battery + Bracket: $250
•A/C Recharge: $260
•New Muffler: $250
•Radiator Coolant, Clean and Pack all Wheel Bearings, Fuel & Air Filter, Hitch Welding Reinforcement & MISC
• (*2024) Spark Plugs, Wires, Distributor Cap: $480
•NOTE: We have receipts for all mechanical work from Ken’s Auto in White Salmon, WA. Also the original booklets and all manuals for electrical components).
Interior & MISC Upgrades ($1000+):
•RCA 4.5 cu. Ft. Mini Fridge with Freezer $250
•Interior Paint, Window Curtains: $100
•New Shelf/Cabinet Liners: $50
•Smoke Alarm & Fire Extinguisher: $80
•Luxury Vinyl Flooring (Home Depot): $235
•New Water Pump Accumulator (Camping World): $45
•New Water Pump: $100
•Exterior Compartment Locks: $200
•Upgraded Interior Lights, Amp & Speakers in Cab, New Sink Faucet with flexible head
Roof Repair Upgrades ($500):
•Roof Paint/Sealer: Primer + Henry Tropicool Sealant: $400
•Roof Repair Dicor/RV Tape/Butyl: $100
Included Extras
•MISC storage containers/baskets/etc: $60 (searching for the right containers took multiple shopping trips, and will save you a ton of time and double your storage capacity)
•AutoZone Center Console: $25
•Couch Cover & Pillows: $100
•Leveling Blocks
•Windshield Suction Cup Smart Phone Holder
•Heavy Duty Floor Mats (Driver’s and Passenger’s Side)
•Entry Floor Mats
•Newer Dump hose and connectors
Super Handy Extras will sell with the rig at half price for +$100
•Mr. Heater Portable Heat Buddy (Takes the green Coleman 1lb Propane Tank): $100
•Lasko 110v 1500 watt Oscillating Ceramic Space Heater: $50
•12v/110v Portable Air Compressor: $50
Notes About Payment & Title Transfer:
For buyers using a certified check, cashier's check, bank draft, personal check, money order, or cash, the buyer must agree to accompany the seller to their bank (less than 5 minutes away) to verify and complete the transaction. This ensures the payment is valid and accepted by the bank.
Additionally, if the buyer is a Washington State resident, the seller agrees to travel to the Stevenson DMV (approximately 35 minutes away) to ensure the vehicle title transfer is completed correctly. This step is for the peace of mind and security of both parties, particularly the buyer as the title is clean and the pink slip is clear and in my name.
Contact Info:
I check my email every few hours, so please feel free to ask questions, leave your email address or phone number and I’ll respond ASAP. The motorhome is in White Salmon, WA. Please plan to come here to see the motorhome, it won’t be a waste of your time, I’ve been as transparent as possible about the known issues and there won’t be any negative surprises!
Privacy Statement for Vehicle Listing:
To maintain a level of privacy, I’ll send the AutoCheck (like carfax) report (performed in August 2022) and license plate # if you want to perform your own carfax, to serious buyers upon request.
