1989
Operator Manual
Table of Contents
1. Foreword
2. Vehicle Specifications
3. Floor Plan
4. Operations
1. Keys
2. Fuel
3. Starting
4. Seat Belts
5. A/C, Overdrive, Cruise Control
6. Clearance
7. Parking
8. Safety
9. Spare Tire,Lug Wrench, Jack
10. Freshwater
11. RV Door
12. Awning
13. Septic
14. Recharge Black-Water
15. Recharge Grey-Water
16. Water Heater
17. Electric
18.
19. Generator
20. Propane
21.
22. Refrigerator
23. Furnace
24. CO/LP Detector
25. TV/DVD
26. Toilet and Shower
27. Trailer Hitch
28. Bicycle Carrier
5. Appendix
FOREWORD
The Toyota Dolphin was manufactured by National RV Holdings
of Perris,
During that time the
This particular Dolphin was owned by a tenant of mine. He was a big-rig mechanic who planned to fix
it up and use it to move to
Since it was pretty much mechanically sound and the chassis was rust free, I decided to take it’s restoration on as a project. The summer of 2020 was spent getting the truck running and rebuilding the roof. 2021 saw the rebuilding of the camper shell that was below the floor line and installing the flooring. The summer of 2022 started with painting the interior walls and beginning to rebuild the camper living space.
By the fall of 2022 I was far enough along to justify buying
the needed appliances and hardware to finish up. After a very long and snowy winter, I got to
work in April with a goal of a maiden voyage by June 1st. The first trip was to
My grand children and I used the Dolphin for several other state park adventures throughout the summer of 2023. And wherever we went, others would stop and tell us about the Dolphin their parents or grand parents had and how much they enjoyed that little RV. It is our desire now to share that kind of experience with you and your family. This manual should provide what you need to know about the RV to have an enjoyable and trouble free vacation. Here’s to the road ahead!
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS - CHASSIS
Manufacturer
Year 1988
Model SR5
License RVE1191
Engine Fuel injected 2.4L 4 cyl
Transmission 3 speed automatic with OD
HP 87
Torque 190 ft lb
Fuel Economy 14 mpg
Fuel Capacity 17.2 gal
Range 200 miles (20 miles to empty)
Tire Size 185R 14LT (8 ply Load Range D)
Tire Inflation 65 psi
Suspension Air Bags 50 to 90 psi
Coolant Prestone green 50/50
Oil 10w40 (10w30 winter)
Filter Fram 3614; A/C Delco PF53
Brake Fluid Dot 3
Seating Capacity 5 (Driver, passenger, 3 in coach)
Towing Capacity 1000 lbs (100 lbs on hitch)
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS - COACH
Manufacturer National RV Holdings, Inc.
Year 1989
Model Dolphin
Length 21 ft
Width 7 ft
Height 10 ft
Fresh Water 17.5 gal
Grey Water 19 gal
Black Water 19 gal
Propane 20# (5 gal)
Electrical 30 amp
Dry Weight 5020 lbs
Gross Weight 5950 lbs (930 lbs for passengers and cargo)
Furnace 12000 BTU propane
Water Heater 2.5 gal electric
Refrigerator 4.5 cu ft 12v
A/C N/A
FLOOR PLAN
OPERATIONS
1. Keys
The key ring has two keys. One is for the ignition and the other is for all camper accesses and doors with the exception of the entrance door. The key for the entrance door is in the key vault located immediately to the right of the entrance door. To open the key vault, enter the combination you received during the checkout and press down on the latch to open the door. To replace the key, enter the code, press down on the latch and replace the vault door, releasing the latch when the door is in place. Do not remove the key from the key vault door. Be sure to return the key to the vault as soon as the door has been locked or unlocked to avoid a lost key.
IMPORTANT: THE I
2. Fuel
The RV runs on unleaded gas. However, in 1988 when this unit was built, there were no ethanol blended fuels in use. Ethanol will damage rubber hoses, fittings and seals in the fuel system. It also burns hotter, which can lead to damage of valves and pistons. Therefore, whenever possible, use only “non-oxygenated” or “ethanol free” gasoline.
NOTE:
3. Starting the RV
At some point in its history, a dash mounted starter button was installed in the RV. Even though the ignition tumbler was replaced, the starter button is still used. To start the RV:
a. Insert the ignition key and turn all the way to start for 2 to 3 seconds
to pressurize the fuel system.
b. Release the key and let it turn back to the run position.
c. Press the starter button to start the motor.
If the motor does not start after 2 or 3 seconds, repeat the steps again.
Before moving, do a quick walk around to make sure all connections are removed, wheel chocks are pulled, RV door is fully closed and locked, roof vents are closed, bathroom pocket door is secured, and the water pump switch is off. See the Departure Checklist in the Appendix for a full list of departure preparations.
4. Seat belts
There are seat belts for up to 5 individuals. The two cab seats have shoulder harnesses. There are no air bags in the vehicle as they were not required until 1999. There are lap belts for three passengers on the couch behind the cab. There are no shoulder harnesses for rear seat passengers as they were not required until 1990.
5. A/C, Overdrive, Cruise Control
The A/C has been converted to R134 and will keep the RV comfortable on the road even with outside temperatures into the 90’s. The square A/C button must be depressed (lights up in blue when depressed), the temperature set to cold (blue) to turn on the A/C. Adjust the fan, temperature, and the damper location to suit the cooling need.
Overdrive is used to increase fuel mileage when traveling at highway speeds. It enables a fourth gear in the transmission at speeds above 45 mph when activated. To activate the overdrive, the selector button on the shifter must be depressed. Overdrive is deactivated by depressing the button a second time and allowing it to pop out. The overdrive indicator light is no longer operable, so you must know that it is active when the button is down and inactive when the button is up.
NOTE: OVERDRIVE SHOULD NOT BE USED WHEN TOWING, WHEN DRIVING IN HILLY OR MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, OR IF FIGHTING A STRONG HEADWIND.
The cruise control in the RV is an after-market unit and is no longer operable.
6. Clearance
Although the Dolphin is one of the lowest RV’s ever produced, it still needs at least 10 feet of vertical clearance. Most fuel islands have 14 feet or more of clearance, but do not forget to check before driving underneath. Additional caution must be taken when driving in areas where tree limbs or other overhead obstructions may exist.
7. Parking
If at all possible, park where the camper will find a natural level. If it is not possible to park on a level area, there are leveling ramps in the passenger side storage compartment. The leveling ramps have 3 leveling tiers. Once parked and level, set the parking brake and use the black rubber wheel chocks to prevent any accidental rolling.
Note: Electric, water and sewer connections are all on the driver side of the RV.
8. Safety
The RV is equipped with a smoke detector, a CO/LP gas detector, and a fire extinguisher. The smoke detector is located on the ceiling near the RV door. It is powered by a 9 volt internal battery. The CO/LP detector is located just above the 12 volt disconnect switch. It is powered by the RV 12 volt system. The fire extinguisher is located behind the driver seat.
9. Spare tire, jack and lug wrench
If it is necessary to change a tire, in addition to the spare tire on the back of the RV, there is a bottle jack with integrated jack stand and a lug wrench in the passenger side storage compartment.
10. Freshwater
The onboard freshwater tank holds 17.5 gallons. That should be sufficient for 3 to 5 days of normal use. Water from the tank is delivered to the sink and shower by an on-demand pump. The pump is turned on with the switch behind the sink marked WP (water pump). When a spigot is opened, the pump will start. Water from the freshwater tank should not be used for drinking water, but is safe for cooking and washing.
When available, there is a freshwater connection on the driver side and a freshwater hose in the passenger side storage compartment. The hose has a pressure regulator attached to the RV end of the hose. Do not remove the regulator. It protects the RV from a pressure surge caused by neighboring RV’s turning water on and off. Drinking camp ground water is not recommended without filtering.
NOTE: THE FRESHWATER
H
11. RV door
The RV door provides outside access to the coach area. It has an integrated screen door that can be detached from the outer door by releasing the screen door catch. There is a door holder catch that will hold open the outer door to allow use of the screen door for access and ventilation.
The door latch includes a deadbolt. The deadbolt should be locked whenever the RV is underway to prevent any accidental opening. The deadbolt is locked by turning the inside knob counter clockwise. To unlock the deadbolt, turn the inside knob clockwise. When the red dots are aligned, the deadbolt is unlocked.
The key to operate the door lock and the deadbolt from the outside is located in the key vault mounted on the outside wall of the RV. The key is in the key vault rather than on the key ring so that it will always be available, providing it is returned to the vault after use. (See item 1, Keys, for vault operating instructions.)
12. Awning
The awning adds some enjoyable outdoor living space to the campsite. Moreover, it provides cooling shade to the entrance side of the RV. By holding open the RV outer door and turning on the rooftop exhaust fans the camper will remain comfortable on even the warmest days. The awning can be deployed and left extended except when high winds (20+ mph) are possible.
To deploy the awing:
a. Close the RV outer door.
b. Open the clamp at the center of each arm.
c. Flip the switch at the cab end of the awning to open (up).
d. Fully unroll the awning using the pull strap.
You may need to unroll a little of the awning to find the strap end.
e. With the awning fully unrolled, extend support arms and lock with knob.
f. Raise the awning to its maximum in front and -3 holes in the rear.
With the awing fully deployed, the RV door will open without touching
the awning canopy.
To retract the awning:
a. Close the RV outer door.
b. Lower the awning.
c. Loosen and retract support arms
d. Flip the switch at the cab end of the awning to close (down).
e. Roll up the awning by hand (retraction spring is broken).
Sweep debris off the awning as it is rolled up.
f. Clamp the arms to secure the awning.
13. Septic
Whether or not you have septic at the campsite or there is only a dump station, it is always recommended to use the onboard septic tanks. This will prevent waste material from building up in the septic tanks and hose. With a 19 gallon black-water tank and a 19 gallon grey-water tank, there is ample septic storage for 3 to 5 days of normal use.
The septic system consists of the black-water tank for the toilet, the grey-water tank for the sink and shower, gate valves to hold back the liquid in each tank, and a discharge port to which the septic hose connects. The discharge port has a cover to holds back any leakage that may come through the gate valves. The discharge port cover is required by law to be in place when underway.
The septic hose and gloves are in the green bucket in the passenger side storage compartment. To dump the septic system:
a. Get out the septic hose and put on gloves.
b. Remove the discharge port cover.
c. Connect the septic hose by twisting the connector onto the discharge port.
d. Put the other end of the hose into the camp septic connection.
e. Open the black-water gate valve to dump the black-water tank.
f. Use the bucket to dump a bucket of clean water through the toilet.
g. Open the grey-water gate valve to dump the grey-water tank.
h. Use the bucket to dump a bucket of clean water through the sink.
i. Close the gate valves.
j. Remove and rinse out the septic hose.
k. Replace the discharge port cover.
l. Recharge septic tanks (See item 14 and 15 for recharge instructions.)
m. Return the hose to the bucket and put back into the storage compartment.
14. Recharge black-water tank.
To recharge the black-water tank, put two gallons of fresh water in the green bucket. Add a cap-full of Calgon and two caps-full of liquid laundry detergent to the water. Pour the solution through the toilet into the black-water tank.
15. Recharge grey-water tank.
To recharge the grey-water tank, put one gallon of fresh water in the green bucket. Add one cap-full of Calgon and one cap-full of liquid laundry detergent to the water. Pour the solution through the sink into the grey-water tank.
16. Water heater
A 2.5 gallon electric water heater provides hot water for the galley sink and the shower. Because the water heater is electric only, it will only operate when connected to an electrical service. When electric service is not available, water can be heated on the galley stove using the tea kettle.
Before starting the hot water heater, it must be filled with water. Running the water heater without water will burn out the water heater. To fill the water heater, turn the diverter valve toward the cold water inlet. Open the hot water spigot in the galley sink and turn on the water pump. While the water heater is filling air will come out of the spigot. When a steady stream of water comes out of the spigot, the water heater is full. Then plug in the water heater and turn the outlet switch to the on position.
Once full, the water heater can be left plugged in and on. Though it will not operate when not connected to an electric service, it will resume heating water as soon as you have once again connected to and electric service.
NOTE: BE SURE TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER IF CONNECTING TO THE GENERATOR.
17. Electric
The RV has a 30 amp electrical service. The power cord is in the passenger side storage compartment. The RV connection is behind the small door above the driver side rear wheel. The surge protector should always be used to protect the RV from power surges that often occur as neighboring camper A/C units cycle on and off or the electric service is momentarily disrupted.
The power distribution center is located under the couch next to the galley. It has four circuit breakers, a 30 amp main, a 20 amp for the water heater, one 15 amp for the microwave, and one 15 amp for the passenger side outlets. Circuit breakers can be reset after removing or disconnecting a problem from the circuit. To reset a breaker push the breaker switch down to the fully off position, then back up to the on position.
The power distribution center also has a 12 volt DC inverter, which provides fused circuits for 12 volt services including automatic charging of the onboard battery. The 12 volt panel has 6 circuits, each fused for 15 amps. Circuits are (3) Lights, (4) Furnace, (5) Water Pump, (6) Vent Fans (7) Refrigerator, (8) CO/LP Detector. There is also a 25 amp fuse for the 12 volt inverter/charger. Spare fuses are in the blue parts bag in the passenger rear compartment.
18.
With the exception of the water heater and the microwave oven, all electrical appliances and lights in the RV operate on 12 volt DC power provided by the onboard 12 volt deep cycle battery. The battery is located under the desk immediately behind the passenger side rear tire. It will provide ample power for about 24 hours when not connected to an electrical source. When connected to an electrical service, the power distribution center will automatically keep the battery charged to its optimum level. The battery will also charge when driving, providing the truck battery is fully charged.
The 12 volt power outlet on the desk has a battery condition indicator that displays the available voltage in the battery. If the voltage drops below 12 volts, the battery must be charged, either by connecting to an electric service or using the generator to charge the battery. When camping on a primitive campsite or boondocking, maintaining battery power is important and daily charging is recommended. (See the Generator Instructions in the Appendix for battery charging instructions.)
A 12 volt disconnect switch, located below the CO/LP detector, will in effect disconnect the RV from the battery.
19. Generator
The generator is located in the driver side storage compartment. It will provide approximately 800 watts of power. Though that is insufficient for either the water heater or the microwave oven, it will provide sufficient power for the power distribution 12 volt system, including the battery charger. See the Generator Instructions in the Appendix for operating instructions.
20. Propane
The RV has a 20# LP tank. It is located in the driver side storage compartment. If it becomes necessary to remove the tank for filling:
a. Make sure the range and furnace are off.
b. Empty out everything except the LP tank from the storage compartment.
c. Turn the gas valve on the top of the tank clockwise to close.
d. Disconnect the supply line from the tank by turning the connector clockwise.
Connector threads are reversed.
e. Undo the tank restraining strap.
f. Tilt the tank towards the front of the RV to lie the tank down.
It is a close fit and may require some effort.
g. Remove tank and take to a propane filling station.
Tank swaps are more expensive and do not provide a full tank.
After filling, reverse the removal steps to reinstall and connect the tank. Open the valve and smell for a leak. If there is no leak, light one of the range burners (see item 21), which will purge the air from the LP gas line. If the furnace was in use, the pilot light will need to be relit. See item 23. Furnace, for pilot lighting instructions.
21.
The stove-top range provides two high-output burners. To light the burners:
a. Get a butane lighter from the utensil drawer.
b. Raise the glass top and fold over behind the range.
b. Turn the burner control knob to light.
c. Light the burner with the butane lighter.
d. Adjust the burner as needed for use.
e. When done, be sure the turn the control knob to off.
NOTE: DO NOT USE THE
RANGE FOR A HEAT SOURCE. THE
22. Refrigerator
The RV refrigerator operates on 12 volt power system only. There is no propane option for the refrigerator. It will operate for approximately 24 hours on the deep cycle battery, so daily battery charging is needed when using the refrigerator. Efficiency of the refrigerator is dependent on room temperature. The cooler the room temperature, the more efficient it will be at cooling. Keeping good ventilation in the RV during warm weather will help.
To turn on the refrigerator, turn the dial on the right side of the interior of the refrigerator from OFF to COLD. Turn the setting up or down as needed and as power is available.
The freezer compartment is located behind the door at the top of the refrigerator. It is small (3.5 x 20 x 12), but is sufficient for most needs.
23. Furnace
The RV is heated by a thermostatically controlled, 12,000 btu, forced air furnace. It operates on LP gas and uses the 12 volt power system for the thermostat and circulation fan. The RV is not designed for nor useable during the cold of winter, however the furnace will keep the camper comfortable during a light freeze. A full 20# propane cylinder will provide about 15 hours of run time for the furnace.
To use the furnace, light the pilot and set the thermostat. The rest is automatic. To light the furnace pilot:
a.
a. Turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting.
b. Make sure the LP is on.
c. Remove the furnace brown cover.
Pull out at the bottom 2 inches and lift up.
d. Turn the green knob from OFF to PILOT.
e. Push and hold the green knob down to open the pilot valve.
If the knob does not push down, it is not set on pilot.
f. While holding the pilot valve open (green knob pushed down),
push the igniter (square button to the right of the green knob)
until it “clicks”. Each click sends a spark to the pilot. When
gas is present, the pilot will light and the aura of a blue flame
will be seen through the small inspection hole. It may take
several “clicks” before gas is present, so continue to hold in
the green knob and clicking the igniter until the pilot lights.
g. Once the pilot light ignites, hold the green knob down for 30 seconds.
This will heat the thermocouple which allows the pilot valve to remain
open even after releasing the green knob. If the pilot goes out when,
the knob is released, repeat steps e and f until the pilot remains lit.
h. Turn the green knob to ON.
i. Replace furnace cover
j. Set the thermostat to the desired air temperature. Depending on the outside
temperature,
it will take anywhere from
To turn off the furnace, remove the furnace cover and turn
the green knob to OFF. You will need to push
down the green knob to get it back to the PILOT setting. Then release the green knob and you will be
able to turn it to OFF. Turn off the
NOTE: There is a 1500 watt (5,000 btu) electric heater in the kitchen cabinet, under the range, that can be used when connected to an electric service. Besides being much quieter, it will also conserve your limited reserve of LP gas. It can also be used on its 750 watt setting with the generator, but not at the 1500 watt setting.
24. CO/LP detector
The CO/LP detector is located immediately above the 12 volt disconnect switch. It comes on automatically whenever the 12 volt system is in use. It will emit an audible alarm whenever a dangerous level of CO (carbon monoxide) or LP (liquid propane) gas is present inside the RV.
CO is a by product of the combustion process, so the galley range, the furnace, the generator, and the RV engine can all be a source of CO. CO will cause drowsiness and confusion. Continuous exposure to CO will lead to death.
LP in the RV would come from a leak in the LP gas line that feed the galley range and furnace. LP is explosive and an errant spark when LP is in the air can be highly dangerous.
If the CO/LP alarm goes off, get out of the RV immediately and contact the campground emergency number or 911 for help.
NOTE: IF YOU SMELL LP
GAS BUT THE ALARM HAS NOT GONE OFF, CHECK THE BURNER CONTROL KNOBS ON THE
25. TV/DVD
The TV/DVD operates on the 12 volt system, so it is available anytime there is battery power. There is no external antenna for over the air TV, so TV entertainment is limited to the DVD player.
To lower the TV into the viewing position, while holding the TV, remove the retaining pin and slowly lower the TV down. Use the remote control to power and control the unit.
Be sure to return the TV to the stowed position before moving the RV.
26. Toilet and Shower
The RV toilet flushes directly down into the black water tank. There is a black trigger flush valve on the right rear side of the toilet bowl. Pulling the trigger opens the gate valve to the black water tank and turns on the fresh water to rinse out the bowl. You can pull the white trigger alone to open the fresh water valve without opening the gate valve to put clean water into the toilet bowl if desired.
The shower has separate hot and cold water taps to allow mixing water to the desired temperature. The shower handle has a shut-off valve to conserve water while showering. When electricity is not available and the hot water heater is unavailable, there is a pressurized camp shower in the closet behind the toilet. To use the camp shower:
a. Heat up one tea kettle of water on the stove.
b. Remove the pump from the tank by turning the handle counter-clockwise.
c. Pour the hot water into the tank and add two tea kettles of cold water.
d. Replace the pump and seal it by turning clockwise until tight.
e. Unlock the pump handle and pressurize the tank by pumping up and down.
If water starts squirting out of the shower handle when pumping,
slide the shut-off valve to close shower head.
f. Secure the pump handle by locking it into the pump.
g. Use the camp shower the same as the fresh water shower.
NOTE: BE SURE TO MAKE
27. Trailer hitch
The trailer hitch is mounted to the cargo rack on the rear of the RV. It is capable of towing a small boat or utility trailer even with a reasonable amount of cargo on the carrier. The RV is wired for lights only with a 4 prong plug.
The receiver has a Convert-A-Ball system that can be changed between a 1 7/8 inch and a 2 inch ball. To change the ball, push the locking pin with a key pushing on the end of the pin with the divot in it. Then pull the pushed out pin from the other side of the ball until it stops. Lift the ball off the shank and replace it with the other ball. The balls are stored in the small black bag in the passenger side storage compartment.
28. Bicycle carrier
The rear cargo carrier has 3 fork mount truck bed bicycle carriers paired with 3 Velcro straps for securing rear tires. To mount a bicycle, drop out the bicycle’s front tire and mount it to the carrier nearest the RV. Place the rear tire over the corresponding Velcro strap and secure the rear tire. Repeat for second and third bicycles, alternating direction with each one. Use the cable lock to secure the bicycles to the vertical post.
APPENDIX
1. Departure Checklist
2. Check-Out Worksheet
3. Check-In / Settlement Statement
4. Packing List
5. Generator Instructions