For Sale, 1974 Toyota Chinook Camper
Price: $21,000Used RV for sale, We found a used Toyota Chinook offered for sale on Craigslist in Reno, Nevada. It's one of the most reliable micro mini pop top campers ever offered by Chinook less than 20 feet long best quality fiberglass construction upon a 1974 Toyota truck chassis and is powered by an ultra-reliable 18R engine mated with 4-speed manual transmission only driven by 72,382 original miles.
As the owner says, well keeps and is in good shape, and runs and drives smoothly, it's a fully self-contained RV and averaged 27.6 MPG so it is possible to go far anywhere without draining your pocket. If you are interested, come closer inspection is a must.
Specification |
|
| Maker | Chinook |
| Model | Pop Up Camper |
| Year | 1974 |
| Class | C |
| Length | 18 FT |
| Engine | Toyota |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Drive | RWD |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Mileage | 73000 |
| Condition | Used / Excellent |
| Insurance | N/A |
| Exterior Color | White |
| Interior Color | Custom |
Detail by owner
For sale is our 1974 Toyota Chinook camper. This is a very rare vehicle and is in incredible condition. This very well could be the cleanest, most original Toyota Chinook left on earth. I have owned this truck for 10 years and its been nothing but perfect. The original owner of this Chinook purchased it in Sheridan Wyoming and stored it inside his barn for 40 years. He used it occasionally for hunting trips and took incredible care of it. Almost everything is original in the truck and camper just like it was in 1974, I have made a few small modifications just for practical purposes but nothing I have done is permanent and I also have all the original stuff if I did change it. In 10 years of ownership I have always kept my eye out for another Chinook in great condition and I have never found one that is close to as clean as this one being offered.
This is an ultra reliable vehicle that I wouldn’t hesitate to drive anywhere, no matter how far. The engine has 72,382 original miles. The 4 speed transmission shifts perfectly smooth and all things considered its actually fairly quick. It keeps up with traffic around town, and can comfortably cruise at 70-75 on flat ground. The front seats have been covered since they were new and are still covered with sheep covers and the vintage black leather still looks new. The canvas on this camper pop-top is in unbelievable condition, zero cracking, rips, patches, etc. The inside of the camper is very roomy and tall, I’m about 6 feet tall and I can stand up inside no problem, I think actual floor to roof measures 73 inches. One of my favorite features of these Chinooks is that the entire roof pops up, not like the VW vans that have the half-tilt roof. Those VW vans seem so small inside where these Chinooks you have more headroom throughout the entire camper, its a really terrific design. Another great design is the camper part of the truck is still fully usable without popping up the roof. The counters and bed are all built fairly low so when the roof is down everything is still functional. Without roof latches on the outside of the trucks roofline nobody really knows its a full blown camper when the roof is down. We have taken advantage of this by keeping the windows covered and you can stealth camp really easily. The Chinook camper being single fiberglass body is great for being watertight and lasting forever. Overall its just a great little truck, its fun to drive, people wave and smile at us every time we drive it. I have had this camper stored inside since I purchased it, we have also used it for many trips and always been impressed with how capable this little rig is. It’s definitely a head turner and it has a pretty amazing story to go with it. We spent two months in this Chinook driving from Tahoe to Revelstoke, Canada and back and had zero problems with the truck. From Whitefish Montana to Tahoe we averaged 27.6 MPG. Yes, that’s right. 27+ MPG for a little camper that you can sleep in is pretty insane.
The truck and camper are built very simple, simple means less stuff to break which is part of the great joys of owning this thing. The 18R motor is known for its reliability, its not a sports car but it wont leave you stranded either. These older motors run forever and being a Toyota finding parts isn’t difficult. There is no fridge/camper heater/ or power steering. The truck has an ice box with a built in drain that actually works incredibly well with an ice block from the grocery store. One block of ice keeps things cold 4-7 days. All the inside lights have been converted to LED. The sink is a pump sink that also drains outside. There is also a nicely sized closet for jackets, chairs, etc. Under sink storage is fairly large for all your camping things like pots/pans/water jugs etc. Above the cab is a large padded shelf that is a great place to store your clothes or more gear. I took out the original “couchette” setup and built a more functional/comfortable bed. My design fills the entire space with the bed when you sleep, then its simply comes apart and one section hides under the other allowing for much larger walk way between the bed and counter top. Under the bed fits multiple milk crates which is great for more storage. The radio and speakers are all original, its a pretty cool design where you can spin a nob to have the speakers playing in just the cab, just the rear camper, or both. We always used a bluetooth speaker. Again, it’s all original and very simple.
(I still have the original "couchette" mini couches that are included if you want them)
I have serviced a few small mechanical issues like the brake master slave cylinder, I have receipts for everything. I am a clean freak and have taken great care of this truck with all regular maintenance and oil changes. I also have all the original owners manuals, one for the truck by Toyota, and one for the camper by Chinook. Our Chinook is registered as a "classic vehicle" in Nevada. I did have to smog it a few years ago and it passed no problem. It starts every time and idles perfectly, and does not leak any oil. I have no doubt it would pass smog tomorrow if needed. I have installed new front tires, rear tires are in good shape. Its ready to go.
Issues/Imperfections: There is a small imperfection in the fiberglass, I’m guessing the owner lightly hit it on something. Its not ultra noticeable and is about the size of a silver dollar. There is a small dent on the back door from bike handlebar. We don’t really use the pump feature on the sink, but I believe last time I did use it there was a small leak due to an old O ring. Should be an easy fix or a replacement hand-pump sink is around $25. There is minor scratches here and there but not many and for being an older vehicle, but this whole rig is in spectacular condition.
Im only selling this Chinook to free up some space and with my work schedule I just don’t have that much time to use it right now. I would be stoked to see this go to a good home who appreciates this classic camper. Im in no hurry to sell and don’t mind keeping it if I don’t find the right buyer. I don’t think this camper will ever depreciate at this point due to its condition and how rare these are becoming. Please feel free to ask me anything if you are interested. Check the photos and if you would like anything else please ask. Our camper was also featured in the "Off the Road" beautiful table top book which is pretty cool.
You can also text me 775- eight three 0 - 9477
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Update listing of the Chinook, Toyota RVs
