05+ fender flares gone...

[zolo]

Ive debated this for a while. I was never a big fan of plastic. The flares look good I just felt that removing them welding the holes and adjusting the ARB to match the new wheel arch looks better and adds a bit of indutrial look and some function.
The function part is they will not get ripped off. Since this whole thing started when I was on a trip in AZ and the front right flare got ripped off. I got to thinking and looking and I liked it. I reinstalled them for a while. Then went for it.
Im changing the color of the rig now so I though it a good time to do the welding and ARB fabing.

 

[Flagster]

Nice...I like the look of the regular cab for sure...
What bumper is that? :drool:

 

[zolo]

thanks, that is an ARB bumper. I just cut and welded the corners to match the wheel arch with flares removed.

 

[Flagster]

Thanks...my mistake...I mean't what rear bumper is that?:coffeedrink:

 

[TRUIZ]

That is a cool truck man I like it, looks way better without the cheap plastic flares on it, I never liked the way that looked.

 

[zolo]

OH!!! copy that.

No my bad I figured wrong.... Sorry bout that I was getting all happy about my cutting and welding.

The rear bumper is a custom made one. based off the rear that Kenmtn.com sells. Its a dual spare tire holder. Fits two 255/85r16's.
We did some cool stuff with it. LEDS, 2" reciever that doesnt hang low. Its been a good bumper so far. Ive had it on there for years.

 

[Flagster]

Thanks...I was wishing I could just call up and order the bumper I have been looking for...Looks nice and :steak:y!

 

[Boggie]

Rtt

Zolo
OT I know but can you talk about your RTT mounting? Is there an internal frame of some sort or just the Yakima/Thule rails attached to the cap top with two cross bars supporting the tent? Any details/interior photos would be greatly appreciated as I am contemplating a similar situation.
Regards
Bill

 

[dabates]

Zolo
OT I know but can you talk about your RTT mounting? Is there an internal frame of some sort or just the Yakima/Thule rails attached to the cap top with two cross bars supporting the tent? Any details/interior photos would be greatly appreciated as I am contemplating a similar situation.
Regards
Bill

yes me too, fill us in with the details!!!!

 

[zolo]

Rtt

Well I have been through many changes. Ive had the RTT in a custom rack over a softopper. Ive had it at bed level. But I wanted dry lockable storgae for my gear and my dog so The shell idea was it. I also wanted a rear door. Not just a tail gate. ARE is the only company that makes a shell with a proper door.( i think)
I had them make it with the rails in the shell for a roof rack. I am using Yakima bars. I did remove the factory RTT slide rail from the tent and mounted the yakima bars directly to the floor of the tent. It sits lower this way. Im using two load bars but would recomend three. So far the topper has done fine no cracks or any real problems. Ive been on exstended trips with it and Ive hit some hard trails with it and Ive had good results. I will say that for the price of a topper and RTT you could invest in a flip-pack or similar though. It was not cheap!!!

 

[zolo]

back of the truck

Here are a couple pics of the bvacl of the rig. the tent sits low with the Yakima cross bars mounted to the tent floor directly.

Also the rear door that ARE makes for the topper.

 

[Flagster]

Is that one of the DCU units...fiberglass? Looks nice...wishing I had that full size bed and not my stupid short 5'

 

[dabates]

so is your cap bearing the full weight of the RTT or is it reinforced to pick up that additional load? I have a Lear, not sure if they're sold in the states I don't see many of them on here but I wonder whether mine can do the same. I've been scratching my head about how I might be able to fabricate an internal frame to support a RTT but this would be a huge PITA not to mention a compromise on the usable space in the bed...

 

[Ryanmb21]

Looking very good! How do you have it set up inside the shell?

 

[CYi5]

your ball joints must hate you :-/