1987 Toyota Sunrader: A Vintage Camper's Road to Freedom

Introduction: The Dream of Owning a Camper

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a desire for a camper. The idea of having a space to call my own while on the road, a place where I could take my dog along with me without the hassle of finding pet-friendly accommodations, seemed like a dream. I had spent years driving fast sports cars, always looking for that next thrill, but I knew deep down that there would come a time when I'd want to trade that lifestyle in for something slower, something more laid-back. That time finally came, and I told myself that if I ever got tired of fast cars, I'd finally make the switch to a truck. Not just any truck, but one with an automatic transmission so I wouldn’t have to keep shifting anymore.

The Discovery: Traveling with My Dog

As I began looking into campers, I discovered something that seemed like a brilliant idea at the time: you can legally leave your dog in an RV while you run errands, as long as it’s not too hot and they have access to water. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Suddenly, I wasn’t just imagining a fun road trip — I was envisioning my dog by my side for all those adventures, without the guilt of leaving her behind when I had to go into a store or doctor’s appointment. It was a game-changer.

I wish I’d switched to a camper years ago when I was traveling frequently with my dog, or when I went back to school to earn my degrees. During those years, I found myself rushing home between classes to walk my dog, but a camper would have solved that problem in an instant. And while many campers on the market are far too large or expensive, I found myself captivated by the idea of having a mobile office, a place to work while on the road. That's when I found my 1987 Toyota Sunrader, a vintage camper that caught my eye.

The Search: Finding My 1987 Toyota Sunrader

It wasn’t easy finding the right camper. The size of camper I wanted simply doesn’t exist in the market anymore. Most modern campers are too large or too complex for my needs. I needed something compact, functional, and affordable — and preferably something that wouldn’t break the bank. The Sunrader, a classic from 1987, seemed to fit the bill. Sure, it was an older model, and like any vehicle of its age, it came with a list of issues. But I was up for the challenge. I wanted to restore it to its former glory, making it roadworthy again, and I was determined to get it right.

The Restoration: A Labor of Love

When I first got the Sunrader, it needed a lot of work. There were mechanical issues, cosmetic issues, and just about every problem you’d expect from an older vehicle. But I embraced the challenge. I set to work restoring the camper, tackling one issue at a time. Some of the problems were minor, while others required more effort and money. The good news is that, as someone who has always been handy with vehicles, I knew I had the skills to handle most of the work myself.

Over time, I got the camper to a state where it was functional, comfortable, and ready for my maiden voyage. And what a journey that was. Our first road trip together lasted a full eight weeks, and it was amazing. The freedom of the open road, combined with the comfort of having a mobile space to live and work in, made all the work worth it. I was able to do my job from anywhere with power and internet, making the camper not just a vehicle, but a mobile office. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

The Challenges: Parking and Practicality

However, I soon learned that living the camper life wasn’t as easy as it seemed. One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding a place to park the camper. While I had imagined using it as my daily driver, I quickly realized that many residential areas, especially in urban environments, have strict parking restrictions when it comes to RVs and campers. You can’t just park it in front of a friend or family member's house, as I had hoped. Many cities and neighborhoods have ordinances that prohibit RV parking on public streets, which meant I had to get creative about where I parked.

This also made using the camper as a commuter vehicle tricky. As much as I wanted to take it out for short trips or use it as my daily driver, I realized that would require a lifestyle shift. Perhaps a move to the country, where RVs are more accepted, is in order. That’s a new plan that’s beginning to take shape, as the idea of a more rural life with a camper sounds appealing. But for now, I’m learning to adapt, and while parking remains a challenge, the joy of having a self-sufficient mobile living space far outweighs the inconveniences.

The Lifestyle: A New Way of Living and Working

The best part of owning the 1987 Toyota Sunrader has been the lifestyle it has enabled. Being able to take off for a weekend, or even a month, with my dog by my side, has been a game-changer. The ability to work from anywhere means I’m not tied to a specific location. It’s not just about having a place to sleep — it’s about having a way of life that offers freedom and flexibility. I can head to the mountains for a weekend or the beach for a week, and my “office” comes with me. The best part? My dog gets to join me on all these adventures.

The Road Ahead: A Continued Adventure

Looking forward, I know that my 1987 Toyota Sunrader will continue to be an integral part of my life. I still have some improvements to make, and the challenges of parking and navigating through city restrictions remain. But those are just small bumps on the road to freedom. I’ve already begun to formulate a plan for how to make the most of this RV lifestyle, and who knows — maybe I’ll move to the country and fully embrace the idea of the camper as my primary vehicle. Either way, I’m excited for what the future holds with my Sunrader.

Conclusion: A Perfect Balance of Freedom and Adventure

The 1987 Toyota Sunrader has allowed me to live a more adventurous and flexible lifestyle than I could have ever imagined. It’s more than just a camper; it’s a mobile office, a home on the road, and a constant companion for my dog and me. The process of restoring it has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding, and the journey has only just begun. I may not be able to park it everywhere I want, but I’m willing to work around those obstacles for the freedom it provides. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where the Sunrader takes me next.