Boltrippers 2020 Tacoma Build

[Boltripper]

At this point is was time to dispatch the plastic rear bumper for something a bit more sturdy. With this build I was not going with a rear swing out as my choice of tire size (33") allowed me to stow it in the stock location with a bit of modification.

Just so happened when I was deciding on a front bumper build that I came upon these great rear bumper wings from Ben at Dissent Offroad @dissent86 - The wings are aluminum and are easily replaceable if damaged beyond repair. The frame mounted attachment point is massive and gives me two other points beside the hitch for recovery.

They are available with or without a back up light cutout and I went with the cutout which was for a set of Mic Tuning LED reverse lights. These are on the Switch Pro's 9100 and trigger with the reverse lights and also can be actuated manually as scene lights whenever needed.









The frame attachment points add a nice recovery point.




















Cheers,

J~

 

[Boltripper]

After the rear we turned to the front. Again, I went with a lightweight aluminum design from Ben @dissent86 - Dissent Offrroad. The bumper would be fitted for both Rigid Industries driving and fog lights with a set of amber DRL's on each side.

Ben uses the ComeUp winches and the bumper can be fitted with others, but I decided to try the GEN II 9.5RS

Cutting is never easy and this is the first truck that I needed to completely destroy a factory piece to install a bumper. But measure a hundred times, hold your breath and cut....


I didn't get a pic, but the bumper has 2 massive frame mounts that the center section then rests on and bolts to making a very strong center. The 2 wings also kind of lock into place and internally bolt together, with additional caps bolted through.

I understand that this is not the ARB Bumper that my 80 had, but it will provide more protection than stock with winch ability and relatively lighter weight. Its all about building the truck around its intended mission and realizing there are give and takes in all scenarios.



























Cheers,

J~

 

[SHale]

Bumper looks great. Just two pages making me rethinking the trading in of my Tacoma lol.

 

[Boltripper]

So this build was dual purpose. I wanted a daily driver that could easily handle quick trips off road and also the ability to take me for extended periods. The Alu-Cab Gen III roof top tent was just amazing on my Land Cruiser. The quality was outstanding, but I wanted something with the ability to be inside if needed for weather, but still invited you to be outside and around it. The Khaya was something that would do just that.

Again, @rino was instrumental at helping me put together a great package with the Khaya Camper that will allow me to quickly load the camper and take off for the mountains, but keep it off and stowed when not needed.

Thanks to Rin for getting my Tacoma prepped and ready for the Install.























Cheers,

John~

 

[Tex68w]

Thanks my friend. I lamented for almost a year, but my obsession with finding adequate OEM replacement parts was wearing thin. Ordering from the UAE and Japan was just not working out. Its nice to know I've got a reliable parts source now for a good 10 years after production stops, if it ever does.

Be safe,

J

What a great build! I too love the Access Cab, they are difficult to find here in Texas as well.

We had a very clean 80-series that we loved but ultimately set free early for similar reasons. It was difficult justifying the hard use of such a rare a clean rig that was becoming increasingly difficult to find factory parts for.

I fall into the same boat in regards to enjoying the build more than the actual use and ownership. The research and build process and associated hunt for parts is always more exciting to me than actually getting out and using it day in and day out. I love that side of things as well, but the build is always more fun. I've forced myself to draw out my builds in an attempt to keep them longer instead of building it all up front and then becoming bored in a short amount of time when the build no longer has steam.

I can't wait to see what kind of trips you take the truck on and where the build progresses from here. BTW, care to share how the printable heat shrink works and where to source it?

 

[Boltripper]

What a great build! I too love the Access Cab, they are difficult to find here in Texas as well.

We had a very clean 80-series that we loved but ultimately set free early for similar reasons. It was difficult justifying the hard use of such a rare a clean rig that was becoming increasingly difficult to find factory parts for.

I fall into the same boat in regards to enjoying the build more than the actual use and ownership. The research and build process and associated hunt for parts is always more exciting to me than actually getting out and using it day in and day out. I love that side of things as well, but the build is always more fun. I've forced myself to draw out my builds in an attempt to keep them longer instead of building it all up front and then becoming bored in a short amount of time when the build no longer has steam.

I can't wait to see what kind of trips you take the truck on and where the build progresses from here. BTW, care to share how the printable heat shrink works and where to source it?

Thanks for the comments and glad I'm not the only one!


The label maker and tapes can be found on amazon. Don't be mislead that you need the +$100 Label Writer as the $27 works perfect.

Links below:

Dymo Label Manager

1/2" Heat Shrink


Pro Tip - The heat shrink tubing is not "Full Strength" heat shrink. Use it directly over waterproof melt connectors or over standard heat shrink tubing. Also - If using a melt in connector or standard heat shrink that you fully shrink that first, let cool then slide over or pull up the printed heat shrink and hit it with a heat gun. No lighters.... This stuff is thin, but is great when used properly.

Hope that helps,

J~

 

[Tex68w]

Thanks for the reply in regards to the heat shrink!

 

[Boltripper]

The build was completed in order to safely and effectively carry the Alu-Cab Khaya Camper. I've spent years using ground tents and over the last 7 used the Alu-Cab Gen III roof top tent on my Land Cruiser. I'm getting old now and really wanted something that I could spend time out of the elements if required, and something that could be easily installed and removed taking the truck back to its useful pickup form as a daily driver.

I was torn between the Khaya and the Canopy Camper, but went with the Khaya as #1 I didn't want the canopy camper to remain on the truck full time and #2 My woodworking skills are nonexistent, so doing a custom camper interior build was not something I wanted to tackle at this point.

The Khaya checks most boxes, but lacks in some areas. Again, pros and cons to just about everything.

Lucking @rino had someone back out of a Khaya Build, so I specked it to my liking and 3 months later it was on the boat from South Africa. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania so I made a trip to PA to visit family and on a Friday went out to Ok4WD to get educated on the Khaya and help Rin with the install.

I cant say enough about Rin and everyone at OK4WD. Great people and a great place.



Camper installed and getting ready to head back to Pittsburgh from OK4WD




OK4WD is an amazing place. Go see it if you ever have the opportunity and support them.








Cheers,

J~

 

[Boltripper]

It's been brutally hot here in the South this summer but I've enjoyed the camper when I could. The outdoor shower is kinda a summer camping game changer for me.