If you could build...

[NumNutz]

If you could build a stock 07 Toyota Tacoma AC into an Expo Rig for $4-4.5k what would you do?

She's not completely stock, but not setup as an offroading rig. I'm looking to hit UT, AZ, NM, CA and maybe a few other states on my way across the country this summer and would like a rig setup to do it. Would need it setup for camping using a tent. Don't need the whole rooftop camping setup though.

 

[bimmeryota]

I have no experience yet since I still need to build my own but wanted to say that's a good lookin truck!

 

[PaintRock]

Camper Shell or Bed Cover?

Are you going to try to add some lockable storage? Some guys hate camper shells (I used to be one of them, but I am warming up to the idea, a little). I have the sliding, locking bed cover and I love it. I can lock up quite a bit of stuff under the cover, but when I need to haul an atv or a washer or something large, I can get most of my bed back just by sliding the cover open all the way. I have several of the tuffboxes from Home Depot, and I can configure the bed to store quite a bit of stuff depending on what I want to do. When I camp, it's generally with a giant canvas wall tent that takes two men and a large boy to set up, or just a little backpacking tent.

 

[Desert Dan]

A Camper shell (cab high or higher) allows for camping in the truck when you want.
Spend the rest on gas $$ LOL

It all depends on what you want to do on your trip. Your Taco will get you most places.

OME suspension ?
Side rock sliders ?

 

[NumNutz]

A Camper shell (cab high or higher) allows for camping in the truck when you want.
Spend the rest on gas $$ LOL

It all depends on what you want to do on your trip. Your Taco will get you most places.

OME suspension ?
Side rock sliders ?

I was going to go with a custom utility rack with a custom canvas cover. Not a big fan of camper shells. I will be lifting the truck so would you suggestion OME?

I'm looking for suggestions on lift, armor, tires, and equipment. I'll need to be completely self-sufficient. I will have a buddy, but only using one vehicle.

Specific questions on equipment and gear include - do I need a dual battery setup? I'm not big into rock climbing so are skid plates really necessary?

 

[enzo]

I'd go with OME suspension. It good stuff and not insanely expensive. I'd recommend a dual battery setup if your running a fridge, winch and lights. I'm partial to ARB stuff as far as armor goes but there are others out there.

 

[fowldarr]

This is a tough one, because inevitably you will take this trip and realize all the things that you should have spent you money on. I would go with. Can back type topper, then call cbi offroad, or cruiser outfitters and let them spend the rest. The other option is to save on your mods and extend the trip.

 

[NumNutz]

Well I am moving across the country so my move will be paid for by the Navy. Gas for traveling will be on the Navy (Obviously not my offroad trips, but and transiting gas will be). And my buddy will be my father so he will be covering the other subsistence costs. This was his idea, but I am certainly in favor of it. It's kind of my going away present as I am moving out to CA permanently for Navy training.

So basically my costs will be in mods. I'm looking to spend all $4k.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Well I am moving across the country so my move will be paid for by the Navy. Gas for traveling will be on the Navy (Obviously not my offroad trips, but and transiting gas will be). And my buddy will be my father so he will be covering the other subsistence costs. This was his idea, but I am certainly in favor of it. It's kind of my going away present as I am moving out to CA permanently for Navy training.

So basically my costs will be in mods. I'm looking to spend all $4k.

Welcome to the Best Coast

Lots of info on my site if you're looking to build it out.

 

[Wainiha]

Where's Downhill on this thread...

I would say lockable storage. How ever you make it work.

Sliders, then suspension to help with the load.

I think most everything for camping transfers over.

If you are living out of the truck, dual batteries and an inverter would be really nice.

 

[JWP58]

Good tires, recovery gear (shovel, come along winch, straps, ect) would be the first i'd get (exactly what im doing now).

OME suspension, arb bumper w/lights, softtopper/hard topper (which ever) would come next. The rest is kinda of personal needs (camping gear, ect).

I've already been suprised how capable my Tacoma is with crappy bfg long trail tires and no lift. It helps that its a regular cab (light), but I dont think a lift is a MUST have, sliders and skid plates might be if you're running rocks. You just need to look at what terrain you'll find yourself in the most, and build your rig accordingly.

 

[keezer37]

I did exactly what you are going to do, a couple times now.
How much of your personal effects will you be taking with you and how secure will they need to be? I bought a shell for this reason. Didn't like shells, do now. Have no intention of removing it. Goofy as I think the tall ones look, I kind of wish I'd bought a tall one. They are so fuddy-duddy looking.

If none of the stock suspension need be replaced now, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't buy armor or sliders at this time. At this time I'd invest in good camping gear if you are sure you will be using it in the future.

Do you have to spend 4k before you leave. I guarantee, if you go all out and spend it all in one swell foop, you will waste probably half your money. These things need to be done on a as needed (yeah, I'm sure now that I need this) basis. And since you will be out west, what you think you need now is likely to change.

I vote for stock vehicle for now, good camping gear and maybe a shell if needed.

 

[NM-Frontier]

This is in the Land Cruiser section good read on making a "build plan"
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/87769-Project-Hundy-Build-Thread-2000-UZJ100-Land-Cruiser

I think a lot may apply to your questions.:sombrero:

 

[xkid]

A flip pack would be nice. Out of the price range. There should be a truck tent for the bed you could camp in.

 

[NumNutz]

This is all really great advise and I appreciate your responses. I am an experienced camper and have all the necessary gear. I will be transiting the country with all of my stuff, but the extent of my possessions really includes my clothes, shoes, computer, TV, a shotgun, and a handgun lol. The rest of my stuff will be replaced/purchased when I find somewhere to live in CA.

I would like the truck to look as good as it performsunk03::roost: so I would kinda like to have front and rear offroad bumpers, a lift, and some 33s (maybe 35s :safari-rig

:sombrero: