1990 TOYOTA V-6 SEABREEZE MOTORHOME RV 30K MILES!

Another type of  Toyota motorhome called Seabreeze is for sale on Ebay. It appears to be in outstanding condition and has only 30K miles on it.  The Seabreeze, manufactured by National RV,  is considered to be top of the line in luxury motorhomes due to the superior construction, quality, and versatility. The RV measures jsut 21′ from bumper to bumper and is large enough for comfort, yet will fit nicely into a standard parking spot.

This Seabreeze is powered by a Toyota V6 fuel injected engine and is on a true one-ton chassis with 6 lug wheels all around. It is equipped with an ECT (electronically controlled transmission) that allows you with a push of a button to have more power when driving in the mountains and is also equipped with the overdrive option for extra fuel savings.

Another very desirable feature of the Seabreeze is the Onan 2.8 Mircolite GenSet generator. With the flick of a switch in the galley, the generator starts and powers the A/C, microwave and all your appliances. So, you can park wherever you want without the need to plug in, and still have everything needed for comfort. Even when the generator is not running, the Seabreeze is equipped with a deep cycle marine battery that runs all of the coach lights, water pump, furnace and fans. However, when plug-in’s are available, it has full hook up capacity with a built in power converter.This Seabreeze also comes with an easy roll out awning for shade.

Cab & Chassis

EFI 3.0 V6 Fuel-Injected Toyota Engine w/ Overdrive
Automatic Transmission w/ ECT Power Button
Roof A/C
Cruise Control
Tilt Wheel w/Power Steering 
1 Ton Chassis (6 lug nuts all around)
Power Brakes
Power Steering
Newer Tires (All tires are interchangeable)
Air Ride Suspension
17.2 Gallon Fuel Tank
Cassette AM/FM Stereo

Galley

Wedgewood Range
Range Hood Cover w/Fan & Light
2-way LPG Gas/Electric 4 CU. Ft. Refrigerator & Freezer
Stainless Steel Double Sink
Mini-Blinds Throughout
Self-Containment

Onan 2.8 Microlite GenSet Generator (59 hours!)
Fresh Water (17 gal)Grey/Black Water (15 gal) Holding Tanks
16,000 BTU Forced Air Furnace w/ Thermostat
Dual Batteries w/Automatic Charger
Systems Monitor Panel
Demand Water Pump
Marine Flush Toilet
Deep Cycle Marine Battery
(Self-Igniting) Hot Water Heater
Cable TV Hook Up with Power Boost
Winegard TV Antenna
Fire Extinguisher

Dimensions 

Cab Over Bed - 48“ X 80“
Couch Bed - 43“ X 68“
Dinette Bed - 30“ X 70“
Interior Height 72“
Exterior Height 8’ 7”
Exterior Width 81“
Exterior Length 21′

In the early eighties Toyota partnered with several RV manufacturers to produce “mini” “micro-mini”motorhomes. Although it might be considered to be more of an RV than a motorhome, one the the lesser known models was the Mirage. Based on Toyota’s Cab and Chassis (C&C) the GVW (gross vehicle weight) is 3500 pounds empty; 2500 for the Toyota cab & chassis, and 1000 for the RV portion. The Mirage body is a one piece fiberglass with inner & outer walls with honey-combing in between for strength and insulation. All cabinets are very light weight as they are only partial fiberglass shells, using the finished floor & wall for the balance of the enclosure. Extremely well engineered for strength & weight. The Mirage is for an individual or family who wants to upgrade from tent camping, but does not want the full motor home life style. It officially sleep 4 adults, but could accommodate a family of 6 on a few weekend trips. Although probably not designed for this, the unique rear door-in-a-door is big enough to load a motorcycle. A generous amount of versatile space while earning an honest 20 mpg.

Bed Dimensions:
Upper Bunk: 6′-2″ x 4′-0″
Dinette Bed: 5′-10″ x 3′-8″Ceiling Height Measured at the low cushion that runs down the center: 6′-1″ at back; 5′-11″ forward. Outside Dimensions:
Length, bumper tip-to-tip 17′-6″
Height: 8′-3″ to top of roof
Height: 8′-7″ to top of roof vent
Width: 7′-8″ max at the rear

The only online reference I could find for these motorhomes is Ron’s page for the sale of his Mirage. This page represents an excellent example of a well kept vehicle and an impressive record of documentation.

Sadly, Toyota stopped providing cab-chassis trucks to motorhome makers in 1993. The obvious reason is that Toyota had liability concerns about the motorhomes (and their under-informed owners) overloading the chassis. All C&Cs produced from 1979 through 1983, had the rear axle and rear brakes of a standard pick-up truck. Motor homes using Toyota and other brand C&Cs were equipped with an unusual dual rear wheel where the outer wheel bolted to the inner wheel. The inner wheel bolted to the rear hub with 5 lugs. This design was later determined to be dangerous where a pair of wheels could fall off due to loosening lugs, or broken lug stems.

By 1987 Toyota started providing “full floater” axles under their C&C trucks. A recall also provided previous owners a chance to update their motorhomes to the heavy duty axle. Such was the case for Ron’s Mirage. Upon request Toyota provided a new rear axle setup. After the update was complete he found the RV to ride and handle like never before without the concern of overloading or high crosswinds or semi-truck passing.

Although the era of the “mini” “micro-mini” motorhome has come and gone, there are still many fine examples of the older Toyota based RVs out there on Ebay, craigslist, or even an occasional roadside find.