Toyota Mirage
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.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
actually Toyota is still making new micro motor homes and camper vans and sells them all over the world especially the UK, Australia and New Zealand. I wish they would make a left hand drive model of some of these. They look great (look up Toyota Hi Ace or Toyota Hilux motor home) and I’d be one of the first USA owners, believe me!
May 12th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
do you know how i could contact toyota to ask about this?
May 13th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
You can visit the official toyota website by using the link at the right side of the page. As far as importing a Toyota from the places you mentioned, its not likely to happen, even if it were left hand drive. DOT EPA and the rest of the GOV wouldn’t approve.
March 31st, 2010 at 4:16 pm
hey has anyone heard of a GMC sierra s-15 mirage camper?