If you could build...

Clutch

<---Pass
Hard shell camper top which is carpeted, with an RV air conditioner cut into it, and a Bedrug for even more insulation. Gas genny to run the AC, and Lotsa containers for water. Summers in the Southwest are hot! I know you're military guy, but it takes a lot of people off guard...some turestas are always pulled dead from the desert every summer here.

You'll be fine with stock vehicle...I have been all over the Southwest in a stock Toyota's. Maybe some helper springs for the rear, and that is it.

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.

Plus you can make a shell darn near dust proof, which is highly needed in the desert, IMO. I don't know why more people don't use them. Get one with windoors and gear is easily accessible. Nice not to have to worry about people lifting gear out of the bed. Sure it can still be broken into, but a thief might pass a shelled truck by and go to one that has an open bed or canvas topper.

I dunno I think shells look good on Tacomas.

86002_df24.jpg
 
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Wicked 2007

Observer
I would go with an:
- OME suspension setup with total chaos UCA
- Bed rack to mount Tepui RTT and build a canvas cover to go over the rack
- SINGLE battery, you can stuff an odyssey 31m in the front - 100amp/hr. It runs my ARB 50 fridge for 2 days parked no problem and it fits in stock location ($250 sears diehard platinum - odyssey rebrand) you can always add a second one later if your power needs increase
- 33"-35" tires (yes 35's will fit on a 3" lift, just need to cut and bang a bit)
- sliders and armor
- winch and recovery gear

I probably just burned through your budget but it would be a great start and platform to continue with
 

NumNutz

New member
I would go with an:
- OME suspension setup with total chaos UCA
- Bed rack to mount Tepui RTT and build a canvas cover to go over the rack
- SINGLE battery, you can stuff an odyssey 31m in the front - 100amp/hr. It runs my ARB 50 fridge for 2 days parked no problem and it fits in stock location ($250 sears diehard platinum - odyssey rebrand) you can always add a second one later if your power needs increase
- 33"-35" tires (yes 35's will fit on a 3" lift, just need to cut and bang a bit)
- sliders and armor
- winch and recovery gear

I probably just burned through your budget but it would be a great start and platform to continue with

Could I run a 40" LED light bar, three more 24v Grote Trillant LED lights, and a winch all on one battery?

Rooftop tents to me a ridiculous, no offense! They are very cumbersome and I'd rather be able to take my house with me then have to leave it on the truck. I will not be purchasing a rooftop tent.

Has anyone made their own canvas bed rack cover?
 

nat

Adventurer
Here is my 07 4x4. I have done all the work myself and fabbed what I could. It has OME 886 coils, Dakar leaf packs, OME shocks, snorkel, tires are 255/85/16 KM2's. Here are some various pics of it with some accessories......lol
 

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Plannerman

Wandering Explorer
OME lift - $1100
Sliders - $600
Winch - $400
ARB front bumpter - $1100
Remaining funds - Topper for locking storage or new tires
 

grahamfitter

Expedition Leader
Plug kit and cheap compressor. (You will need it if you have stock P rated tires.)

Recovery points front and rear and a good recovery rope.

Travel light, drive gently, start easy and discover what else you need as you go.

(Yes I know I've strayed from the Jeep side. I'm just looking. Maybe.)
 

Containerized

Adventurer
My advice? OME suspension and sliders.

Then do the trip.

Then figure out what you need to do the trip a second time.

Honestly, this is the only way to do it. I should have left my FJC closer to stock, it was overbuilt in some ways and underbuilt in others.

But then I learned what I needed from my next project truck.

Do the minimum, take the trip, re-evaluate, build.
 

NumNutz

New member
My advice? OME suspension and sliders.

Then do the trip.

Then figure out what you need to do the trip a second time.

Honestly, this is the only way to do it. I should have left my FJC closer to stock, it was overbuilt in some ways and underbuilt in others.

But then I learned what I needed from my next project truck.

Do the minimum, take the trip, re-evaluate, build.

I agree. However there are a few things I have to purchase in my opinion:

-Waterproof storage, some lockable, because I'm hauling camping gear plus all of my possessions
-Lift is necessary (~2")
-Probably gonna get some treadwright tires (probably not 100% necessary, but I want something to fill the wheel wells)
-Front bumper for better approach angles
-Winch - superwinch has all their gear 50% off so not passing up that deal
-Sliders
-Aux lighting for our night runs
-Hi-lift
 

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