Hello, first post and advice needed on liveaboard overlander..

[RealJon]

i have seen quiglys for sub 20. you can get a nice E350 extended for 4-7k and go from there. Another option is a astro. cheap and stealth.

i honestly feel a big vans your best bang for buck

 

[rxinhed]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/2993058733.html

Unimog radio vehicle, camo:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/ctd/2981072381.html

Sprinter:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3027085690.html

Ford Van:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3027033234.html

Small Chevy Class C:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/rvs/3025063346.html

Another Ford van:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/rvs/3023297513.html

 

[Telcobilly]

Awesome links rxinhead, thanks! Loving the Unimog (scared about service and parts though) and the Sprinter.

 

[Telcobilly]

Maybe a mod should move this thread to the Toyota or Other forum. The more I consider my use and needs for the liveaboard vehicle, the more I keep coming back to my truck/ Durashell combo. My truck is a reliable, paid for and a known quantity. With its light weight, traction ( soon to be enhanced with a locker or LSD ) and fairly decent economy, it's hard to find another vehicle to offer this. I put some $ in it recently with 5 matching rims/tires, f/r hw tube bumpers (including a 2" receiver), tube tailgate , four new shocks, spacer front lift and an add a leaf 2" lift in the rear.

I'm thinking I can have a boat hatch installed on the roof and a sliding window in the front to line up with the trucks rear sliding window, this will take care of natural light/ventilation while offering great stealth. It offers 67" of headroom and 75" of length, allowing me to stretch out all the way. Right now, housing is not an issue , so this unit will allow me to have more of my stuff with me. I may buy a small trailer for my DR650 which will take care of the overlanding, the truck could serve as the base camp..

Any input pro's/cons are appreciated.

 

[Revco]

I see you have TX plates on the Tacoma...are you working the Eagle Ford Shale? If so, there's a Sportsmobile Chevy 4x4 Van for sale at Stahmann RV on I-35 in New Braunfels. Maybe you can check it out and see if it's something you'd be interested in, or figure out if it's not for you. You don't see many Sportsmobiles around here, so this might be a chance to check one out in person.


EDIT: I just found the ad...$65k!!! Yikes!

http://www.stahmannrv.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=08556635X5K28K2012J9I16I20JPMQ6636R0&veh=2560203

 

[bftank]

building the toyota is a fine and dandy idea as long as you are not claustrophobic or in need of stretching. it might put your truck at its limits though.


my first thought was also a van when i first read your post.

here is something to read through and think about. could be done for well under 20k if you have the resources.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=879722&highlight=cargo+van

 

[Telcobilly]

I've been playing with a tape measure and running scenarios through my mind. I could do a plywood deck with carpet which could swivel up for access to storage below. I would have a 75 x 50 deck to sleep on and I could use the overhead for things I use a lot. With a slider in the front of the shell, I could have a pass through to the cab's HVAC systems. I could use carpeting to insulate. This Ranger is similar in its load capacity, it seems to be ok with the DS 165 on it:

 

[LakeLBJ]

I really like the Durashells. I found them about a year back and the 325 model is at the top of my list for an expedition setup for my Chevy 1500 Z71 Ex-Cab Short bed. I really like that I could customize it exactly how I want, and Fleetwest will actually add windows, lighting, A/C, etc at the factory for you as options. I was thinking having small sleeping quarters in the over-cab area, and then install a flip up bunk on one side. Carpet the entire thing, add a porta toilet and I'm good to go. Plus, the whole thing slides out easily and you get your truck back instantly and because of its commercial nature stealth camping would be easy.

Another option for your Tacoma is the new XPCamper V2 that should come coming out soon. Google it, it's a all hard sided pop up camper for smaller trucks.