Carl's 2007 Tacoma Buildup
- Thread starter CLynn85
- Start date
Soooo.... A lot's happened since my last update. So here's a quick run down.
Recently hit 80,000 miles in just under 3 years.
Entered a few RallyX events with the truck
Added a UWS toolbox, Firestick NGP antenna mount, and the best camping accessory ever, a vintage STARR Canada Dry Bottle Opener
I've only gotten a few uses out of the roof tent unfortunately, and while we love it, has not been quite the solution we hoped it would be, back in the market for other camping solutions. Also regarding doubts on longevity of the stock rails, they're actually surprising me. They've been abused as tie-downs in general, and though it's only been out on 4 or so trips, the 1" square tube cross bars are holding up fine.
Went to Seattle with a popup trailer, fun times, crappy trailer, ditched it when we got back
Upgraded to Bilstien 5100's and Alcan AAL, not the ideal solution, but it works, seen here in Mon, WV (Thanks Haggis for photo)
And most recently scored a well used 8427 for next to nothing. Unfortunately there's no aftermarket bumpers that accomodate it, so I've started a custom build
As for future plans, not 100% sure yet. We're debating between a FlipPac, camper shell, custom camper, or FWC. Ideally we'd like another FWC Eagle, but they're hard to come by this side of the Mississippi. I'm definitely going to start looking at the flatbed possibilities, as I think that'd give us more utility out of this platform.
Recently hit 80,000 miles in just under 3 years.
Entered a few RallyX events with the truck
Added a UWS toolbox, Firestick NGP antenna mount, and the best camping accessory ever, a vintage STARR Canada Dry Bottle Opener
I've only gotten a few uses out of the roof tent unfortunately, and while we love it, has not been quite the solution we hoped it would be, back in the market for other camping solutions. Also regarding doubts on longevity of the stock rails, they're actually surprising me. They've been abused as tie-downs in general, and though it's only been out on 4 or so trips, the 1" square tube cross bars are holding up fine.
Went to Seattle with a popup trailer, fun times, crappy trailer, ditched it when we got back
Upgraded to Bilstien 5100's and Alcan AAL, not the ideal solution, but it works, seen here in Mon, WV (Thanks Haggis for photo)
And most recently scored a well used 8427 for next to nothing. Unfortunately there's no aftermarket bumpers that accomodate it, so I've started a custom build
As for future plans, not 100% sure yet. We're debating between a FlipPac, camper shell, custom camper, or FWC. Ideally we'd like another FWC Eagle, but they're hard to come by this side of the Mississippi. I'm definitely going to start looking at the flatbed possibilities, as I think that'd give us more utility out of this platform.
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Cackalak Han
Explorer
What was your gripe about the RTT?
Plan is actually this fall. Last fall I had scheduled a week and a half of leave and we were going to do a leaf tour of Vermont, NH, Connecticut, etc, but I got sent to Camp Pendleton, so we aborted the NE trip and flew the wife out with me the week after and did our fall vacation in San Diego. While that's nothing to complain about in itself, I was REALLY looking forward to New England. So it looks like we're going to try it again this fall. Are you still up that way??
The RTT definitely has it's pros and cons. I like the quick setup and low profile of it, and it does look perty cool all set up, but it's not ideal for us. We do a lot of highway running, and it definitely does not lend itself to covert camping in a parking lot or hiding just off the highway, as it would not be a quick ordeal to pack up and skiddadle if necessary.
To be honest, I really can't quite put my finger on it, but there's just something about it that doesn't fit us. If all we did was explore forest roads and had endless BLM land or long off highway trails to explore, it'd be great, as that's what it's really meant for. Maybe I need to integrate it into the truck differently. I mounted it where I did because it provided a level of protection for the items in the bed with the tailgate locked. As a result though, usable cargo space is limited and I can't leave it on the truck for any extended period of time.
The cover design in my opinion is terrible. It might have worked 30 years ago when they were first designed, but it's a pain and takes two people to stretch it over and fasten it down. The velcro oozes goo out from under it too.
I also get tired of opening it up constantly to show friends and family what's inside...
So, yeah, it's kind of like the person you seem like you should be friends with, but you just don't "click"...
jim65wagon
Well-known member
That's going to be a cool bumper! When you get that done, you're going to ( help me ) do one for the Tundra, right? I may just have to drop by to get a closer look at that....
Haggis
Appalachian Ridgerunner
We feel your pain. We're debating on what to do with our set-up too. While our Fleetwood EV-1 has been a good trailer for us, it's not the ideal set-up. To much forethought as far as where you can go and the feeling of being held back (and I feel that way about all trailers) is making us rethink our next move. We've decide that we're heading West in June '11 and don't feel like luggin' the trailer. Something different is called for. And like you, the thought of a RTT really isn't that appealing. To much bother swapping off and on when your truck is a work truck and the kids would still need a tent. For now I'm building a storage/sleep module for under the cap and we'll see if the low buck set-up works before we lay out some real cash. But we're leaning towards a FlipPac much like TacoDoc's. More steathy, still able to use the bed of the truck for work, but with a hefty price tag. Especially with shipping involved.
Hopefully we'll meet up again this year and we can bench race our plans for the Brotherhood of the Silver Toyotas around a campfire somewheres.
Right on. We just went out this weekend to look at trailers and convinced ourselves that it's just not the right option.
That being said it looks like I'm playing hookie tomorrow and running down to NC to pick up a Leer shell with Thule racks for next to nothing (it's black but the price is def right), so I guess we'll give a sleeping platform a try! Maybe we'll have that ready for Pine Barrens.
Anyone want a very slightly used Eezi Awn 1200? Think it still has the plastic on the mattress.
7wt
Expedition Leader
Yup, I will keep a light on for ya until you get here. New England in the fall is unreal. I am sure we could scrounge up Streakerfreak for a local run if nothing else but it would be cool to plan a scoot through VT or even a little further. I guess it all depends on exactly when you guys get up this way. It will be nice to see you guys again, the first time around got cut a little short.
jim65wagon
Well-known member
Looks good and it already matches the truck!
